Patents by Inventor Donald A. Casada

Donald A. Casada 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: 5578937
    Abstract: A new instrument for monitoring the condition and speed of an operating electric motor from a remote location. The slip-poles component is derived from a motor current signal. The magnitude of the slip-poles component provides the basis for a motor condition monitor, while the frequency of the slip-poles component provides the basis for a motor speed monitor. The result is a simple-to-understand motor health monitor in an easy-to-use package. Straightforward indications of motor speed, motor running current, motor condition (e.g., rotor bar condition) and synthesized motor sound (audible indication of motor condition) are provided. With the device, a relatively untrained worker can diagnose electric motors in the field without requiring the presence of a trained engineer or technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Haynes, Curtis W. Ayers, Donald A. Casada
  • Patent number: 5519337
    Abstract: A motor current analysis method and apparatus for monitoring electrical-motor-driven devices. The method and apparatus utilize high frequency portions of the motor current spectra to evaluate the condition of the electric motor and the device driven by the electric motor. The motor current signal produced as a result of an electric motor is monitored and the low frequency components of the signal are removed by a high-pass filter. The signal is then analyzed to determine the condition of the electrical motor and the driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Casada
  • Patent number: 5487302
    Abstract: Valve clearances and seating force, as well as other valve operational parameters, are determined by measuring valve stem rotation during opening and closing operations of a translatable gate valve. The magnitude of the stem rotation, and the relative difference between the stem rotation on opening and closing provides valuable data on the valve internals in a non-intrusive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Casada, Howard D. Haynes, John C. Moyers, Brian K. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5483841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a motor operated valve during the brief period when the valve seats and the torque switch trips to deenergize the valve motor. The method uses voltage measurements on the load side of a deenergizing switch that opens to deenergize the motor to determine, among other things, final motor rotational speed and the decelerating torque at motor deenergization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Casada
  • Patent number: 5236011
    Abstract: One or more sources of steady magnetic field are carefully located on the outside of a valve body. The constant magnetic field is transmitted into the valve body and valve internals. A magnetic field detector carefully located on the outside of the valve body detects the intensity of the magnetic field at its location. As the position of a valve internal part is changed, there is an alteration in the magnetic field in the valve, and a consequent change in the detected magnetic field. Changes in the detected signal provide an indication of the position and motion of the valve internals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Casada, Howard D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 5193568
    Abstract: One or more electrical coils are carefully located on the outside of a valve body. An alternating current passing through the coil(s) results in an alternating electromagnetic field being transmitted into the valve body and valve internals. The electromagnetic field varies in intensity and polarity in the valve. As the position of a valve internal part is changed, the electromagnetic field throughout the valve body and its internals is altered. A passive receiver coil carefully located on the outside of the valve body detects the intensity of the electromagnetic field at that location as an induced electrical voltage in the coil. With the change in position of the valve internal part, there is a corresponding change in the induced voltage as a result of the alteration in the alternating electromagnetic field at that location. Changes in the voltage provide an indication of the position and motion of valve internals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Eissenberg, Howard D. Haynes, Donald A. Casada