Ronald Logan Sutherland

US Patent:

6384731, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Feb 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/789252

Inventors:

Ronald L. Sutherland - Lawrence KS 66044

International Classification:

G08B 1712

US Classification:

340577, 340590, 340596, 374110, 338 26

Abstract:

A fire event detection system includes a programmable logic circuit which evaluates electrical resistance input data and energizes an alarm upon programmed conditions. The system includes a temperature sensitive polymeric tape spanning between a pair of conductors connected to the circuit. The conductors and tape define a plurality of notches for redirecting current transversely across the tape between the for enhancing responsiveness to a temperature increase at a particular location along the tape. The circuit energizes the alarm if the resistance data indicates a temperature greater than a predetermined critical temperature parameter or if the data indicates a temperature rate of rise greater than a critical rate of rise parameter. The tape may include notched and unnotched portions such that the circuit energizes the alarm if the rate of rise at a particular location is greater than the rate of rise of the tape as a whole.

US Patent:

20020198614, Dec 26, 2002

Filed:

Jun 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/891959

Inventors:

Ronald Sutherland - Lawrence KS, US

International Classification:

G06F017/00

US Classification:

700/094000

Abstract:

An audio signal enhancement system having a digital interface for transmitting a digital audio signal obtained from a digital storage device. The system includes a digital-to-analog converter connected to the digital interface for receiving the digital audio signal and converting it to an analog signal. An analog gain stage is connected to the digital-to-analog converter which includes at least one vacuum tube through which the analog signal is passed, whereby to amplify the analog signal and to impart enhanced euphonic characteristics to the analog signal.

US Patent:

62189476, Apr 17, 2001

Filed:

May 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/578154

Inventors:

Ronald L. Sutherland - Lawrence KS

International Classification:

G08B 2300

US Classification:

340576

Abstract:

A sleep alarm for use in a vehicle for detecting the condition indicative of the onset of sleepiness of a driver and for alerting the driver thereto comprises first and second conductive elements attached in spaced apart relationship to opposite sides of a steering wheel rim. The first conductive element is electrically grounded while the second conductive element is connected to a voltage source. The conductive elements are positioned such that the fingertips of a driver's hand will make proximate contact with the second conductive element. A monitoring circuit is electrically coupled to the second conductive element for sensing the capacitance of the second conductive element relative to the first grounded conductive element. The driver sleep alarm further includes a comparator for comparing the sensed capacitance with a reference capacitance and for activating an alarm if the comparison indicates a decrease in capacitance caused by a release of the driver's fingertips from the steering wheel rim proximate the second conductive element.