Patents by Inventor Gregory C. Brown
Gregory C. Brown 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: 7523667Abstract: Diagnosing operation of an impulse piping line in an industrial process is provided. A vibration source transmits a vibration signal through the piping and a vibration signal receiver receives the vibration signal. The operation of the impulse piping line is diagnosed, such as failure or impending failures, based upon the received vibration signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Mark S. Schumacher
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Patent number: 7514285Abstract: A method of electrically isolating a MEMS device is provided. In one example, a piezo-resistive pressure sensor having an exposed silicon region undergoes a Local Oxidation of Silicon (LOCOS) process. An electrically insulating structure is created in the LOCOS process. The insulating structure has a rounded, or curved, interface with the piezo-resistive pressure sensor. The curved interface mitigates stresses associated with exposure to high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, the electrically insulating line may be patterned so that it has curved angles, further mitigating stress.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Curtis H. Rahn
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Publication number: 20080143552Abstract: A sensor array includes an array of nodes coupled to an optical transmission line. The nodes include a transducer, and encoder, and a transmitter. The transducer senses an environmental condition such as temperature and pressure. The encoder encodes readings from the transducer by means of a characteristic frequency to indicate which node generated the reading. The transmitter transmits the encoded reading to a decoder located near the opening of the oil well, or other blind hole. Power is transmitted to the nodes through the transmission line. A photo-electric converter at the node converts the optical power to electrical energy that is stored to power the node.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Edgar R. Mallison, Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 7290450Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in a industrial process includes monitoring electronics or diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose or identify a condition or other occurrence in the industrial process. The system can be implemented in a process device such as a flowmeter, and in one example an acoustic flowmeter. A transducer can also be used and a frequency response, such as resonant frequency, can be observed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Marcos Peluso, Robert J. Karschnia
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Patent number: 6975043Abstract: An industrial process field device with improved power generation is provided. The process device can be a process variable transmitter, process actuator, or any other suitable field device. The field device includes a wireless transceiver that transceives information related to the process via a wireless medium. A power supply within the field device is couplable to a source of pressurized gas and generates motion within the power supply that is translated into electrical energy. This electrical energy is then used to operate the field device.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Rosemount, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Schumacher, Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 6722261Abstract: A piston position in a cylinder of a hydraulic assembly is measured using microwave pulses. The microwave pulses are launched along a conductor coupled to the piston or cylinder. A sliding member is slidably coupled to the conductor and moves with the piston or cylinder. Position is determined as a function of a reflection from the end of the conductor and the sliding member. Various aspects include signal processing, fudicial pulse identification control and input/output circuitry, and a three conductor configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, James A. Johnson, Eric R. Lovegren
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Patent number: 6722260Abstract: A piston position in a cylinder of a hydraulic assembly is measured using microwave pulses. The microwave pulses are launched along a conductor coupled to the piston or cylinder. A sliding member is slidably coupled to the conductor and moves with the piston or cylinder. Position is determined as a function of a reflection from the end of the conductor and the sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 6588313Abstract: A piston position in a cylinder of a hydraulic assembly is measured using microwave pulses. The microwave pulses are launched along a conductor coupled to the piston or cylinder. A sliding member is slidably coupled to the conductor and moves with the piston or cylinder. Position is determined as a function of a reflection from the end of the conductor and the sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Rosemont Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Brian E. Richter
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Publication number: 20020170424Abstract: A piston position in a cylinder of a hydraulic assembly is measured using microwave pulses. The microwave pulses are launched along a conductor coupled to the piston or cylinder. A sliding member is slidably coupled to the conductor and moves with the piston or cylinder. Position is determined as a function of a reflection from the end of the conductor and the sliding member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, Brian E. Richter
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Patent number: 6307483Abstract: Conversion circuitry for use in a process control system is adapted for coupling to a primary process control loop. Digital receiver circuitry in the conversion circuitry receives a digital signal transmitted over the primary process control loop from a field transmitter and responsively provides a digital output. A microprocessor receives the digital output and responsively provides a secondary loop control output. Secondary loop control circuitry for coupling to a secondary process control loop receives the secondary loop control output from the microprocessor and responsively controls current flowing through the secondary process control loop. The current flowing through the secondary process control loop is related to the digital signal transmitted by the field transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Westfield, Stephen D. Anderson, Bennett L. Louwagie, Todd A. Piechowski, Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 6003219Abstract: A pressure transmitter having a pressure sensor includes a first half cell and a second half cell. The first half cell includes a first recess formed therein filled with brittle material and having a first sensor surface formed thereon. The