Patents by Inventor Craig E. Hughes

Craig E. Hughes 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: 6600274
    Abstract: An improved LED current regulation circuit for providing continuous electrical current to one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in an aircraft illumination system, in particular, an aircraft emergency evacuation system, through a varying voltage source. The circuit comprises a DC voltage source and a current regulation circuit electrically coupled to the one or more light sources, preferably, LEDS. The current regulation circuit comprises a transistor, a collector of which is electrically coupled to the one or more light sources, a zener diode electrically coupled to a base of the transistor, an emitter resistor having a first terminal electrically coupled to an emitter of the transistor and a second terminal electrically coupled to ground, the emitter resistor in parallel connection with the zener diode, wherein the current through each LED is maintained at a constant predetermined level based upon the summation of voltage drops across the zener diode, the transistor and the emitter resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: DME Corporation
    Inventor: Craig E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6499350
    Abstract: A Foreign Object Damage (FOD) detection system is disclosed for detecting and analyzing ultrasound or stress waves emitted when an object enters the intake of a turbine engine and impacts one or more of the blades in the engine. Upon detection the FOD detection system can immediately inform the operator, inform another electronic device (computer, etc.) and/or latch the event for review by maintenance personnel. The detection system generally consists of one or more stress wave sensors and an electronic assembly to process the stress wave signal received from the sensor(s). The electronic assembly is in communication with the sensor(s) via conventional cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Swantech, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David B. Board, Craig E. Hughes