Patents by Inventor Douglas Ray

Douglas Ray 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).

  • Switch and relay using shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 6133816
    Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory Barnes, Jon Skekloff, David D. Martin, Douglas Ray
  • Adaptive appliance control module including switching relay
    Patent number: 6078243
    Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Gregory Barnes, Jon Skekloff, David D. Martin, Douglas Ray
  • Adaptive control module using shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 6049267
    Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Gregory Barnes, Jon Skekloff, David D. Martin, Douglas Ray
  • Control module using shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 6016096
    Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Gregory Barnes, Jon Skekloff, David D. Martin, Douglas Ray