Patents by Inventor Brian L. Richardson

Brian L. Richardson 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: 10427665
    Abstract: A method for fault detection and accommodation for a controller and actuator system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a controller, a flag at an actuator in response to an excitation voltage and current falling below a threshold value, engaging a sensor in the actuator in response to receiving the flag, receiving, using the sensor a first load cell signal and a second load cell signal in response to the sensor being engaged, determining how actuator is operating brake based on the received flag, first load cell signal, and second load cell signal, adjusting a state of the actuator based on the determination, and reporting the state of the actuator by transmitting a report signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Naison E. Mastrocola, Michael Abbott, Brian L. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20170267225
    Abstract: A method for fault detection and accommodation for a controller and actuator system is provided. The method includes receiving, from a controller, a flag at an actuator in response to an excitation voltage and current falling below a threshold value, engaging a sensor in the actuator in response to receiving the flag, receiving, using the sensor a first load cell signal and a second load cell signal in response to the sensor being engaged, determining how actuator is operating brake based on the received flag, first load cell signal, and second load cell signal, adjusting a state of the actuator based on the determination, and reporting the state of the actuator by transmitting a report signal to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Naison E. Mastrocola, Michael Abbott, Brian L. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20170272024
    Abstract: A system and a method of detecting and isolating a fault in an electric motor system are provided. The method includes detecting, at a motor drive electronics (MDE) component that is configured to drive an electric motor through a harnessing, the fault in the electric motor system, applying a voltage and current, at the MDE component, according to a gate switching sequence for all phases of the electric motor system in response to detecting the fault, sensing voltage and current values in the MDE component between switches of an inverter of the MDE component, and isolating the fault within the electric motor system based on the sensed voltage and current values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Naison E. Mastrocola, Michael Abbott, Brian L. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6351112
    Abstract: An electrical probe is provided for use with an electrical instrument, such as an oscilloscope. The probe includes a probe body, a sensing element affixed to the probe body for sensing an electrical parameter and a storage device containing probe information that uniquely identifies the probe. The probe information is electronically transferred from the storage device to the electrical instrument when the probe is connected to the electrical instrument. The electrical instrument stores calibration information that is associated with the probe. The electrical instrument uses the probe information received from the storage device in the probe to access the associated calibration information. The accessed calibration information is used to calibrate measurements made with the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie D. Felps, Brian L. Richardson, Gerald R. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 5939875
    Abstract: An interface having nine connections between a probe and test and measurement equipment includes a fixed voltage source located in the test and measurement equipment, which delivers through a first connection a positive fixed voltage, and through a second connection a negative fixed voltage. A voltage-programming resistor located in the probe produces a signal that is delivered from the probe through one of the connections to the equipment to control a programmed voltage source. The programmed voltage is delivered as a positive programmed voltage through one pin and as a negative programmed voltage through a second connection. A probe identification resistor is located in the probe. An ohmmeter in the equipment measures the resistance of the probe identification resistor through one of the connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Jimmie D Felps, Brian L. Richardson