Patents by Inventor Keith Melton
Keith Melton 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: 7706991Abstract: An alternator tester is provided for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle. A sensor is configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator. A memory contains data related to operator instructions for performing an alternator tester of a function of vehicle type. A processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal. An extra load or connection can be provided for coupling to the electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Alan Keith Melton
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Patent number: 7246015Abstract: An alternator tester is provided for testing an alternator of a vehicle while the alternator is coupled to the vehicle. A sensor is configured to couple to the vehicle and sense a signal related to operation of the alternator. A memory contains data related to operator instructions for performing an alternator tester of a function of vehicle type. A processor configured to provide an output indication of alternator condition based upon the sensed signal. An extra load or connection can be provided for coupling to the electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Alan Keith Melton
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Patent number: 4770725Abstract: Disclosed are a group of nickel/titanium/niobium alloys wherein the niobium varies from about 2.5 to 30 atomic percent. Also disclosed is an aritcle made from these nickel/titanium/niobium alloys.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1987Date of Patent: September 13, 1988Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: John A. Simpson, Keith Melton, Tom Duerig
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Patent number: 4740253Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preassembling a composite coupling. The coupling has at least one heat-recoverable driver member and at least one metallic insert. The driver member is made from a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy having a transformation hysteresis defined by M.sub.s, M.sub.f, A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures. The method includes the steps of overdeforming the driver member by applying a stress sufficient to cause nonrecoverable strain in the driver member so that the A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures are temporarily raised to A.sub.s' and A.sub.f', respectively; removing the stress; engaging the driver member and insert; and then warming the driver and insert to a temperature less than A.sub.s'. There is also disclosed a composite coupling processed by this method.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1985Date of Patent: April 26, 1988Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: John A. Simpson, Keith Melton, Tom Duerig
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Patent number: 4631094Abstract: There is disclosed a method of processing a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy. The method comprises overdeforming the alloy so as to cause at least some amount of nonrecoverable strain, temporarily expanding the transformation hysteresis by raising the austenite transformation temperature, removing the applied stress and then storing the alloy at a temperature less than the new austenite transition temperature. There is also disclosed an article produced from this method.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1984Date of Patent: December 23, 1986Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: John A. Simpson, Keith Melton, Tom Duerig
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Patent number: 4502896Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing beta-phase nickel/titanium-base alloys. According to the method, the alloys are warm worked and then warm annealed. The working and annealing temperatures are in the range of about 350.degree. to 600.degree. C. Also disclosed is an article produced by the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1984Date of Patent: March 5, 1985Assignee: Raychem CorporationInventors: Tom Duerig, Keith Melton
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Patent number: 4398969Abstract: A fine-grained shape-memory alloy of the Cu/Zn/Al type, prepared by powder metallurgy, exhibiting the beta-high temperature phase, having dispersed in the matrix dispersoids in the form of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 and or TiO.sub.2 particles which limit grain growth, and a process for preparing this alloy using mechanical alloying.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1981Date of Patent: August 16, 1983Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier, Helmut Riegger
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Patent number: 4389250Abstract: Fine grained copper-based or nickel-based memory alloys having a matrix of .beta.-high temperature phase with metal oxide particles dispersed in the matrix which act to retard grain growth have improved mechanical characteristics such as elongation, toughness and workability, compared to cast and worked alloys. These alloys are produced by powder metallurgy.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1981Date of Patent: June 21, 1983Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier, Helmut Riegger
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Patent number: 4386971Abstract: Finished components made from Ni/Ti or Ni/Ti/Cu memory alloys can be manufactured by isothermal or quasi-isothermal ("hot die") working of sections of semifinished product, and by subsequent additional cold-working in the temperature region of the martensitic transformation by flow-turning, tapering, necking, ironing or spinning, it being possible to dispense, completely or at least to a large extent, with an additional machining operation of the metal-cutting type. Manufacture of complicated connecting elements, using the memory effect, for connecting rods, tubes, plates, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1982Date of Patent: June 7, 1983Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier, Gunther Schroder
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Patent number: 4365996Abstract: Cu/Al and Cu/Al/Ni memory alloys having improved mechanical properties are prepared by powder metallurgy from mixtures of pre-alloyed and/or pre-mixed powder ingredients. The mixture of powder ingredients is subjected successively to isostatic pressing, sintering in an inert atmospheric and subsequent multi-step hot working with intermediate annealing which serves to homogenize. Final annealing is carried out in the .beta.-phase solid solution temperature range and the annealed article is quenched in water.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1981Date of Patent: December 28, 1982Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier, Helmut Riegger
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Patent number: 4297779Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a solid gas and vacuum tight join between components of different physical properties using a joining element comprising a memory alloy whose memory effect gives rise to the necessary contraction or dilatation stress, in particular for the connection of a hollow body of ceramic material to a metallic object. Joins comprising a memory alloy joining element result from such process having a groove and steps and at least one further metallic or non-metallic component, in particular a hollow body.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1979Date of Patent: November 3, 1981Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier, Peter Taiana
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Patent number: 4274872Abstract: A brazable shape memory alloy of the .beta.-brass type comprising a mixture of copper, zinc and aluminum and nickel in an amount effective to inhibit grain growth and a process of brazing therewith.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1979Date of Patent: June 23, 1981Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & CompanyInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier
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Patent number: 4263573Abstract: Thermal switch, including a switching element formed of a coherently structured vitreous metal alloy. The switching element being in a vitreous-amorphous state and having a higher strength at a lower first temperature range, and in a crystalline state and having a lower strength at a higher second temperature range. A tensioning device cooperating with the switching element for exerting a force thereon which is sufficient to break the switching element in the crystalline state and insufficient to break the switching element in the vitreous amorphous state. A device for triggering a switching process in response to the breaking of the switching element in the vicinity of a transition from the first to the second temperature range. An exchangeable cassette assembly for housing the switching element, and a method for protecting circuits against overcurrents using the thermal switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1978Date of Patent: April 21, 1981Assignee: Brown, Boveri & Cie AktiengesellschaftInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier
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Patent number: 4203313Abstract: A method and apparatus for the expansion of a hollow article out of a memory alloy, in which the hollow article, cooled below the transformation temperature, is mounted between two mandrels each having an opposing taper, and in a first phase is expanded on one face to the final dimension by one mandrel and is supported against a stop, whereupon the final shape is produced by pulling the other mandrel through the hollow article from the opposite face.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1978Date of Patent: May 20, 1980Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, LimitedInventors: Roland Kunzli, Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier
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Patent number: 4144057Abstract: A shape memory alloy is provided, having a base of nickel and titanium, and additionally comprising up to 30 wt.% copper, and from 0.01 to 5 wt.% of at least one element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zirconium, cobalt, chromium and iron.A method of making the above alloys is provided, and articles made therefrom are exemplified.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1977Date of Patent: March 13, 1979Assignee: BBC Brown, Boveri & Company, LimitedInventors: Keith Melton, Olivier Mercier