Patents by Inventor Charles A. Martin

Charles A. Martin 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).

  • Plant watering system
    Publication number: 20060117656
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant watering system and in particular a system which allows the long-term watering of plants without the need for an open reservoir. The invention uses a water insoluble polymer contained within a porous bag or enclosure (1) to hold water in a reservoir type manner, which can then be provided to the plant (7) as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Neil Graham, Charles Martin
  • Asynchronous database updates
    Patent number: 7043478
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for updating a database object. A database thread is implemented in a database-dependent application stored in the main memory of a computer. An object cache manager allows the database-dependent application to modify a cached version of a transient object and to queue corresponding database processing commands. The database thread updates the persistent data stored in the central database corresponding to the transient object. A Permit Manager provides for carrying out concurrency using a cache invalidation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Autodesk Canada Co.
    Inventors: Charles Martin, Dominique Herve
  • Isolation valve useful in fuel tank emission control systems
    Publication number: 20060081224
    Abstract: Isolation valves of the invention are advantageously mechanically actuated. Such valves and associated methods comprise a first port in fluid communication with a first component; a second port in fluid communication with a second component; a third port in fluid communication with a third component; a diaphragm disposed within the valve for closing a normally open internal pathway to occlude fluid communication between the first port and the second port in response to a pressure differential across the diaphragm; and a flow sensitive pressure device for controlling the pressure differential across the diaphragm. Fluid flows from the second component to the third component upon closing of the normally open internal pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, isolation valves and methods of the invention are adapted for use in fuel tank emission control systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Spink, Andrew McIntosh, Robert Benjey, Charles Martin
  • Safety controller providing rapid recovery of safety program data
    Patent number: 7027880
    Abstract: Re-certification of a control program loaded in a safety controller is avoided through the use of a digital snapshot and digital signature, the snapshot providing a rapidly loadable memory image file and the signature providing a confirmation that the file loaded matches a previously certified copy so as to avoid the need for time consuming re-certification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Izzo, Norman Sievert Shelvik, Michael Dean Kalan, Charles Martin Rischar, Raymond Louis Buvel
  • Read channel for simultaneous multiple bit data transfers
    Publication number: 20060066972
    Abstract: A system is provided that has the ability to perform simultaneous parallel read and write operations with a plurality of transducing heads that transduce data with a storage medium. The system includes a preamplifier circuit and a read channel. The read channel includes a serializer circuit coupled to the preamplifier circuit to receive parallel data-signals and convert those signals into a serial data signal that is provided to a read channel core/controller. The read channel also includes a deserializer circuit coupled to the preamplifier circuit that converts serial write control signals from the read channel core/controller into parallel write control signals that are transmitted to the preamplifier circuit for controlling write operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Martin
  • Self-contained vacuum saw
    Publication number: 20060053629
    Abstract: A self-contained vacuum circular saw is presented. The vacuum saw has a casing around the saw blade that includes an accordion type lower section attached to the lower platform of the saw. A number of vacuum tubes, preferably four, are attached to the side of the circular saw opposite the blade. The armature of the circular saw that turns the blade also turns the vacuum impeller on the side opposite the blade. An impeller vacuum chamber pulls in the dust and debris created by the saw blade and discharges the dust and debris into a disposable and removable vacuum bag. An important aspect of this device is that the motor that turns the saw blade also turns the impeller, thus making the self-contained vacuum Saw moveable from site to site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Martin
  • Surgical visual feedback and eye fixation method and apparatus
    Patent number: 7001018
    Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that limits rotation of the ocular globe of an eye, to facilitate alignment of an instrument with the axis of astigmatism of the eye. The apparatus includes fixation target means (12) for locating in the field of view of the eye so that the eye may fixate on the target. The fixation target means includes or consists of at least one elongate component (16). Also disclosed is a corresponding method, and method and apparatus for supplying visual feedback to an operator during refractive surgery of an eye of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Q-Vis Limited
