Patents by Inventor Tom Shinham

Tom Shinham 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).

  • System and method for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light
    Patent number: 6888474
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (234). The system comprises a wireless device (232) adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (234), and a control unit (252) adapted to receive the command, the control unit (252) further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (234), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Optisoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Sharp, Michael C. Hutchison, Tom Shinham
  • System and method for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light
    Publication number: 20040070520
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (234). The system comprises a wireless device (232) adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (234), and a control unit (252) adapted to receive the command, the control unit (252) further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (234), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light (234).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Frank M. Sharp, Michael C. Hutchison, Tom Shinham
  • Solid state light with controlled light output
    Patent number: 6614358
    Abstract: A solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals provided with optical feedback to achieve a constant light output, preferably by detecting back-scattered light from a diffuser centered above an LED array. The control logic allows for the LEDs to be individually driven, and having their drive characteristics changed over time to ensure a uniform beam of light is generated at an intensity meeting DOT standards, across the life of the device. The optical feedback also establishes the uniform beam intensity level as a function of sensed ambient light to discern day and night operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Power Signal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hutchison, Kevin Ovens, Tom Shinham