Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #07574
To: beam@sgiblab.sgi.com
From: LiquidFord@aol.com
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1999 15:25:12 EST
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired?
In a message dated 11/11/99 4:24:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
manchild@u.washington.edu writes:
<< ... and I asked him, but he did not reply. >>
Uhh he wrote this.
7575 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 12:45:13 -0800 [alt-beam] Re: Head tutorial posted. "'beam@sgiblab.sgi.com'" Wilf Rigter Hi Ian,
There is no magic to the PS head circuit and just like in all other beam
circuits, the same limitations of using 74HC logic for motor drivers apply.
The 74HC240 two buffer Nv/Nu motor driver shown in the tutorial is
underpowered except for use with very efficient gearmotors and with a 4.5V
minimum power supply. I recommend using a 74AC240 (best) or a separate HC240
or other motor driver of some sort to increase the available output current
and reduced voltage drop.
I also recommend using an IC socket for future upgrades and for trouble
shooting IC problems by simple substitution. Give yourself some room to
maneuver by doing some initial breadboarding before committing to a
hardwired version. Build and test the battery version first. Check lowest
practical operating voltage for your motor before deciding on a solar
powersupply.
This common sense, step by step construction/debugging sequence is one I use
for all my circuit construction projects and I forget that not everyone uses
the same relatively safe and painless method to fight Murphy's law! But I
have sympathy with all those who jumped the gun and soldered the whole
circuit only to find it doesn't work and will do my best to help get back on
track. There is nothing more frustrating than tearing apart a freeform
circuit during trouble-shooting generally resulting in a mess, damaged parts
if not a complete write-off.
Unfortunately, I will be very busy for a few days until after the weekend
trying to sort out a mega buck problem and will be virtually "incommunicado"
with the list. So I'll keep my fingers crossed and good luck.
Wilf Rigter mailto:wilf.rigter@powertech.bc.ca
tel: (604)590-7493
fax: (604)590-3411
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ian [SMTP:Ian@beam-online.com]
> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 11:18 AM
> To: beam@sgiblab.sgi.com
> Subject: Re: Head tutorial posted.
>
> Hi
>
> > I don't oppose there being a lot of personal BEAM pages, what I would
> > like to see is a couple of big sites that consolidate that information
> > either by (preferably) copying it or linking it.
> Sounds like what I'm trying to do. And did you read that e-mail I sent to
> the list yesterday =)
>
> As far as how my head is coming along (my PS head, not "my head") I have
> the
> frame all done and I'm going to make an order to digikey today for the
> parts
> I don't have. It is 2 axis so that should be interesting!
>
> Laterz
>
> --------
> There is only one true "SyNeT"
> BEAM Online - http://www.beam-online.com
>
> Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.
7576 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 15:34:23 -0600 [alt-beam] Re: heh heh! sent to me, passin it on to you beam@sgiblab.sgi.com Brad Guillot um ... a 245 motor driver(horrible power consumption)
[brad now cowers in the cornner while pondering battery power]
Hey, the circuit works-mabye i shoud at least try the solar stuff...
SG wrote:
>
> ok, ok, how'd you git that pager motor to turn?
> i'm dyin to know!
__________________________________________
NetZero - Defenders of the Free World
Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at
http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html
7577 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 16:43:54 EST [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired? beam@sgiblab.sgi.com JVernonM@aol.com In a message dated 11/11/99 2:25:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
evandude@yahoo.com writes:
> has tilden's patent expired? I would like to sell
> some carbots to people i know, but I have to worry
> about the patent... and I asked him, but he did not reply.
>
Hi Evan,
I'm going to comment here even though the list owner finds these topics to be
taboo and forbidden. First of all, the patent has expired. Second of all the
expiration has nothing to do with commercial use of the circuits, they are
covered by copyright. Yes, you need permission to commercially sell them, but
this would only apply to large numbers since you can only be sued for the
profits you gain. Tilden has sent numerous letters to people saying that if
you sell a few, just talk up BEAM and him a little. If you sell 10,000 to
Walmart, without an agreement, hire a lawyer. Lastly, Carbots are in no way
connected to Tilden (other than the circuits driving the electronics). It is
an original design concept using some of those circuits. The Carbot design,
as pictured on my site, is mine. I don't have a trademark on the term, but,
like Aquabots, I was under the impression that it was understood that I had
conceived of it, perhaps not. As I understand it, none of these terms
associated with BEAM are protected by trademark, except the word BEAM itself.
The terms Photovore, Carbot, Aquabot, Head, Symet, Vibrobot, etc., are public
domain as no one has trademarked them. I'm not sure that you can, since it
would be like trademarking the word automobile. All comers actually benefit
by the term being left unrestricted. I encourage you to use the name,
designs, and circuits, if you plan to sell to your friends as you say. Even
if you sell a couple of hundred at a swap meet once or twice a year (these
are Tilden's sentiments as well). But, if you start advertising on the web,
and begin selling large numbers, you will need permission so that
compensation can be arranged. You should be in contact with Tilden if you do
anything and sell it with plans of quantity. He would like a sample of what
you are producing as a way of controlling quality and to just keep a handle
on what is going on. I really don't care if you use my designs or the term
"Carbot", go crazy, have fun, impress your friends, but give me and the big
guy a mention.
Contrary to the opinions of the list owner, some on this list do have a
working knowledge of patent, copyright, and the official opinion of Mr.
Tilden. This just exposes the need, yet again, to clear up confusion and fear
concerning this topic.
See ya,
Jim
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Exhibit/8281/beamart.html
7578 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 15:18:53 -0700 [alt-beam] Re: has the patent expired? beam@sgiblab.sgi.com "John A. deVries II" At 02:43 PM 11/11/99 , you wrote:
>Second of all the
>expiration has nothing to do with commercial use of the circuits, they are
>covered by copyright.
You can't copyright circuits in the U.S.
>But, if you start advertising on the web,
>and begin selling large numbers, you will need permission so that
>compensation can be arranged.
No you don't.
Zoz
---------------------------------------------------------------
John A. deVries II
zozzles@lanl.gov
7579 Thu, 11 Nov 1999 17:41:58 -0500 [alt-beam] Thanks for ps head info "Rob Chadwick"
content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable
justa quick note to saythanks to all who helped. i must have not been payin=
g attention. =
content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable
>
justa quick note to saythanks t=
o all who =
helped. i must have not been paying attention.
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