Patents by Inventor Todd Knowles

Todd Knowles 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: 8834699
    Abstract: A method of anodizing that is performed in the capacitor case. The anode and a formation cathode are inserted into the capacitor case. The formation cathode includes one or more passageways through which formation electrolyte is transferred to contact the surface of the anode. In one particular implementation, the anode includes several slots and the formation cathodes are plates that are inserted into the slots. One or more valves coupled to formation electrolyte storage tanks storing different electrolytes may be coupled to the formation cathode. A rinsing step can be performed by supplying water through the passageways in the formation cathode. Other implementations anodize outside the capacitor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Co.
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 8241470
    Abstract: A method of anodizing that is performed in the capacitor case. The anode and a formation cathode are inserted into the capacitor case. The formation cathode includes one or more passageways through which formation electrolyte is transferred to contact the surface of the anode. In one particular implementation, the anode includes several slots and the formation cathodes are plates that are inserted into the slots. One or more valves coupled to formation electrolyte storage tanks storing different electrolytes may be coupled to the formation cathode. A rinsing step can be performed by supplying water through the passageways in the formation cathode. Other implementations anodize outside the capacitor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 8238079
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically coupled to the case and defines wells or slots receiving a plurality of cathode plates. A header is placed on the case. The header also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and cathode lead coming from the cathode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the header to secure the header to the case. A bent cathode configuration enables a plurality of cathode plates electrically coupled together from a common cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 7773367
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically coupled to the case and defines wells or slots receiving a plurality of cathode plates. A header is placed on the case. The header also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and cathode lead coming from the cathode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the header to secure the header to the case. A bent cathode configuration enables a plurality of cathode plates electrically coupled together from a common cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 7301754
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically coupled to the case and defines wells or slots receiving a plurality of cathode plates. A header is placed on the case. The header also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and cathode lead coming from the cathode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the header to secure the header to the case. A bent cathode configuration enables a plurality of cathode plates electrically coupled together from a common cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 6952339
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically insulated from the case by isolators. A washer is placed above the anode. This washer transfers force from a capacitor cap to the isolators and anode, securing the anode in place. A cap is placed on the case. The cap may be shaped as a toroid with an outer and an inner annular wall. The annular walls may meet at the top and have an opening at the bottom creating a cap cavity in order to store electrolyte or other materials in the cap. The cap also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and lead wire coming from the anode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the cap to secure the cap to the case. The weld may be administered from the top of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 5398024
    Abstract: Signal Annunciators are presented that emit short tones upon being triggered by an electrical signal. They are intended primarily as automotive turn signal and emergency light operation indicators and are designed to be connected downstream of the turn signal switch. They comprise oscillating circuitry and piezoelectric discs. In each, capacitors are used to cause a decay in the volume of the tone produced. In the first species, a capacitor is placed in series with the oscillating circuitry. When a signal voltage is applied to the circuit, the capacitor begins to charge, passing current to the oscillator and disc, which emits sound. As the capacitor charges, less and less current is passed, creating a brief tone of decaying volume. The same effect is created in the second species by placing a smaller capacitor in series with the bias current input of the amplifier in the oscillating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 4980669
    Abstract: An annunciator is presented that, when connected to an automotive signal light flasher, emits an agreeable, short tone each time the signal lights are turned on by the flasher. It is suitable for use in automotive emergency flasher light circuits as well as turn signal circuits. It connects to the flasher via a special, flat interconnector that does not interfere with the normal location or operation of the flasher itself. It operates by allowing a capacitor to charge during the `open` portion of the flasher's cycle, and as the flasher closes, discharges the capacitor through an oscillator, which in turn drives an audio transducer. The tone thereby produced is pleasant and not "elctronic` sounding because it decays with the charge of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Todd Knowles