Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hicks
Robert A. Hicks 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).
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Patent number: 10019306Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a controller of a storage device, a first bit on a data line. The method further includes responsive to transmitting the first bit on the data line, determining, by the controller, a line level of the data line. The method further includes responsive to determining the line level of the data line, determining, by the controller, whether the line level of the data line corresponds to the first bit and responsive to determining that the line level of the data line does not correspond to the first bit, determining, by the controller, that a collision has occurred on the data line.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Mark Robert Hicks, George Christopher Sneed
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Patent number: 9974145Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Subramanian Muthu, Robert Hick, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian, John Elzie
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Patent number: 9931911Abstract: A device for opening and closing a movable window of a motor vehicle, the movable window being movable relative to a fixed panel, from a closed position in which the movable window is positioned flush with the fixed panel, to an open position in which the movable window is moved parallel to the fixed panel. The device includes an assembly controlled from a handle mechanism supported by an edge of a frame secured to the movable window, such that starting from the closed position, actuating the handle a first time releases locking of the movable window then, secondly, brings the movable window out of its closed position, an edge of the window corresponding to the edge of the frame being moved relative to the fixed panel, to the position allowing sliding of the movable window.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPEInventor: Robert Hick
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Publication number: 20170315851Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a controller of a storage device, a first bit on a data line. The method further includes responsive to transmitting the first bit on the data line, determining, by the controller, a line level of the data line. The method further includes responsive to determining the line level of the data line, determining, by the controller, whether the line level of the data line corresponds to the first bit and responsive to determining that the line level of the data line does not correspond to the first bit, determining, by the controller, that a collision has occurred on the data line.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Mark Robert Hicks, George Christopher Sneed
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Publication number: 20170241643Abstract: A combustion chamber arrangement has an annular outer wall and an annular inner wall having an upstream row of tiles and a downstream row of tiles. The outer wall has a concave bend which is less than 175°. The downstream end of the upstream tiles and the upstream end of the downstream tiles are adjacent the concave bend. The downstream ends of the upstream tiles are spaced at a greater distance from the inner surface of the annular outer wall than the upstream end of the downstream tiles. The upstream tiles have curved lips extending in a downstream direction which overlap but are spaced radially from the upstream ends of the downstream tiles. The outer wall has a row of apertures to direct coolant onto the outer surfaces of the curved lips and the upstream tiles has a row of apertures extending to the inner surfaces of the curved lips.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Thomas G MULCAIRE, Robert A HICKS, Marcus FOALE
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Publication number: 20170105267Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Subramanian Muthu, Robert Hick, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian, John Elzie
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Publication number: 20160370010Abstract: A gas turbine engine may include a combustor having an inner wall and an outer wall defining a combustion chamber there between. The inner wall and the outer wall may each have at least one opening into the combustion chamber. The gas turbine engine may also include at least one mobile conduit through which a cooling fluid may flow. The mobile conduit may pass through the combustion chamber from the at least one opening in the outer wall to the at least one opening in the inner wall. The gas turbine engine may further include a first joint and a second joint fluidly connecting the mobile conduit to the at least one opening in the inner wall and the at least one opening in the outer wall, respectively. The first joint and the second joint may enable multiple degrees of freedom of the mobile conduit within the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Applicants: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Joseph Clegg, Robert A. Hicks
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Patent number: 9330316Abstract: A system to locate and map a data collection device includes at least one image. The image may be included with a subsystem or a component monitored by the system. A data collection device, such as a smart sensor, is configured to detect a stimulus and to capture the at least one image. The smart sensor is further configured to output an image signal indicating the at least one image. A main control module is in electrical communication with the at least one smart sensor. The main control module is configured to determine the image based on the image signal, and compare the at least one image to a stored image. The main control module is further configured to authenticate the at least one image in response to the at least one image matching the stored image.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Brandon Robert Hicks, Garret Edward Rittenhouse
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Publication number: 20160114655Abstract: A device for opening and closing a movable window of a motor vehicle, the movable window being movable relative to a fixed panel, from a closed position in which the movable window is positioned flush with the fixed panel, to an open position in which the movable window is moved parallel to the fixed panel. The device includes an assembly controlled from a handle mechanism supported by an edge of a frame secured to the movable window, such that starting from the closed position, actuating the handle a first time releases locking of the movable window then, secondly, brings the movable window out of its closed position, an edge of the window corresponding to the edge of the frame being moved relative to the fixed panel, to the position allowing sliding of the movable window.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPEInventor: Robert HICK
