Joseph M Allison

US Patent:

6366032, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Jan 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/494193

Inventors:

Joseph M. Allison - Euclid OH
David J. Moore - St. John IN

Assignee:

Robertson Worldwide, Inc. - Blue Island IL

International Classification:

G05F 100

US Classification:

315307, 315219, 315224

Abstract:

A resonant fluorescent lamp ballast includes an IC driver for a half-bridge arrangement that supplies AC current to a lamp. The IC creates a frequency sweep from a pre-heat frequency, through a resonant frequency, to a still lower operating frequency. A pre-heat pin in the IC triggers a re-start or the frequency sweep when a first signal exceeds a first threshold level. A shut-down pin in the IC associated with an internal shut-down latch shuts down the driver when a second signal exceeds a second threshold level. Pre-heat trigger circuitry detects a current spike through half-bridge switches when the lamp has not yet started, supplying the pre-heat pin with a first signal exceeding the first threshold level. End-of-life circuitry provides to the shut-down pin a second signal exceeding the second threshold level if lamp current fails to reach a substantial portion of its normal level within a predetermined time. A DC current-supply path is provided from a DC current supply, through at least one filament of each lamp in the load circuit, to a power-supply pin for the IC.

US Patent:

6470197, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

May 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/306225

Inventors:

Veijo Matias Tuoriniemi - New York NY 10003-3629
Joseph Michael Allison - Euclid OH 44117

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455575, 455 95

Abstract:

A headset control system for operating a microcontroller based device includes a microphone, a first and a second speaker, and a user operated switch. The switch selectively disables said first speaker in a first state or said microphone in a second state. A momentary switch creates patterns of momentary switching from one of a first, a second and a third state to at least one other state and back. A switch detector comprises a plurality of comparators to implement threshold logic and produces a signal indicating the respective states of said user-operated switch and said momentary switching means. A microcontroller responsive to said switch detector includes a means to differentiate between different switching patterns of said momentary switching means and initiates respective function as a function of a pattern of momentary switching and state of said user-operated switch and current operational mode.

US Patent:

6819059, Nov 16, 2004

Filed:

Oct 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/282943

Inventors:

Tilton L. Block - Frankfort IL
Joseph M. Allison - Euclid OH

Assignee:

Federal Signal Corporation - University Park IL

International Classification:

H05B 3700

US Classification:

315241S, 315194, 315292, 315293, 323212, 363 2112

Abstract:

A reliable strobe power supply is disclosed that provides requisite light energy for emergency uses without causing EMI problems. A two phase dual flyback power converter operating in transitional mode is disclosed containing a microcontroller that maintains a 180 degree displacement between the two phases by enabling a small, variable dead time between the cessation of stored energy in the flyback transformers and turn-on of the associated power switching transistor for one or the other phases. The power supply is capable of detecting a fault (neoning) and automatically correcting the condition by incrementing the flash capacitor charge off-time delay. The power supply is also capable of tolerating defective (persistently neoning) strobe tubes that cause an inordinate delay in capacitor charging by turning them off.

US Patent:

58315268, Nov 3, 1998

Filed:

Mar 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/811132

Inventors:

Richard L. Hansler - Chagrin Falls OH
Mark H. Thomsen - Rockwood, Ontario N0B-2K0, CA
Joseph Michael Allison - Euclid OH

International Classification:

G05B 108

US Classification:

340539

Abstract:

A network of identical atmospheric hazard detectors communicates a locally sensed hazard condition directly to multiple neighboring detectors using RF command communication, without the use of wires and without a central control location. Each detector includes a sensor of an atmospheric hazard, a detection circuit for measuring the sensor output and creating a local hazard signal, an alarm indicator, an RF transmitter for sending a neighboring hazard signal to the network, and an RF receiver for receiving a neighboring hazard signal from the network. The local alarm and neighboring alarm control signals produce discernibly different alarm indications from the detector's alarm device, facilitating an attempt to locate the origin of a hazard. In the preferred embodiment, every detector functions as a receive/transmit relay station, enabling the network to be extended in spatial expanse without limit and without increasing the power output of the RF transmitter. Auxiliary devices are included, for example, a radio controlled light for emergency illumination.

