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: 7877624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Park, Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Donald C. Hicks
-
Patent number: 7868776Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: James R. Kesler, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Witold R. Teller
-
Patent number: 7527203Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Publication number: 20080284585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: 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: 20080011856Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward Bremer, Alexander McQueen, Craig Cherry, Brad Reddersen, Steven McMahon
-
Publication number: 20080010528Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Douglas A. Park, Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Donald C. Hicks
-
Publication number: 20070270114Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: James R. Kesler, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, Witold R. Teller
-
Publication number: 20070269219Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Witold R. Teller, Luther S. Anderson, Steven A. McMahon, James R. Kesler, Donald C. Hicks
-
Patent number: 7246747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Datalogic Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Publication number: 20070001014Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: PSC Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward Bremer, Alexander McQueen, Craig Cherry, Brad Reddersen, Steven McMahon
-
Patent number: 7137555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Publication number: 20030085284Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: PSC Scanning, Inc.Inventors: Edward C. Bremer, Alexander M. McQueen, Craig D. Cherry, Brad R. Reddersen, Steven A. McMahon
-
Patent number: 6069696Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: 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: 5789732Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventors: Steven A. McMahon, Alexander M. McQueen, Matt D. Schler