Patents by Inventor Steve D. O'Brien

Steve D. O'Brien 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).

  • Controller for a motor and a method of controlling the motor
    Patent number: 8133034
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Mehlhorn, Brian T. Branecky, Ronald P. Bartos, Steve D. O'Brien, Howard Richardson