Patents by Inventor Steven A. McMahon

Steven A. McMahon 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: 7877624
    Abstract: A wireless communications system for viewing and modifying memory locations within a power system device is provided including a wireless device and a power system device. The wireless device includes an input mechanism adapted to accept input from a user indicating a memory location the user wishes to view; a first radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a first signal including the memory location within the power system device the user wishes to view; and a first radio frequency receiver for receiving a second signal. The power system device includes at least one randomly accessible memory location and a processor coupled to at least one randomly accessible memory location; a second radio frequency receiver coupled to the processor and a second radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor for receiving the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Park, Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Donald C. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7868776
    Abstract: A system is provided for adjusting settings of a power system device. In one embodiment, the setting adjusted is an identification setting of the power system device. The system generally includes an actuator having a select arrangement of magnets. A magnetic field sensor is provided for sensing the select arrangement of magnets. A microprocessor is coupled to the magnetic field sensor such that upon sensing the select arrangement of magnets by the magnetic field sensor, the microprocessor establishes an identification setting based upon the select arrangement. The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for adjusting settings of power system devices in harsh conditions, such as persistent in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Kesler, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Witold R. Teller
  • Patent number: 7527203
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20080284585
    Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, Luther S Anderson, Witold R. Teller, Mark J. Bosold, Douglas A. Park, Steven A. McMahon, James R. Kesler, Laurence Virgil Feight, Donald C. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20080011856
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Bremer, Alexander McQueen, Craig Cherry, Brad Reddersen, Steven McMahon
  • Publication number: 20080010528
    Abstract: A wireless communications system for viewing and modifying memory locations within a power system device is provided including a wireless device and a power system device. The wireless device includes an input mechanism adapted to accept input from a user indicating a memory location the user wishes to view; a first radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a first signal including the memory location within the power system device the user wishes to view; and a first radio frequency receiver for receiving a second signal. The power system device includes at least one randomly accessible memory location and a processor coupled to at least one randomly accessible memory location; a second radio frequency receiver coupled to the processor and a second radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor for receiving the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas A. Park, Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Donald C. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20070270114
    Abstract: A system is provided for adjusting settings of a power system device. In one embodiment, the setting adjusted is an identification setting of the power system device. The system generally includes an actuator having a select arrangement of magnets. A magnetic field sensor is provided for sensing the select arrangement of magnets. A microprocessor is coupled to the magnetic field sensor such that upon sensing the select arrangement of magnets by the magnetic field sensor, the microprocessor establishes an identification setting based upon the select arrangement. The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for adjusting settings of power system devices in harsh conditions, such as persistent in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: James R. Kesler, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Witold R. Teller
  • Publication number: 20070269219
    Abstract: A light based communication system is provided including at least one phototransmitter which generates an optical signal which is detected by at least one photodetector that is encapsulated in potting material. The phototransmitter is optically coupled to the photodetector through the potting material. The photodetector transforms the optical signal into an electrical signal usable by electronic devices connected to the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, James R. Kesler, Donald C. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7246747
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20070001014
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Bremer, Alexander McQueen, Craig Cherry, Brad Reddersen, Steven McMahon
  • Patent number: 7137555
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20030085284
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6069696
    Abstract: An object recognition system comprises a sensing apparatus for collecting light reflected from objects presented at a point-of-sale machine. The sensing apparatus includes a mechanism, such as a holographic disk or diffraction grating, for separating the color components of the light reflected from the object and directing, the color components onto an optical detector such as a two-dimensional imaging array, or a one-dimensional imaging array or single photo-sensitive optical cell used in conjunction with a rotating mirror. A pattern recognizer compares the spectral response, including the locations, amplitudes and widths of energy peaks of the different color components, against premeasured characteristics of known objects in order to classify the object. The weight of the object can be measured with a scale, and the density of the object calculated, with the weight and density being used by the pattern recognizer to further classify the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Joseph F. Rando, Matt D. Schler, David L. Latimer, Steven A. McMahon, Randy J. Turkal, Brad R. Reddersen
  • Patent number: 5789732
    Abstract: A Consumer Data Device of a plastic encased, credit-card sized case containing a memory for data and transaction retention, an LCD display for displaying information, an LCD display for bar-codes to be read by a bar-code scanner, a controller to scroll through stored information, and a data communication link via spread-spectrum RF or direct electrical contact to a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventors: Steven A. McMahon, Alexander M. McQueen, Matt D. Schler