Patents by Inventor William R. Thurston

William R. Thurston 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: 5010678
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing movement of a fishing line when a fish takes the bait on the line is described and includes a casing fittable to bank rod at a desired angle and having an opening for receiving a fishing rod and a slot which receives the fishing line. A stylus part of a sensor extends into the slot and the slot walls may be shaped to guide the line into engagement with the stylus. The stylus passes through a water resistant/impermeable sheath into the casing in which it is coupled to a sensing device operable to generate or modulate a voltage when it is moved or vibrated. An electronic circuit is provided in the casing to generate a audible and visible indication of line movement and includes a tone sounder carried in and LEDs mounted on the casing.The sensing device may comprise a piezo-electric device or a vibration sensitive switch operable to generate a voltage when vibrated, or a (infra red) light source/sensor arrangement including a light modulating element attached to the stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Peck, William R. Thurston