Patents by Inventor David O. Potter

David O. Potter 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: 4936277
    Abstract: Engine crankshaft speed signal, comprising pulses produced by a toothed wheel and sensor, has portions monitored to develop separate instantaneous cylinder associated power output vector signals for each engine cylinder. Engine knock is detected by comparing actual variations in each cylinder power signal with expected variations. Each vector cylinder power signal is multiplied by different first and second weighting vector signals to provide first and second scalar signals indicative of cylinder performance with respect to first and second different cylinder performance criteria, respectively. These scaler signals are compared to each other and a balancing of cylinder power is achieved by adjusting the amount of fuel delivered to each individual cylinder. Preferably, fuel adjustment is implemented such that the average fuel delivered to the cylinders prior to adjustment, determined in accordance with exhaust pollution level, will equal the average fuel delivered after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Deutsch, David O. Potter
  • Patent number: 4656634
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fault detect and signal routing device that may be used to monitor and control redundant signals. The invention includes an input/output unit (11) for receiving the redundant signals and an output for outputting one of the signals. The input/output unit (11) also provides logic signals that relate to the received signals. A fault inhibit unit (12) receives the logic signals and provides outputs that relate thereto to a time delay unit (13), a fault detect unit (14), and a signal route control unit (16). The fault detect unit (14) serves to compare signals from the time delay unit (13) and the fault inhibit unit (12) to determine if certain kinds of signal faults have occurred. If one has, the fault detect unit (14) provides fault signal. The signal route control unit (16) receives the input signals and the signals from the fault inhibit unit (12) and provides a control signal to the input/output unit (11) to control which input signal is provided to the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Lombardi, David O. Potter
  • Patent number: 4642479
    Abstract: A power distribution device having a first input that can be operably connected to a power source, a second input that can be operably connected to an operator controlled switch, and an output for connection to peripheral devices to be powered. The device further includes a first comparator unit for sensing when the operator controlled switch has been closed and for providing an output signal in response thereto, and a second comparator unit that can respond to the output signal created by the first comparator unit to provide a control signal. A power switch unit responds to the control signal and can connect and disconnect the output of the device to the power source input. A delay unit serves to delay the response of the second comparator unit to a change in the output signal state of the first comparator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Lombardi, David O. Potter