Robert A Powers

US Patent:

53811364, Jan 10, 1995

Filed:

Mar 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/034504

Inventors:

Robert D. Powers - Shorewood IL
Harold L. Ryterski - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Northern Illinois Gas Company - Aurora IL

International Classification:

G08B 108

US Classification:

340539

Abstract:

A remote logger unit monitors various operating parameters of a distribution line, or transmission system, such as pressure, temperature and flow such as for natural gas, water or oil, and alerts a central controller via an RF link when predetermined operating limits as determined by the logger unit are exceeded. A plurality of such remote logger units may be employed along the length of the distribution line for monitoring the complete system, with the reports of more distant logger units routed to the central controller via closer logger units. Each logger unit is passive in operation, autonomous and entirely independent of the central controller, and also provides routine operation data to the central controller when prompted, or at designated time intervals. The reported data includes the identity of the logger unit, the nature of the data or alert, and the time and date of the report.

US Patent:

49699695, Nov 13, 1990

Filed:

Apr 12, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/336910

Inventors:

Robert T. Powers - Homewood IL

Assignee:

The Interlake Companies, Inc. - Oak Brook IL

International Classification:

B32B 3124

US Classification:

1562751

Abstract:

A portable system provides a high-strength joint between two portions of radiant energy transmitting thermoplastic strap having an opaque radiant energy absorbing area on one surface thereof, wherein the strap portions are overlapped so that the opaque area is at the interface therebetween. The overlapped strap portions are clamped at spaced-apart locations so that at least one strap portion is fixed. An arcuate anvil is then moved against the strap portions between the clamp locations for urging the strap portions together and deflecting them, thereby placing the fixed strap portion under tension. Infrared energy is directed through a free, uncontacted, outer surface area of the tensioned strap portion and onto the opaque area for melting the adjacent strap surfaces to form a joint. The clamps and anvil are manually operated. A manually operable cutter is provided for severing the tensioned strap portion from its supply after formation of the joint.

US Patent:

49063200, Mar 6, 1990

Filed:

Apr 15, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/182160

Inventors:

Robert T. Powers - Homewood IL

Assignee:

The Interlake Companies, Inc. - Oak Brook IL

International Classification:

B32B 3124

US Classification:

1563798

Abstract:

A portable system provides a high-strength joint between two portions of radiant energy transmitting thermoplastic strap having an opaque radiant energy absorbing area on one surface thereof wherein the strap portions are overlapped so that the opaque area is at the interface therebetween. The overlapped strap portions are urged together by being tensioned over an arcuate guide surface. Infrared energy is directed through a free uncontacted outer surface area of one of the strap portions and onto the opaque area for melting the adjacent strap surfaces to form a joint.

US Patent:

55422870, Aug 6, 1996

Filed:

Oct 17, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/323633

Inventors:

Robert D. Powers - Shorewood IL

Assignee:

Northern Illinois Gas Company - Aurora IL

International Classification:

G01M 328

US Classification:

73 405R

Abstract:

A portable gas pressure monitor includes a pressure sensor which may be coupled to a pipeline tap downstream of a work area, and first and second comparator circuits receiving the signal from the pressure sensor and comparing the pressure signal with a low pressure set point and a high pressure set point. The two set points define a safe range for the pressure of the gas being monitored. If the sensed gas pressure falls below the low set point one audible signal is generated, and if the sensed pressure exceeds the high set point, a distinctly different audible signal is generated, thus immediately and unequivocally alerting operating personnel of the nature of any alarm. The pressure is also displayed for the operator.