Patents by Inventor Carl German

Carl German 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).

  • Automated testing of hybrid actuator
    Patent number: 6775636
    Abstract: There is provided a testing apparatus (200) for a hybrid indicator lens and potentiometer actuator (100). The hybrid actuator (100) serves both as a knob for a potentiometer (120) and as a lens to convey light from an indicator arrangement (110). The test apparatus (200) includes a rotatable test head (204) having a light sensing means (210) and an engaging portion (202). The engaging portion (202) engages with a corresponding receiving recess (102) provided on a head portion (114) of said hybrid actuator (100) and thereby aligns the light sensing means (210) with the hybrid actuator (100). The testing apparatus (200) performs automated tests which include rotation of the hybrid actuator (100), and therefore the potentiometer (120) to a range of test settings and inspection of the functionality of the indicator lens arrangement (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Russell Taylor, Carl German
  • Automated testing of hybrid actuator
    Publication number: 20020047719
    Abstract: There is provided a testing apparatus (200) for a hybrid indicator lens and potentiometer actuator (100). The hybrid actuator (100) serves both as a knob for a potentiometer (120) and as a lens to convey light from an indicator arrangement (110). The test apparatus (200) includes a rotatable test head (204) having a light sensing means (210) and an engaging portion (202). The engaging portion (202) engages with a corresponding receiving recess (102) provided on a head portion (114) of said hybrid actuator (100) and thereby aligns the light sensing means (210) with the hybrid actuator (100). The testing apparatus (200) performs automated tests which include rotation of the hybrid actuator (100), and therefore the potentiometer (120) to a range of test settings and inspection of the functionality of the indicator lens arrangement (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Russell Taylor, Carl German