Patents by Inventor Thomas Baird

Thomas Baird 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: 10430656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: UTILITY METER READER, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Kennedy, Thomas Baird
  • Publication number: 20160086034
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Next Future, LLC
    Inventors: James L. KENNEDY, Thomas BAIRD
  • Patent number: 9147120
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Utility Meter Reader, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Kennedy, Thomas Baird
  • Publication number: 20140286580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NEXT FUTURE, LLC
    Inventors: James L. KENNEDY, Thomas BAIRD
  • Patent number: 8786706
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Next Future, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Kennedy, Thomas Baird
  • Publication number: 20130050498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NEXT FUTURE, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Kennedy, Thomas Baird
  • Publication number: 20050204937
    Abstract: An apparatus for peeling and scrubbing produce, such as fruits and vegetables, has a housing enclosing a chamber configured to receive the produce. The apparatus is sized and configured to be used on a counter or table top and easily moved. Abrasive rollers are rotatably and removably disposed in the chamber and configured to peel or scrub the skin or outer layer of the produce. In one embodiment, an electric motor drives a belt drive system having a plurality of pulleys. A fluid spray system delivers fluid to the chamber to wash the produce. A fluid container in the fluid line can store and deliver cleaning fluids. A discharge opening allows the produce refuse to discharge from the apparatus. In one configuration, the rollers have a plurality of outwardly extending bristles. A controller mechanism controls the operation of the motor. A removable basket can be used for small sized produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Baird