Patents Assigned to Simmonds Precision Products
  • Patent number: 5412469
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of wavelength detection and parameter sensing uses a variable magnetic field applied to a Faraday effect thin magnetizable film to perform spectral analysis based on detected intensity distribution of diffracted light for known magnetic field strengths. The strength of the applied magnetic field can also be varied by change in a physical parameter relative to a fixed magnet in a magnetic circuit which generates a magnetic field about the grating to produce diffracted wavelengths which correspond to the parameter which influences the magnetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Spillman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5410518
    Abstract: A transducer assembly for an ultrasonic liquid level measuring device utilizing a piezoelectric crystal for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted through a volume of liquid. The assembly includes an enclosure for the piezoelectric crystal assembly, that defines an interior space and a sealed opening for a cable. The enclosure is provided with a metallic layer that shields the entire interior space from electromagnetic interference. The assembly also includes a crystal housing assembly and a terminal block all located within the sealed enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Product, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Birkett
  • Patent number: 5408092
    Abstract: An optic sensor system comprising N optic sensors, each of the N sensors operating with received input light and providing output light having a characteristic corresponding to a sensed parameter; a number, less than N+2, of devices wherein each of the devices operates as a light source and as a light detector such that one device can be used to transmit interrogation light to two of the sensors, with two other of the devices being used to receive output light from the interrogated sensors; and optic waveguide means for transmitting light between the sensors and the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa B. Maurice, Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Bruce R. Kline
  • Patent number: 5400237
    Abstract: A programmed PWM controller for controlling an inverter is provided which includes memory means for storing a plurality of drive data words representing a pulsewidth modulation sequence, each drive data word including a driveword and a drivetime word, the drivewords being used to operate the inverter; first digital means for selectively retrieving each of the plurality of drive data words from the memory means according to the pulsewidth modulation sequence in response to a next drive data word request signal; and second digital means governed by the drivetime word for generating the next drive data word request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Flanagan, Keith E. Iholts, John R. Lindbery
  • Patent number: 5400376
    Abstract: Ultrasonic fuel gauging apparatus for a fuel tank having a plurality of ultrasonic fuel level sensors for sensing fuel levels at respective predetermined locations in a tank based on echo ranging; a memory means for storing sensor data; and a state device for interrogating each of the sensors by controlling the application of transmit pulses to each of the sensors and for receiving output signals corresponding to return echoes, the state device operating in response to a sequential state counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian L. Trudeau
  • Patent number: 5399875
    Abstract: A liquid gauging system for a liquid container, the system comprising sensor means for producing a first electromagnetic signal that corresponds to liquid quantity in the container, and remote interrogation means for receiving the first electromagnetic signal and producing a system output that corresponds to the liquid quantity; the sensor means being energized by a second electromagnetic signal transmitted by the remote interrogation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Product, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Crowne
  • Patent number: 5399876
    Abstract: An optical point level sensor for fluids includes a prism exposable to a fluid such that electromagnetic energy is reflected internally the prism dependent on the fluid level; and a lens optically connectable to an electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic energy detector such that electromagnetic energy from the source enters the lens at a first location axisymmetric to a second location where electromagnetic energy exits the lens to the detector. In one embodiment the lens is a GRIN lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. LaClair
  • Patent number: 5386736
    Abstract: A gauging system for a fluid tank includes means for determining fluid pressure data for the tank; means for determining acceleration data of the tank; and means for determining quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure and acceleration data. A method for determining quantity of fluid in a tank is also provided and includes the steps of:a. determining an orientation vector for each of a plurality of sensing areas of the tank;b. producing an output corresponding to pressure of the fluid on each of the respective sensing areas;c. determining an acceleration vector of the tank; andd. calculating quantity of fluid in the tank as a function of the pressure output signals, the orientation vectors and the acceleration vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Spillman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5379658
    Abstract: An intrusive mounting arrangement for an acoustic sensor includes an acoustic window and a flange assembly for mounting the sensor and window on a fluid tank, the flange assembly having a body portion configured to extend through an opening in the tank wall in a fluid-tight manner into the tank interior, the flange assembly having a body flange that is attachable to the tank wall; the body portion having a fluid passageway therein and a port that permits fluid in the tank to flow into the passageway; the flange assembly further comprising means for retaining the acoustic window in the passageway; the sensor comprising a body that is insertable in the fluid passageway in a fluid-tight manner; the sensor further comprising an active surface acoustically coupled to the window by fluid when the sensor is fully inserted in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Frederick G. Hoff
  • Patent number: 5334831
    Abstract: A proximity detector apparatus that uses the Faraday Effect to detect position changes of a target. The proximity detector includes a permanent magnet having a magnetic field that changes as the target moves to or from a predetermined position. A self-referencing optical sensor is provided that detects the changed magnetic field. The optical sensor includes a magneto-optic material positioned near a node of the magnet. Means are provided to transmit polarized interrogation light along an optical path that includes the magneto-optic material. The optical path is bi-directionally addressed and is non-reciprocal. The optical sensor transduces the changed magnetic field into a modulation of the interrogation light's intensity. Means are provided to detect variations in the interrogation light intensity and to determine a ratio such as the difference over the sum ratio for two interrogation light samples that traveled the optic path in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lisa B. Maurice
  • Patent number: 5315563
