Edward J Nichols

US Patent:

20030206118, Nov 6, 2003

Filed:

May 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/136940

Inventors:

Jeffrey E. Verkleeren - Belle Vernon PA, US
Edward C, Nichols - Pittsburgh PA, US

International Classification:

G08G001/01

US Classification:

340/933000

Abstract:

A sensor including a housing having a bottom surface defining a plane and an impact surface comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is spaced from the plane at a first height while the trailing edge is spaced from the plane at a second height. Preferably, the second height is greater than the first height. The plane and the impact surface define tangents to a first arc having a first radius at a first location on the impact surface. The plane and the impact surface define tangents to a second arc having a second radius at a second location on the impact surface. Preferably, the second radius is greater than first radius. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second radii are between about 10 inches and about 26 inches. A system for monitoring traffic conditions is also provided, along with a method therefor.

US Patent:

56005644, Feb 4, 1997

Filed:

Dec 1, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/352785

Inventors:

James J. Tarasiewicz - Riverview MI
Edward C. Nichols - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

National Steel Corporation - Mishawaka IN

International Classification:

G06F 1900
B61L 1902

US Classification:

36447705

Abstract:

A coke oven communication and control system uses high frequency spread spectrum transceivers which are land based (connected to a central controller) and machine based (on a charging car, door machine, pusher, or quench car). Each land based transceiver communicates with a single corresponding machine based transceiver, there being different frequencies for each of the machines. Except for the quenching car transceivers, the other land and machine transceivers all are selectively connected to a pair of antennas which are alternately used to overcome interference. An advantageous communication technique is used to send data between a central controller, known as a battery programmable logic controller (PLC), and the machines. Control strategies are used to minimize malfunctioning of the coke oven battery.

US Patent:

6118974, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

Feb 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/797446

Inventors:

Cornelius E. Holliday - Houston PA
Edward C. Nichols - Pittsburgh PA
Robert W. Parry - Santa Cruz CA
Michael T. Jennison - Bridgeville PA

Assignee:

Jennison Holding, Inc. - Carnegie PA

International Classification:

H04N 710

US Classification:

455 31

Abstract:

The present invention presents a multimedia signal distribution device that implements the Electronics Industry Association (EIA) "Node Zero" standard for a Consumer Electronics Bus (CEBus) signal distribution network. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a block frequency conversion loop that is combined with other conventional electronic devices to accomplish the multimedia signal frequency conversion, filtering and distribution functions required of the ideal Node Zero device set forth in the EIA CEBus standard. The present invention preferably implements the CEBus block frequency conversion, input and output band-pass filtering, and signal amplification requirements by a block frequency conversion loop comprised of the following components which process the internal signal block in the following series order: (a) passive first low-pass or band-pass filter; (b) a 1000 MHz first frequency mixer; (c) an intermediate frequency (IF) filter; (d) a 38 dB signal amplifier; (e) a selectable second frequency mixer and (f) a tunable second low-pass or band-pass filter 11. Optionally, a broad-band quadrature signal phase shifting device may be implemented in conjunction with a signal coupling balun transformer at the input and output, respectively, of the first frequency mixer. This quadrature phase shifting improves the filtering of the internal signal block after the quadrature outputs have been shifted by the first frequency mixer to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal range.