Stephen F Post

US Patent:

6791283, Sep 14, 2004

Filed:

Sep 6, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/309408

Inventors:

Scott A. Bowman - Fairfax CA
Stephen F. Post - Walnut Creek CA

Assignee:

Opalec - Walnut Creek CA

International Classification:

G05F 100

US Classification:

315291, 315307, 315312, 361 84, 361 86, 361 87, 362 10

Abstract:

An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.

US Patent:

7898203, Mar 1, 2011

Filed:

Jul 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/172139

Inventors:

Marc R. Davis - Dublin CA, US
Andrew J. Shepherd - Danville CA, US
Stephen Post - Walnut Creek CA, US

Assignee:

Curtis Instruments, Inc. - Livermore CA

International Classification:

G01R 31/34

US Classification:

318490, 318473, 318558, 318139

Abstract:

Electric motor controllers that dynamically adjust a motor resistance parameter are described. In order to adjust the motor resistance parameter, power is applied the electric motor while the controlled vehicle is stopped and its brake is set so that the vehicle remains stopped while a measurement is taken that can be used to determine motor resistance. A new motor resistance value is then generated based at least in part upon the measurement(s) and the motor resistance parameter is set to the new motor resistance value. The new motor resistance parameter may then be used in the control of the electric motor. In some embodiments, the measurements are taken after the controller receives a brake release request but before actually releasing the brake. The described arrangement can be used in a wide variety of motor controllers and is especially well suited for use in low cost controllers that control motors that are susceptible to wide variations in their resistance such as brushed permanent magnet DC motors.

US Patent:

8602140, Dec 10, 2013

Filed:

Apr 2, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/437841

Inventors:

Roger White - Livermore CA, US
Stephen Post - Walnut Creek CA, US

Assignee:

Curtis Instruments, Inc. - Livermore CA

International Classification:

B60K 1/00

US Classification:

180 651, 180 6529

Abstract:

Circuits, systems, and methods are disclosed to eliminate the requirement for an external electromechanical contactor. Integrating contactor circuits with a motor controller reduces cost. Additionally, the cost of the contactor circuit may be reduced by providing transistors designed to block current in only one direction in the event of an electrical fault corresponding to an electrical drive direction.

US Patent:

20050007770, Jan 13, 2005

Filed:

Aug 9, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/914803

Inventors:

Scott Bowman - Fairfax CA, US
Stephen Post - Walnut Creek CA, US

International Classification:

H02J007/00

US Classification:

362157000

Abstract:

An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.

US Patent:

43896022, Jun 21, 1983

Filed:

Feb 20, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/236231

Inventors:

Stephen F. Post - Pleasant Hill CA

Assignee:

William M. Brobeck & Associates - Berkeley CA

International Classification:

H02P 728

US Classification:

318341

Abstract:

An electronic controller for DC motors is provided which is particularly adapted for use on electric vehicles. The controller is of the pulse-width type wherein a chopper is employed to divide the current into a series of pulses and the output of the controller is regulated by the width of the pulses. A number of protective devices are built into the circuit, including an active current limiter, a main current limiter and a back-up limiter whereby it is virtually impossible to damage the individual components.

US Patent:

52610250, Nov 9, 1993

Filed:

Jan 19, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/299049

Inventors:

Stephen F. Post - Pleasant Hill CA
David Mele - Fremont CA

Assignee:

Curtis Instruments, Inc. - Mt. Kisco NY

International Classification:

H02P 500

US Classification:

358811

Abstract:

In a preferred embodiment, a high-frequency, pulse-width-modulated, power-transistor, DC motor speed controller having current limiting in both drive and regenerative modes, essentially constant ramping rates regardless of whether or not the operator switches to neutral before changing direction, a simple sequencer which controls the timing of four functions--both drive and regenerative current measuring circuits and both drive and regenerative transistors, a highly effective transistor filter capacitor arrangement, and circuitry in which the level of regenerative current is used as an input to control the current under which the direction relays switch.

US Patent:

46267506, Dec 2, 1986

Filed:

Sep 10, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/774265

Inventors:

Stephen F. Post - Pleasant Hill CA

Assignee:

Curtis Instruments, Inc. - Mt. Kisco NY

International Classification:

H02P 517

US Classification:

318139

Abstract:

The system includes a plurality of parallel-connected power field effect transistors arranged for connection in series with the traction motor with a common control circuit connected to the gate electrodes of the field effect transistors to control the on-off cycle of conduction through the field effect transistors. A plurality of parallel connected power diodes are arranged for reverse connection in parallel with the traction motor to serve as freewheeling diodes. The diodes are physically positioned apart from one another and distributed in position among the field effect transistors and each diode is positioned in a similar manner with a group of associated field effect transistors for ease of transfer of current flow between the diode and the associated field effect transistors.

US Patent:

D3873331, Dec 9, 1997

Filed:

Sep 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

D/044406

Inventors:

Donald L. Pellow - Pleasanton CA
Stephen F. Post - Walnut Creek CA

Assignee:

Curtis Instruments, Inc. - Mt. Kisco NY

International Classification:

1303

US Classification:

D13184