Patents by Inventor Francis E. Hinkle

Francis E. Hinkle 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: 7113883
    Abstract: Enterprise test configuration and data management systems and associated methods are disclosed for test, measurement and automation environments that allow management, configuration and analysis of test systems and associated data across enterprise-wide test operations. These systems and methods are directed to the production process from the test and test station point of view and provides a variety of mechanisms for test configuration and data management for test stations (or automated test equipment (ATEs)) including the capability of managing data about each test station, hardware resources, software resources, test configuration, test steps, acquired measurements, test execution, and/or other information related to the tests, the test stations or the units-under-test (UUT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: VI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. House, Cesar R. Gamez, Francis E. Hinkle, Jr., Chandrasekhar Venkatraman
  • Patent number: 6785805
    Abstract: Network-based methods and systems are disclosed for configuring and building systems and providing systems integration for the test, automation and measurement environment. The methods include internet or intranet-based applications that configure and quote a system or system integration project in response to selection of system features, system components and/or system configurations by a network user. The methods may be implemented as part of a build-to-order internet application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: VI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. House, Cesar R. Gamez, Francis E. Hinkle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4090193
    Abstract: An active leak detector which uses frequency multiplexing to indicate the cation of water leaks. The circuit is composed of any number of satellite leak detectors and a master indicator circuit which monitors all detectors simultaneously. Each detector unit is identified by a unique frequency warning signal which allows the indicator circuit to isolate and display the location of the leak. Only two wires are needed to connect all the detectors to the master indicator as well as supply the necessary power to the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Francis E. Hinkle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3979561
    Abstract: Apparatus for multiplexing a large number of digital signals onto a few aog channels using a level code encoded multiplexer. Each digital signal to be multiplexed is assigned a unique reference level to represent a logical "one", with all digital inputs assigned the same zero ground as a base line for a logical "zero".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Francis E. Hinkle, David F. Rohde