Patents by Inventor Robert A. Astle

Robert A. Astle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070290531
    Abstract: A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jered Larsen, S. Nye, L. Strong, Robert Astle, Edward VanNimwegen, Donald Waite
  • Publication number: 20070287560
    Abstract: A sports system may include a base and a support structure that is sized and configured to support a goal, such as a netball goal or a basketball goal, at a height above a playing surface. The base may be constructed from plastic and may include a hollow interior portion that is sized and configured to receive ballast. The base may also include a protrusion that is sized and configured to abut a support surface and the protrusion may have an at least substantially solid construction. The sports system may further include a brace that may be connected to the support structure and the base. The brace may be disposed through an opening formed in the base and it may be connected to the base by a sleeve and a pin that is disposed within a receiving portion formed in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Carl Stanford, Sharon Jones, Robert Astle, Wendell Peery, Danny Green, Gary Phillips, S. Nye
  • Publication number: 20070232421
    Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal, which may include a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may include a support structure, which may support the basketball goal at a desired height. The support structure may include one or more support members, which may be arranged in a generally tripod-shaped configuration or other configurations. Some of the support members may be disposed within each other when in a packaging arrangement. The basketball system may include a base sized and configured to receive ballast material, and the backboard may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the base when in a packaging arrangement. The base may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the backboard, for example, at least a portion of a backboard frame when in a packaging arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: S. NYE, Robert Astle
  • Publication number: 20070225092
    Abstract: A lighting system for a basketball system may be movable between a first position in which the lighting system is disposed behind the backboard and a second position in which the lighting system is disposed in front of the backboard to allow maintenance to be performed on the lighting system. When the lighting system is in the second position, the lights are preferably disposed at least proximate the rim. Advantageously, the lighting system may be pivotally connected to the support pole of the basketball system by at least some of the same structure that connects the basketball goal to the support pole. In addition, if the height of the basketball goal is adjustable, that may allow the height of the lights to be adjusted when the lighting system is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Neil Watson, Gary Phillips, David Winter, Wendell Peery, Sharon Jones, Brent Steed, Danny Green, Robert Astle, S. Nye
  • Publication number: 20070209295
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Barry Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert Astle, L. Strong, Rich Howe, David Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 7269402
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication is provided with a PLL circuit or the like formed therein, the PLL circuit which is capable of realizing the compensation of fluctuation due to temperature change, the inhibition of increase in the chip area and the ensurement of the performance margin, and which controls a VCO having multiple oscillation frequency bands. In the case where automatic calibration is performed by switching a switch to a side of a DC voltage source in the PLL circuit using a VCO having multiple oscillation bands, a tuning voltage (Vtune) of an RFVCO is fixed to a voltage value of a DC voltage source. However, since a temperature characteristic of canceling a VCO oscillation frequency is given to the DC voltage source, it is possible to minimize the influence on the band selection when a calibration table comes to no optimum one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corp., TTP Com Limited
    Inventors: Toshiya Uozumi, Satoshi Tanaka, Masumi Kasahara, Hirotaka Oosawa, Yasuyuki Kimura, Robert Astle Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7263340
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device for communication is provided with a PLL circuit or the like formed therein, the PLL circuit which is capable of realizing the compensation of fluctuation due to temperature change, the inhibition of increase in the chip area and the ensurement of the performance margin, and which controls a VCO having multiple oscillation frequency bands. In the case where automatic calibration is performed by switching a switch to a side of a DC voltage source in the PLL circuit using a VCO having multiple oscillation bands, a tuning voltage (Vtune) of an RFVCO is fixed to a voltage value of a DC voltage source. However, since a temperature characteristic of canceling a VCO oscillation frequency is given to the DC voltage source, it is possible to minimize the influence on the band selection when a calibration table comes to no optimum one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corporation, TTP Com Limited
    Inventors: Toshiya Uozumi, Satoshi Tanaka, Masumi Kasahara, Hirotaka Oosawa, Yasuyuki Kimura, Robert Astle Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7248842
    Abstract: A transmitter adopting a polar loop system including a phase control loop for controlling the phase of a carrier signal outputted from a transmitting oscillator and an amplitude control loop for controlling the amplitude of a transmitting output signal outputted from a power amplification circuit, and designed to be capable of performing transmission using a GMSK modulation mode and transmission using an 8-PSK modulation mode. In the transmitter, the phase control loop is shared as a phase control loop for use in the GMSK modulation mode and a phase control loop for use in the 8-PSK modulation mode. A component similar to any one of components constituting a loop filter is provided in parallel therewith so that the component can be connected or disconnected in accordance with the modulation mode, for example, by use of a switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corp., Tipcom Limited
    Inventors: Ryoichi Takano, Kazuhiko Hikasa, Yasuyuki Kimura, Hiroshi Hagisawa, Patrick Wurm, Robert Astle Henshaw, David Freeborough
  • Publication number: 20070145718
    Abstract: A trailer may include an extension that is sized and configured to extend the length of the trailer. Advantageously, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container. In particular, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped within a 92 inch container. The extension may also extend the length of the trailer to allow, for example, items that are about 96 inches or 8 feet in length to be positioned in the trailer. Thus, the extension may allow the trailer to be shipped in a standard-sized container and allow the trailer to carrying items such as drywall or sheets of plywood that are 8 feet in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: David Winter, Brandon Smith, Mitch Johnson, Jered Larsen, Robert Astle
  • Publication number: 20070132209
