Patents by Inventor Walter Castleberry

Walter Castleberry 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: 7559012
    Abstract: A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Castleberry, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton, John Scarborough, Tim Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20060275720
    Abstract: A transistor used as a normally open switch is connected in the millivolt electrical circuit of a fuel-fired natural draft water heater in series with a thermopile device impinged upon by a standing pilot flame, and the solenoid coil portion of the pilot fuel valve. A variable resistance type flammable vapor sensor is connected in a control circuit which is powered by a DC battery and is coupled only to the transistor portion of the millivolt circuit. In the absence of flammable vapor detection by the sensor the control circuit outputs an electrical signal to the transistor that holds it in a closed position to thereby maintain the standing pilot flame. In response to sensor detection of flammable vapor, the control circuit output signal terminates to cause the transistor to return to its normally open switch position, thereby shutting off the pilot flame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Hotton, Walter Castleberry, Randy Koivisto, Jozef Boros
  • Publication number: 20060244618
    Abstract: In a flammable vapor sensor-based shut-off system of a fuel-fired water heater the sensor resistance output signal degradation caused by aging of the sensor is automatically compensated for using an operational timer having an output signal indicative of the total life of the sensor subsequent to its installation on the water heater. In one embodiment of the system, a resistance adjustment signal having a magnitude related in a predetermined manner to the timer output signal is created and added to the sensor resistance output signal in another embodiment, the timer output signal is used to appropriately adjust the minimum-maximum received sensor signal magnitude range, based on the installed age of the sensor, which will preclude combustion in the appliance. Additionally, in each embodiment thereof the system is provided with an improved initial minimum-maximum sensor signal magnitude range. Other types of shut-off gas sensors may be alternatively utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Hotton, Walter Castleberry, William Harrigill
  • Publication number: 20040123656
    Abstract: A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Castleberry, Jerry Lovett, David Hamilton, John Scarborough, Tim Bianchi
  • Patent number: 6604434
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for measuring both the magnitude of rotation of a rotating magnetic field as well as the direction of rotation of a rotating magnetic field. The present invention may be used to measure the magnitude and direction of fluid flow by converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into a rotating magnetic field. At least two stationary sensors are placed in the magnetic field to detect the resulting changes in magnetic flux polarity occurring and provide therefrom a determination of the magnitude and direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hamilton, Walter Castleberry, John Scarborough