Patents by Inventor Robert R. Blandford

Robert R. Blandford 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: 5347579
    Abstract: A computer diary archives a diary entry by creating, time stamping, authenticating and permanently storing a reference data block along with each diary entry. An archived diary entry can only be modified by placing original text within compartment codes, such as cross-out or tear-out codes, and by placing inserted text within insertion codes so that the original diary entry can be recreated from the modified diary entry. The reference data block, which can be the original diary entry, a canonical version of the original diary entry, or a one way fixed length encryption (hash) of the original diary entry, cannot be modified and is used to authenticate the original diary entry.The diary program also monitors text entry for aliases and relative date phrases, and upon detection, prompts the user for entry or enters a specific identifier for each detected alias in an alias compartment or an absolute date for each relative date phrase in an implied date compartment in the diary entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Robert R. Blandford
  • Patent number: 5189700
    Abstract: A device to provide authenticated time includes a clock and an encryption circuit enclosed by a seal with a controller for producing an encrypted authentication code of the time read for the clock upon request. An authentication device number can be combined with the time data before encryption. Additionally, the device can receive text or other data (either complete text or a hash of a text document) and combine the text data with the time data before encryption so that the encrypted authentication code is formed from the combined data. Optionally the device can produce, time stamp and authenticate the hash of data. Other material such as user and/or device sequence number and/or a random number can be included in the data used in forming the encrypted authentication code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: Robert R. Blandford
  • Patent number: 4936984
    Abstract: A water-filtering apparatus comprising two substantially identical containers each with a water-dispensing valve on the side near the bottom, and a hole in the top. A filter is rested in the hole of the first of the containers. The second container is filled through its hole with water, elevated by some means such as a table or box above the first container, and the water is allowed to flow out of the upper valve, through the filter and into the lower container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventors: Mary Jane Blandford, Robert R. Blandford