    Abstract: A trailer may include a weight indicator that is sized and configured to indicate at least a portion of the load carried by the trailer. The weight indicator may include a pointer that is connected to a suspension member, such as a leaf spring. Advantageously, the pointer may be connected to other suitable portions of the trailer such as a frame, bracket or the like. Advantageously, the trailer may also include two weight indicators to collectively indicate whether the trailer is loaded evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: David Winter, Brandon Smith, Mitch Johnson, Jered Larsen, Robert Astle
  • Publication number: 20070132205
    Abstract: A trailer may be purchased by a consumer from a store and the trailer may be quickly, easily and readily towed away from the store. In particular, the trailer may be essentially or completely ready to be towed away from the store and the trailer may require no or virtually no assembly. For example, a towing arm may be quickly and easily moved from the storage position to the use position. Advantageously, because the towing arm may be connected by pins to the trailer, no tools may be required to position the arm in the use position. In addition, because electrical wiring may be disposed within the arm and the arm may be simply moved forwardly when the trailer is ready to be towed, the lights for the trailer may be functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: David Winter, BRANDON SMITH, Mitch Johnson, Jered Larsen, Robert Astle
  • Patent number: 7230997
    Abstract: In a polar loop based radio-communications apparatus having a phase control loop for controlling the phase of a carrier outputted from an oscillator for transmission, and an amplitude control loop for controlling the amplitude of a transmission output signal outputted from a power amplification circuit, the phase control loop is first started while maintaining the amplitude control loop in an off state at the outset of transmission, and the amplitude control loop is started after stabilizing the phase control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., TTPCom Limited
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kurakami, Patrick Wurm, Robert Astle Henshaw, David Freeborough
  • Publication number: 20070056484
    Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more support members such as legs. Advantageously, the table top may include a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface. In particular, the lower surface of the table top may be substantially free of any downwardly extending projections such as a lip. Desirably, the table includes a frame and at least a portion of the frame is exposed and visible when the table is being used. In addition, the table may include one or more guard members that are sized and configured to protect portions of the table, such as the corners. Significantly, the guard members may be selectively connected to the table top or the frame, which may allow the guard members to be repaired or replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: DAVID WINTER, Robert Astle, S. Nye, Kent Ashby, L. Strong
  • Publication number: 20070042843
    Abstract: A basketball system includes a basketball goal and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface. The basketball system may include one or more feet that are sized and configured to engage a support surface. The feet may movable among a plurality of positions to facilitate, for example, leveling the basketball system, adjusting the height of the basketball system and/or holding the basketball system in a generally fixed location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventors: S. Nye, Robert Astle, David Winter, Katie Staples, Brandon Smith, Carl Stanford, Aaron Hill
  • Patent number: 7178468
    Abstract: A table may include a table top, a frame and one or more support members such as legs. Advantageously, the table top may include a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface. In particular, the lower surface of the table top may be substantially free of any downwardly extending projections such as a lip. Desirably, the table includes a frame and at least a portion of the frame is exposed and visible when the table is being used. In addition, the table may include one or more guard members that are sized and configured to protect portions of the table, such as the corners. Significantly, the guard members may be selectively connected to the table top or the frame, which may allow the guard members to be repaired or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Robert A. Astle, S. Curtis Nye, Kent Ashby, L. Curtis Strong
  • Publication number: 20070026976
    Abstract: A portable basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a support surface. The basketball system may also include one or more feet that are sized and configured to engage a support surface. The feet may be movable among a plurality of positions to facilitate, for example, leveling the basketball system, adjusting the height of the basketball system and/or holding the basketball system in a generally fixed location. In addition, the basketball system may include a support structure and the support structure may include a rear support member including a lower end connected to a rear portion of the base, a first front support member including a lower end connected to a front portion of the base and a second front support member including a lower end connected to the front portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: S. Nye, Robert Astle, David Winter
  • Publication number: 20060287141
    Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a backboard and a backboard support assembly that is sized and configured to support the backboard. The basketball goal system may also include a rim that is disposed proximate a front surface of the backboard and the rim may be sized and configured to move between a first position in which the rim is generally parallel to a playing surface and a second position in which the rim is disposed at an angle relative to the playing surface. Additionally, the basketball goal system may include a connecting member that is connected to the rim and the connecting member may include a first portion that is disposed generally in the same plane as the rim and a second portion that is disposed at an angle relative to the first portion. The basketball goal system may further include one or more brackets connecting the connecting member to the backboard support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: S. Nye, Robert Astle
  • Publication number: 20060277852
    Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Barry Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Neil Watson, Robert Astle, L. Strong, Rich Howe, David Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 7148764
    Abstract: In a communication semiconductor integrated circuit device, an oscillator (VCO 10) of a PLL circuit can operate in a plurality of frequency bands. With a control voltage (Vc) of the oscillator fixed to a predetermined value (VDC), an oscillation frequency of the oscillator is measured for each band to be stored in a storage (18). When the PLL operates, a setting value to specify a band is compared with the measured frequency values stored in the storage. As a result of the comparison, a band to be actually used by the oscillator is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignees: Renesas Technology Corp., TTPCom Limited
    Inventors: Masumi Kasahara, Hirotaka Osawa, Robert Astle Henshaw
  • Patent number: D548362
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Ashby, Robert A. Astle, Barry D. Mower