Patents by Inventor Stephan Hicks

Stephan 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).

  • Patent number: 9013121
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for autotensioning conductors of transmission lines. In one embodiment, among others, an autotensioner system includes tensioning assemblies coupled between a structure and corresponding conductors and a tension controller that controls a tensioning assembly to adjust a tension of the corresponding conductor to within a predefined tolerance of a corresponding tension setpoint. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a current conductor tension for each of multiple conductors and adjusting the conductor tension of one of the conductors by remotely controlling a corresponding tensioning assembly. The adjustment may be based at least in part upon the current conductor tensions and a tension setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Benton McGuire, Dennis Mize, Stephan Hicks
  • Publication number: 20140041926
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for autotensioning conductors of transmission lines. In one embodiment, among others, an autotensioner system includes tensioning assemblies coupled between a structure and corresponding conductors and a tension controller that controls a tensioning assembly to adjust a tension of the corresponding conductor to within a predefined tolerance of a corresponding tension setpoint. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a current conductor tension for each of multiple conductors and adjusting the conductor tension of one of the conductors by remotely controlling a corresponding tensioning assembly. The adjustment may be based at least in part upon the current conductor tensions and a tension setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Drew Benton McGuire, Dennis Mize, Stephan Hicks