    Inventor: Simon Charles Martin
  • Flapper type fill tube check valve
    Publication number: 20050279405
    Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a resilient member received thereover with one end of the resilient member slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the resilient member is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into a slot formed by at least one deflectable portion formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Martin, Christopher Creager
  • Socket connector carrying flexible contacts
    Patent number: 6974331
    Abstract: A socket connector including a socket base having a slot oriented at a first angle with respect to a bottom surface of the socket base. The socket connector also includes a contact having a base beam and a retention portion. The retention portion forms an initial angle with the base beam before the contact is assembled with the socket base that differs from the first angle. The socket base receives the contact with the retention portion held in the slot such that an angle between the base beam and the retention portion is changed from the initial angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John Bossert Brown, Matthew Richard McAlonis, Justin Shane McClellan, James Charles Shiffler, David Charles Martin, Michael Anthony Correll, Peter Paul Wilson, Attalee S. Taylor, Brett Charles Miller, Troy Everette Conner
  • Detoxification and decontamination using nanotechnology therapy
    Publication number: 20050271734
    Abstract: A method of removing a toxic compound comprising contacting the toxic compound with a particle having two regions, the first region containing a detoxifying enzyme and the second region containing a material selected to partition the toxic compound into the second region. The particle may be a nanoparticle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Donn Dennis, Charles Martin, Timothy Morey, Richard Partch, Dinesh Shah, Manoj Varshney
  • Double-ended blower and volutes therefor
    Publication number: 20050217673
    Abstract: A double-ended variable speed blower for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation of patients includes two impellers in the gas flow path that cooperatively pressurize gas to desired pressure and flow characteristics. Thus, the double-ended blower can provide faster pressure response and desired flow characteristics over a narrower range of motor speeds, resulting in greater reliability and less acoustic noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Applicant: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Daly, Alexander Virr, Stephen Lea, Dion Charles Martin, Nicholas Reed, Larry Puckeridge, Timothy Fu
  • Low equivalent weight ionomer
    Publication number: 20050182215
    Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) high conductivity, (greater than 0.15 S/cm). In an alternative embodiment, the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) acceptably low hydration, (less than about 75 weight percent). These ionomers are adapted to be processed into thin films that have acceptable physical stability. They are thus extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Huey Wu, Charles Martin, Xin Chen
  • Electrical contact with compliant termination leads
    Patent number: 6923657
    Abstract: An electrical contact is provided that includes a body configured to be held on a circuit board. The body of the contact is movable relative to the circuit board along at least a first axis of motion. The contact includes a contact portion joined with the body that is configured to engage an electrical component. The contact portion may include one or more contact beams. The contact further includes a termination lead joined to the body and having an outer end that is configured to be soldered to the circuit board. The termination lead extends from the body at an acute or right angle to the first axis of motion. The termination lead flexes about an arcuate path as the body of the contact shifts along the first axis of motion with respect to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: John Bossert Brown, Matthew Richard McAlonis, Justin Shane McClellan, David Charles Martin, Attalee S. Taylor, Troy Everette Conner
  • Low Equivalent weight ionomer
    Publication number: 20050165186
    Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) high conductivity, (greater than 0.15 S/cm). In an alternative embodiment, the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) acceptably low hydration, (less than about 75 weight percent). These ionomers are adapted to be processed into thin films that have acceptable physical stability. They are thus extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Huey Wu, Charles Martin, Xin Chen
  • Assembling a siphonable filler tube with a check valve on a fuel tank
    Publication number: 20050139271
