Patents by Inventor Colin John Byrne

Colin John Byrne 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).

  • Sensing device for determining a rain rate
    Patent number: 6936985
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor mounted to a surface for producing an analog signal proportional to raindrops striking the surface, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor for calculating the rain rate based on an exponential probability density function of a first order point process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: AGC America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent W. Pankey, Colin John Byrne, Mark S. Ackerman, Mitchell M. Rohde, William J. Williams
  • Method for determining a rate of rain
    Patent number: 6892580
    Abstract: A method for determining a rate of rain falling on a surface. As rain falls and strikes the surface, vibrations are generated on the surface. The vibrations are sensed and a vibration signal is generated, the vibration signal being proportional to the vibrations of the surface. The vibration signal includes peaks. The peaks of the vibration signal are determined. The time intervals between the peaks are then determined. Using the time intervals, a number n1 of timer intervals that occur between a first time and a second time are counted. A number n2 of time intervals that occur between the second time and a third time are also counted. The rain rate ? is then determined using an equation that is derived from a point process equation and utilizes n1 and n2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: AGC America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent W. Pankey, Colin John Byrne, Mark S. Ackerman, Mitchell M. Rohde, William J. Williams