second half cell is coupled to the first half cell and includes a second recess formed therein which opposes the first recess and is filled with brittle material having a second sensor surface formed thereon. A diaphragm is positioned between the first and second sensor surfaces. The diaphragm deflects in response to applied pressure. The first and second sensor surfaces comprise heated surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Frick, Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 5963147Abstract: Conversion circuitry for use in a process control system is adapted for coupling to a primary process control loop. Digital receiver circuitry in the conversion circuitry receives a digital signal transmitted over the primary process control loop from a field transmitter and responsively provides a digital output. A microprocessor receives the digital output and responsively provides a secondary loop control output. Secondary loop control circuitry for coupling to a secondary process control loop receives the secondary loop control output from the microprocessor and responsively controls current flowing through the secondary process control loop. The current flowing through the secondary process control loop is related to the digital signal transmitted by the field transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Rosemont Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Westfield, Stephen D. Anderson, Bennett L. Louwagie, Todd A. Piechowski, Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 5870695Abstract: A master transmitter couples to first and second slave units through a bus. The slave units provide outputs to the bus related to first and second pressures of a process. The bus provides power to the units and carries signals. The master transmitter is adapted to couple to a two-wire process control loop which wholly powers the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, David A. Broden
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Patent number: 5573032Abstract: In this invention, a valve positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the position of the valve and the control pressure, and a control circuit in the positioner uses both the sensed pressure and position to provide a command output to a pneumatic section which produces the control pressure. In another embodiment of the invention, a positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the valve position and pneumatics in the positioner provide the control pressure as a function of the sensed position and an output from a control circuit within the positioner. The positioner includes a diagnostic circuit which stores a valve attribute and provides a diagnostic output as a function of the stored valve characteristic and a selected one of the sensed variables.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Lenz, Gregory C. Brown, Jogesh Warrior
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Patent number: 5558115Abstract: In this invention, a valve positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the position of the valve and the control pressure, and a control circuit in the positioner uses both the sensed pressure and position to provide a command output to a pneumatic section which produces the control pressure. In another embodiment of the invention, a positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the valve position and pneumatics in the positioner provide the control pressure as a function of the sensed position and an output from a control circuit within the positioner. The positioner includes a diagnostic circuit which stores a valve attribute and provides a diagnostic output as a function of the stored valve characteristic and a selected one of the sensed variables.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Lenz, Gregory C. Brown, Jogesh Warrior
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Patent number: 5549137Abstract: In this invention, a valve positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the position of the valve and the control pressure, and a control circuit in the positioner uses both the sensed pressure and position to provide a command output to a pneumatic section which produces the control pressure. In another embodiment of the invention, a positioner receives a setpoint from a master and provides a control pressure to a valve actuator for controlling a valve. A sensing circuit in the positioner senses the valve position and pneumatics in the positioner provide the control pressure as a function of the sensed position and an output from a control circuit within the positioner. The positioner includes a diagnostic circuit which stores a valve attribute and provides a diagnostic output as a function of the stored valve characteristic and a selected one of the sensed variables.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gary A. Lenz, Gregory C. Brown, Jogesh Warrior
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Patent number: 5431182Abstract: A valve positioner controls operation of a valve in a process control system. The valve positioner is coupled to a process control loop over which it receives a signal representative of a desired valve position and operating power for the positioner. The valve positioner controls a pneumatic actuator which in turn controls position of the valve. The valve positioner includes a microprocessor, associated digital circuitry and analog circuitry. Low power analog circuitry performs PID control functions. The microprocessor periodically updates at least one digital control signal used to selectively program a resistance in the analog circuitry. The combination of digital and analog circuitry allows reduced power consumption because the analog PID function consumes less power and is performed more quickly than the microprocess could perform the same function.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Rosemount, Inc.Inventor: Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: 5356002Abstract: A sport utility bag is disclosed which includes a plurality of individually accessible compartments on said utility bag with at least one of said compartments having access means on said bottom panel of said bag to allow easy cleaning, said bag also comprising an elongate compartment extending along a length of said utility bag designed to securely carry a rod-shaped object such as a bat. The novel bag prevents items from cluttering and interfering with each other, and ensures that dirt from certain items does not contaminate other items.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Pamela BrownInventor: Gregory C. Brown
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Patent number: D528020Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, George C. Hausler
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Patent number: D316975Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1987Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, John H. Nash