Patents Assigned to Simmonds Precision
  • Apparatus and method for discriminating true and false ultrasonic echoes
    Patent number: 6046960
    Abstract: Apparatus for discriminating true echoes from false echoes in an ultrasonic liquid gauging system, comprising: means for producing electrical representations of an echo sequence received after an ultrasonic transmission, wherein the echo sequence contains one or more returned echoes that may be a true or false echo; and means for determining returned echo energy, wherein echo energy is a factor used to distinguish a true echo from a false echo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lalit Kumar
  • Probe placement using genetic algorithm analysis
    Patent number: 6006604
    Abstract: A method for determining an optimized solution of positions for N liquid surface sensors used to gauge quantity of liquid in the container, comprising the steps of:a) defining geometric limits of the container in terms of coordinates of a three axis (x,y,z) reference coordinate system assigned to the container;b) defining a chromosome structure for an individual, wherein said chromosome structure identifies a solution in terms of position data of the N sensors;c) determining a population of individuals wherein each individual in said population is a possible solution within said geometric limits; each individual having a respective chromosome; andd) executing a genetic algorithm on said population to identify a solution that meets a performance criteria as measured by a predetermined cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Carlos Rabelo, Mark George Walker, Radoslaw Romuald Zakrzewski, Robert Curtis North
  • Printed wiring assembly rework tool
    Patent number: 5979042
    Abstract: A printed wiring assembly rework tool and method which eliminates the need to remove a component from the printed wiring assembly in order to isolate a component pin from one or more printed circuits in the printed wiring assembly. The rework tool is able to mill or cut away a plated through hole and/or the area of the printed wiring assembly immediately surrounding the component pin without removing the component. Using the rework tool, the operation continues until the rework tool has either cut to a sufficient depth in the printed wiring assembly to sever a particular electrical connection, or the tool has cut all the way through the printed wiring assembly in order to completely isolate the component pin. The rework tool includes a pilot hole which accommodates the component pin as the tool cuts into the printed wiring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Moss Duke
  • Universal narrow band signal conditioner
    Patent number: 5912829
    Abstract: A system for processing a signal made up of at least one spectral component. The system includes a sampling circuit for periodically sampling the signal to obtain a sequence of discrete data samples representing the signal; and a computational circuit for computing a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the sequence of discrete data samples to an extent which the FFT is computed using substantially exclusively non-complex arithmetic operations, and for using a resultant portion of the FFT to obtain a phase and amplitude of the at least one spectral component making up the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Carl Maier
  • Optical liquid level sensor including built-in test circuitry
    Patent number: 5880480
    Abstract: A liquid sensing apparatus for a fuel tank comprises a first optical sensor for producing an output having a first state that corresponds to the first optical sensor being exposed to air and a second state that corresponds to the first optical sensor being exposed to fuel; and a circuit for detecting the first and second optical sensor output states. The sensor circuit also has self test capability for testing both active and passive components. The sensor circuits can be accessed using a two wire only interface, and thermal stability can be achieved with the electronic circuit as shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvester M. Ellinger, Ralph E. Burt, Jerre G. Longfellow, Robert D. LaClair
  • Processing echoes in ultrasonic liquid gauging systems
    Patent number: 5856953
    Abstract: Method for processing echoes received in an ultrasonic liquid gauging apparatus includes the steps of transmitting at time t.sub.1 ultrasonic energy from an ultrasonic transducer toward a fixed target and a liquid surface; producing a transmission pulse corresponding to the time t.sub.1 ; receiving during a predetermined cycle interval a number (i) of ultrasonic echoes after t.sub.1 and converting each echo into a corresponding echo pulse having an associated time of arrival t.sub.i+1 ; and calculating the liquid level based on an averaged time of arrival of the second echo relative to t.sub.1 when it is known that the liquid surface is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Durkee
  • Composite enclosure for electronic hardware
    Patent number: 5827585
    Abstract: An enclosure for electronic modules, comprising walls made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means, the mounting means comprising composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bernard Giannetti
  • Liquid gauging apparatus with a magnetoresistive sensor and remote sensor interrogration
    Patent number: 5814830
    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: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Henry Crowne
  • Removable ultrasonic transducer with integral electrical disconnect
    Patent number: 5761955
    Abstract: An externally mounted transducer assembly for an ultrasonic liquid level measuring device that utilizes a piezoelectric crystal for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted through a tank or the line containing a volume of liquid. Electrical conductors are formed integrally with the fuel tank for connecting the transducer to other components of the system. The wall of the tank is provided with an arrangement for removably attaching the transducer housing thereto. The tank is provided with electrical contacts that connect to the conductors that are integral with the tank. Also, electrical contacts in the transducer housing are connected to the transducer for providing current thereto. When the transducer housing is attached to the tank, the transducer is thereby connected to the measuring system circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Lichtenfels, II, Ralph E. Burt
  • Capacitive z-axis strain gauge
    Patent number: 5747698
    Abstract: A strain gauge device for detecting force applied to a planar structure, the device including a capacitor having two spaced conductive surfaces, and a dielectric material between the conductive surfaces with a dielectric constant that varies in relation to strain force normal to the surfaces. In one embodiment, the dielectric material is realized in the form of a pair of facing linear molecule monolayers attached endwise to the respective conductive layers and oriented at an oblique angle to the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products Inc.
