Brian Allen Richardson

US Patent:

6352257, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Nov 9, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/437351

Inventors:

Frank A. Todaro - Old Saybrook CT
Daniel J. Williams - Newtown CT
Brian C. Richardson - Bozrah CT

Assignee:

Asterisk, Inc. - Old Saybrook CT

International Classification:

B65H 2024

US Classification:

271268, 271270, 2424173, 242418, 2261183, 226180

Abstract:

Apparatus for reducing peak tensions and tearing in perforated sheet ( ) being drawn along a flow path from a stack (S) into a finishing machine (F) is comprised of a drag unit ( ), for retarding motion of the sheet; an assist unit ( ) for urging the sheet along the flow path; and, a dancer unit ( ) for changing the length of the flow path. The assist unit comprises a pair of constant speed rollers ( ) supported by mounting blocks ( ). The orientation of the assist unit is changed by rotating the mounting blocks. The roller ( ) of the dancer unit is spring biased against the sheet.

US Patent:

6893531, May 17, 2005

Filed:

Dec 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/016155

Inventors:

Frank A Todaro - Old Saybrook CT, US
David J. Clark - Old Saybrook CT, US
Brian C. Richardson - Bozrah CT, US

Assignee:

Asterisk, Inc - Old Saybrook CT

International Classification:

B65H021/00

US Classification:

1563043, 1563041, 156502, 156505

Abstract:

A splicer quickly and accurately joins together with tape the ends of plain sheets or perforated sheets, such as the ends of fanfold sheet commonly used for printing. The sheets are clamped between mating pairs of resilient strips by a top which hinges down onto a base. The base has a combination of frictional clamps and retractable pins, for aligning the ends of sheet before they are clamped in place by the top, according to whether the sheets are perforated or not. A head is then moved rearwardly along the top, to first slit overlapping sheets and create a precise butt line, when that is required. An anti-friction surface on one of the resilient clamping strips attached to the top enables selective removal a one trim piece, to expose the butt line for taping, without release of the clamping action on the sheets. The head is then moved forward to precisely apply tape from a dispenser, and to automatically cut the tape and the end of the run. A cam, cam follower, and several interacting mechanical subassemblies carry out the required complex motions.

US Patent:

20060009823, Jan 12, 2006

Filed:

Jul 8, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/888106

Inventors:

Brian Richardson - Madison CT, US
Donald Hudson - Madison CT, US

International Classification:

A61N 5/06

US Classification:

607089000

Abstract:

Low level laser therapy apparatus for treatment of various conditions is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hand-held laser probe coupled to a control unit. The probe includes a probe head in which a laser diode(s) is mounted, emitting energy having a wavelength of 670 nm, 830 nm, 867 nm, 904 nm or 980 nm and configured to emit laser energy at a mean output power from 1 mW to 600 mW. The apparatus includes a heat-sensitive power management system allowing for continued use at high power output and audible tone to signify each joule of laser energy output. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes a magnetic card reading device used in conjunction with the control unit to create single or double blinded studies with the device.

US Patent:

61422886, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Nov 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/187077

Inventors:

Peter D. Hotkowski - Chester CT
Frank A. Todaro - Saybrook CT
Daniel J. Williams - Westbrook CT
Brian C. Richardson - Bozrah CT

Assignee:

Asterisk, Inc. - Old Saybrook CT

International Classification:

B65G 4724

US Classification:

198409

Abstract:

Apparatus for feeding stacks of fanfold sheets is comprised of a belt conveyor, a positioner, and a splicer. The conveyor feeds stacks deposited thereon by the positioner toward the discharge end. The postioner is comprised of a U-shape bin which receives fanfold stacks and then turns them over and deposits them at a desired position along the length of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the stacks are lifted from the floor level. In another, the positioner translates along the base of the conveyor and includes a mechanism which automatically locks the positioner in place during loading. A splicer is positioned over the belt. Header and footer ends of adjacent stacks are run to the splicer where they are precisely clamped and then adhesively joined together, on the top side or underside, as desired. The conveyor has a sensor and drive system which automatically advances stacks toward the discharge end and signals the operator when there is a need to reload. The conveyor belt is powered by a timing belt drive system where the timing belt runs around the conveyor belt roller, to both frictionally engage the conveyor belt and cause it to crown up.

US Patent:

63312220, Dec 18, 2001

Filed:

Nov 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/187376

Inventors:

Peter D. Hotkowski - Chester CT
Frank A. Todaro - Old Saybrook CT
Daniel J. Williams - Westbrook CT
Peter C. Burton - East Haddam CT
Brian C. Richardson - Bozrah CT

Assignee:

Asterisk, Inc. - Old Saybrook CT

International Classification:

B31F 506
B65H 1918
B65H 2100

US Classification:

156157

Abstract:

A splicer for joining with tape the abutted ends of two sheets, such as the headers and footers of stacks of fanfold paper to be printed upon, is comprised of a clamp assembly and a tape dispenser. The clamp assembly captures the ends of the sheets between the resilient surfaces of a base and a movable top comprised of two spaced apart bars. Pins in the base help align perforated paper for joining. The dispenser runs along the slot between the two bars. It dispenses, presses down, and cuts the tape as it is laid along the butt-line between the ends of the sheets. An optional reversing bar causes the two sheets to travel along different shape paths to the splicer, thus enabling application of tape to the opposing sides of the sheets.