Patents by Inventor Douglas E. Allen

Douglas E. Allen 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: 8154841
    Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods which prolong relay life by dynamically compensating the make and break contact timing between the contact points of the relay and a zero crossing point of the power supply's waveform are provided according to the present disclosure. The life cycle of the relay components are dramatically increased through the use of these assemblies, systems, and methods due to a decrease in arcing and other physically damaging phenomena between the contacts of the relay. The present disclosure also provides for assemblies, systems, and methods whereby a processor analyzes the inductive kickback effect in the relay load voltage signal and dynamically adjust the relay open time such that the inductive kickback effect is minimized. In exemplary embodiments, the systems/methods provided herein advantageously adjust the relay open time such that the relay switching time corresponds with current zero cross and do so without requiring complicated current monitoring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Legrand Home Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Allen, David Smith
  • Patent number: 7922792
    Abstract: A neutralization/sequestration process is provided for concomitantly addressing capture and sequestration of both CO2 and SO2 from industrial gas byproduct streams. The invented process concomitantly treats and minimizes bauxite residues from aluminum production processes and brine wastewater from oil/gas production processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Yee Soong, Douglas E. Allen, Chen Zhu
  • Patent number: 7755506
    Abstract: An integrated controller for complete automation with the ability to control electrical devices through both RF transmission and IR transmissions. In one illustrative embodiment, the integrated controller comprises an antenna for two-way communication with stations located throughout a structure. Each station may control the power supply to an attached electrical device. The buttons on the station may control any electrical device on the system through RF transmission with the integrated controller. The integrated controller also may comprise an IR receiver and at least one IR output. The IR receiver may receive signals from a remote and pass them through to a device, such as a device used in a home theater system, with a built in IR receiver via the IR output. In this manner, the integrated controller is capable of providing complete in home automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Legrand Home Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Jared Meiners, Scott C. Losee, Douglas E. Allen, Michelle Chatterton, Jared T. Lemke, James Beagley
  • Publication number: 20090027824
    Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods which prolong relay life by dynamically compensating the make and break contact timing between the contact points of the relay and a zero crossing point of the power supply's waveform are provided according to the present disclosure. The life cycle of the relay components are dramatically increased through the use of these assemblies, systems, and methods due to a decrease in arcing and other physically damaging phenomena between the contacts of the relay. The present disclosure also provides for assemblies, systems, and methods whereby a processor analyzes the inductive kickback effect in the relay load voltage signal and dynamically adjust the relay open time such that the inductive kickback effect is minimized. In exemplary embodiments, the systems/methods provided herein advantageously adjust the relay open time such that the relay switching time corresponds with current zero cross and do so without requiring complicated current monitoring components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: VANTAGE CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Allen, David Smith
  • Patent number: 7432463
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 7432460
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 7414210
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 7361853
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • Publication number: 20040163936
    Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 4237983
    Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed which incorporates two power take-off assemblies between an input and output drive for an earthworking machine. The power take-off assemblies each have a clutch operable independently of the other clutch for drivingly connecting the input and output drives for rotating tines of the machine in opposite directions. A drive select mechanism is selectively movable between two different operating positions wherein the clutches of the power assemblies are respectively and alternatively actuated to establish the desired drive connection between the input and output drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Inventor: Douglas E. Allen