    Inventors: William Bert Spillman, Jr., Eric M. Weissman
  • Fluid gauging apparatus using magnetostrictive sensor and stick gauge
    Patent number: 5723870
    Abstract: 057238701Apparatus for detecting fluid level in a container, comprises a housing adapted to be disposed in the container; a float with an associated magnetic element, the float position corresponding to fluid level in the container; a magnetostrictive sensor disposed inside the housing; and a stick gauge disposed inside the housing; the magnetostrictive sensor and the stick gauge each being operable to determine the float position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products Inc.
    Inventors: David Henry Crowne, Lisa Brackenbury Maurice, Frederick Lloyd Lichtenfels, II, Kip Joseph Freeman
  • Embeddable DC power supply for smart structure sensors
    Patent number: 5703576
    Abstract: A smart structure comprising a rotatable shaft, and a sensor integrated with the shaft, a resonant detector circuit integrated with the structure for detecting a sensor output, and an external exciter circuit; the detector circuit having first coil means and the exciter circuit having second coil means magnetically coupled to the first coil means when aligned across a gap; and control means exterior the shaft for producing an output that corresponds to the sensor output compensated for the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Spillman, Jr., Scott R. Durkee
  • Composite enclosure for electronic hardware
    Patent number: 5700342
    Abstract: An enclosure for electronic modules, comprising walls made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means, the mounting means comprising composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products Inc.
    Inventor: William Bernard Giannetti
  • Ignition apparatus using electrostatic nozzle and catalytic igniter
    Patent number: 5695328
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for igniting fuel include an electrostatic fuel nozzle that produces an atomized fuel spray; and a catalytic igniter for igniting the atomized fuel spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems & Precision Combustion
    Inventors: Dennis Michael DeFreitas, Ervin Jack Sweet
  • Ignition methods and apparatus using microwave energy
    Patent number: 5689949
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. DeFreitas, Timothy W. Darling, Albert Migliori, Daniel E. Rees
  • Distributed structural characteristic detection system using a unidirectional acoustic waveguide
    Patent number: 5677489
    Abstract: Apparatus for acoustically analyzing a structure having distributed characteristics comprising a first acoustic waveguide for transmitting an acoustic signal through a portion of the structure, a second acoustic waveguide for receiving a reflected acoustic signature of the structure and transmitting the acoustic signature to a sensor; the sensor producing an output that corresponds to the acoustic signature. The apparatus and methods are particularly adaptable to detecting distributed structural characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bert Spillman, Jr.
  • Portable optical fluid debris detector including cover and calibrating magnet
    Patent number: 5675249
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic debris in a fluid medium in a container includes a plug attachable to the container and having an associated magnetic field preferably produced by a permanent magnet. The plug is at least partly exposed to the fluid to capture debris in the fluid. The apparatus further includes a portable sensor for optically sensing the captured debris, with the sensor having a probe that is connectable to the plug. A method for using such apparatus is provided, and in general a method of detecting ferromagnetic particles in a fluid medium in a container includes the steps of: a) magnetically capturing particles from the fluid using a plug with the container, and b) interrogating the plug with light for captured particles using a portable probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Downing LaClair
  • Ignition methods and apparatus using microwave energy
    Patent number: 5673554
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Michael DeFreitas, Albert Migliori
  • Removable ultrasonic transducer with integral electrical disconnect
    Patent number: 5669262
    Abstract: An externally mounted transducer assembly for an ultrasonic liquid level measuring device that utilizes a piezoelectric crystal for generating ultrasonic pulses to be transmitted through a tank or the line containing a volume of liquid. Electrical conductors are formed integrally with the fuel tank for connecting the transducer to other components of the system. The wall of the tank is provided with an arrangement for removably attaching the transducer housing thereto. The tank is provided with electrical contacts that connect to the conductors that are integral with the tank. Also, electrical contacts in the transducer housing are connected to the transducer for providing current thereto. When the transducer housing is attached to the tank, the transducer is thereby connected to the measuring system circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Lloyd Lichtenfels, II, Ralph Ernest Burt
  • Ignition methods and apparatus for combustors
    Patent number: 5628180
    Abstract: Apparatus for igniting fuel in a combustor includes an injector having an electrostatic fuel atomization nozzle and an igniter. The injector produces an initial combustion process that ignites the main fuel supply from a fuel nozzle. Alternatively, a main fuel nozzle is provided which includes a plurality of electrostatic fuel nozzles disposed about a centrally located igniter. In one embodiment, the igniter is a laser igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems
    Inventor: Dennis M. DeFreitas