Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

James W Alford

This inventor holds 2 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application. Top assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Active years: 1992-1994.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: James W Alford. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/james-w-alford

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 2 

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 5.3

ph-index = 2

Forward Citations = 29(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1992-1994

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2 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Innovations by James W. Alford

Introduction

James W. Alford is a notable inventor based in Pittsburgh, PA, who has made significant contributions to the field of engineering. He holds 2 patents that showcase his expertise in developing advanced testing apparatuses for electrical components.

Latest Patents

Alford's latest patents include an "Apparatus and method for impact testing for electric generator stator" and a "Rotor bore inspection system." The first patent focuses on a method and apparatus for performing remote impact testing for generator stator wedges and ripple springs. It utilizes an improved low profile carriage to correlate wedge displacement data with the force required to displace the wedge. A calibrated test stand, equipped with a hydraulic load cell, generates calibration curve sets that allow for the analysis of force and displacement data during actual stator testing. The preferred embodiment employs a capacitive sensor to measure the displacement or vibration of stator wedges when impacted by a hammer with a known force.

The second patent, the "Rotor bore inspection system," is designed for examining elongated cylindrical bodies with axial bores, such as rotor shafts. This apparatus includes an energy transducer supported by a drive rod, which is advanced within the bore to obtain readings indicative of the physical condition of the body. The drive unit, which supports the rod, is centered within the bore by a fixture that allows for axial alignment adjustments. The system is powered by DC permanent magnet motors, with precise control achieved through position and velocity error signals derived from a pulse encoder.

Career Highlights

James W. Alford is associated with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he has applied his innovative ideas to enhance the performance and reliability of electrical systems. His work has contributed to advancements in testing methodologies that ensure the integrity of critical components in electrical engineering.

Collaborations

Alford has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Mark William Fischer and George F. Dailey, who have contributed to his projects and innovations.

Conclusion

James W. Alford's contributions to the field of engineering through his patents reflect his commitment to innovation and excellence. His work continues to influence the development of testing technologies in the electrical industry.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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