Patents by Inventor James R. Heckman

James R. Heckman 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).

  • Method for determining presence of water
    Patent number: 5832773
    Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between itself and the fluid into which it is immersed, a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential. This signal is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Fluid identification sensor
    Patent number: 5642053
    Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between itself and the fluid into which it is immersed, a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential. This signal is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Method for determining presence of water
    Patent number: 5627309
    Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between itself and the fluid into which it is immersed, a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential. This signal is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Fluid sensor
    Patent number: 5591901
    Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between itself and the fluid into which it is immersed, a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential. This signal is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ryland Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Method of evacuating a single fluid in an enclosure containing a mixture of fluid
    Patent number: 5564904
    Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between a probe and the fluid into which it is immersed, and a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Ryland Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Heckman
  • Automatic bilge pumping and alarm unit
    Patent number: 5078577
    Abstract: A system for the automatic operation of a marine bilge pump is provided. The system comprises, in series, a fluid level detector, a fluid level discrimination circuit, and pump control circuitry. The fluid level detector uses an AC signal to determine when an unacceptable level of bilge water is present. The discrimination circuit determines when the fluid level detector is sensing a true level reading, as opposed to mere bilge water sloshing. If the water level is indeed too high, a bilge pump is activated. The system may be adapted for multiple pump operation. Furthermore, an emergency backup circuit, as well as alarms and a test circuit, may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: James R. Heckman