Patents by Inventor Fred McNair

Fred McNair 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: 7743661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optic seismic MEMS sensor. More specifically, a proof mass is supported by a frame having supporting beams. The proof mass is positioned within the frame and has a hinged attachment to the beams. The proof mass has a sensor gap having a first reflector and a second reflector positioned at opposing ends of the sensor gap. An optical fiber injects light into the sensor gap and light is reflected to determine seismic movement of the proof mass with respect to the frame. Stops are provided for limiting the movement of the proof mass to minimize strain on the attachment of the beams and the proof mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Berthold, Tiansheng Zhou, Ira Jeffrey Bush, Fred McNair
  • Publication number: 20090056447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optic seismic MEMS sensor. More specifically, a proof mass is supported by a frame having supporting beams. The proof mass is positioned within the frame and has a hinged attachment to the beams. The proof mass has a sensor gap having a first reflector and a second reflector positioned at opposing ends of the sensor gap. An optical fiber injects light into the sensor gap and light is reflected to determine seismic movement of the proof mass with respect to the frame. Stops are provided for limiting the movement of the proof mass to minimize strain on the attachment of the beams and the proof mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Berthold, Tiansheng Zhou, Ira Jeffrey Bush, Fred McNair
  • Patent number: 4321557
    Abstract: This invention relates to a laser gyro coupling system which utilizes a pair of resilient rings located between a plate attached to the laser dither suspension mechanism and the lower surface of a ring laser to form a reservoir for a viscous fluid. The coupling system permits the dither suspension mechanism to drive the ring laser at its dither frequency without transmitting stresses to the ring laser due to thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred McNair
  • Patent number: 4309107
    Abstract: An improved laser gyro dither mechanism is shown utilizing a three-spring suspension system which isolates dither vibrational energy generated within the gyro and prevents that energy from passing to the mounting case of the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred McNair, Thomas M. Wirt