Patents by Inventor Donald C Lovett
Donald C Lovett 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).
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Patent number: 6867388Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser beam and an electronic display device. The electronic display device is positioned downstream from the laser source. The electronic display device is operable to selectively polarize a discrete portion of the laser beam to define a modified portion and an unmodified portion. A polarizing filter is then positioned downstream from the display device so as to prevent passage of either the modified portion or the unmodified portion of the laser beam therethrough so as to define an imaging beam having a specific pattern.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: David A. Grewell, Donald C Lovett
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Publication number: 20040200812Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser beam and an electronic display device. The electronic display device is positioned downstream from the laser source. The electronic display device is operable to selectively polarize a discrete portion of the laser beam to define a modified portion and an unmodified portion. A polarizing filter is then positioned downstream from the display device so as to prevent passage of either the modified portion or the unmodified portion of the laser beam therethrough so as to define an imaging beam having a specific pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: David A. Grewell, Donald C. Lovett
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Patent number: 6528755Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus using a light guide for directing a laser beam to a weld zone. The light guide includes an entrance end, an exit end and a flexible body therebetween. The entrance end of the light guide is operatively coupled to a laser source such as a diode and is adapted to receive and communicate the laser radiation through the light guide. The light guide is formed of a flexible material to permit the exit end of the light guide to be spaced from and aligned with complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional weld zone configurations. The internal reflection of the light guide contains the laser radiation therein as it passes from the entrance end and through the exit end of the light guide. The light guide and corresponding methods of welding parts permit laser welding of complex geometric configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: David A. Grewell, Justin R. Bickford, Donald C. Lovett, Paul A. Rooney
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Patent number: 6486433Abstract: An inflatable bladder system for applying generally uniform pressure to parts being welded to insure proper contact at the welding interface includes a first sheet that is generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation to allow such radiation to pass therethrough. This electromagnetic radiation serves to heat the parts to a temperature sufficient to create a weld. The inflatable bladder also includes a second sheet that is also generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The second sheet is coupled to the first sheet to create a sealed volume therebetween. Fluid is selectively introduced into the sealed volume in order to expand the bladder into engagement with the parts being welded to exert a generally uniform pressure thereon.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: David Grewell, Donald C. Lovett
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Publication number: 20020088777Abstract: An inflatable bladder system for applying generally uniform pressure to parts being welded to insure proper contact at the welding interface includes a first sheet that is generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation to allow such radiation to pass therethrough. This electromagnetic radiation serves to heat the parts to a temperature sufficient to create a weld. The inflatable bladder also includes a second sheet that is also generally transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The second sheet is coupled to the first sheet to create a sealed volume therebetween. Fluid is selectively introduced into the sealed volume in order to expand the bladder into engagement with the parts being welded to exert a generally uniform pressure thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: David Grewell, Donald C. Lovett
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Patent number: 6404154Abstract: A force control system for an electromagnetic actuator includes an observer that outputs signals representing the instantaneous position and velocity of a movable member, and a position controller that receives the output of the observer and signals representing a desired position and a desired velocity. The position controller compares the output of the observer with the desired position and velocity signals to generate position and velocity error signals. The position controller further generates force command signals required to position the movable member at the desired position with the desired velocity based on the position and velocity error signals. The position component may be eliminated from the force command signals, resulting in controlling only the velocity of the movable member.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz, Donald C. Lovett
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Publication number: 20020017883Abstract: A force control system for an electromagnetic actuator includes an observer that outputs signals representing the instantaneous position and velocity of a movable member, and a position controller that receives the output of the observer and signals representing a desired position and a desired velocity. The position controller compares the output of the observer with the desired position and velocity signals to generate position and velocity error signals. The position controller further generates force command signals required to position the movable member at the desired position with the desired velocity based on the position and velocity error signals. The position component may be eliminated from the force command signals, resulting in controlling only the velocity of the movable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventors: Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz, Donald C. Lovett
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Publication number: 20020008089Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus using a light guide for directing a laser beam to a weld zone. The light guide includes an entrance end, an exit end and a flexible body therebetween. The entrance end of the light guide is operatively coupled to a laser source such as a diode and is adapted to receive and communicate the laser radiation through the light guide. The light guide is formed of a flexible material to permit the exit end of the light guide to be spaced from and aligned with complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional weld zone configurations. The internal reflection of the light guide contains the laser radiation therein as it passes from the entrance end and through the exit end of the light guide. The light guide and corresponding methods of welding parts permit laser welding of complex geometric configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: David A. Grewell, Justin R. Bickford, Donald C. Lovett, Paul A. Rooney
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Patent number: 6278562Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a filter housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid absorbs undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger may be connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventor: Donald C. Lovett
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Patent number: 6225767Abstract: A system for controlling the movement of a movable member with respect to a stationary member, such as is found in a vibration welding apparatus. The system may include a force controller that converts desired force command signals into desired flux command signals and a flux controller that controls the flux in a magnetic core of the stationary assembly to effect the desired movement of the movable member. The stationary assembly may include a plurality of magnetically uncoupled E-cores of paramagnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Donald C. Lovett, Joseph S. Marcinkiewicz
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Patent number: 6091215Abstract: A system for controlling the movement of a movable member with respect to a stationary member, such as is found in a vibration welding apparatus. The system may include a force controller that converts desired force command signals into desired flux command signals and a flux controller that controls the flux in a magnetic core of the stationary assembly to effect the desired movement of the movable member. The stationary assembly may include a plurality of magnetically uncoupled E-cores of paramagnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Switched Reluctance Drives LimitedInventors: Donald C. Lovett, Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz
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Patent number: 6064798Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a solid material for absorbing undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. The filter also has a housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid cools the solid material and also may absorb undesired wavelengths of radiation from the heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger is connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: Donald C. Lovett, David A. Grewell
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Patent number: 5949959Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a solid material for absorbing undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. The filter also has a housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid cools the solid material and also may absorb undesired wavelengths of radiation from the heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger is connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: Donald C. Lovett, David A. Grewell
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Patent number: 5943474Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a filter housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid absorbs undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger may be connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventor: Donald C. Lovett
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Patent number: 5468336Abstract: A flexural spring support for a vibratory apparatus comprises a substantially stationary first member, a second member disposed opposite and spaced from said first member and intended to undergo translating motion in a plane, and a plurality of elongated flexural springs coupling said members to one another. Each spring is provided at its ends with a respective flange, the underside of which is in forced engagement with the surface of the associated member. Adjustable fastening means cause the engagement pressure to be of such magnitude as to prevent relative motion between the flange and member surface when said first member undergoes motion, thereby substantially eliminating fretting corrosion previously manifest at the springs. In addition, each spring is configured to form a clamped clamped constant strain tapered beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: Wilfried Lotz, Donald C. Lovett