Patents by Inventor John W. Poss

John W. Poss 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 and apparatus for warning of disconnection of an appliance from a power source
    Patent number: 4736195
    Abstract: In the method of the invention, a signal is injected into the power cord of an appliance and a reference voltage is set in response corresponding to a reference impedance at the point of signal injection. The reference impedance is present with the appliance connected to the power source. The reference voltage is continuously compared against a present voltage corresponding to present impedance at the point of signal injection. An alarm sounds if the present voltage changes to exceed the reference voltage, indicating a higher impedance because the appliance has been disconnected. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an impedance bridge having an adjustable reference arm for producing a reference voltage corresponding to the impedance of the cord and appliance and a sensing arm for producing the present voltage. In a second embodiment, the apparatus injects an adjustable current into the power cord and appliance for a predetermined time to provide a present voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Associates West, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. McMurtry, John W. Poss, Lowell A. Rathbun