Patents by Inventor Robert Michael Rice

Robert Michael Rice 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).

  • Dynamic escrow type detection system
    Patent number: 6014433
    Abstract: An escrow unit is an electromechanical device used to collect or return coins deposited in a pay telephone. An escrow management system 10 for use in controlling a pay telephone escrow unit 26 is provided which consists of an energy storage unit 20 which stores a voltage for use in activating escrow unit 26 upon control unit 40 closing discharge switch 30. The system also contains a detector 42 to determine the voltage requirement of escrow unit 26 by sensing characteristics of escrow unit 26 related to the impedance of the escrow unit. The system also contains a control unit 40 which controls energy storage unit 20 and detector 42 such that escrow management system 10 can both dynamically determine the voltage required to activate escrow unit 26 and supply the correct voltage for activation of escrow unit 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank R. Zerangue, Robert Michael Rice