Patents by Inventor Bruce G. Erickson

Bruce G. Erickson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4044597
    Abstract: A visual tuning-aid system for aligning an electronic timepiece to a correct reference frequency is disclosed. A reference oscillator in the system provides a reference signal at a precisely fixed predetermined frequency which is, or is converted to, the correct alignment frequency for the timepiece. A sensor electrostatically detects a time base signal in the timepiece and a bandpass amplifier removes any extraneous signals. The reference signal and the time base signal are provided to a phase shift indicating device of a multiphase motor in the system which provides a visual display, the movement of which is proportional to the rate of phase change between the reference signal and the time base signal. Alignment of the timepiece to the correct frequency stops the phase change and thereupon the visual display stops moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Assignee: American Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4024750
    Abstract: A visual tuning-aid system for aligning an electronic timepiece to a correct reference frequency is disclosed. A reference oscillator in the system provides a reference signal at a precisely fixed predetermined frequency which is, or is converted to, the correct alignment frequency for the timepiece. A sensor electrostatically detects a time base signal in the timepiece and a bandpass amplifier removes any extraneous signals. The reference signal and the time base signal are provided to a phase shift indicating device in the system which provides a visual display, the movement of which is proportional to the rate of phase change between the reference signal and the time base signal. Alignment of the timepiece to the correct frequency stops the phase change and thereupon the visual display stops moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Assignee: American Micro-systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Erickson
  • Patent number: 3975678
    Abstract: Apparatus for ascertaining that the resonant frequency of a crystal frequency determining element lies within a predetermined frequency range is disclosed. A crystal whose frequency is to be measured is connected to an oscillator which provides vertical and horizontal deflection signals to a cathode ray tube device. Two crystal controlled signal generators provide series of short duration output impulses which are applied to the control grid of the cathode ray tube. One oscillator operates at the upper frequency limit of the frequency range, and the other oscillator operates at the lower frequency limit. If the crystal undergoing tests lies between the two frequencies of the two reference generators, two spots appearing on the screen of the cathode ray tube will rotate countercurrent with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1976
    Assignee: American Micro-Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce G. Erickson