Patents by Inventor Richard C. Farthing

Richard C. Farthing 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: 6502044
    Abstract: Electronic self-test and/or self-diagnostic systems particularly useful with emergency lighting fixtures, including exit signage having light emitting diodes as light sources and unit emergency fixtures powered with lead-acid batteries, the systems perform testing and diagnostic functions on the circuitry, power supply, charger and lamping of such fixtures either by manual or automatic initiation. Testing functions are provided through use of a programmable microprocessor, the diagnostic circuitry not only monitoring operation of charger/transfer circuitry but also controlling the charger/transfer circuitry to enable alternate strategies for alleviation of a given failure. In emergency mode of a light emitting diode exit sign, a microprocessor-controlled two-stage inverter is employed not only to power the LED light source, but also to efficiently power the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands Inc.
    Inventors: John Evan Lane, Richard C. Farthing