Patents by Inventor Chris L. Watkins

Chris L. Watkins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Gimbal system with dual-wiper gasket for a rotary seal
    Patent number: 10612664
    Abstract: System including a rotary seal created by a dual-wiper gasket. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a mounting portion and a gimbal assembly. The gimbal assembly may include a first gimbal pivotably connected to and supported by the mounting portion for rotation of the first gimbal about a first axis, and a second gimbal pivotably connected to and supported by the first gimbal for rotation of the second gimbal about a second axis transverse to the first axis. The system also may comprise a gasket encircling the first axis and creating a rotary seal between the mounting portion and the first gimbal. The gasket may have an inner wiper encircled by an outer wiper, with both wipers disposed in circumferentially sealed engagement with the mounting portion or the first gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Weaver, Bruce Ellison, Chris L. Watkins
  • GIMBAL SYSTEM WITH DUAL-WIPER GASKET FOR A ROTARY SEAL
    Publication number: 20180094729
    Abstract: System including a rotary seal created by a dual-wiper gasket. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a mounting portion and a gimbal assembly. The gimbal assembly may include a first gimbal pivotably connected to and supported by the mounting portion for rotation of the first gimbal about a first axis, and a second gimbal pivotably connected to and supported by the first gimbal for rotation of the second gimbal about a second axis transverse to the first axis. The system also may comprise a gasket encircling the first axis and creating a rotary seal between the mounting portion and the first gimbal. The gasket may have an inner wiper encircled by an outer wiper, with both wipers disposed in circumferentially sealed engagement with the mounting portion or the first gimbal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: James H. Weaver, Bruce Ellison, Chris L. Watkins