Patents by Inventor Christopher W. Hickman

Christopher W. Hickman 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: 6873949
    Abstract: A computer based system, computer program product, and method for managing geographically distributed assets. A computer based system, computer program product, and method are provided for managing geographically distributed electric power transmission assets. Mapping, routing, and asset location information is managed and combined with real time Global Positioning System (GPS) location information to alarm field maintenance and inspection crews prior to inadvertent entry into restricted areas, such as environmentally protected or otherwise restricted lands. Detailed information is maintained on the electric power transmission assets providing management insight into past performance, as well as predictive information as to future costs and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Public Service Company of New Mexico
    Inventors: Christopher W. Hickman, Theodor E. Kircher, III, Gathen L. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6642700
    Abstract: System for tracking or identifying the phase designation, and/or measuring the phase angle or the power angle of electrical conductors at a remote location relative to a reference location, by measuring a time delay between an external clock source such as GPS and a zero crossing or other specified part of the waveform, associating a ‘time tag’ with each measurement, transmitting the time tags and measurement values over a bi-directional link between a field unit and a reference unit, and calculating and displaying a relative phase angle and/or a phase designation. The system finds application, for example, in identifying the phase of conductors, and optionally comparing their phase angle and/or their power angle, before making connections between conductors in a multi-phase electrical power distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Avistar, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Slade, Scott James Frankenberg, Donald A. McCandless, Christopher W. Hickman
  • Publication number: 20030191628
    Abstract: A computer based system, computer program product, and method for managing geographically distributed assets. A computer based system, computer program product, and method are provided for managing geographically distributed electric power transmission assets. Mapping, routing, and asset location information is managed and combined with real time Global Positioning System (GPS) location information to alarm field maintenance and inspection crews prior to inadvertent entry into restricted areas, such as environmentally protected or otherwise restricted lands. Detailed information is maintained on the electric power transmission assets providing management insight into past performance, as well as predictive information as to future costs and performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW MEXICO
    Inventors: Christopher W. Hickman, Theodor E. Kircher, Gathen L. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20030184275
    Abstract: System for tracking or identifying the phase designation, and/or measuring the phase angle or the power angle of electrical conductors at a remote location relative to a reference location, by measuring a time delay between an external clock source such as GPS and a zero crossing or other specified part of the waveform, associating a ‘time tag’ with each measurement, transmitting the time tags and measurement values over a bi-directional link between a field unit and a reference unit, and calculating and displaying a relative phase angle and/or a phase designation. The system finds application, for example, in identifying the phase of conductors, and optionally comparing their phase angle and/or their power angle, before making connections between conductors in a multi-phase electrical power distribution system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW MEXICO
    Inventors: Walter R. Slade, Scott James Frankenberg, Donald A. McCandless, Christopher W. Hickman
  • Patent number: 6609090
    Abstract: A computer based system, computer program product, and method for managing geographically distributed assets. A computer based system, computer program product, and method are provided for managing geographically distributed electric power transmission assets. Mapping, routing, and asset location information is managed and combined with real time Global Positioning System (GPS) location information to alarm field maintenance and inspection crews prior to inadvertent entry into restricted areas, such as environmentally protected or otherwise restricted lands. Detailed information is maintained on the electric power transmission assets providing management insight into past performance, as well as predictive information as to future costs and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Public Service Company of New Mexico
    Inventors: Christopher W. Hickman, Theodor E. Kircher, III, Gathen L. Garcia