Patents by Inventor Gary L. Hess
Gary L. Hess 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: 10352955Abstract: A speed detection device includes a comparator module, a sensor lead with a node connected to the comparator module, and a limit set module. The limit set module is connected to the sensor lead node and to the comparator by an upper limit lead and a lower limit lead to provide upper and lower limits to the comparator that vary according to amplitude variation in voltage applied to the sensor lead.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Gary L. Hess, Kirk A. Lillestolen
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Patent number: 10284073Abstract: A disclosed system includes a switching power supply including a switching circuit and one or more monitoring circuits configured to monitor one or more power characteristics of the switching power supply, and a processing circuit configured to control the one or more monitoring circuits to perform a built-in test (BIT) of the one or more monitoring circuits.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Gary L. Hess, Kirk A. Lillestolen
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Patent number: 10222239Abstract: A system for detecting a position of a dual solenoid device includes device configured to move between first and second positions, and a controller. The controller has first and second monitoring circuits in operable communication with first and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels are in operable communication with first and second solenoids, respectively. Each solenoid is configured to selectively operate as an active solenoid to move the device when the solenoid and its respective channel are in an active mode, and as a passive solenoid when the solenoid and its respective channel are in a passive mode to passively move with the active solenoid. Each of the monitoring circuits is configured to determine a position of the device when the channel the monitoring circuit is associated with is operating in the passive mode by monitoring an electrical parameter of the passive solenoid associated with that channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Kirk A. Lillestolen, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20190061974Abstract: An aircraft electrical system includes a controller system having a self-testing system configured to test an operability of a transient voltage suppression device. A single line communication bus is connected to a communications output of the controller. A first lightning protection device including the transient voltage suppression device is configured to protect the controller from transient voltages. An enable/disable circuit comprising a normally closed switch connects a low side of the lightning protection device to a neutral.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Christopher Charles Eberts, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20180364070Abstract: A system for detecting a position of a dual solenoid device includes device configured to move between first and second positions, and a controller. The controller has first and second monitoring circuits in operable communication with first and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels are in operable communication with first and second solenoids, respectively. Each solenoid is configured to selectively operate as an active solenoid to move the device when the solenoid and its respective channel are in an active mode, and as a passive solenoid when the solenoid and its respective channel are in a passive mode to passively move with the active solenoid. Each of the monitoring circuits is configured to determine a position of the device when the channel the monitoring circuit is associated with is operating in the passive mode by monitoring an electrical parameter of the passive solenoid associated with that channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Kirk A. Lillestolen, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20180299297Abstract: A system for detecting a position of a dual solenoid device includes device configured to move between first and second positions, and a controller. The controller has first and second monitoring circuits in operable communication with first and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels are in operable communication with first and second solenoids, respectively. Each solenoid is configured to selectively operate as an active solenoid to move the device when the solenoid and its respective channel are in an active mode, and as a passive solenoid when the solenoid and its respective channel are in a passive mode to passively move with the active solenoid. Each of the monitoring circuits is configured to determine a position of the device when the channel the monitoring circuit is associated with is operating in the passive mode by monitoring an electrical parameter of the passive solenoid associated with that channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Kirk A. Lillestolen, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20180292444Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a system and method for detecting an open circuit in a sensor measurement system. The system including a sensor having a direct current (DC) output, operably connected to a wiring harness and configured to transmit a sensor signal, and a controller, the controller operably connected to the wiring harness. The controller is configured execute a method including receiving a sensor signal from the sensor, AC coupling an AC signal with the sensor signal to form a coupled signal, measuring the coupled signal, determining if an open circuit is present based on the coupled signal and characterizing the sensor as failed if the open circuit is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Gary L. Hess, Eric Petersen
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Patent number: 10054635Abstract: A built-in test circuit for testing a system timing margin of a processing device under-test is provided. The processing device includes a controller and first clock circuit, wherein the first clock circuit generates a first clock signal and the first clock signal is a main clock signal provided for operation of the processing device. The built-in test circuit includes a second clock circuit and a logic circuit, both of which are integrated with the processing device. The second clock circuit generates a second clock signal. The logic circuit processes the first and second clock signals and outputs a third clock signal. The third clock signal is used to determine system timing margin of the processing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sunstrand CorporationInventors: Kirk A. Lillestolen, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20170322588Abstract: A built-in test circuit for testing a system timing margin of a processing device under-test is provided. The processing device includes a controller and first clock circuit, wherein the first clock circuit generates a first clock signal and the first clock signal is a main clock signal provided for operation of the processing device. The built-in test circuit includes a second clock circuit and a logic circuit, both of which are integrated with the processing device. The second clock circuit generates a second clock signal. The logic circuit processes the first and second clock signals and outputs a third clock signal. The third clock signal is used to determine system timing margin of the processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Kirk A. Lillestolen, Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20170307645Abstract: A speed detection device includes a comparator module, a sensor lead with a node connected to the comparator module, and a limit set module. The limit set module is connected to the sensor lead node and to the comparator by an upper limit lead and a lower limit lead to provide upper and lower limits to the comparator that vary according to amplitude variation in voltage applied to the sensor lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Gary L. Hess, Kirk A. Lillestolen
