Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Foster

Thomas E. Foster 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: 12118675
    Abstract: A light system that may project virtual content onto surfaces of a room. The system may include one or more low-resolution light-emitting diode (LED) projectors for emitting light representing low-resolution virtual content, and a high-resolution LED projector for emitting light representing high-resolution virtual content. The high-resolution projector may be used to project a 2D image of augmented or virtual reality content being viewed by a person in a room using a device such as a headset or glasses onto a surface of the room so that other persons in the room can view a representation of what the person using the device is seeing. The low-resolution projector(s) may project low-resolution images onto other surfaces in the room, for example the walls and ceiling. The system may also be configured to emit diffuse light to illuminate a room when not emitting light representing virtual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Simmonds, James H. Foster, James E. Pedder, Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory
  • Patent number: 10611000
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus that utilizes a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching sandpaper to an elastomeric body is described. The sanding apparatus may include an elastomeric body with a thin, relatively flat spring member attached to a bottom surface of the elastomeric body. A first component of the hook-and-loop fastener may be coupled to the elastomeric body while being positioned in a recessed portion on the bottom surface of the elastomeric body. A second component of the hook-and-loop fastener with a sanding surface may be attached to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 9168639
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 9156135
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and a plurality of disc-shaped members attached to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. The disc-shaped members may be horizontally stacked along the length of the flat spring member with at least one disc-shaped member at least partially contacting its adjacent disc-shaped members when the flat spring member lies flat. The disc-shaped members may be individually attached to the first side of the flat spring member along at least portions of outer edges of the disc-shaped members. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Publication number: 20150093976
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 8834235
    Abstract: A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 8637759
    Abstract: A solar cell and method for producing same is disclosed. The solar cell includes a multijunction solar cell structure and a notch filter designed to reflect solar energy that does not contribute to the current output of the multijunction solar cell. By reflecting unused solar energy, the notch filter allows the solar cell to run cooler (and thus more efficiently) yet it still allows all junctions to fully realize their electrical current production capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Foster, James Snyder
  • Patent number: 5988050
    Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5970692
    Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting a clearing device during use. The clearing device is a clearing device of any conventional type and includes an elongated support member, a power unit at one end of the support member and a clearing head at the other end of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 5613354
    Abstract: A clearing apparatus comprising a clearing device for use in clearing operations, a carriage to which the clearing device is mounted for the carriage to support the clearing device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The clearing device comprises an elongated support member, a clearing head mounted at a leading end of the support member, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the support member, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the clearing head. The carriage comprises a frame, a single support wheel having a wheel axis about which the support wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use, and a pivot mount mounting the clearing device to the frame such that the clearing apparatus can be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 5603205
    Abstract: A trimmer apparatus comprising a trimmer device for use in trimming and edging operations, a carriage to which the trimmer device is mounted to support the trimmer device during use, and a handle for use in guiding the apparatus during use. The trimmer device comprises an elongated support shaft, a power unit mounted at a trailing end of the shaft, a trimmer head mounted at a leading end of the shaft, and a drive connection for connecting the power unit to the trimmer head. The trimmer head has a trimmer blade to operate in a blade plane. The trimmer device has a swivel connection to allow the trimmer head to be swiveled between a trimming position where the blade plane is generally parallel to a support surface supporting material to be trimmed during use, and an edging position where the blade plane is generally at right angles to such a support surface during use. The carriage comprises a frame, and a single support wheel rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 5279102
    Abstract: A clearing apparatus which includes a clearing device for use in clearing operations, and a carriage for supporting the clearing device during use. The clearing device is of conventional type and has an elongated support tube, a clearing head mounted at one end of the support tube, and a motor mounted at the other end of the support tube. The carriage includes a frame, a single support wheel which is rotatably mounted on the frame to support the frame, and a guide handle for use in guiding the apparatus, and the frame has a mounting bracket which mounts the support tube on the frame so that the clearing apparatus will be supported proximate its center of gravity on the support wheel during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Thomas E. Foster
    Inventor: Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4458952
