Patents by Inventor David A. Waechter

David A. Waechter 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).

  • Patent number: 4678330
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring solar radiation received in a vegetative canopy. A multiplicity of sensors selectively generates electrical signals in response to impinging photosynthetically active radiation in sunlight. Each sensor is attached to a plant within the canopy and is electrically connected to a separate port in a junction box having a multiplicity of ports. Each port is connected to an operational amplifier. Each amplifier amplifies the signals generated by the sensors. Each amplifier is connected to an analog-to-digital convertor which digitizes each signal. A computer is connected to the convertors and accumulates and stores solar radiation data. A data output device such as a printer is connected to the computer and displays the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Vincent P. Gutschick, Michael H. Barron, David A. Waechter, Michael A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 4608655
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a wristwatch dosimeter utilizing a CdTe detector, a microprocessor and an audio and/or visual alarm. The dosimeter is entirely housable with a conventional digital watch case having an additional aperture enabling the detector to receive radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael A. Wolf, David A. Waechter, C. John Umbarger
  • Patent number: 4596933
    Abstract: A hand-powered alternator for generating an alternating voltage provides same through a rectifier to a high capacity capacitor which stores the resultant dc voltage and drives a voltage regulator to provide a constant low voltage output for a portable radiation detection instrument. The instrument includes a Geiger-Muller detector tube whose output is fed to a pulse detector and then through an event counter and LCD driver circuit to an LCD bar graph for visual display. An audio driver and an audio output is also provided. All circuitry used is low power so that the capacitor can be readily charged to a sufficient level to provide power for at least 30 minutes. A low voltage indicator is provided on the LCD display to indicate the need for manual recharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: David A. Waechter, George O. Bjarke, Faustin Trujillo, Michael A. Wolf, C. John Umbarger
  • Patent number: 4550381
    Abstract: A hand-holdable, battery-operated, microprocessor-based spectrometer gun includes a low-power matrix display and sufficient memory to permit both real-time observation and extended analysis of detected radiation pulses. Universality of the incorporated signal processing circuitry permits operation with various detectors having differing pulse detection and sensitivity parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: David A. Waechter, Michael A. Wolf, C. John Umbarger
  • Patent number: 4536841
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a battery operated neutron spectrometer/dosimeter utilizing a microprocessor, a built-in tissue equivalent LET neutron detector, and a 128-channel pulse height analyzer with integral liquid crystal display. The apparatus calculates doses and dose rates from neutrons incident on the detector and displays a spectrum of rad or rem as a function of keV per micron of equivalent tissue and also calculates and displays accumulated dose in millirads and millirem as well as neutron dose rates in millirads per hour and millirem per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: David A. Waechter, Bruce H. Erkkila, Dennis G. Vasilik