Mark A Mathews

US Patent:

6795871, Sep 21, 2004

Filed:

Dec 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/742549

Inventors:

Tam Nolan - Solana Beach CA
Wolfgang Daum - Erie PA
Rollie Richard Herzog - Louisville KY
Mark Robert Mathews - Lombard IL
Robert Marten Bultman - Smithfield KY
John Steven Holmes - Sellersburg IN

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

G06F 1300

US Classification:

710 8, 710 9, 710 11, 710 15, 710 16, 710 33

Abstract:

A control system for an appliance utilizing a plurality of peripheral devices includes a controller and a communications bus coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices and to the controller. The controller is configured to receive data from the peripheral devices over the communications bus and transmit control operations to the peripheral devices based on the data received. The communications bus reduces overall wiring requirements due to elimination or reduction of power wiring of the peripheral devices, facilitates distributed displays and human machine interfaces, and allows model differentiation with late point identification by a population of bus connections with a sensor, display, interface, or a blank. A data collision detection scheme is also provided to ensure proper communication along the bus.

US Patent:

20040139007, Jul 15, 2004

Filed:

Dec 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/746530

Inventors:

Harpreet Singh - Orange CA, US
Louis Ormond - Irvine CA, US
Mark Mathews - Mission Viejo CA, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/039000

Abstract:

A system and method to allow users in a non-office environment to access and use data services, such as scanning, printing, and distribution of documents and data and to charge the users for such services. Multifunctional peripheral devices are provided to service location providers for use by mobile users. A multifunctional peripheral device provider sells or leases the multifunctional peripheral device, related hardware and software, parts, and supplies to service location providers. The service location provider then provides access to the multifunction peripheral device and related services to mobile users. The user is then charged for the services used. The fees are paid to the multifunctional peripheral device provider. At least a portion of these fees are paid to any dealers involved in the sale or lease of the multifunctional peripheral device and to the service location providers. Any fees related to the sale or installation of the multifunctional peripheral device is also paid to the multifunctional peripheral device provider. At least a portion of these fees is paid to any dealers involved in the sale or lease of the multifunctional peripheral device.