Patents by Inventor William B. Black

William B. Black 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: 7418202
    Abstract: An optical low pass filter or blur filter, and method of making the filters, using an article having a birefringent surface for refracting incoming light when used with an image sensor. The birefringent surface of the article, such as a film, is structured or tilted such that, when the blur filter is placed within an optical path between a lens and the image sensor, the birefringent surface causes refraction of a light signal in the optical path into multiple light signals each being incident upon different sub-pixels within the pixels in the image sensor to prevent or reduce artifacts, such as undesirable color moiré effects, in the resulting digital image. The structures on the surface have a variable pitch or angles. The variable pitch can include a periodic, aperiodic, or quasi-aperiodic pitch, to reduce diffractive artifacts in the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rolf W. Biernath, Robert L. Brott, William Ward Merrill, John S. Huizinga, William B. Black
  • Publication number: 20030232210
    Abstract: The present invention is directed an oriented, foamed article having an ink-receptive surface, and a method of making the article. The invention provides a printable substrate comprising at least one high melt-strength, oriented polypropylene foam layer having an ink-receptive surface. The high melt-strength polypropylene having a melt strength of of 25 to 60 cN at 190° C. The ink-receptive surface may comprise and oxidizing treatment, such as corona or flame-treatment of the foam surface, or may comprise an ink-receptive coating, such as a primer coating, on the foam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher K. Haas, Robert D. Taylor, William B. Black, James M. Jonza, Terrence E. Cooprider
  • Patent number: 6424711
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 6192118
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 6100873
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 6047054
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 6026158
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 5991382
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 5925101
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Davox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 5754636
    Abstract: A telecommunications system (10) is provided that provides for telephone functions to be accessed through client computer system (14). A server computer system (16) provides telephony services, database services and access to E-mail, voice mail, video conferencing and facsimile systems. A graphical user interface 116 is presented to a user to allow the user to perform a large number of functions and to access databases of information associated with calling and called parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Answersoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeanne A. Bayless, William B. Black, Gary L. Brannick, Gene W. Lee, Lora M. Lloyd, Larry P. Mason, Amy L. Mathis, James E. Steenbergen, Mark R. Stoldt, Garrett C. Young, Gary C. Young, James E. Fissel, Robert W. Withers
  • Patent number: 4785769
    Abstract: A burner throat is defined by a cage of tubes and is lined by fitting refractory tiles. A plurality of retaining means each having two joined parts, the outer part abutting the tubes and the inner part exerting an abutting force radially inwards on the tiles to retain them in position. In use the abutting force on the tiles can be varied to suit the design characteristics and environment, by varying the exposed length of a pin which threadedly mates in a complementary bore in each of the two parts. To further secure the tiles, a dowel is provided to mate in complementary bores formed in an adjacent side of abutting tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: W. B. Black & Sons (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4773356
    Abstract: A cyclone furnace for a pulverized fuel boiler comprises a casing enclosing a cage of water tubes and having studs extending inwardly from each of the water tubes. Refractory tiles line the inside of the furnace, each fitted over a stud and secured in place thereby protecting the water tubes from the intense corrosion and abrasion. The furnace has three sections in which the design of the tiles vary. In the neck section the joints of the tiles are straight, in the barrel section they are curved and sympathetic to the gas flow and in the re-entrant throat the joints are shiplapped or rebated. Although the tiles may be generally rectangular in all sections, they are preferably hexagonal in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: W B Black & Sons Limited
    Inventor: William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4740339
    Abstract: Polyamide conjugate filaments are prepared by a spin-stretch process wherein two nylon 66 polymers having different relative viscosities are melt spun at a spinning speed of at least 2286 mpm to form filaments in which the polymers are arranged in a side-by-side configuration along the length of the filaments. The filaments are then stretched in-line at a stretch ratio greater than 1.0 prior to their being collected with said stretch ratio being selected to provide filaments having a high level of high-load crimp and a low level of boiling water shrinkage. The filaments are particularly useful in the construction of stretch garments and, especially, ladies' leg hose and pantyhose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Hartwig C. Bach, William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4720314
    Abstract: Polyester polymer is extruded at different speeds through groups of parallel closely spaced orifices at relatively high spinning speeds. The resulting filament have high and low shrinkage regions substantially regularly spaced apart along their length. A yarn including a number of these filaments spontaneously develops crimp when relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Celanese Corporation
    Inventor: William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4661404
    Abstract: Polyester polymer is extruded at different speeds through groups of parallel closely spaced orifices at relatively high spinning speeds. The resulting filament have high and low shrinkage regions substantially regularly spaced apart along their length. A yarn including a number of these filaments spontaneously develops crimp when relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Celanese Corporation
    Inventor: William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4601949
    Abstract: Polyamide conjugate filaments are prepared by a spinstretch process wherein two polyamides (e.g. two nylon 66 polymers) having different terminal velocity distances are melt spun at a spinning speed of at least 1829 mpm to form filaments in which the polymers are arranged in an eccentric configuration along the length of the filaments. The filaments are then stretched in-line at a stretch ratio greater than 1.0 prior to their being collected with the processing conditions and polyamides being selected to provide filaments having a high level of high-load crimp and a low level of boiling water shrinkage. The filaments are particularly useful in the construction of stretch garments and, especially, ladies' leg hose and pantyhose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Hartwig C. Bach, William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4562029
    Abstract: Polyester polymer is extruded at different speeds through groups of parallel closely spaced orifices at relatively high spinning speeds. The resulting filament have high and low shrinkage regions substantially regularly spaced apart along their length. A yarn including a number of these filaments spontaneously develops crimp when relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Celanese Corporation
    Inventor: William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4276348
    Abstract: Polyethylene yarns having tenacities of at least 12 grams per denier are produced at commercially feasible spinning speeds by a process in which a high density polyethylene having a M.sub.n of at least 20,000 and a M.sub.w of less than 125,000 is extruded through a high temperature spinneret (220.degree.-335.degree. C.) to form yarns which are hot-drawn at a temperature between about 115.degree. and 132.degree. C. The yarns produced by this process are particularly useful as industrial cordage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Wen-li Wu, William B. Black
  • Patent number: 4228118
    Abstract: Polyethylene yarns having tenacities of at least 12 grams per denier are produced at commercially feasible spinning speeds by a process in which a high density polyethylene having a M.sub.n of at least 20,000 and a M.sub.w of less than 125,000 is extruded through a high temperature spinneret (220.degree.-335.degree. C.) to form yarns which are hot-drawn at a temperature between about 115.degree. and 132.degree. C. The yarns produced by this process are particularly useful as industrial cordage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Wen-Li Wu, William B. Black