Patents by Inventor Robert D. DeCarlo

Robert D. DeCarlo 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: 7286927
    Abstract: An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert D. DeCarlo, Michael B. Meeker, Dennis M. Mutzabaugh, Ronald M. J. Lammers, Nicolaas M. J. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7171302
    Abstract: An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert D. DeCarlo, Michael B. Meeker, Dennis M. Mutzabaugh, Ronald M. J. Lammers, Nicolaas M. J. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7162397
    Abstract: An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert D. DeCarlo, Dennis M. Mutzabaugh, Nicolaas M. J. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 5894429
    Abstract: A method and system for converting an input signal into a dynamically-controlled digital output signal. A sensitivity and a threshold level of a digital input signal is adjusted. An absolute value or a constant polarity of the adjusted digital input signal is compared to a previous output signal and at least one state variable is modified to achieve a desired attack time of the filter. The adjusted digital signal is either then passed through or bypassed around the filter to produce the dynanically-controlled digital output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. DeCarlo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5867058
    Abstract: A method and system for enhancing a digital input signal and producing a modified digital output signal that can either be further digitally processed or that can be converted to an analog signal. A digital input signal passes through a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter and a bandpass filter. A digital signal emitted from a high-pass section of the bandpass filter is delivered to a dynamically-controlled multiplier operating in a digital domain. Digital signals emitted from the low-pass filter, the high-pass filter and the bandpass filter are summed with a signal multiplied by the dynamically-controlled multiplier. A process controller and a contour controller can be used to vary low-frequency boost and high-frequency boost delivered by the modified digital input signal which can then be converted to an analog audio output sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. DeCarlo, Jr.