Patents by Inventor William R. Johnston

William R. Johnston 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: 11966560
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates browsing of media from different media applications based on category of media (e.g., movies, television shows, etc.). In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates setup of a unified media browsing application that presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing user interface. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays multiple episodes of a collection of episodic content (e.g., a television series) in a user interface for the collection of episodic content. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays representations of, and provides access to, live-event media items accessible on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Johnston, Dennis S. Park, Tito Lloyd Balsamo, Jonathan Lochhead, Yesmeen El-Shafey, Graham R. Clarke, Peter D. Anton, Jennifer L. C. Folse, William M. Bachman, Stephen O. Lemay, Gregg Suzuki, Alan C. Dye, Jeff Tan-Ang, Policarpo B. Wood
  • Patent number: 11826499
    Abstract: A system for treating air includes a first vent and second vent and an air passage in fluid communication between the first and second vents. Air is drawn into the first vent, moved through the air passage, and expelled from the second vent. The air passage includes an ultraviolet-C (“UV-C”) chamber, comprising a UV-C source, and a filter located after the UV-C chamber in the air passage and exposed to the UV-C source. Air moved through the air passage is treated by the UV-C source and then the filter. Such system may be used to treat air containing coronavirus particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CEC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20220241451
    Abstract: A system for treating air includes a first vent and second vent and an air passage in fluid communication between the first and second vents. Air is drawn into the first vent, moved through the air passage, and expelled from the second vent. The air passage includes an ultraviolet-C (“UV-C”) chamber, comprising a UV-C source, and a filter located after the UV-C chamber in the air passage and exposed to the UV-C source. Air moved through the air passage is treated by the UV-C source and then the filter. Such system may be used to treat air containing coronavirus particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110240294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating pipe from its interior, and in particular for perforating plastic well casing in situ. A linear actuator drives a claw-shaped bit. Linear motion of the cylinder is converted to a pivoting of the bit in a radial direction by a deflector. In a preferred embodiment, the linear actuator is a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly and the deflector is an inclined surface. Operation of the actuator in a first direction drives the bit into the inclined deflection surface, which causes the bit to pivot and protract radially outward of the tool housing to perforate the wall of a pipe. Operation of the actuator in the opposite direction pulls the bit back into the tool housing so that the perforator tool can be easily moved with a well casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: WILLIAM R. JOHNSTON, James D. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20080173124
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to bidirectional rocker pedal assemblies that may be adapted for use in vehicular operations. In various embodiments, a subassembly may be coupled to a treadle and the vehicle to allow for bidirectional rotation of the treadle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: WILLIAMS CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Thiel, William R. Johnston, James Honyak
  • Patent number: 6594943
    Abstract: A fishing line twist removal apparatus for removing accumulated twist from a fishing line while a fishing lure is secured to the fishing line. The lure is placed into a container body having a cavity, and a slitted cap entraps the lure into the container with the fishing line extending through the slit. A plurality of blades extending outward from the container body cause the apparatus to rotate as it is pulled through water. The blades may angle for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. A blunt nose on the apparatus allows it to skip or skim the surface of the water for reduced rotation, thereby avoiding excessive twist removal and reverse direction overtwist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Line Twist Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6378146
    Abstract: A spa and shower combination includes a tub, a pump assembly, a coupling, a shower conduit attached to the coupling and a showerhead. The tub has an interior and an exterior. The combination includes a frame for supporting the showerhead. The frame supports the shower head external to the tub to allow spa users to conveniently shower prior to using the spa. The shower drains external to the tub to keep the spa water clean. The coupling, according to one aspect of the invention, is in fluid communication with the pump assembly and is removeably attached to the exterior of the tub. The coupling, in accordance to another aspect of the invention removeably connects directly with a spa nozzle within the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6222625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for designating and marking an area. The apparatus consists of a hanger for suspension to a string line. Attached to this hanger is a brace which supports a pivoting laser source. This laser source may be rotated to any desired angle, so that the laser source projects its beam to a desired location for use in marking this location. The desired angle is designated with a compass plate and pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6002779
    Abstract: A recipient-specific voice message playback system detects the presence of a message recipient, identifies the recipient, and plays a message addressed to the recipient. The system includes a recorder. The recorder has multiple channels for recording voice messages. Each channel is assigned to a particular message recipient. A controller couples to the recorder and generates a control signal to regulate message recordation and playback on each channel. A switch also couples to the controller and is associated with each channel. Each switch directs the controller to selectively playback or record a message on each associated channel. The playback system includes a sensor and an alarm. The sensor detects the presence of a recipient and causes the alarm to notify the recipient when a message has been recorded. Actuation of a particular switch identifies a particular recipient and accesses the channel assigned to the particular recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Johnston