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Publication number: 20150063633Abstract: A system to locate and map a data collection device includes at least one image. The image may be included with a subsystem or a component monitored by the system. A data collection device, such as a smart sensor, is configured to detect a stimulus and to capture the at least one image. The smart sensor is further configured to output an image signal indicating the at least one image. A main control module is in electrical communication with the at least one smart sensor. The main control module is configured to determine the image based on the image signal, and compare the at least one image to a stored image. The main control module is further configured to authenticate the at least one image in response to the at least one image matching the stored image.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.Inventors: Brandon Robert Hicks, Garret Edward Rittenhouse
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Publication number: 20140239817Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method is also disclosed for daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian, Justin Morton, Subramanian Muthu, Robert Hick, John Elzie, Brian Carberry, David Buerer
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Patent number: 8710697Abstract: An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Leonard, Robert Hick
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Patent number: 8413448Abstract: An airblast fuel injector for the combustor of a gas turbine engine has, in order from radially inner to outer, a coaxial arrangement of an inner swirler passage, an annular fuel passage, an annular mid swirler passage, and an annular outer swirler passage. The fuel passage extends to a prefilming lip, and the inner and mid swirler passages swirl air past the prefilming lip so that fuel fed from the fuel passage to the prefilming lip is entrained by the swirling air into a fuel spray stream. The outer swirler passage has a convergent portion. The radially inward wall of said convergent portion is defined by a frustoconical separator element which separates the outer swirler passage from the mid swirler passage, the separator element converging in the direction of air flow to terminate in a lip at the mouths of the mid swirler passage and the outer swirler passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Robert A. Hicks, Paul Madden
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Patent number: 8328982Abstract: Devices and methods for generating a low-temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma are disclosed. A plasma device may include a first electrode having an inlet for a gas, a second electrode having an outlet for the gas and disposed proximate to the first electrode to form a substantially uniform gap therebetween. The gas flows along the substantially uniform gap and from a plurality of different directions to converge and flow through the outlet. High frequency electrical power is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate a plasma within the gas flow emerging at the outlet. Precursor chemicals are added to the plasma flow at the outlet. Various electrode designs may be implemented and various applications involving surface treatment of materials with the low-temperature atmospheric plasma, including surface activation, cleaning, sterilization, etching and deposition of thin films are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Surfx Technologies LLCInventors: Steve Babayan, Robert Hicks
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Patent number: 8312347Abstract: A digital lighting control network protocol with forward and backward frames, each of the frames including an error check code. A no-acknowledgment (NAK) signal is sent from a receiving node to a transmitting node responsive to the error check code. An interface circuit of the receiving node may include an energy storage section to store at least some energy from the network while receiving digital signals, and an output section to transmit digital signals to the network using the stored energy. The interface circuit may also include a high voltage buffer circuit. The transmitting node may send forward frames to receiving nodes based on device type.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert Hick, Edward J. Carr, Richard A. Leinen, Paul S. Maddox
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Patent number: 8131641Abstract: Techniques for facilitating more efficient and accurate reconciliation processing are provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for determining a tenant's expected share of operating expenses for a leased property, and for performing a reconciliation to identify discrepancies between the tenant's expected share of the operating expenses and actual amounts of expenses billed to the client by the landlord are provided. The tenant's expected share of the operating expenses is determined based upon operating expense-related information extracted from the lease agreement.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Brian Robert Hicks, Amita Singh, Satyadeep Maheshwari
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Patent number: 8115626Abstract: An occupancy sensing system includes a driver to emit energy in a space, and a sensor to detect energy reflected within the space. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to an occupancy condition determined in response to the detected energy. The driver may be selectively de-energized. In some embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an unoccupied period. In other embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an occupied period. In some further embodiments, the driver may be de-energized in response to detecting other sources of the type of energy emitted by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert Hick, Daniel M. Wright
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Publication number: 20110278922Abstract: An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Thomas W. Leonard, Robert Hick
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Patent number: 8008802Abstract: An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a cycle control to cycle between the first power switch and a second power switch. An electrical power pack may include a first power switch and a delay element to delay an operation of the first power switch. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a constant-on control and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic control. A power pack system may include a first power switch to operate in response to a manual-on control, and a second power switch to operate in response to an automatic-on control.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventors: Thomas W. Leonard, Robert Hick
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Publication number: 20110072825Abstract: An airblast fuel injector for the combustor of a gas turbine engine has, in order from radially inner to outer, a coaxial arrangement of an inner swirler passage, an annular fuel passage, an annular mid swirler passage, and an annular outer swirler passage. The fuel passage extends to a prefilming lip, and the inner and mid swirler passages swirl air past the prefilming lip so that fuel fed from the fuel passage to the prefilming lip is entrained by the swirling air into a fuel spray stream. The outer swirler passage has a convergent portion. The radially inward wall of said convergent portion is defined by a frustoconical separator element which separates the outer swirler passage from the mid swirler passage, the separator element converging in the direction of air flow to terminate in a lip at the mouths of the mid swirler passage and the outer swirler passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Robert A. Hicks, Paul Madden