Patents by Inventor Norman N. Blalock

Norman N. Blalock 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).

  • Fast-responding short circuit protection system with self-reset for use in circuit supplied by DC power
    Patent number: 8031449
    Abstract: A short circuit protection system includes an inductor, a switch, a voltage sensing circuit, and a controller. The switch and inductor are electrically coupled to be in series with one another. A voltage sensing circuit is coupled across the switch and the inductor. A controller, coupled to the voltage sensing circuit and the switch, opens the switch when a voltage at the output terminal of the inductor transitions from above a threshold voltage to below the threshold voltage. The controller closes the switch when the voltage at the output terminal of the inductor transitions from below the threshold voltage to above the threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bradley M. Burns, Norman N. Blalock
  • Fast-Responding Short Circuit Protection System with Self-Reset for Use in Circuit Supplied by DC Power
    Publication number: 20090310270
    Abstract: A short circuit protection system includes an inductor, a switch, a voltage sensing circuit, and a controller. The switch and inductor are electrically coupled to be in series with one another. A voltage sensing circuit is coupled across the switch and the inductor. A controller, coupled to the voltage sensing circuit and the switch, opens the switch when a voltage at the output terminal of the inductor transitions from above a threshold voltage to below the threshold voltage. The controller closes the switch when the voltage at the output terminal of the inductor transitions from below the threshold voltage to above the threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Spac
    Inventors: Bradley M. Burns, Norman N. Blalock
  • Wireless instrumentation system and power management scheme therefore
    Patent number: 7274907
    Abstract: A wireless instrumentation system enables a plurality of low power wireless transceivers to transmit measurement data from a plurality of remote station sensors to a central data station accurately and reliably. The system employs a relay based communications scheme where remote stations that cannot communicate directly with the central station due to interference, poor signal strength, etc., are instructed to communicate with other of the remote stations that act as relays to the central station. A unique power management scheme is also employed to minimize power usage at each remote station and thereby maximize battery life. Each of the remote stations preferably employs a modular design to facilitate easy reconfiguration of the stations as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Unites States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jose Perotti, Angel Lucena, Anthony Eckhoff, Carlos T. Mata, Norman N. Blalock, Pedro J. Medelius