Patents by Inventor Andrew W. Stell

Andrew W. Stell 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: 8622147
    Abstract: Stovetop fires are among the more prevalent of resident fire hazards and smoke detectors are among the most prevalent and economical forms of residential fire alarms. Automatic stovetop fire extinguishers can prevent property damage and even personal injury; however, these stovetop fire extinguishers may also limit smoke emissions and the subsequent detection of smoke. While an initial fire may be efficiently subdued by an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher, it is often desirable to alert present and future occupants of a fire hazardous condition. A sound based fire alarm system and method are described herein, which detects a sound burst emitted upon deployment of an automatic stovetop fire extinguisher and triggers a continuous fire alarm to alert occupants of a potentially fire hazardous condition. Alarm signals can be audible, visual, or both. The system may be a stand alone system and use battery power for affordability and ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WilliamsRDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent W. Williams, Andrew W. Stell, Preston N. Weintraub
  • Patent number: 8446286
    Abstract: A digital voltage detector system that is compatible with existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets is described. Adjustment of under and over voltage trip points is accommodated in accordance with conventional means. The digital voltage detector is compatible with all conventional Voltage Detector interface cables and adapters. Unlike the conventional voltage detector of existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets, over-voltage trips do not blow a fuse, eliminating the need to have replacement fuses or redundant conventional voltage detectors in an Armament Circuits Preload Test Set. Additionally, the digital voltage detector provides a digital voltage readout allowing the user to view the input voltage during a Presence of Voltage test. The digital voltage detector system facilitates timely and efficient execution of the Armament Circuits Preload Test series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Stell
  • Patent number: 8294567
    Abstract: A method and system are provided, which provides reliable fire detection. In one implementation, the automated system includes a combination of sensors configured to measure various factors associated with a hazard, such as a fire or gas leakage, and generate sensor readings. Factors measured can include smoke, carbon monoxide and heat. The system further includes a detection device that is configured to determine whether a hazard or fire exists by performing a fuzzy analysis of sensor readings. The fuzzy analysis includes categorizing respective sensor readings into fuzzy sets, and determining whether the hazard exists based on a combination of the categorizations. In addition the size and direction of a fire can be determined from multiple sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W Stell
  • Publication number: 20120242323
    Abstract: A digital voltage detector system that is compatible with existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets is described. Adjustment of under and over voltage trip points is accommodated in accordance with conventional means. The digital voltage detector is compatible with all conventional Voltage Detector interface cables and adapters. Unlike the conventional voltage detector of existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets, over-voltage trips do not blow a fuse, eliminating the need to have replacement fuses or redundant conventional voltage detectors in an Armament Circuits Preload Test Set. Additionally, the digital voltage detector provides a digital voltage readout allowing the user to view the input voltage during a Presence of Voltage test. The digital voltage detector system facilitates timely and efficient execution of the Armament Circuits Preload Test series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: WILLIAMS-PYRO, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Stell
  • Patent number: 8248261
    Abstract: A digital voltage detector system that is compatible with existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets is described. Adjustment of under and over voltage trip points is accommodated in accordance with conventional means. The digital voltage detector is compatible with all conventional Voltage Detector interface cables and adapters. Unlike the conventional voltage detector of existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets, over-voltage trips do not blow a fuse, eliminating the need to have replacement fuses or redundant conventional voltage detectors in an Armament Circuits Preload Test Set. Additionally, the digital voltage detector provides a digital voltage readout allowing the user to view the input voltage during a Presence of Voltage test. The digital voltage detector system facilitates timely and efficient execution of the Armament Circuits Preload Test series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Stell
  • Patent number: 7969296
    Abstract: A method and system are provided, which provides reliable fire detection. In one implementation, the automated system includes a combination of sensors configured to measure various factors associated with a hazard, such as a fire or gas leakage, and generate sensor readings. Factors measured can include smoke, carbon monoxide and heat. The system further includes a detection device that is configured to determine whether a hazard or fire exists by performing a fuzzy analysis of sensor readings. The fuzzy analysis includes categorizing respective sensor readings into fuzzy sets, and determining whether the hazard exists based on a combination of the categorizations. In addition the size and direction of a fire can be determined from multiple sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Stell
  • Patent number: 7934564
    Abstract: A stovetop fire suppression system is provided which senses the stovetop environment, assesses a fire condition, and limits a fuel or electricity heat source upon determination of a stovetop fire condition. Either, or both of, sound or heat may be monitored for the presence of a fire. Sensed day can be processed for spectral density or rate of rise for subsequent comparison to thresholds or predetermined density values. Upon determination of a stovetop fire condition a fire suppression module triggers, for example, a valve or switch to extinguish the stovetop heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Stell, Preston N. Weintraub
  • Patent number: 7613963
    Abstract: The testing apparatus of the present invention provides a self-contained test module that connects to the weapons firing circuit on the weapons platform. This test module communicates with a data collector and controller that is carried by a technician or operator. The communication link between the test module and the data collector and controller is wireless so that the technician can move about without interference from the cable. The test module, which contains a digital voltage detector, is more accurate than prior analog voltage detectors. The test module connects to different connectors, allowing for a reduction of equipment needed in the testing apparatus and providing a significant savings in weight. The data collector and controller stores test data of a particular circuit over a period of time and performs analysis on that test data to identify upcoming or potential problems so that repair can be made before operational readiness is compromised by a circuit failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Williams-Pyro, Pnc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Pylant, Andrew W. Stell, John D. Wetters
  • Publication number: 20040015318
    Abstract: A automatic sensory trip logger that provides wireless summary data about its trip log and creates an automatic and efficient mechanism for informing a receiver that a load of perishables may have been temperature abused. The invention includes a Logger, a Reader, a Gateway, a Server, a Processor, and a Notifier. The Logger includes a sensory element, data storage, a wireless transmitter and a battery. The transmitter uses a protocol which allows long battery life, in addition to automatic operation. The Reader is a wireless receiver tuned to the same frequency and protocol as the Logger's wireless transmitter. The Gateway collects sensory data from the Reader and forwards that data to the Server via the Internet. The Server accepts and stores data from the Gateway for retrieval and use by the Processor. The Processor formats data for graphing functions and determines whether a trip is “good” or “bad”, depending on parameters set by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Alan C. Heller, Andrew W. Stell