    Abstract: An intrusive fluid sensor mounting arrangement for a fluid container includes first and second tubes, the first tube being attachable to a wall of the container such that a first end of the first tube is open to the container exterior through the container wall and a second end of the first tube extends into the container; the second tube being sized to slide axially within the first tube between first and second positions; the second tube having a first end accessible from outside the container such that a sensor can be installed in and removed from the second tube; the second tube providing fluid communication between the sensor and fluid in the container when the second tube is in the first position, and substantially preventing fluid loss from the container when the second tube is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Robert E. Birkett, Ward J. Nial, Frederick G. Hoff
  • Patent number: 5303179
    Abstract: A circuit that electronically simulates a capacitor includes a differentiator and a current source. In the preferred embodiment, the differentiator includes a differentiating gain amplifier that produces an output signal in response to an applied input signal, with the output signal being proportional to the time rate of change of the input signal. The differentiator further includes a variable inverting gain stage that produces a reference signal that has a desired phase relationship with respect to the input signal, such as a ninety degree leading phase for sinusoidal input signals. The variable gain stage is also used to provide for different simulated capacitance values, and to compensate for variations in the differentiator fixed value component. The current source is preferably a high output impedance current source such as a Howland current pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lalit Kumar
  • Patent number: 5265460
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining jet fuel density. A microprocessor monitors the temperature, velocity of sound and dielectric constant of a jet fuel. The microprocessor determines the type of jet fuel and the density of the fuel using data from jet fuel samples of a known density and a least-squares-fit of the test data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Michael Ellinger, Bruce R. Kline
  • Patent number: 5266792
    Abstract: An optical wavelength detector includes a photoelectric device that produces a signal in response to incident light thereon corresponding to a characteristic of the incident light such as wavelength. A light source is provided that can selectively expose light to the photoelectric device. A memory device stores device characterization data that corresponds wavelength information to current ratio signals from the photoelectric device. The current ratio signals are digitized and form part of the address for the memory. In a temperature compensated embodiment, the optical wavelength detector includes means to determine a temperature dependent electrical characteristic of the photoelectric device. In the preferred embodiment this electrical characteristic is the forward bias voltage detected when a predetermined forward bias current is applied to the photoelectric device in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Crowne, William B. Spillman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5258902
    Abstract: A dual snubber circuit for a switching circuit including first snubber means for performing a first snubbering function in a switching operation of the switching circuit, and second snubber means for performing a second snubbering function in the switching operation of the switching circuit, the first and second snubber means performing the first and second snubbering functions substantially independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Lindbery, David F. Flanagan
  • Patent number: 5228349
    Abstract: A composite torque transmitting power shaft is provided with built-in discrete sensible ferromagnetic elements. The composite shaft is formed of a non-ferromagnetic material so that the sensible elements, disposed interiorly of the shaft, can be sensed by a sensor element positioned outside of the shaft. Two groups of sensible elements are movable with respect to each other as the shaft twists under the application of torque. The elements can be sensed to provide an indication of the speed, torque or horsepower transmitted by the shaft. Further, the frequency and amplitude of torsional oscillations caused by pulsating power source or load characteristics can also be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert F. Gee, James R. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 5214377
    Abstract: A debris monitor apparatus and method and optical sensor apparatus and method that use the Faraday Effect to detect accumulation of debris on a magnetic probe. The probe contains a magnet and the optical sensor and is immersible in the fluid. As debris accumulates on the probe, the magnetic field changes. The optical sensor includes a magneto-optic material located within a portion of the changeable magnetic field, preferably near a node of the magnet. Means are provided to bi-directionally address the sensor magneto-optic material with linearly polarized light. Means are also provided to convert rotation of the light polarization angle into a modulation of the light's intensity. An electro-optic transducer converts the light intensity into electrical signals that indicate the quantity of debris accumulation on the probe, with a differentiated value of these signals with respect to time yielding rate of debris accumulation on the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa B. Maurice, James R. Parkinson, William B. Spillman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5192862
    Abstract: A polarizerless optic sensor is provided that uses a random domain magneto-optic film and a modulated normal magnetic field to vary or modulate the energy distribution in a diffraction pattern. Light is transmitted through the film and is diffracted according to a domain duty cycle so that the center beam intensity is a function of the Faraday rotation angle of the material and the intensity of the applied normal magnetic field. The polarizerless sensor can be used to realize a speed and torque sensor, an optical switch, a magnetic field sensor and many other types of devices. The invention can be used with polarized and unpolarized input light. The sensor can be implemented using a random domain film or a stripe domain film to create a phase grating diffraction pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Rudd, III
  • Patent number: 5182953
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the torque of a rotating shaft is provided, utilizing a single sensor which provides a signal which is processed to yield a temperature compensated value of the torque applied to a rotating shaft. A magneto-optic material such as a Faraday film is positioned adjacent to the rotating shaft and is subjected to a saturating magnetic field. Ferrous elements are provided about the periphery of the rotating shaft and cause the modulation of the magnetic field applied to the magneto-optic material. The rotation of the linear polarization vector of light passing through the magneto-optic material when the material is magnetized to the saturation level changes in accordance with temperature. Thus, the amplitude of the output optical signal varies in accordance with the temperature of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvester M. Ellinger, William B. Spillman, Jr., Douglas R. Patriquin
  • Patent number: 5168240
    Abstract: A liquid presence detector and method of using the same for a gas fluid pipe includes a helically wound insulated wire positioned inside the pipe such that an outer periphery of the wire contacts an inner surface of the pipe along an axial portion thereof. The pipe and wire form two plates of a capacitor with the pipe being connected to electrical ground for electromagnetic shielding and shock protection. The wire plate of the capacitor contacts liquid particles that travel along the pipe wall. A circuit is provided to measure capacitance between the wire and the pipe to detect liquid contacting the wire and pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford H. Howe