Patents by Inventor Thomas Finis Johnson

Thomas Finis Johnson 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: 9893548
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive- and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear- and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20160344202
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive- and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear- and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Patent number: 9450435
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive- and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear- and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20150155733
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive- and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear- and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Patent number: 8947054
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20140267746
    Abstract: An IP video surveillance system is able to combine IP video camera transmission, control functions for at least one IP camera and other network equipment, power over Ethernet (PoE) power for network equipment, diagnostics and analytic capabilities for system management and monitoring, with an existing coaxial cable infrastructure, twisted pair wire, or multi-channel twisted pair wire (category cable). The system interfaces to a network and further provides the capability to operate at distances well beyond network standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NITEK International LLC
    Inventors: James P. Hertrich, Thomas Finis Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120306437
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Patent number: 8237412
    Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Finis Johnson, John S. Whiting, John F. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7808211
    Abstract: A high frequency battery charger includes a converter, drive logic, and control logic. The converter transforms a DC voltage into a high frequency AC voltage. The drive logic controls a conversion of the high frequency AC voltage through a train of pulses. The control logic adjusts the output of the converter to maximize a charging cycle of a battery. The method of transforming an AC input into a direct current output used to charge a rechargeable battery includes transforming an AC input into a first DC output; transforming the first DC output into a high frequency AC output; transforming the high frequency AC output into a second DC output; and passing a charging current to an external load when the load is correctly connected to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Pacholok, Thomas Finis Johnson, Xiao Ping Chen
  • Publication number: 20090206796
    Abstract: A high frequency battery charger includes a converter, drive logic, and control logic. The converter transforms a DC voltage into a high frequency AC voltage. The drive logic controls a conversion of the high frequency AC voltage through a train of pulses. The control logic adjusts the output of the converter to maximize a charging cycle of a battery. The method of transforming an AC input into a direct current output used to charge a rechargeable battery includes transforming an AC input into a first DC output; transforming the first DC output into a high frequency AC output; transforming the high frequency AC output into a second DC output; and passing a charging current to an external load when the load is correctly connected to an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: David R. Pacholok, Thomas Finis Johnson, Xiao Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 7528579
    Abstract: A high frequency battery charger includes a converter, drive logic, and control logic. The converter transforms a DC voltage into a high frequency AC voltage. The drive logic controls a conversion of the high frequency AC voltage through a train of pulses. The control logic adjusts the output of the converter to maximize a charging cycle of a battery. The method of transforming an AC input into a direct current output used to charge a rechargeable battery includes transforming an AC input into a first DC output; transforming the first DC output into a high frequency AC output; transforming the high frequency AC output into a second DC output; and passing a charging current to an external load when the load is correctly connected to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Pacholok, Thomas Finis Johnson, Xiao Ping Chen