Patents by Inventor Norton W. Whitchurch

Norton W. Whitchurch 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: 6653843
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a reduction of a level of electrolyte in a wet cell battery includes an electrically conductive sensing rod in contact with an electrolyte in a battery cell, a voltage comparator connected to the rod for generating a first output signal when an input voltage is greater than a reference voltage and generating a second output signal when an input voltage is less than the reference voltage, and an indicator responsive to the output signals for generating a green visual signal when the rod is immersed in the electrolyte and generating a red visual signal when the rod is not immersed in the electrolyte. The apparatus also include an audio alarm device sounding an audio indication when the red visual signal is generated. A sensing circuit can be connected between the voltage comparator and a pair of battery voltage input terminals to selectively connect the terminals to the comparator when a voltage of a battery connected to the terminals exceeds a predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Pacer Engineered Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Norton W. Whitchurch
  • Publication number: 20020125889
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a reduction of a level of electrolyte in a wet cell battery includes an electrically conductive sensing rod in contact with an electrolyte in a battery cell, a voltage comparator connected to the rod for generating a first output signal when an input voltage is greater than a reference voltage and generating a second output signal when an input voltage is less than the reference voltage, and an indicator responsive to the output signals for generating a green visual signal when the rod is immersed in the electrolyte and generating a red visual signal when the rod is not immersed in the electrolyte. The apparatus also include an audio alarm device sounding an audio indication when the red visual signal is generated. A sensing circuit can be connected between the voltage comparator and a pair of battery voltage input terminals to selectively connect the terminals to the comparator when a voltage of a battery connected to the terminals exceeds a predetermined voltage level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Norton W. Whitchurch
  • Patent number: 5635815
    Abstract: A battery pacer apparatus and method are configured for extending the life of lead-acid batteries. A high current discharge is applied for a limited time of about 10-40 seconds to remove lead sulphate deposits on the electrodes. Following discharge, the battery is fully recharged. The pacing discharge is initiated at least about once daily by a timing circuit. During the pacing discharge, the battery voltage is measured. A decrease in battery voltage to below a preset non-steady state failure value is indicative of imminent battery failure, setting off an alarm enabling replacement or servicing before the battery fails in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Norton W. Whitchurch
    Inventors: Norton W. Whitchurch, James Thayer