Patents Examined by James J. Gill
  • Patent number: 4444043
    Abstract: A knocking detector for internal combustion engines includes an illumination detector for detecting the illumination intensity of combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and a knocking discriminator for deciding whether or not a knocking has occurred on the basis of a signal produced from the illumination detector. The illumination detector is provided on the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine and is sensitive only to the light longer in wavelength than the near infrared rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Hattori, Yoshiki Ueno, Osamu Kashima, Masamichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 4444053
    Abstract: A low-cost two-axis rate and acceleration sensor utilizing piezoelectric generator elements affixed to the rotating housing of an inside-out synchronous motor. Signals generated by the piezoelectric bender elements are amplifier, compensated, balanced, and converted to FM signals for transmission off the rotating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Billie F. Rider
  • Patent number: 4442712
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for correcting the unbalance present in a rotor in one or several correction steps by adding or removing material only to or from given points on the rotating body on which only a limited quantity of material is available for correction, with the unbalance being resolved into components as given by the design of the rotor, with correction being carried out in one of several given components, and with the unbalance determined being eliminated in the given components as to the possibility permitting the least quantity of material to be added or removed in a minimum number of correction runs, so that finally an uninterrupted sequence of correction points is available on the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Gebr. Hofmann GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Gunter Junck, Hans Seidel, Jesus Varona
  • Patent number: 4442700
    Abstract: The disclosed ultrasonic hydrometer determines the specific gravity (density) of the electrolyte of a wet battery, such as a lead-acid battery. The hydrometer utilizes a transducer that when excited emits an ultrasonic impulse that traverses through the electrolyte back and forth between spaced sonic surfaces. The transducer detects the returning impulse, and means measures the time "t" between the initial and returning impulses. Considering the distance "d" between the spaced sonic surfaces and the measured time "t", the sonic velocity "V" is calculated with the equation "V=2d/t". The hydrometer also utilizes a thermocouple to measure the electrolyte temperature. A hydrometer database correlates three variable parameters including sonic velocity in and temperature and specific gravity of the electrolyte, for temperature values between 0.degree. and 40.degree. C. and for specific gravity values between 1.05 and 1.30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Carl A. Swoboda
  • Patent number: 4441370
    Abstract: A vibration sensor comprises a support plate, a generally elongated vibrator element mounted on the support plate at one end thereof in a cantilever fashion, and at least one plate-like metallic piece rigidly secured to that one end of the vibrator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha-Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Okinobu Sakurada
  • Patent number: 4441369
    Abstract: An extended flaw in a material is located in two or three dimensions by propagating ultrasonic energy in a predetermined direction in the material and logging receiving transducer positions and ranges at which individual facets on the surface of the flaw produce maximum amplitude ultrasonic returns. The positions of all of the individual facets in the material are calculated from the predetermined direction, receiving transducer positions and the corresponding ranges. The locations of the individual facets outline the extended flaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis E. Lessard, Paul F. Sabourin
  • Patent number: 4441355
    Abstract: A method for displaying the amount of unbalance during rotation of a rotor, preferably in two correction planes, includes adjustment of the amounts of unbalance determined during measurement by a factor obtained during calibration. The method is characterized by measuring unbalance forces of known magnitude and comparing them with predetermined nominal data identical to the known unbalance forces during measurement, and by adjusting the amounts of unbalance of the rotor determined during measurement by the result of the above comparison. The apparatus of the invention comprises an unbalance measuring device, data memories for providing nominal reference data, comparator circuits for comparing the measured values derived from an auxiliary shaft with the nominal reference data to determine adjustment values, and multiplier circuits for adjusting the measured values derived from the main shaft in accordance with the adjustment values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Gebr. Hofmann GmbH & Co. KG, Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Karl Rothamel
  • Patent number: 4441366
    Abstract: A flexure in a transducer such as an inertial guidance accelerometer for suspending a force sensitive element to a mounting base includes a reduced thickness central portion and a pair of relatively thick ribs disposed on opposite sides of the central portion. An electrically conductive coating is disposed on at least one face of the central portion to provide electrical connections to components located on the element. The reduced thickness of the central portion minimizes errors caused by stresses in the interface between the conductive coating and the element and the relatively thick ribs provide a desired strength and spring rate for the element suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Sundstrand Data Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4440014
    Abstract: An engine knocking detection device has a diaphragm to be disposed in contact with the engine cooling water so as to resonate with pulsations of the pressure of the cooling water caused by engine knockings, and output elements responsive to the vibration of the diaphragm to produce an electrical output signal to be utilized for the control of engine spark timing. The water-contacting surface of the diaphragm is coated with a layer of a hydrophilic material operative to prevent attachment or adhesion of air bubbles to the water-contacting surface of the diaphragm whereby the sensitivity of the diaphragm to the water pressure pulsation is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Hattori, Tadashi Ozaki, Yoshinori Ootsuka, Kazuhiko Miura, Masanori Hanaoka, Yukihide Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 4440023
    Abstract: A conveyor chain motion measuring device is disclosed having a double take-off drive coupled with closed-loop drives and one-way clutches so as to produce accurate measurement of the actual chain speed and travel for the entire length thereof regardless of chain link pitch variations and also maintain such precise measurement when the chain is temporarily reversed and then resumes travel in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ulric Landenberger
  • Patent number: 4438720
    Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshoe shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Detectors, Inc.
