Patents by Inventor William T. Shepherd

William T. Shepherd 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).

  • Publication number: 20190042903
    Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce S. Cloutier, James H. Workley, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 10176419
    Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: DYNAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Cloutier, James H. Workley, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 9928456
    Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DYNAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Cloutier, James H. Workley, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8172148
    Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Cloutier, James H. Workley, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8066191
    Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce S. Cloutier, James H. Workley, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6198102
    Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container having an open mouth and a closed bottom spaced from the container mouth, while the container is hot from its manufacture, includes a light sensor disposed with respect to the container to view the container bottom through the container mouth. Infrared light energy emitted from the container bottom that travels through the container mouth is directed onto the light sensor, and the inside diameter of the container mouth is measured as a function of the light energy directed onto the sensor. The light sensor preferably comprises an area array sensor for developing a two-dimensional image of the container mouth, and the infrared light energy is directed onto the sensor by a telecentric lens arrangement. The area array sensor is disposed within a camera that has an entrance pupil and the telecentric lens arrangement has one focus at infinity directed toward the container bottom and a second focus at the entrance pupil of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6025909
    Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface area of a container finish that includes a structured light source positioned to direct a collimated line-shaped light beam onto the sealing surface area of a container as the container is moved relative to the light source. The line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area has a long dimension orthogonal to the container axis that extends chordally across the sealing surface area, and a narrow dimension tangential to the container axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive portions of the line-shaped light beam reflected from the sealing surface area, and provides an electrical output signal that varies with height or level of the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of sealing surface height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Juvinall, James A. Ringlien, William T. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5896195
    Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting the sealing surface area of a container finish that includes a structured light source positioned to direct a collimated line-shaped light beam onto the sealing surface area of a container as the container is moved relative to the light source. The line-shaped light beam at the container sealing surface area has a long dimension orthogonal to the container axis that extends chordally across the sealing surface area, and a narrow dimension tangential to the container axis. A light sensor is disposed to receive portions of the line-shaped light beam reflected from the sealing surface area, and provides an electrical output signal that varies with height or level of the sealing surface with respect to the light source and sensor. The sensor is coupled to associated electronics for providing information indicative of sealing surface height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Juvinall, James A. Ringlien, William T. Shepherd