Patents by Inventor Peter M. Calvagna

Peter M. Calvagna 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).

  • Differential compensated vapor sensor
    Patent number: 6973819
    Abstract: Vapor sensing systems and methods are disclosed. An appliance such as a gas water heater, clothes dryer, and the like can be associated with a controller for controlling the appliance. A vapor sensor is also associated with the appliance, such that the vapor sensor comprises an active sensor and an error sensor, wherein the active sensor generates an active signal and the error sensor generates an error signal. An amplifier is also associated with the vapor sensor, such that the amplifier subtracts the error signal from the active signal to generate a compensated signal indicative of the presence of an ignitable vapor within a vicinity of the appliance and thereby instruct the controller to shut down the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Ruhland, Richard W. Gehman, Peter M. Anderson, Peter M. Calvagna