Patents Examined by Charles Frankfort
  • Patent number: 4643589
    Abstract: A thermometer is described having a broad voltage-temperature characteristic rendering it useful in making temperature measurements from below 1.degree. K. to above 500.degree. K. The thermometer employs a gallium aluminum arsenide diode and displays improved sensitivity over more conventional diode devices. In addition to providing for improved polynomial fitting for calibration curve purposes, the diode also exhibits an advantageously low magnetic field dependence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Krause, Bradley C. Dodrill
  • Patent number: 4643588
    Abstract: A method of monitoring if a stored product has exceeded a predetermined temperature using an assembly, which comprises coated onto a carrier a gelatin layer containing an acidic reactant, color former and an encapsulated non-aqueous solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy AG
    Inventors: Stephen R. Postle, Roy P. Barber
  • Patent number: 4641521
    Abstract: A valve spring testing and replacement tool device having a multiple of attachment members to facilitate and accommodate working on a number of different types of internal combustion engines. The valve spring tool, generally speaking, comprises a base member, one or more anchor members, one or more spring compressor members and a torque wrench means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventor: Manuel Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4640629
    Abstract: Subject-matter of this invention is a thermistor-bolometer comprising as a detector body a structure consisting of a low resistivity layer of a doped magnetic garnet, two contact elements of conductive material adapted to form ohmic contacts and two conductive wires connected with the contact elements by contact pads, in order to connect the detector body with the biasing circuit and with the read-out circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
    Inventors: Bruno Antonini, Camillo Borghese, Arnaldo D'Amico, Paolo DeGasperis, Antonio Paoletti, Paolo Paroli, Giovanni Petrocco, Aldo Tucciarone, Fernando Scarinci
  • Patent number: 4640628
    Abstract: A composite fire sensor comprising a first sensor element sensitive to a change in incident infrared rays, a second sensor element having a variable electric conductivity according to gas absorption/desorption, at least one comparator for combining the outputs of the first and second sensor elements, and a delay circuit for delaying the output of at least one of the comparators. Predetermined reference voltages are supplied to the comparators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventors: Hiroshi Seki, Ryuichiro Kataishi
  • Patent number: 4640019
    Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel method and apparatus for determining the amount of material to be removed in a door jamb for the installation of an electric door strike. In particular, the apparatus comprises a template comprised of an elongate paperlike sheet in the shape or outline of the front view of the electric door strike to be installed in the door jam, the template having an open area therein through which measurement markings made on the door jam are aligned through the template, the template also having an adhesive material on the back thereof for securing the template firmly to the door jamb while the outline of the door strike is traced onto the jamb. The method described herein is for the purpose of practicing the above-mentioned determination of material to be removed from the door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Trine Products Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Paley
  • Patent number: 4640126
    Abstract: A device for measuring the oil level in an internal combustion engine, which enables an oil dipstick to remain in the oil filling opening to engines even during filling. At its upper end the dipstick is connected to a cap for the oil filling opening, and the dipstick is intended to be accommodated in a tube or a like device communicating with an oil container for the engine. The invention is substantially distinguished in that the dipstick is articulately connected to the cap and allows tilting of the dipstick relative the cap, enabling the cap to be hung on the upper edge of the tube during oil filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Saab-Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Peter A. G. Jansch
  • Patent number: 4640626
    Abstract: A method and apparatus localize weak points within an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is covered with a liquid crystal and is heated to a temperature just below the clearing point of the liquid crystal. The liquid crystal converts into its unordered condition given a temperature increase and leakage channel within the integrated circuit are completely localized. By irradiating a three-dimensional region, at least one current is induced in the region by generating electron-hole pairs within the electrical circuit, this at least one current causing a temperature increase at at least one weak point of the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Schmid, Johann Otto, Daniela Bernklau, Erwin Knapek
  • Patent number: 4638567
