Patents by Inventor David L. Epperson
David L. Epperson 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: 11237192Abstract: Systems and methods provide a non-contact current measurement system which operates to measure alternating current flowing through an insulated wire without requiring galvanic contact with the insulated wire. The measurement system may include a magnetic field sensor that is selectively positionable proximate an insulated wire under test. In operation the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the insulated wire. Using an adjustable clamp assembly, the measurement system provides control over the mechanical positioning of the insulated wire relative to the magnetic field sensor to ensure consistent measurements. The non-contact current measurement system may determine information relating to the physical dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the insulated wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones
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Publication number: 20200191836Abstract: Systems and methods provide a non-contact current measurement system which operates to measure alternating current flowing through an insulated wire without requiring galvanic contact with the insulated wire. The measurement system may include a magnetic field sensor that is selectively positionable proximate an insulated wire under test. In operation the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the insulated wire. Using an adjustable clamp assembly, the measurement system provides control over the mechanical positioning of the insulated wire relative to the magnetic field sensor to ensure consistent measurements. The non-contact current measurement system may determine information relating to the physical dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the insulated wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones
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Patent number: 10605832Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring alternating current (AC) voltage of an insulated conductor are provided, without requiring a galvanic connection between the conductor and a test electrode. A non-galvanic contact voltage measurement device includes a conductive sensor, an internal ground guard, and a reference shield. A reference voltage source is electrically coupleable between the guard and the reference shield to generate an AC reference voltage which causes a reference current to pass through the conductive sensor. Sensor subsystems may be arranged in layers (e.g., stacked layers, nested layers, or components) of conductors and insulators. The sensor subsystems may be packaged as formed sheets, flexible circuits, integrated circuit (IC) chips, nested components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc. The sensor subsystems may be electrically coupled to suitable processing or control circuitry of a non-contact voltage measurement device to allow for measurement of voltages in insulated conductors.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones, Patrick Scott Hunter, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Patent number: 10591515Abstract: Systems and methods provide a non-contact current measurement system which operates to measure alternating current flowing through an insulated wire without requiring galvanic contact with the insulated wire. The measurement system may include a magnetic field sensor that is selectively positionable proximate an insulated wire under test. In operation the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the insulated wire. Using an adjustable clamp assembly, the measurement system provides control over the mechanical positioning of the insulated wire relative to the magnetic field sensor to ensure consistent measurements. The non-contact current measurement system may determine information relating to the physical dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the insulated wire.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones
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Patent number: 10359494Abstract: Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: David L. Epperson, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Patent number: 10352967Abstract: Systems and methods provide measurement of alternating current (AC) electrical parameters in an insulated wire without requiring a galvanic connection between the insulated wire and a test probe. Measurement systems or instruments may include a housing that includes both a non-contact voltage sensor and a non-contact current sensor. The measurement system obtains measurements from the voltage sensor and the current sensor during a measurement time interval and processes the measurements to determine AC electrical parameters of the insulated wire. The AC electrical parameters may be presented to an operator via a visual indicator device (e.g., display, lights). The AC electrical parameters may additionally or alternatively be communicated to an external device via a wired and/or wireless communications interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald Steuer, Peter Radda, Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Patrick Scott Hunter, Paul Andrew Ringsrud, Clark N. Huber, Christian Karl Schmitzer, Jeffrey Worones, Michael F. Gallavan
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Patent number: 10254375Abstract: Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional. The proving unit may additionally verify contact voltage measurement systems (e.g., DMMs).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: David L. Epperson, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20180136259Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring alternating current (AC) voltage of an insulated conductor are provided, without requiring a galvanic connection between the conductor and a test electrode. A non-galvanic contact voltage measurement device includes a conductive sensor, an internal ground guard, and a reference shield. A reference voltage source is electrically coupleable between the guard and the reference shield to generate an AC reference voltage which causes a reference current to pass through the conductive sensor. Sensor subsystems may be arranged in layers (e.g., stacked layers, nested layers, or components) of conductors and insulators. The sensor subsystems may be packaged as formed sheets, flexible circuits, integrated circuit (IC) chips, nested components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc. The sensor subsystems may be electrically coupled to suitable processing or control circuity of a non-contact voltage measurement device to allow for measurement of voltages in insulated conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones, Patrick Scott Hunter, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20180136260Abstract: Systems and methods provide a non-contact current measurement system which operates to measure alternating current flowing through an insulated wire without requiring galvanic contact with the insulated wire. The measurement system may include a magnetic field sensor that is selectively positionable proximate an insulated wire under test. In operation the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the insulated wire. Using an adjustable clamp assembly, the measurement system provides control over the mechanical positioning of the insulated wire relative to the magnetic field sensor to ensure consistent measurements. The non-contact current measurement system may determine information relating to the physical dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the insulated wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Ronald Steuer, Jeffrey Worones