US Patent:

53172370, May 31, 1994

Filed:

Nov 24, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/981023

Inventors:

Joseph M. Allison - Euclid OH
Raymond A. Buchina - Mentor OH
James D. Mieskowski - Seven Hills OH
Edward J. Thomas - Streetboro OH
John M. Davenport - Lyndhurst OH

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H05B 4136

US Classification:

315307

Abstract:

A low voltage DC input ballast circuit for a discharge lamp particularly suitable for a central lighting system includes an input filter stage which feeds into a first boost converter circuit controlled by way of a pulse width modulator device. The first boost converter provides warm-up and steady state run signals to the lamp in a voltage fed manner over a coupling circuit using components which are reduced in size relative to conventional discharge ballast circuits. Control circuitry provides various monitoring functions, an example of which is that, in the event of a low input voltage, the lamp will operate in a dimmed or faded manner rather than maintain lumen output by drawing additional current. A second boost converter circuit is associated with a starter circuit arrangement and operates such that starting pulses can be generated and repeated if necessary in a very rapid manner.

US Patent:

54263468, Jun 20, 1995

Filed:

Mar 9, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/209092

Inventors:

Joseph M. Allison - Euclid OH

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H05B 3702

US Classification:

315209CD

Abstract:

Disclosed is an electronic ballast circuit for a high pressure gas discharge lamp with a reduced parts-count starting circuit. The circuit comprises an arrangement for supplying d. c. voltage from a d. c. source, and a main inductor for receiving energy from the d. c. source and supplying the energy to the lamp. The main inductor has a plurality of windings. A first winding of the inductor is coupled to receive energy from the d. c. source. Further included is a current-switching arrangement conductive during periodic first part cycles for transferring energy from the d. c. source to the main inductor, and non-conductive during periodic second part cycles. A first part cycle is followed by a second part cycle in successive periods of switching operation of the current-switching arrangement. The first winding of the main inductor has impressed across it substantially the d. c. source voltage during the first part cycles, and reflects substantially the lamp voltage during the second part cycles.

US Patent:

58149767, Sep 29, 1998

Filed:

Aug 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/907248

Inventors:

Joseph M. Allison - Euclid OH

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

G05F 1613

US Classification:

323224

Abstract:

A high power factor electronic ballast for operating a high pressure gas discharge lamp comprises a boost converter function and a buck function. The boost converter function and the buck function have common components. The combination boost-buck converter reduces parts count, as compared to the parts count required for the separate boost and buck circuits of the prior art, by making some components of the single circuit act simultaneously in both the boost and buck functions. The rigid forcing of the ac input current waveform to follow the ac input voltage waveform is relaxed, to give performance priority to the buck function for the common components. Harmonics are allowed to enter the system in moderation in return for a less expensive and more reliable system that does not compromise lamp power control.

US Patent:

59786892, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Aug 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/920406

Inventors:

Veijo M. Tuoriniemi - New York NY
Joseph Michael Allison - Euclid OH

International Classification:

H04Q 732

US Classification:

455569

Abstract:

A portable communication and audio system includes a radio telephone for receiving a first audio signal and transmitting a corresponding first radio signal through a transmitter to another location, and for receiving a second radio signal through a receiver and converting it to a second audio signal. An audio device provides a third audio signal. A microphone receives the first audio signal. A headset with first and second speakers is provided for selectively listening to the second or the third audio signal. A user-operated switch selectively disables the first speaker in a first state or the microphone in a second state. A state-indicating apparatus produces a signal indicating the state of the user-operated switch. A control apparatus, responsive to the state-indicating apparatus, enables telephone usage by connecting the microphone to the transmitter and connecting the second speaker to the receiver when the user-operated switch is in the first state, and connects the first and second speakers to receive the third audio signal when the user-operated switch is in the second state. The system preferably includes a pivotable boom depending from the headset, with the microphone being located on the boom.