Patents by Inventor Eric Hopkins
Eric Hopkins 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).
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Patent number: 11625351Abstract: Apparatus and methods for flexible input/output signaling over a same signaling channel are described. A programmable interface circuit includes a signaling channel that can be adapted, prior to use or during operation, for transmission and/or reception of different types of analog and digital signals. The interface circuit can be used for communications between an isolating communication controller and components of a machine that use diverse signaling types.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Opteon CorporationInventors: T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer, Jeffrey Cho
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Publication number: 20220156212Abstract: Apparatus and methods for flexible input/output signaling over a same signaling channel are described. A programmable interface circuit includes a signaling channel that can be adapted, prior to use or during operation, for transmission and/or reception of different types of analog and digital signals. The interface circuit can be used for communications between an isolating communication controller and components of a machine that use diverse signaling types.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2021Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: Opteon CorporationInventors: T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer, Jeffrey Cho
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Publication number: 20210373520Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Patent number: 11182326Abstract: Apparatus and methods for flexible input/output signaling over a same signaling channel are described. A programmable interface circuit includes a signaling channel that can be adapted, prior to use or during operation, for transmission and/or reception of different types of analog and digital signals. The interface circuit can be used for communications between an isolating communication controller and components of a machine that use diverse signaling types.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: OPTEON CORPORATIONInventors: T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer, Jeffrey Cho
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Publication number: 20210232524Abstract: Apparatus and methods for flexible input/output signaling over a same signaling channel are described. A programmable interface circuit includes a signaling channel that can be adapted, prior to use or during operation, for transmission and/or reception of different types of analog and digital signals. The interface circuit can be used for communications between an isolating communication controller and components of a machine that use diverse signaling types.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Opteon CorporationInventors: T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer, Jeffrey Cho
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Patent number: 10983493Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Opteon CorporationInventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Publication number: 20200299845Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a coated combustion component. The process includes spraying one or more liquid or powdered precursors into a high temperature thermal jet directed to a surface of a combustion component and forming a surface coating derived from the precursors to provide the coated combustion component. The surface coating may comprise a phosphate glass or a silicate glass. The surface coating may have a coefficient of thermal expansion from 3 to 26 ppm/K. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the combustion component may be greater than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the surface coating. The spraying may comprise solution spraying, powder thermal spraying, suspension thermal spraying, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventor: Eric Hopkins Jordan
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Publication number: 20200150612Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Publication number: 20190041819Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Patent number: 10101720Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Opteon CorporationInventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Publication number: 20170023918Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Patent number: 9494926Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Opteon CorporationInventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Patent number: 9491346Abstract: An image acquisition system for machine vision systems decouples image acquisition from the transmission of the image to a host processor by using a programmable imager controller to selectively disable and enable the transmission of data to the host and by using a system of buffers to temporarily store image data pending allocation of memory. This enables the image acquisition system to acquire images asynchronously and to change the exposure parameters on a frame-by-frame basis without the latency associated with the allocation of memory for storage of the acquired image. The system architecture of the invention further permits interruption and resumption of image acquisition with minimal likelihood of missing data. Data throughput is further enhanced by transmitting to the host only that data corresponding to the region of interest within the image and discarding the data from outside of the region of interest at the camera stage.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Metrovideo, Inc.Inventor: T. Eric Hopkins
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Patent number: 9459607Abstract: A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Opteon CorporationInventors: Mark J. Frazer, T. Eric Hopkins, Timothy N. Schaeffer
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Patent number: 8679246Abstract: Amorphous mixed metal oxides are used as a feedstock for thermal spray coating. Compared to thermal spray coating methods utilizing crystalline metal oxide feedstocks, the present method reduces energy consumption and expands the range of feedstock chemical compositions. The present method also produces coatings with improved chemical homogeneity. Methods of preparing the amorphous mixed metal oxides are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: The University of ConnecticutInventors: Eric Hopkins Jordan, Maurice Gell, Dianying Chen
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Patent number: 8439042Abstract: A neck brace has two legs with a gap between them and the legs extend on either side of the wearer's neck and along the front of his torso. Shoulder protuberances, and chest protuberances extending laterally from each leg, are received underneath the shoulder straps of a harness, in the region of the wearer's shoulders and chest, respectively. A recess is defined on an underside of each leg between the shoulder protuberance and the chest protuberance to form a beam that is elevated above the wearer's chest. Each leg and its associated chest protuberance, define a channel in which one of the shoulder straps of the harness is receivable to be held captive.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventors: Christopher James Leatt, Mark Eric Hopkins
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Publication number: 20120017805Abstract: Amorphous mixed metal oxides are used as a feedstock for thermal spray coating. Compared to thermal spray coating methods utilizing crystalline metal oxide feedstocks, the present method reduces energy consumption and expands the range of feedstock chemical compositions. The present method also produces coatings with improved chemical homogeneity. Methods of preparing the amorphous mixed metal oxides are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Eric Hopkins Jordan, Maurice Gell, Dianying Chen
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Publication number: 20110177615Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved expression of recombinant proteins, in particular fusion proteins, and methods for their expression. The present invention is also concerned with proteins for use in detection assays, and especially for directed surface immobilisation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: Neal Anthony Eric Hopkins
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Publication number: 20110004980Abstract: A helmet (10) is provided, that has a first resilient shell (12), a support structure (16,18) inside the first shell to support the first shell on the wearer's head (14), a chin strap (20), to hold the helmet in position, a deformable layer (24) on the outside of the first shell and a tough outer shell (26) on the outside of the deformable layer. The deformable layer is of a material that absorbs energy when it is deformed and returns slowly to its original shape afterwards. The helmet includes a chin bar (34) with two opposing ends (36) that are displaceable relative to the outer shell, immediately inwardly of the outer shell. The outer profile of the helmet has a plurality of generally planar surfaces (28) and the helmet has a rear strap (38) that is attachable to the chin strap and that is configured to extend around the back of the wearer's head.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: LEATT BRACE HOLDINGS (PTY) LIMITEDInventors: Christopher James Leatt, Grant Leigh Nelson, Mark Eric Hopkins
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Patent number: D631167Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Xceed Holdings (PTY) LimitedInventors: Christopher James Leatt, Grant Leigh Nelson, Mark Eric Hopkins