Patents by Inventor Earnest C. Smith

Earnest C. Smith 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).

  • Cylindrical surface profile and diameter measuring tool and method
    Patent number: 4821425
    Abstract: A tool is shown having a cross beam assembly (15) made of beams (18, 19, 20, 21) joined by a center box structure (23). The assembly (15) is adapted to be mounted by brackets (16) to the outer end of a cylindrical case (11). The center box structure (23) has a vertical shaft (25) rotatably mounted therein and extending beneath the assembly (15). Secured to the vertical shaft (25) is a radius arm (28) which is adapted to rotate with shaft (25). On the longer end of the radius arm (28) is a measuring tip (30) which contacts the cylindrical surface to be measured and which provides an electric signal representing the radius of the cylindrical surface from the center of rotation of the radius arm (28). An electric servomotor (49) rotates the vertical shaft (25) and an electronic resolver (61) provides an electric signal representing the angle of rotation of the shaft (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James R. Currie, Ralph R. Kissel, Charles E. Oliver, Earnest C. Smith, John W. Redmon, Charles C. Wallace, Charles P. Swanson