Patents by Inventor Steven L. Merrick

Steven L. Merrick 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: 6570106
    Abstract: Electric switches are disclosed that cover underlying control areas and that can be moved to reveal these underlying control areas. The underlying control area will preferably be a control panel, such as a touch screen or hard-switched control panel. These movable electric switches are made to blend in with the surrounding decor, preferably by having a decorative plate as the predominate artifact that is seen. These movable electric switches are also functional, in that pressing on areas of the decorative plate will allow different electric switch positions to be chosen and different functions to occur that correspond to the particular electric switch position. Thus, the present invention allows any underlying control area to be covered by a movable electric switch, allows the electric switch to be used to control various electrical devices, and allows the electric switch to be moved to provide access to the underlying control area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Steven L. Merrick
  • Patent number: 4983437
    Abstract: A thin, flat, polymer, scratch resistant, user applied disc protector with self-adhesive backing which affixes to the top of a compact disc to help eliminate possible damage from impact which would render the disc in a semi-unplayable or unplayable condition. This extra layer of user applied protection is prefabricated to proper size to adhesively secure to various optical mediums with a self-adhesive layer by an application method of installation on the top, protective side of the disc. Adhesive allows for permanent placement on the disc for convenience without hindering operation of the disc and without hindering readability of the context of the information lettering. This disc protector can include a removable peel-away backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Steven L. Merrick