Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Fair

Thomas C. Fair 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: 5988646
    Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting impacts from, for example, a hockey puck striking a target apparatus embodying the sensor. The sensor uses a thin brass disc to which is secured a piezoelectric ceramic disc. In one embodiment an insulating disc having an electrically conductive element passing therethrough is held against the ceramic disc. In another embodiment a plastic spring clip carries an electrically conductive element at one end in contact with the ceramic disc. A wire is soldered to the brass disc and another wire is soldered to the electrically conductive element. The sensor may be incorporated into a spring biased sensor assembly which is positioned adjacent a medium that is expected to receive impact blows. The sensor will detect such blows and provide, consistently, a signal to indicate reception of the blows. The sensor can withstand a vast multitude of impacts without failure as the wires are not physically loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fairshot, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Fair