Patents by Inventor John V. Fitzgerald

John V. Fitzgerald 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: 11926089
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
  • Patent number: 5317908
    Abstract: A transducer for inline process control of highly viscous fluids at high pressure and high temperature having a torsionally oscillating sensor tip supported by a pressure resistant threaded body portion. The sensor tip, which includes a thermocouple to measure fluid temperature, is driven by a crossarm which oscillates with a constant angular amplitude, the power required to maintain that amplitude despite the viscous resistance offered by the fluid being a measure of the viscosity-density product of the fluid. The crossarm driver and detector electromagnetic coils are oriented at right angles to each other to reduce crosstalk and transducer housing diameter. The associated electronic control unit includes means to compensate for the effects of fluid flow rate and fluid pressure which were found to be encountered with the vibratory viscometer method of measurement when inline measurements are made on high viscosity fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: National Metal Refining Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Fitzgerald, Frank J. Matusik, John L. Batton
  • Patent number: 5157962
    Abstract: A viscosity measuring transducer especially useful for process control of fluids. The transducer oscillates an immersed blade sensor in the direction of the plane of the blade in order to maximize generation of shear waves and to minimize generation of compression waves. The transducer includes a bar which penetrates and is secured and peripheral sealed to an isolation plate which serves to protect the oscillation driver and pickup adjacent one end of the bar from the sensor blade to be immersed in a fluid adjacent the other end of the bar. Either the bar is relatively rigid and the isolation plate is relatively compliant, or vice versa. In the former case the isolation plate acts as an intrinsic flexible member of the oscillating system of the transducer; and in both cases the isolation plate constitutes a strong impermeable seal between the fluid and the driver/pickup mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: National Metal and Refining Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Fitzgerald, Teresa M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5067344
    Abstract: A viscosity measuring transducer especially useful for process control of fluids. The transducer oscillates an immersed blade sensor in the direction of the plane of the blade in order to maximize generation of shear waves and to minimize generation of compression waves. The transducer includes a bar which penetrates and is secured and peripheral sealed to an isolation plate which serves to protect the oscillation driver and pickup adjacent one end of the bar from the sensor blade to be immersed in a fluid adjacent the other end of the bar. Either the bar is relatively rigid and the isolation plate is relatively compliant, or vice versa. In the former case the isolation plate acts as an intrinsic flexible member of the oscillating system of the transducer; and in both cases the isolation plate constitutes a strong impermeable seal between the fluid and the driver/pickup mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Natonal Metal and Refining Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Fitzgerald, Teresa M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5054313
    Abstract: Electronic control circuitry for obtaining precise inline process control data as to viscosity of fluids over a wide viscosity range, with high tolerance of ambient noise and vibration. An electromechanical transducer with an oscillating sensor is immersed in a flowing liquid, with the power required to sustain predetermined oscillation parameters being a measure of viscosity-density product. The gain of a variable gain amplifier which provides positive feedback to sustain oscillation is controlled in response to the integrated error signal output of a comparator which compares a DC value corresponding to the RMS amplitude of mechanical oscillation with a DC reference value. The monitoring of RMS amplitude rather than peak amplitude (as is done by a phase-sensitive sample-and-hold arrangement in the prior art), coupled integration of the error signal, results in a great improvement in immunity to ambient noise and vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: National Metal and Refining Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: John V. Fitzgerald, Teresa M. Walsh, Frank J. Matusik, John Stone, Edmond Dougherty, John Batton