Patents by Inventor Steven E. Beard

Steven E. Beard 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: 20150022190
    Abstract: Circuits for inductive position sensor are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Gordon Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard
  • Patent number: 8141277
    Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response element is a lateral adjuster having an upper bracket located in the laces area and a lower bracket affixed to the side of the sole, brackets supporting a plurality of electrostrictive polymer bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, John J. Erickson, Gordon B. Taylor, Steven E. Beard, Derek S. Weber, Jared Moisan
  • Patent number: 7898244
    Abstract: Sensor circuits including an oscillator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Digisensors, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard
  • Patent number: 7816911
    Abstract: A variable inductance position sensor is described. The sensor includes a housing that is typically cylindrical in shape. The housing includes an open end and a closed end forming a cavity therein. A coil support member is affixed at one end to the closed end of the housing, or the coil support member may itself seal the housing at the closed end. The coil support member includes a coil assembly that includes a coil both of which are rigidly affixed to the coil support member. In this way, the coil is maintained in a fixed and predetermined orientation with respect to the housing. The combination of housing, coil support member and coil assembly and the coil forms an inner assembly. The coil support member includes a bore that forms a central annular region and the coil support member then forms an outer annular region as well. In addition, the housing may also include a passageway to allow the passage of lead wires from the coil assembly to the exterior of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Digisensors, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard
  • Publication number: 20100154255
    Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, John J. Erickson, Gordon B. Taylor, Steven E. Beard, Derek S. Weber, Jared Moisan
  • Patent number: 7528597
    Abstract: Position sensor circuits are disclosed for use with variable reluctance sensors. Variable reluctance sensors are described for linear, angular and rotary position measurement and for acceleration measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Digisensors, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard
  • Patent number: 7511476
    Abstract: Sensor circuits including an oscillator circuit are disclosed. In one instance, the sensing element is a variable reactance element (a variable inductor or/and capacitor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Digisensors, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard
  • Publication number: 20080116882
    Abstract: A variable inductance position sensor is described
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Digisensors, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Brandt Taylor, Steven E. Beard