Patents by Inventor Thomas N. Palmer

Thomas N. Palmer 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: 7050939
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating window regulators of the type having a reversible electric motor connected to a slide/carrier plate by means of cables. The apparatus comprises a first transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer or a laser for generating a first signal quantity related to periodic noise produced by the motor during operation thereof, a second transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer for producing a second signal quantity representing transient noise produced by irregularities in the slide/carrier plate assembly during travel of the carrier plate along the slide, and a processor for decoding the first and second waveforms and using data derived therefrom as a basis for identifying unacceptably noisy window regulator assemblies. The method comprises placing the window regulators on a test fixture, operating the window regulator with a simulated glass load, and generating and processing the first and second signal quantities as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Palmer, Karyn D. Jordan, Tamio Hirose
  • Patent number: 6842717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating window regulators of the type having a reversible electric motor connected to a-slide/carrier plate by means of cables. The apparatus comprises a first transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer or a laser for generating a first signal quantity related to periodic noise produced by the motor during operation thereof, a second transducer such as a piezoelectric accelerometer for producing a second signal quantity representing transient noise produced by irregularities in the slide/carrier plate assembly during travel of the carrier plate along the slide, and a processor for decoding the first and second waveforms and using data derived therefrom as a basis for identifying unacceptably noisy window regulator assemblies. The method comprises placing the window regulators on a test fixture, operating the window regulator with a simulated glass load, and generating and processing the first and second signal quantities as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Palmer, Karyn D. Jordan, Tamio Hirose