    Abstract: A fuel filler tube assembly including a one-way valve or check valve. The tube assembly is adaptable for pre-assembly on either a metal or plastic fuel tank and employs a common check valve with an adapter tube for plastic tanks. The valve employs a flapper with spaced ribs for deflecting a siphon hose away from the valve seal; and, the ribs are spaced to maintain the flow stream of he fuel during refueling and facilitating opening of the flapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Pk Krishnamoorthy, Charles Martin, Maxim Zorine, Steven Verzyl, Robert Benjey
  • System and method for the safe automatic detection of a field device communicating with current modulated signal
    Publication number: 20050125173
    Abstract: A current generator that provides a first current level to read a configuration parameter of a field device. The current generator also provides a second current level. The first current level is lower in amperage than the second current level. The first current level does not operate the field device. The second current level operates the field device. A current sensor is connected in circuit with the field device. The current sensor reads the configuration parameter associated with the first current level. A method is provided that creates a current that reads a configuration parameter. The current has less than a minimum amplitude to operate necessary to operate a field device. The configuration parameter is read from the field device through employment of the current. The field device is configured through employment of the configuration parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Sudhir Thalore, Brian Reynolds, Frank Rugienius, Charles Martin, Sunil Ingawale
  • Ionomer for use in fuel cells and method of making same
    Publication number: 20050079399
    Abstract: The reaction product of a monomer comprising phthalazinone and a phenol group, and at least one sulfonated aromatic compound. The monomer comprising phthalazinone and a phenol group is used in a reaction with the sulfonated aromatic compound to produce ionomers with surprising and highly desirable properties. In one embodiment, the inventive ionomer is a sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone), hereinafter referred to as sPPEK. In another embodiment, the inventive ionomer is a sulfonated poly(phthalazinone either sulfone), herein after referred to as SPPES. In another embodiment, the inventive ionomer is other sulfonated aromatic polymeric compounds. The invention further includes the formation of these polymers into membranes and their use for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), and in particular for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventors: Guyu Xiao, Guomin Sun, Deyue Yan, Xinyuan Zhu, Charles Martin, Huey Wu, Karine Gulati, Carlos Cavalca
  • Automated tissue welding system and method
    Patent number: 6855139
    Abstract: An automated energy irradiator guidance system is disclosed which reduces the potential for human error and improves the consistency and repeatability of tissue welding techniques. The system includes a mapper, a patternizer, an energy director and can additionally include an energy regulator. An interface is included, allowing pattern creation, selection and editing by a user. The system further provides control of energy irradiator parameters for use in tissue welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignees: Providence Health System-Oregon
    Inventors: Karen Marie Ahle, Brooke C. Basinger, Jason De Camp, Kenton W. Gregory, Elizabeth Whitney Johansen, Benjamin Charles Martin, Cyndia A. Sweet
  • Siphonable poppet-type fill tube check valve
    Publication number: 20050028873
    Abstract: A tubular poppet type check valve for a fuel tank filler tube having annular barbs on the inlet end for snap-in attachment in a non-metallic tank spud and provisions for push-in connection with the end of a metallic spud which is crimped over a groove. The poppet has an annular groove with an overmolded elastomeric seal formed preferably with a wiper portion for facilitating sealing on a valve seat. The poppet has a post portion slidably guided in an aperture in the closure provided in the downstream of the valve. A slot in the side of the valve body allows a siphon hose inserted in the inlet to exit the valve and feed through to the bottom of the tank. Deflector vanes are provided in the inlet end to direct a siphon hose to the outlet slot. The poppet has turbulence reducing vanes on the upstream side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Martin, Christopher Creager
  • Fine pitch system and method for reinforcing bond pads in semiconductor devices
    Patent number: 6818540
    Abstract: A reinforcing system and method of fabrication for a semiconductor integrated circuit bond pad comprises a first dielectric layer or stack disposed under the bond pad; at least one second dielectric layer or stack disposed under the first dielectric layer; and a reinforcing metal structure disposed into the second dielectric layer such that the patterns of the metal structure and the second dielectric layer comprise a uniformly flat interface towards the first dielectric layer. The patterns of the metal structure and the second dielectric layer comprise feature sizes and fine pitches used in the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mukul Saran, Charles A. Martin, Ronald H. Cox