Patents by Inventor B. Thomas Pier

B. Thomas Pier 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: 9057752
    Abstract: A power circuit configured to generate and distribute DC electrical power, the power circuit includes a photovoltaic (PV) system that includes an array of PV modules electrically coupled to a combiner box, and an inverter positioned to receive DC electrical power from the array of PV modules and output AC electrical power. The PV system also includes a signal generator coupled to a first portion of the PV system, and a signal detector coupled to a second portion of the PV system, the signal detector configured to detect secondary signals generated at a loose connection of an electrical joint in the PV system, wherein the secondary signals result from a signal generated by the signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles John Luebke, Xin Zhou, John J. Shea, Birger Pahl, B. Thomas Pier
  • Publication number: 20140070833
    Abstract: A power circuit configured to generate and distribute DC electrical power, the power circuit includes a photovoltaic (PV) system that includes an array of PV modules electrically coupled to a combiner box, and an inverter positioned to receive DC electrical power from the array of PV modules and output AC electrical power. The PV system also includes a signal generator coupled to a first portion of the PV system, and a signal detector coupled to a second portion of the PV system, the signal detector configured to detect secondary signals generated at a loose connection of an electrical joint in the PV system, wherein the secondary signals result from a signal generated by the signal generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Charles John Luebke, Xin Zhou, John J. Shea, Birger Pahl, B. Thomas Pier
  • Patent number: 8515687
    Abstract: A hose fault detection system includes a hose assembly including a hose having first and second conductive layers. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The fault detector includes an indicator operatively connected to the hose assembly. A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a hose assembly includes providing a fault detection system having a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose assembly is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator in operative communication with the hose assembly is illuminated when the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Luis R. Pereira, B. Thomas Pier, Atul S. Bhadkamkar, Vehbi C. Gungor, Carlos H. Rentel, Jason D. Stark, Scott A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100174495
    Abstract: A hose fault detection system includes a hose assembly including a hose having first and second conductive layers. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. A fault detector is in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The fault detector includes an indicator operatively connected to the hose assembly. A method for monitoring the structural integrity of a hose assembly includes providing a fault detection system having a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The hose assembly has an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of the hose assembly is compared to a threshold value. A visual indicator in operative communication with the hose assembly is illuminated when the electrical characteristic goes beyond the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Luis R. Pereira, B. Thomas Pier, Atul S. Bhadkamkar, Vehbi C. Gungor, Carlos H. Rentel, Jason D. Stark, Scott A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6012736
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, William J. Janutka, B. Thomas Pier, Scott A. Reid, Walter L. Rutchik
  • Patent number: 5934704
    Abstract: A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can include a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectively associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, William J. Janutka, B. Thomas Pier, Scott A. Reid, Walter L. Rutchik