    Abstract: A device for precisely measuring the depths of cuts of a Mercedes Benz key at the critical depth locations which determine the unique characteristics of each such key. In a first embodiment for measuring a single shelf key, the key is measured by a projecting probe of a circular gauge, by moving the key via a slide plate. The slide plate is incremented by a rack-and-pinion arrangement, the rack forming part of one side edge surface of the slide plate. A stop member cooperates with cut-outs formed in the other side edge surface of the slide plate for holding the slide plate, and therefore the key, at each of the critical locations where depth of cut is to be measured. In the second embodiment, a double shelf key may be measured by the use of a pair of oppositely disposed and aligned probe tips of a pair of circular measuring gauges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Garrett J. Leversee
  • Patent number: 4638566
    Abstract: Improvements in hole angularity gauges. Known gauges require a plug to fit precisely into the hole, or have limited accuracy and/or require multiple readings. The gauge (10) of the invention provides a tapered plug (16) that will fit snugly into holes having diameters varying from a standard within reasonable tolerances. An indicator member (42) is slidably and pivotably attached to a slider member (56) carried by member (12, 14) of which plug (16) is a part. Spring (80) biases member (42) into contact with an object (2) around the hole being tested when plug (16) is wedged into such hole. Member (42) has two spaced legs (46) having rounded bottom ends (48) that contact object (2), and an indicator arm (52) which extends up through a sleeve portion (14) of member (12, 14). When the head (54) of arm (52) protrudes from a radial slot (36) in sleeve (14), the hole being tested deviates from normal to the surface of the object (2) by more than the permissible amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Douglas Thompson
  • Patent number: 4637254
    Abstract: This invention pertains to gauge apparatus for measuring liquid levels comprising an elongated electrical sensor adapted to be arranged in upright position while immersed so constructed as to have an electrical resistance which may be varied. A spherical float is magnetically attracted to the sensor for rolling movement with respect thereto for varying the resistance in response to variation in elevation of float caused by changes in the level of the liquid. The resistance is measured thereby to provide an indication of such level. The magnetic attraction holds the float and sensor in operative engagement at all times including those during which the float changes height in response to changes in the level of the liquid being measured. The presence of different liquid is also detected in a given vessel, such as gasoline and water, and an indication and alarm of vessel overfill during a filling operation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry F. Dyben, Stanley S. Wulc
  • Patent number: 4637252
    Abstract: A tack measuring device and method wherein two specimens are brought into abutting contact under a predetermined load, after which the contact is maintained momentarily. The specimens are then separated within a second time interval. A load cell measures the force as a function of time and the tack is measured in terms of velocity times the force integrated over the second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: The Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company
    Inventors: Chong-Kon Rhee, David M. McKibben, Jeffrey N. Bibbee
  • Patent number: 4637736
    Abstract: A slip sensor and method of sensing slip for object supporting structure such as a manipulator which includes a pair of relatively movable jaws having opposing jaw faces between which an object may be gripped are shown. At least one thermistor is located at the face of the object supporting structure, which thermistor is intimately engageable with the supported object. The thermistor is maintained at a substantially constant temperature, above ambient temperature, by the passage of current therethrough. The temperature of the gripped object adjacent the thermistor is raised to the above-ambient temperature by heat conduction thereto from the thermistor. With slippage of the gripped object between the jaws, the thermistor is exposed to another portion of the object which is at a different temperature than the temperature of the thermistor whereby the resistance of the thermistor changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Gerry B. Andeen, Eric J. Shrader, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Patent number: 4637735
    Abstract: A bench-scale apparatus for measuring the heat-release rate of pyrolysis vapors of a material sample includes an oven having a heated chamber for receiving the sample, a flue and at least one entry port, a radiometer having a radiation sensor disposed in relation to the flue of the oven such that an area into which burning pyrolysis vapors are directed from the flue is adjacent to the radiation sensor, a fuel-gas control valve in communication with the entry port of the oven, and an electronic flow meter for measuring the amount of fuel-gas passing through the control valve, wherein signals from the radiometer operate the fuel-gas control valve to provide an amount of fuel-gas sufficient to maintain a flame of the vapors at a predetermined height, and wherein the meter measures the amount of fuel-gas such that the measurement of the meter is used to indicate the heat-release rate of the pyrolysis vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Factory-Mutual Research Corporation
