Patents by Inventor David J. Margraf

David J. Margraf 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: 4799378
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine the viscosity of a fluid. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a probe are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that the receiver and probe move in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate near the resonant frequency for the receiver/probe. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and immersing the probe first in a fluid of known high viscosity, and then in a fluid of known low viscosity, calibrated outputs are obtained from the piezoelectric receiver. Next by exchanging a fluid of unknown viscosity for the known fluids, a third output is obtained that represents the unknown viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Alcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Portman, Jr., David J. Margraf
  • Patent number: 4697657
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine the absolute weight of an unknown sample by comparison to a control sample whose weight is known. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a reed are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that (1) the reed is moved in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and (2) the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate on the leading edge of the resonant frequency for the system. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage, such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and by applying a known mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the calibrated weight. Next by exchanging an unknown sample for the known mass, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventors: Joe L. Portman, Jr., David J. Margraf
  • Patent number: 4623030
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine a ratio of a second weight with an original weight where the second weight is less than the original weight. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a reed are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that (1) the read is moved in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and (2) the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate on the leading edge of the resonant frequency for the system. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage, such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and by applying an unknown mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the original weight. Next by removing part of the mass by any convenient means, such as heat, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Alcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe L. Portman, Jr., David J. Margraf