    Inventor: Worth R. Conn
  • Patent number: 4438651
    Abstract: The density r of a fluid, e.g. dispersion or suspension, is measured in a plurality of steps and by calculating the same according to the formula r=c.times.dG/dV, wherein c is a constant value and dG/dV is the differential of the weight measuring value dG to the volume measuring value dV. In this way some measuring inaccuracies of the measuring instruments can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Romke van der Veen
  • Patent number: 4435981
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for airborne gravity surveying in which the airborne vehicle is stabilized with respect to speed, direction of heading and altitude, and in which the gravity meter has adequate sensitivity and signals that are recorded at a high sample rate on a magnetic tape, in which the aircraft position is computed using a multi-range navigation system that is located geodetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Carson Helicopters, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Carson, William R. Gumert
  • Patent number: 4434667
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved permanent magnet flowmeter capable of withstanding bending stresses in the direction of induced emf signals. The flowmeter includes a unique terminal arrangement integrally formed with the flowmeter by trepanning opposing wall sections of the flowmeter body. The terminal arrangement provides increased flowmeter sensitivity by increasing the strength of the induced emf signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Charles August, Harry J. Myers
  • Patent number: 4430898
    Abstract: A novel method for imaging body tissues is disclosed wherein an ultrasonic pulse having a radially asymmetric side-lobe pattern surrounding a central focal lobe is generated. A receiver for receiving echoes of this pulse is provided which exhibits a sensitivity to echoes from the aforementioned side-lobe pattern which is relatively decreased by comparison to its sensitivity to echoes from the central focal lobe. In the preferred embodiment, square transducers which are rotated with respect to the focal axis by about 45.degree. are used to practice the disclosed method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: Technicare Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Trimmer, David H. R. Vilkomerson
  • Patent number: 4430894
    Abstract: An improved integrating accelerometer having a plurality of proof masses adapted to move relative to a casing in response to accelerations of the casing, a temperature compensated damping mechanism, and fluid resistors for extending the temperature operating range and for calibrating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: William C. Albert, Bart J. Zoltan
  • Patent number: 4429573
    Abstract: A dual function device measures both inertial acceleration and rotation rate using a common birefringent ring resonator. A beam from a laser source is split, forming two orthogonally polarized beams which are coupled through respective Bragg cells and into a common waveguide. The beams are subsequently coupled into a ring resonator waveguide which has a proof-mass disposed thereon for applying acceleration forces to the resonator. Acceleration is measured when forces stress the proof-mass, detuning the cavity with respect to the horizontally polarized wave and thereby affecting output energy coupled therefrom. Similarly, rotation is measured when there is a rotation rate in the plane of the waveguide, which detunes the cavity with respect to the vertically polarized beam. Output energy from the waveguide cavity is used to indicate the degree of acceleration and/or rotation and to provide feedback for restoring resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Clifford G. Walker
  • Patent number: 4429565
    Abstract: A knocking detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine with a knocking detector for detecting a factor of knocking in the engine and a circuit for generating a knocking discrimination level in response to the output signal of the knocking detector, for detecting knocking by comparing the output signal of the knocking detector and the knocking discrimination level. The knocking detecting apparatus comprises a circuit for clamping the output of the knocking discrimination level generator circuit such that the knocking discrimination level does not exceed a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroo Utsumi, Yukio Sakakibara, Teruyoshi Ito, Toshiharu Iwata, Jun Ohta, Kiyokane Kazi, Osamu Hori, Mitsuyuki Banno
  • Patent number: 4428236
    Abstract: Method of acoustic-emission testing of a steel component such as a vessel of pipeline especially of primary circulatory loops of nuclear reactor installations wherein the component, on one hand is subjected to a pressure medium, such as water, and, on the other hand, to ultrasonic pulses emitted during deformation development resulting from growth of cracks therein or from leaks and transmitted through the component, which includes detecting and amplifying the ultrasonic pulses with equipment, respectively, formed of test probes, which are disposed so as to determine respective sources of acoustic emission due to differences in transmission time of the ultrasonic pulses through the component, and of electronic amplifiers operatively associated with the test probes, and then feeding a resultant amplified defect signal from the equipment to a display, the equipment being tuned to reception of a frequency band of acoustic-emission spectrum which is above a limiting frequency f.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Kraftwerk Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Votava, Gunter Stipsits, Richard Sommer
  • Patent number: 4428234
    Abstract: An accelerometer utilizes a laser source, a photoelastic waveguide, a plurality of optical beam paths and detectors for processing optical output energy from the laser along two or more paths for providing phase detection for measuring acceleration. An electronic signal processing section converts the optical signals to electrical signals and provides an output for indicating circuitry. Formed in a micro-optical/integrated optic format, the accelerometer can be packaged in a small volume which allows ready use in systems for guidance or navigation purposes. Light generated by the laser is divided into two or four beam paths. Beam energy is directed through the photo-elastic waveguides and are selectively recombined to set up interference conditions. Subjecting the waveguide to acceleration stress will cause a detectable phase difference to occur which is indicative of acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Inventor: Clifford G. Walker