    Inventors: John de Ris, George H. Markstein
  • Patent number: 4637737
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring water temperature includes a temperature measuring instrument with a stem that is introduced into a water-filled mattress through a closure member positioned in the filler spout. The closure member and the temperature measuring instrument are secured in sealing relationship to the spout to form a blunt-ended cap therefor. The apparatus includes a cylindrical stopper that fits closely around an inside wall of the filler spout, a quantitative measuring instrument which includes a sensing stem and a crystal fitting over the end of the stopper and the filler spout for observing the measurements sensed by the instrument, and an annular hold-down member that runs around the crystal and the filler spout to secure the stopper in sealing relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Dominic A. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 4635371
    Abstract: A device for determining the annual exposure of a site which comprises a viewer having a lens with markings provided thereon for determining the line of travel of the sun at a given latitude for selected dates of the year and indicating the position of the sun at selected times of the day. Interchangeable lenses are provided for different latitudes and are changed by removing a bezel which attaches the lens to the hollow cylindrical body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Michael B. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 4635370
    Abstract: A caliper for the direct reading of the size of nuts, boltheads and fittings. On each leg of the caliper is a linear scale, one scale being calibrated in metric units, and the other in English units. When the terminal tips of the caliper are brought into contact with parallel faces of a fitting, the size of the fitting is read on either scale at the point where the inner edges of the legs intersect. All points on the legs of the caliper translate along concentric arcs of circles which have a common virtual pivot point in space, remote from the upper end of the caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Bud K. Beaver
  • Patent number: 4635480
    Abstract: A density compensating float is used in conjunction with a stop-fill valve for limiting the filling of a tank. The primary application of the density compensating float is for use in LPG tanks. The compensating float includes a portion thereof having graded volumetric segments which correspond to the changes in density for a particular fluid, such as propane. For a given quantity of fluid in the tank, the float has an essentially constant angular position despite variations in the density of the fluid, and therefore changes in buoyancy of the fluid, as a result of changes in temperature. Thus, fluid at any temperature can be input into the tank and the stop-fill valve will be activated when a given quantity of fluid has been received without regard to the temperature of the fluid. This provides maximum filling of the tank while limiting the fluid to the maximum safe quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hrncir, Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4636092
    Abstract: A diode thermometer wherein a current source is operated to cause a temperature sensing diode to be subjected to operation at a first current level and then a second current level different from the first current level. A voltage generated from the diode by the switching of the current is applied to a circuit which up integrates the voltage for a certain time interval at the conclusion of which a known reference voltage is applied to the integrator, of opposite sense to the previous signal so that the integrator now integrates in the opposite direction. A capability is provided such that the integrator starts from a zero reference level when it begins to integrate, and when it is integrating the known reference signal it returns toward this zero reference. A comparator detects return of the integrator output signal to the zero reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Dennis J. Hegyi
  • Patent number: 4635583
    Abstract: A skid detector is mountable for rotation with a vehicle wheel to enable a driver of the vehicle, especially a tractor trailer, to observe a condition wherein the tire is skidding. The detector comprises a strip mountable to a hub of the vehicle and includes a pair of legs projecting outwardly beyond the plane of the tire side wall so as to be observable when the tire is viewed in a direction transversely of the rotary axis thereof. The legs carry a light reflecting substance so as to be visible at night. A fastener is provided which enables the strip to be mounted in a central hole of the vehicle hub. The legs are configured so as to be deformed in response to engagement with an annular wall of the wheel so as to assume a condition parallel to the rotary axis of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Geral L. Cox