Patents Assigned to Simmonds Precision
  • Apparatus and method for improving liquid gaging system using error compensation data
    Patent number: 5495745
    Abstract: Apparatus for improving the accuracy of a fuel gaging system already installed on an airplane of the type having a number of fuel level sensors that each produce an output signal that can be combined to determine fuel volume. The apparatus includes control means for energizing the sensors, receiving the sensor signals and calculating a first volume value. An attitude indicator may be provided that is connected to the control means and that produces signals corresponding to the attitude of the fuel level relative to the sensors; the control means includes memory means for storing volume measurement compensation data based on predetermined volume measurement errors that are a function of fuel volume, and attitude when the attitude indicator is used; the control means compensating the first volume value to produce a second fuel volume value that is more accurate than the uncompensated first volume value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivor Hughes
  • Exciter circuit using gated switches
    Patent number: 5488536
    Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug includes a charging circuit and a discharge circuit; the charging circuit being connectable to a power supply and the discharge circuit being connectable to the plug to produce sparks; the discharge circuit comprising a storage capacitor connected to the charging circuit, a gated solid state switching device connected between the capacitor and the plug, and a trigger means for gating the switching device on and off; the capacitor being discharged when the switching device is gated on and the capacitor being charged by the charging circuit after the switching device is gated off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard V. Bonavia, Dale F. Geislinger
  • Exciter with an output current multiplier
    Patent number: 5473502
    Abstract: An exciter for an internal combustion engine igniter plug, comprises a continuous AC charging circuit and a discharge circuit. The discharge circuit is connectable to the plug and the charging circuit includes a transformer having a primary winding connectable to an AC power source and a secondary winding connected to the discharge circuit. The discharge circuit includes a storage capacitor connected to the transformer secondary winding such that current induced in the secondary charges the capacitor at a generally constant rate. A switching device is connected in series between the capacitor and the plug; and a trigger circuit triggers the switching device in response to charge on the capacitor; with the charging circuit and trigger circuit operating to maintain a generally constant spark rate. A current multiplier is also provided to substantially increase the peak currents delivered to the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems
    Inventors: Howard V. Bonavia, Dale F. Geislinger, Michael J. Terzo
  • Semi-permanent electrical connector and backshell assembly
    Patent number: 5468161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-permanent backshell and connector assembly for use with a harness having a plurality of conductors. More particularly, the invention relates to a connector and backshell assembly that inhibits unauthorized service and repair. The invention comprises a connector, an annular adapter sleeve, and a backshell. The adapter sleeve defines a locking surface that has at least on dog extending therefrom. The dog engages tooth-like projections on the connector. The adapter sleeve can rotate relative to the cylindrical extension before the backshell is installed due to the at least one dog being displaceable away from the tooth-like projections, and the adapter sleeve cannot rotate relative to the cylindrical extension after the backshell is installed due to the stopping surface preventing the at least one dog from displacing away from the tooth-like projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Wright
  • Real time auto-correlation filter method and apparatus
    Patent number: 5465227
    Abstract: An auto-correlation filter for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in a signal having synchronous analog components to be detected and associated asynchronous noise components includes a circuit for inputting a plurality of cycles of the signal and noise components; a circuit for digitizing the signal and noise components over a time period that is a function of the time duration of each cycle; a circuit for storing for an n.sub.th cycle the digitized components at the end of the time period until the start of an n.sub.th +1 cycle; a circuit for converting the stored n.sub.th cycle digital components into a corresponding restored analog signal; and a circuit for summing the n.sub.th cycle restored analog signal with signal and noise components of the n.sub.th +1 cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Durkee, Erik A. Fjerstad
  • Static torque measurement for rotatable shaft
    Patent number: 5456123
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining static torque on a rotatable shaft includes at least two elements that when coupled to the shaft have a torque dependent relationship to each other; a sensor for detecting the torque dependent relationship when the shaft is under static load; and means for rotating the sensor about the shaft under static load and through an arc that is less than a full rotation about the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Parkinson
  • Baffle assembly for ultrasonic liquid level measuring probe
    Patent number: 5456108
    Abstract: A baffle assembly for use in an ultrasonic system for measuring the level of a contained volume of liquid by calculating the density of the liquid by determining the dielectric constant thereof. The baffle assembly is located at the lower end of a stillwell located within the volume of liquid, The assembly includes a pair of concentric sleeves formed of electrically conductive material located to surround the lower end portion of the stillwell. The sleeves are uniformly radially spaced from one another so as to function as a capacitor so that the electrical capacitance between the respective opposed surfaces of the sleeves may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Birkett
  • Smart structure with non-contact power and data interface
    Patent number: 5440300
    Abstract: Embedded smart structures include active electronics which control and collect data from sensors and actuators and transmit data to the exterior of a body by electromagnetic antenna radiation to a conformal power and data interrogation interface. Multiple embedded smart structures are powered and interrogated by a network of conformal powering and interrogation units. Multiple embedded sensors each having an antenna with a defined narrow band resonant frequency are powered and interrogated by a single external powering and data interrogation antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Spillman, Jr.
  • Contactless interrogation of sensors for smart structures
    Patent number: 5433115
    Abstract: Apparatus for contactless interrogation of an sensor integrally disposed with a structure including a pair of coils for coupling signals across a gap between a sensing circuit having a sense coil and an interrogation circuit having an exciter coil connectable to a variable frequency supply, the sensing circuit comprising a circuit for changing current through the sense coil in relation to the sensor output; the interrogation circuit comprising a circuit for detecting current in the exciter coil induced by the sense coil current; and control means for determining the sensor output based on the exciter coil current compensated for the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Spillman, Jr., Scott R. Durkee
  • Optical spectrum analyzer and encoder using a modulated phase grating wherein said grating diffracts the wavelength as a function of the magnetic field
    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.
  • Ultrasonic transducer assembly for measuring liquid level
    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
  • Multiple optic sensor system
    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
  • PWM inverter controller with wave form memory
    Patent number: 5404089
    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: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Flanagan, Keith E. Iholts, John R. Lindbery
  • Liquid gauging apparatus and remote sensor interrogation
    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
  • PWM inverter controller with waveform memory
    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
  • Optical point level sensor with lens
    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
  • Ultrasonic fuel gauging system using state machine control
    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
  • Fluid tank with integral fluid quantity gauging
    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.
  • Intrusive acoustic sensor mounting arrangement
    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
  • Laser ignition methods and apparatus for combustors
    Patent number: 5367869
    Abstract: Apparatus for igniting fuel in a combustor having at least one fuel nozzle that emits an atomized fuel spray into a primary zone of the combustion chamber comprising a laser energy source for producing infrared laser energy and optic fiber means for transmitting the laser energy from the laser source into the primary zone of the combustor to ignite the fuel spray. In one embodiment the laser igniter is disposed in a main fuel nozzle of the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems
    Inventor: Dennis M. DeFreitas