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel trim member has a round spring steel ring mounted on the inboard face thereof adapted to engage in grooves in the wheel mounting lug nuts or the studs on which they are threaded to releasably retain the trim member on the wheel. The ring is dimensioned to be flexed radially into non-circular shape and thereby assume a stressed condition when engaged in the grooves. The ring is mounted on the trim member such that the retention forces generated by the flexed ring are absorbed entirely by the studs and not by the trim member. Distortion and warpage of the trim member is thus avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Michael Ladney, Jr.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4438577
    Abstract: Ironing apparatus provides supporting of a hand iron above the ironing surface of an ironing board. It includes a base for supportive disposition upon a supporting surface, upright post members extending upwardly from the base, and apparatus for securing an ironing board in a use position to one post member and proximate the other post member with the ironing surface horizontally disposed for ironing. An articulated linkage is swingably interengaged at one end with one of the post members, being extendable by articulation to positions over the ironing surface during ironing. A securement unit pivotally interconnects the other, post-remote end of the linkage with the iron for permitting its movement between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing board surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Majik-Ironers, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Wilbur A. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4433497
    Abstract: Compact, collapsible ironing apparatus is disclosed having a base providing supportive disposition upon a supporting surface for carrying an ironing board and for supporting a hand iron above the ironing surface of the ironing board. A first upright member extends upwardly from the base and is pivotally secured at its upper end to the ironing board for swingable movement upon a pivot axis between storage and use positions. A second upright member extends upwardly from the base and an iron support linkage is swingably interconnected at one end to the upper end of this second upright member. The linkage comprises articulated arms which are extendable to positions over the ironing surface. An iron securement unit pivotally interconnects the distal end of the support linkage with the iron for permitting movement of the iron between first and second orientations respectively in and out of contact with the ironing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Majik-Ironers, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Wilbur A. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4361025
    Abstract: A machine for bending wire into a ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially outwardly projecting loops. A loop is formed by the cooperation of a pair of first mandrels longitudinally spaced apart on one side of a wire segment and a second mandrel normally positioned on the other side of the wire segment and moved generally transversely across the longitude of the wire segment along a path between the first mandrels while essentially simultaneously the first mandrels are moved generally longitudinally toward each other. Pairs of third and fourth mandrels disposed on opposite sides of the wire form bends in the wire to provide a plurality of rectilinear portions interconnecting adjacent loops to form a ring-like configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Michael Ladney, Jr.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4352525
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover releasably retained on a wheel by an annular resilient wire ring supported on the rear face of the cover. The ring has a plurality of radial outward projections thereon for releasably engaging the wheel rim. At at least one point around its circumference, the ring has radially outwardly bent parted ends which extend into a radial retaining passageway formed on the cover and which support therebetween a separate metal finger. The finger extends radially outwardly beyond the parted ends of the ring and has sharp pointed edges at its outer end which engage the wheel rim and prevent rotation of the cover relative to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: Michael Ladney, Jr.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4266831
    Abstract: A wheel cover formed of plastic or metal having a wire ring supported on the inboard face thereof. The ring is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially outwardly extending, U-shaped projections designed to frictionally engage an annular surface on the wheel rim to retain the cover thereon. The radially outermost portion of the bight section of each projection is formed with a sharp biting edge face inclined both to the plane of the wheel cover and to the axis of the wheel cover so as to provide substantial resistance of the cover to rotation and axial outward displacement relative to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Michael Ladney, Jr.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 4027919
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover formed of plastic or metal having a wire ring supported on the inboard face thereof. The ring is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending projections which are designed to forcibly engage an annular surface on the wheel to retain the cover thereon. The ring is supported on the cover such that the forces developed by displacing the projections radially inwardly as a result of mounting the cover on a wheel are substantially completely absorbed by the ring itself rather than being transmitted to the cover. Thus the cover itself is not subjected to any forces which tend to flex or distort it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Michael Ladney, Jr.
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster
  • Patent number: 3992751
    Abstract: A counterbalance for a window sash which comprises a bracket for securement to the window frame and which bracket contains spaced-apart slide plates with at least a pair of vertically spaced-apart transverse elements extending therebetween; there being a self-coiling spring suspended from each transverse member by means of the free end of such coil being lead over said transverse member. The free ends of said coil springs are connected to each other and then secured to a movable window sash for effectively counterbalancing same during movement between open and closed condition. Said transverse elements permit of at least two-point contact with said spring free ends whereby rocking of the spring coils is inhibited during sash counterbalancing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventors: Edwin E. Foster, Thomas E. Foster