Patents by Inventor Robert Childress

Robert Childress 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).

  • Patent number: 8298845
    Abstract: A motion platform configured as automobile racing vehicle simulator is disclosed. The apparatus that embodies the geometry and various methods of articulation related to a motion platform having advantageous geometric relationships are also set forth. In one embodiment enhanced performance of a motion-generating device having a rider or driver is accomplished through the location of the center of mass of a payload as near as practicable to the pivotal center of the payload support. The device has a base supporting an upstanding column and a sled pivotally mounted to the top of the column. The rider is accommodated on the sled. To achieve the event simulated results intended various acts are performed in configuring the motion platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Childress
  • Publication number: 20090163283
    Abstract: A motion platform configured as automobile racing vehicle simulator is disclosed. The apparatus that embodies the geometry and various methods of articulation related to a motion platform having advantageous geometric relationships are also set forth. In one embodiment enhanced performance of a motion-generating device having a rider or driver is accomplished through the location of the center of mass of a payload as near as practicable to the pivotal center of the payload support. The device has a base supporting an upstanding column and a sled pivotally mounted to the top of the column. The rider is accommodated on the sled. To achieve the event simulated results intended various acts are performed in configuring the motion platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: ROBERT CHILDRESS
  • Patent number: 7270688
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20060121804
    Abstract: This equipment is made up of one torso protection piece, two forearm protectors and two lower leg protectors. The arm and leg protectors have fins or rudders to assist in steering through white water. The arm proctor fins may also be used as paddles in calm water. All the protection pieces have soft buoyant floatation material for comfort and helping stabilize the wearer in a face up position. This product will allow an individual to enjoy white water navigating in a higher degree of comfort and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Childress
  • Publication number: 20060112601
    Abstract: This product is a mesh banner designed to be viewed from one or both sides. It can have designs and or text, printed on one or both sides with flexible electric lighting behind, in the case of a one sided banner or between two banners in the case of two Sided banners. These banners provide the capability of having visible designs and or text in daylight and illuminated text and or designs in the dark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Childress
  • Patent number: 7052346
    Abstract: This equipment is made up of one torso protection piece, two forearm protectors and two lower leg protectors. The arm and leg protectors have fins or rudders to assist in steering through white water. The arm proctor fins may also be used as paddles in calm water. All the protection pieces have soft buoyant floatation material for comfort and helping stabilize the wearer in a face up position. This product will allow an individual to enjoy white water navigating in a higher degree of comfort and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Childress
  • Publication number: 20050099262
    Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a cellular telephone to control a locking module. The locking module is used in controlling access to a secured location, a vehicle, or through a door, or other structure or situation where access is or may be controlled by use of a locking device. Cellular telephone communication links are used to communicate between a base station and a remote lock module such that activity at the remote location is controlled by the base station. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Childress, Greg Clark
  • Publication number: 20050000160
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicants: Texaco Inc., TEXACO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John Farrell, Wendell Leimbach, James Marshall
  • Patent number: 6790247
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20030103880
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas utilizes heat pipes to control the temperatures of the reactor beds, manage heat and integrate the heat management in a simple and efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Bunk, Robert A. Childress, Michael Fafaul, John R. Farrell, Curtis L. Krause, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall, Dennis C. Nagle, James F. Stevens, Rick Wallace
  • Publication number: 20030051405
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20030021741
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Patent number: D741735
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: W.C. BRADLEY/ZEBCO HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Joel Robert Childress