Patents by Inventor Maurice J. Epstein

Maurice J. Epstein 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).

  • Autonomous node for a test instrument system having a distributed logic nodal architecture
    Patent number: 5953681
    Abstract: A node having an on-board microprocessor and circuits to perform a particular function in an analytic instrument system having a CANBUS and using distributed logic to control the various analysis functions, including data acquisition, system control, and data transition. The various node circuits and functions include generating a signal to control a motor by pulse width modulation and feedback, control of temperature for sample and reagent reactions (incubations), monitoring the status of instrument control panel switches and visual indicators, voltage sources, test sample location, processing calorimeter measurements, and the like. Each node includes a CAN interface and a reset circuit, which is responsive to the system controller for performing the specific node function and responding to controller commands. The reset circuit allows for reinitializing the node microcontroller on, e.g., system startup, or on demand from the system controller or any other node on the CANBUS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Luigi Cantatore, Jeff Busch, Maurice J. Epstein, Edward J. Hetherington, Saverio E. Ferrante
  • Analytical instrument having a control area network and distributed logic nodes
    Patent number: 5772963
    Abstract: An analytic instrument utilizing a Control Arena Network (CANBUS) and nodal architecture in the instrument with functions and logic distributed throughout the Nodes. A system controller is connected on the one hand to an operator input device for controlling the instrument, and on the other hand to a plurality of nodes via a CAN scrambler. Each nodes has a CAN microcontroller and related circuitry for performing autonomously a variety of functions of the instrument. The system controller and nodes communicate using CAN interface devices over the CANBUS, passing instructions, commands and data therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Luigi Cantatore, Jeff Busch, Maurice J. Epstein, Edward J. Hetherington
  • Stepping motor driving apparatus
    Patent number: 4024447
    Abstract: A source of electric current has a first terminal connected to one end of each of a plurality of phase windings of a stepping motor whose other ends are connected via controllably operable switches to a second terminal of the current source, the switchesare energized in particular sequence and with controllably variable duty cycle signals wherein the duty cycle of the signals controls the power, speed and rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Assignee: Computer Transceiver Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice J. Epstein