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Publication number: 20180136302Abstract: Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: David L. Epperson, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20180136303Abstract: Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional. The proving unit may additionally verify contact voltage measurement systems (e.g., DMMs).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: David L. Epperson, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20180136257Abstract: Systems and methods provide measurement of alternating current (AC) electrical parameters in an insulated wire without requiring a galvanic connection between the insulated wire and a test probe. Measurement systems or instruments may include a housing that includes both a non-contact voltage sensor and a non-contact current sensor. The measurement system obtains measurements from the voltage sensor and the current sensor during a measurement time interval and processes the measurements to determine AC electrical parameters of the insulated wire. The AC electrical parameters may be presented to an operator via a visual indicator device (e.g., display, lights). The AC electrical parameters may additionally or alternatively be communicated to an external device via a wired and/or wireless communications interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Ronald Steuer, Peter Radda, Ricardo Rodriguez, David L. Epperson, Patrick Scott Hunter, Paul Andrew Ringsrud, Clark N. Huber, Christian Karl Schmitzer, Jeffrey Worones, Michael F. Gallavan
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Patent number: 9933459Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a magnetically coupled ground reference probe for use with test equipment, such as digital multimeters (DMMs). The magnetically coupled ground reference probes disclosed herein may be used instead of a typical test probe or alligator clip. A magnetically coupled ground reference probe may be provided which includes an insulative housing surrounding a conductive magnet such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The magnet may autonomously retract into a cavity of the insulative housing when not coupled to a ground reference so that the magnet does not contact a high potential source when being handled by the operator. In at least some implementations, at least a portion of the insulation material of the housing may be compressible to allow the magnet to come into physical contact with a ground reference surface while providing a sufficient creepage and clearance path.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: David L. Epperson, Jeffrey Worones, Ricardo Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9874547Abstract: A technician uses a wireless apparatus and system to vary air or fuel in the burner to optimize efficiency and safety. A wireless remote sensor unit has a probe in a flue to draw a sample of combustion gas from the flue for gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The sensors generate analog signals of gas identity, concentration and temperature that are converted to digital signals by an A-to-D converter. A wireless transceiver sends digital signals to a hand held unit or central computer via wireless transmission. The hand held unit receives the digital signals and displays an analysis of the signals. The analysis may be performed by any one of the remote sensor unit, the hand held unit, or the central computer. The wireless unit also receives control signals for the hand held unit or the central computer.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventor: David L. Epperson
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Patent number: 9735588Abstract: A system providing a power source includes an electrical input and multiple electrical outputs. The electrical input is couplable to a current clamp that selectively clamps around at least one electrical conductor. A transformer coupled to the electrical input receives an input electrical signal from the at least one electrical conductor and produces an output electrical signal that is electrically isolated from the input electrical signal. Conversion circuitry electrically converts the output electrical signal to a converted electrical signal that is usable to power multiple electrical devices. Distribution circuitry distributes the converted electrical signal to the multiple electrical outputs, wherein each electrical output is couplable to an electrical device to provide power to the electrical device.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: John M. Gilbert, David L. Epperson, Paul A. Ringsrud
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Publication number: 20160322831Abstract: A system providing a power source includes an electrical input and multiple electrical outputs. The electrical input is couplable to a current clamp that selectively clamps around at least one electrical conductor. A transformer coupled to the electrical input receives an input electrical signal from the at least one electrical conductor and produces an output electrical signal that is electrically isolated from the input electrical signal. Conversion circuitry electrically converts the output electrical signal to a converted electrical signal that is usable to power multiple electrical devices. Distribution circuitry distributes the converted electrical signal to the multiple electrical outputs, wherein each electrical output is couplable to an electrical device to provide power to the electrical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: John M. Gilbert, David L. Epperson, Paul A. Ringsrud
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Publication number: 20160061799Abstract: A technician uses a wireless apparatus and system to vary air or fuel in the burner to optimize efficiency and safety. A wireless remote sensor unit has a probe in a flue to draw a sample of combustion gas from the flue for gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The sensors generate analog signals of gas identity, concentration and temperature that are converted to digital signals by an A-to-D converter. A wireless transceiver sends digital signals to a hand held unit or central computer via wireless transmission. The hand held unit receives the digital signals and displays an analysis of the signals. The analysis may be performed by any one of the remote sensor unit, the hand held unit, or the central computer. The wireless unit also receives control signals for the hand held unit or the central computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventor: David L. Epperson
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Patent number: 4965421Abstract: Fine particles, of predetermined composition and sized to be within a predetermined size range, are deposited on, and thereafter adhere in random distribution to, one of two adjacent surfaces, serving to keep the surfaces uniformly spaced apart except when an external force causes them to make local contact. The particles are conveniently applied in the form of a spray of a suspension of particles and a fluid carrier material, preferably water with alumina particles, or an aqueous solution of a chloride salt of an alkaline earth metal such as calcium, potassium or sodium when small glass beads are used as the particles. Brown alumina particles (approximately 96% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) in the size range 3-50 microns, so utilized, are found well suited as parallel surface spacers in optically transparent touch sensitive overlay (TSO) panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1988Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Assignee: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.Inventor: David L. Epperson
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Patent number: 4696860Abstract: Fine particles, preferably of brown alumina (approximately 96% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), are disposed between closely spaced and normally parallel surfaces of two adjacent transparent layers, such as are typically found in a touch sensitive overlay (TSO). The particles are preferably of a size within the range 3-100 microns, and are distributed in a density preferably in the range 300-3,000 particles per square inch, so that the larger particles are in simultaneous contact with both the parallel surfaces. Local pressure on a TSO panel with this distribution of particles of non-uniform size allows operation of the panel without the generation of distracting Newton rings between the surfaces contacting the particles. These particles may be conveniently sprayed onto either of the parallel surfaces in suspension with a fluid carrier that evaporates to leave the particles adhering to the sprayed surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1985Date of Patent: September 29, 1987Assignee: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc.Inventor: David L. Epperson