Patents by Inventor Charles R. Lee
Charles R. Lee 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).
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Patent number: 9050905Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securing an electric vehicle from unwanted movement when the electric vehicle is parked. The electric vehicle includes a drive wheel and an electric motor for driving the drive wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the electric vehicle in an electronic park brake mode; (b) automatically detecting that the electric vehicle is rolling from an initial position; and (c) automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel to inhibit further movement of the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Brammo, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Joseph I. Keto, George Alter, Matthew D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20140297074Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securing an electric vehicle from unwanted movement when the electric vehicle is parked. The electric vehicle includes a drive wheel and an electric motor for driving the drive wheel. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the electric vehicle in an electronic park brake mode; (b) automatically detecting that the electric vehicle is rolling from an initial position; and (c) automatically causing the electric motor to apply a reverse torque to the drive wheel to return the electric vehicle to the initial position or automatically causing the electric motor to lock the drive wheel to inhibit further movement of the electric vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: BRAMMO, INC.Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Joseph I. Keto, George Alter, Matthew D. Nelson
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Patent number: 8333258Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Brammo, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Wismann, Aaron Bland, Daniel M. Riegels, Lawrence O. Hilligoss, Craig A. Bramscher, Charles R. Lee
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Patent number: 8175766Abstract: A throttle control system is provided for generating a throttle control signal in an electric vehicle. The throttle control system includes: a throttle position sensor operable to detect a throttle twist input by an operator and to responsively generate a throttle twist input signal; a controller operatively coupled to the throttle position sensor for receiving the throttle twist input signal and responsively generating a throttle control signal; and a feedback circuit operatively coupled to the controller for receiving the throttle control signal and outputting a corresponding feedback signal to the controller; wherein the controller compares the feedback signal and the throttle control signal to detect an error condition in the throttle control signal, and when an error condition is detected, determines a responsive action corresponding to the severity of the error condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Brammo, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Daniel M. Riegels, Michael R. Sorensen, Brian J. Wismann
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Publication number: 20110048832Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for use in an electric vehicle having a throttle input device. The throttle input device is operable by a rider for generating a throttle signal for controlling the speed of the electric vehicle. The control apparatus, which adjusts the throttle signal, includes a rider input mechanism and a control device. The rider input mechanism can be manipulated by the rider to provide a given input. The control device is coupled to the rider input mechanism and to the output of the throttle input device. The control device adjusts the throttle signal based on the given input provided by the rider input mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: Brammo, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Wismann, Aaron Bland, Daniel M. Riegels, Lawrence O. Hilligoss, Craig A. Bramscher, Charles R. Lee
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Publication number: 20100332059Abstract: A throttle control system is provided for generating a throttle control signal in an electric vehicle. The throttle control system includes: a throttle position sensor operable to detect a throttle twist input by an operator and to responsively generate a throttle twist input signal; a controller operatively coupled to the throttle position sensor for receiving the throttle twist input signal and responsively generating a throttle control signal; and a feedback circuit operatively coupled to the controller for receiving the throttle control signal and outputting a corresponding feedback signal to the controller; wherein the controller compares the feedback signal and the throttle control signal to detect an error condition in the throttle control signal, and when an error condition is detected, determines a responsive action corresponding to the severity of the error condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Brammo, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Daniel M. Riegels, Michael R. Sorensen, Brian J. Wismann
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Patent number: 6472589Abstract: A device and related method for detecting, controlling, and recording keyboard motion in which individual magnets, sensors and actuators associated with each key capture and re-produce key motion with a high degree of accuracy. The method uses a non-contact sensing assembly technique that requires no mechanical or electrical connections with the keyboard assembly, thus making the device easy to service and install. The method also uses a mathematical algorithm to adjust actuator key movement at a very rapid rate making it possible to install in a variety of pianos with different key weights and still be able to play with high accuracy. Finally, the device system dynamically maps the keyboard to which keys are in playback mode and which are in record mode, allowing the use of both modes simultaneously, thus letting the player add to (layer) performances.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Overture Music Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles R. Lee
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Patent number: 5905220Abstract: A piano pedal optical sensor apparatus and method for accurately measuring, recording and reproducing the pedal expression generated during piano performances. A plurality of optical emitter/sensors are mounted on the pedal support assembly of a piano, and a plurality of corresponding optical reflectors are mounted on the moving connecting rods associated with piano pedals on the piano. Output voltage signals from the optical emitter sensors, which vary according to pedal movement, are monitored and used to generate and record pedal position values. The recorded pedal position values are then used to recreate the original pedal expression of the piano performance by generation of pulse width modulation signals which are used to drive solenoids associated with piano pedals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Burgett, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Pamela K. Clift, Alana J. Yorba
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Patent number: 5841050Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned adjacent to the keys. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Burgett, Inc.Inventors: Pamela K. Clift, Charles R. Lee
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Patent number: 5834669Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned above the hammer catchers. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Burgett, Inc.Inventors: Pamela K. Clift, Charles R. Lee
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Patent number: 5524521Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately sensing key motion in a keyboard operated musical instrument, in which optical emitters and sensors are positioned above the hammer shanks. The optical emitters and sensors are arranged on a plurality of individually addressable sensor boards, and the sensor boards are divided into a plurality of individually addressable sensor banks. Each sensor board is independently and sequentially activated by a controller according to a specified timing sequence. As the controller activates a sensor board in one bank, allowing the board to warm up, another sensor board in the second bank, which has previously been activated and warmed up, is read and analyzed by the controller. Activation and reading of sensor boards alternates between sensor banks as the sensor boards are sequenced through.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Burgett, Inc.Inventors: Pamela K. Clift, Charles R. Lee