Patents by Inventor Peter F. Stultz

Peter F. Stultz 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).

  • Patent number: 8415573
    Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20120152708
    Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 8119941
    Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 8004135
    Abstract: An integrated electric motor and controller assembly includes a motor, a controller mounted to the motor, and a sensor device disposed at an interface between the motor and the controller. The sensor device includes a sensor disposed at the controller and a magnet disposed at the motor. An alignment structure is provided at the interface between the motor and the controller for positioning the sensor relative to the magnet when the controller is mounted to the motor. The magnet is recessed in the motor and the sensor is protected by a controller housing of the controller. This arrangement has the advantages of protecting the sensor device from damage during shipment and assembly and providing a quick assembly and connection of the sensor device to the motor and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz, Thomas Musser, Daniel Hilton
  • Publication number: 20080174213
    Abstract: An integrated electric motor and controller assembly includes a motor, a controller mounted to the motor, and a sensor device disposed at an interface between the motor and the controller. The sensor device includes a sensor disposed at the controller and a magnet disposed at the motor. An alignment structure is provided at the interface between the motor and the controller for positioning the sensor relative to the magnet when the controller is mounted to the motor. The magnet is recessed in the motor and the sensor is protected by a controller housing of the controller. This arrangement has the advantages of protecting the sensor device from damage during shipment and assembly and providing a quick assembly and connection of the sensor device to the motor and the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz, Thomas Musser, Daniel Hilton
  • Publication number: 20080017484
    Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6862482
    Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6813911
    Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6813524
    Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state. The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6791288
    Abstract: An appliance includes a rotating position switch and a selector switch. The rotating position switch has a first position associated with a first appliance function and a second position associated with a second appliance function. The second appliance function modifies the first appliance function. The selector switch has an actuated state configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the first appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the first position. The actuated state is further configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the second appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 6727443
    Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state: The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20030137264
    Abstract: An appliance includes a rotating position switch and a selector switch. The rotating position switch has a first position associated with a first appliance function and a second position associated with a second appliance function. The second appliance function modifies the first appliance function. The selector switch has an actuated state configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the first appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the first position. The actuated state is further configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the second appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20030028270
    Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of auxiliary inputs for adjusting parameters of appliance operation such as washing machine operation (e.g. water temperature, rinse options, water level, speeds and/or the like). Each auxiliary input unit acts as a low power potentiometer. The various auxiliary units are connected in series. Each auxiliary unit produces a variable resistance based on position of a control knob of the auxiliary unit. The auxiliary inputs cooperate with each other to produce a unique aggregate resistance signal for the particular arrangement of users knobs of the various auxiliary input units. This unique resistance signal is sent to the processor thereby providing user selection information relating to the various auxiliary input units to the processor. In one form, each auxiliary input unit requires only two wires thereby eliminating a substantial amount of wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20030024796
    Abstract: An appliance controller simulates the user operation of electro-mechanical appliance controllers that are currently on the market. The present control knob is configured to allow a user to turn the control knob to a particular wash operation to be selected, and thereafter pulls outwardly on the control knob thereby commencing an appliance mode. The control knob is provided with a shaft extension. When the control knob is pulled outwardly, the extension actuates a master power switch, placing the appliance in a run mode. To return the appliance to a stop mode, the user pushes the knob inwardly. This de-actuates the master power switch thereby placing the appliance in the stop mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20030024281
    Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Publication number: 20030028261
    Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 5042017
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a digital pulse train from a dial rotation indicating the direction and degree of rotation. The device incorporates two facing disks mounted to a stem and having mating teeth on adjacent surfaces. One disk is mounted for free rotation about the winding stem and projects an actuating lever arm from its periphery. The other disk is mounted for axial movement and is keyed to rotate with the shaft. Left and right micro-switches are mounted proximate the disks and positioned to be contacted by the actuating lever when it is rotated in the respective left and right directions. During this rotation the stem moves the keyed disk in the selected direction of rotation. The keyed disk engages the free disk and causes it to rotate until the actuating lever arm contacts a micro-switch. When such contact occurs, the free disk is prevented from further rotation and the keyed disk shifts over the teeth of the free disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Digital Appliance Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. Stultz
  • Patent number: 4588938
    Abstract: A battery charger for supplying charging current to the rechargeable battery of a portable battery powered device includes a one-piece housing and removable bottom plate. A first portion of the housing includes a receptacle for receiving the device. Upon insertion of the device into the receptacle electric contacts projecting from the bottom wall of the receptacle are biased by a spring acting against the bottom plate into electrical contact with the device to establish electrical communication between the device and charging circuitry within the housing. A first portion of the circuitry is contained within the first portion of the housing to provide mode indications and switch means user-actuable through an aperture in the bottom wall of the receptacle. A second portion of the circuitry is contained within a second portion of the housing having integral ribs on its exterior surface for improved heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: James P. Liautaud
    Inventors: James P. Liautaud, Peter F. Stultz, David L. Maloney
  • Patent number: D283812
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: James P. Liautaud
    Inventors: James P. Liautaud, Peter F. Stultz, David L. Maloney
  • Patent number: D284628
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: James P. Liautaud
    Inventors: James P. Liautaud, John K. Westberg, II, Peter F. Stultz