Patents by Inventor Eric B. Holmquist

Eric B. Holmquist 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).

  • System to measure time of arrival and thickness of rotor blades via microwave energy
    Patent number: 9000777
    Abstract: A rotor blade measurement system includes a microwave source and a probe. A directional coupler is attached to the source and the probe. A detector is attached to the directional coupler. The probe directs a microwave signal toward a rotor such that during rotation the rotor blade will pass through the path of the microwave signal. As the rotor blade passes the microwave signal is reflected back to the probe. The directional coupler separates the original microwave signal and the reflected signal. The detector then determines the energy level of the reflected signal. As each rotor blade passes the microwave signal it generates a reflected signal that can be analyzed over time. From the length and shape of the waveform of the reflected signal the amount of twisting and flutter in a rotor blade can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sunstrand
    Inventors: Eric B. Holmquist, Peter L. Jalbert, Richard E. Versailles
  • TURBO MACHINE SPOOL PARAMETER DETECTION
    Publication number: 20120210694
    Abstract: A turbo machine includes a spool. A microwave detection system is configured to detect a spool parameter associated with the spool. A controller is in communication with the microwave position sensing system and is programmed to determine a spool condition, such as shaft torque and/or shear in response to the spool parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Eric B. Holmquist
  • MEASURING ROTOR IMBALANCE VIA BLADE CLEARANCE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20100288045
    Abstract: A system and method can be utilized to determine an out of balance condition of a rotor having a plurality of blades. The system monitors a clearance between the blades and an associated housing. By looking at a center of that clearance information, a determination can be made of the magnitude of imbalance of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Eric B. Holmquist
  • Measuring rotor imbalance via blade clearance sensors
    Patent number: 7775107
    Abstract: A system and method can be utilized to determine an out of balance condition of a rotor having a plurality of blades. The system monitors a clearance between the blades and an associated housing. By looking at a center of that clearance information, a determination can be made of the magnitude of imbalance of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Eric B. Holmquist
  • MEASURING ROTOR IMBALANCE VIA BLADE CLEARANCE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20090090182
    Abstract: A system and method can be utilized to determine an out of balance condition of a rotor having a plurality of blades. The system monitors a clearance between the blades and an associated housing. By looking at a center of that clearance information, a determination can be made of the magnitude of imbalance of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Eric B. Holmquist