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Publication number: 20170299409Abstract: A resolver system includes a rotatable primary winding, a secondary winding fixed relative to the primary winding, and an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the secondary winding. A control module is operatively connected to analog-to-digital converter and is responsive to instructions to apply an excitation voltage with an oscillating waveform to the primary winding, induce a secondary voltage using the secondary winding using the excitation voltage, and acquire a plurality of voltage measurements from the secondary winding separated by a time interval corresponding to ?/3 of the excitation voltage oscillating waveform.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2016Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Gary L. Hess, Kanwalpreet Reen
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Patent number: 9746867Abstract: A process for automated contact wetting in a sensor circuit includes generating a first current through a contact by sequencing a first circuit on, the first current exceeding a wetting threshold of the contact, and reducing current through the contact to a second current by sequencing a second circuit on, the second current being below the wetting threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Gary L. Hess, Kirk A. Lillestolen
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Patent number: 9726705Abstract: An interface circuit for a bridge sensor has a switch that connects to a resistive bridge circuit. The resistive bridge circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and a pair of resistive branches that connect between the first and second input terminals. Both of the resistive branches include an output terminal. The switch is connected to the first input terminal and is in series with both resistive branches for connecting and disconnecting a voltage source from the resistive branch output terminals.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignees: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Poisson, Scott R. Durkee, Gary L. Hess, Michael Abbott
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Patent number: 9671453Abstract: A built-in test system includes a control circuit, a transient voltage suppressor circuit, and a test switch. The control circuit is configured to receive a signal, and the transient voltage suppressor circuit includes first and second transient voltage suppressors connected in series between the signal and ground. The test switch is connected to selectively conduct current between the signal and a node between the first and second transient voltage suppressors. The control circuit is configured to control the test switch to test the first and second transient voltage suppressors.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: James Quigley, Gary L. Hess
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Patent number: 9581674Abstract: A dynamic calibrating current sensor control system includes an input power supply that generates an input current and a current sensor interposed between the input power supply and the load. The current sensor is configured to output at least one current signal indicating a level of current delivered to the load. The dynamic calibrating current sensor control system also comprises an electronic switching control circuit that generates at least one control signal to selectively connect the input power supply to the load, and an electronic drift suppression circuit in signal communication with the current sensor and the switching control circuit. The drift suppression circuit is configured to generate a corrected current signal in response to applying an offset value to the current signal. The offset value cancels the drift current from the current signal in response to connecting the input power supply to the load.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Gary L. Hess, Scott M. Covington, Loyal A. Wiens, Eric Petersen
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Publication number: 20170030992Abstract: A dynamic calibrating current sensor control system includes an input power supply that generates an input current and a current sensor interposed between the input power supply and the load. The current sensor is configured to output at least one current signal indicating a level of current delivered to the load. The dynamic calibrating current sensor control system also comprises an electronic switching control circuit that generates at least one control signal to selectively connect the input power supply to the load, and an electronic drift suppression circuit in signal communication with the current sensor and the switching control circuit. The drift suppression circuit is configured to generate a corrected current signal in response to applying an offset value to the current signal. The offset value cancels the drift current from the current signal in response to connecting the input power supply to the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Gary L. Hess, Scott M. Covington, Loyal A. Wiens, Eric Petersen
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Patent number: 9528815Abstract: A position sensor arrangement has a transformer based position sensor and a cable peaking correction apparatus. The cable peaking correction apparatus is controllably coupled to a transformer based position sensor excitation input or the outputs from the transformer based position sensor. A signal processing system is connected to multiple outputs from the transformer based position sensor arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Gary L. Hess
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Publication number: 20160306375Abstract: A process for automated contact wetting in a sensor circuit includes generating a first current through a contact by sequencing a first circuit on, the first current exceeding a wetting threshold of the contact, and reducing current through the contact to a second current by sequencing a second circuit on, the second current being below the wetting threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Gary L. Hess, Kirk A. Lillestolen
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Patent number: 9383405Abstract: A lightning protection circuit includes a first lightning protection branch including at least one transient voltage suppression (TVS) protection element, and a testing element integral to the lightning protection circuit. The testing element is operable to test a functionality of the lightning protection circuit while he lightning protection circuit is installed in an electronic control system. A controller is connected to the testing element, such that the controller receives sensed signals from the testing element.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Gary L. Hess, James Quigley, Jr.
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Patent number: 9322732Abstract: An electronic circuit for processing signals from a strain gauge pressure sensor includes an anti-alias filter, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, and a detection circuit for detecting when the sensor is unexpectedly disconnected from the signal processing circuit. The detection circuit provides a yes/no indication of the connection of the pressure sensor to the circuit based upon whether a common mode voltage associated with one of the signal terminals of the pressure sensor is out of range.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Edward John Marrota, Gary L. Hess, James Saloio, Joseph T. Gostkowski