Patents by Inventor Benjamin Lease

Benjamin Lease 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).

  • Publication number: 20070234748
    Abstract: An adaptive defrost control system of the present invention monitors an amount of current flowing through the defrost heater to calculate the amount of power delivered thereby. The circuit utilizes a thermistor to monitor the temperature rise of the electrical trace supplying current to the defrost heater to allow the controller to calculate an amount of power delivered thereby. A second thermistor may be used to compensate for a change in ambient temperature that might otherwise be attributed to a change in current flow through the power trace. A physical modification to the power trace to enhance the temperature rise characteristic at the point of placement of the thermistor enhances the accuracy of the calculation. A secondary current flow path around the branch of thermistor placement is also provided so as to not reduce the total current carrying capacity of the power trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Robert Alvord, Leonard Jenski, Benjamin Lease
  • Publication number: 20060243345
    Abstract: A wireless tank level monitoring system is provided. The system includes a transmitter that is located in close proximity to the storage tank. The transmitter is coupled to a remote-ready tank level gauge, which provides a ratio-metric voltage output proportional to the liquid volume inside the tank. The transmitter periodically monitors the output from the level gauge and transmits the information to a base station located remotely from the storage tank. The base station displays the tank level numerically in percent full, graphically with a bar chart, or both. A conspicuous visual indication is provided by the base station when the tank level drops below a predetermined set point. In battery powered applications, the base station also reads and provides a visual indication of a low battery condition for both the transmitter and base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Benjamin Lease