Patents by Inventor Francis BRIDGE

Francis BRIDGE 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: 10429499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring a parameter (e.g. volume, temperature or pressure) of a target, the system comprising a diaphragm, a sensor for measuring the axial spacing between the sensor and the diaphragm, and an axially adjustable mount. The mount has a first axial end for mounting the diaphragm which is axially movable relative to the sensor and an opposing, second axial end which is axially fixed relative to the sensor. The diaphragm and mount define a chamber for receiving the target or for being received within the target. In use, the axial spacing between the first axial end and the second axial end of the mount and thus the axial spacing between the diaphragm and sensor varies as a result of a change in the parameter differential across the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Francis Bridge, Martin A Smith, Bob E Wilson
  • Patent number: 10247031
    Abstract: A waveguide for a sensor system for mounting in a casing structure to measure the clearance between the casing structure and a rotary blade. The casing structure, which may be a turbine casing structure, includes a radially outer casing portion and a radially inner casing portion (e.g. a segment seal). The waveguide includes a radially outer portion for mounting in the radially outer casing portion and a radially inner portion for mounting in the radially inner casing portion. The two portions are sealed together and bridged by a sealing portion having a deformable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Neal Carter, Francis Bridge
  • Publication number: 20170261607
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring a parameter (e.g. volume, temperature or pressure) of a target, the system comprising a diaphragm, a sensor for measuring the axial spacing between the sensor and the diaphragm, and an axially adjustable mount. The mount has a first axial end for mounting the diaphragm which is axially movable relative to the sensor and an opposing, second axial end which is axially fixed relative to the sensor. The diaphragm and mount define a chamber for receiving the target or for being received within the target. In use, the axial spacing between the first axial end and the second axial end of the mount and thus the axial spacing between the diaphragm and sensor varies as a result of a change in the parameter differential across the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Francis BRIDGE, Martin A. SMITH, Bob E. WILSON
  • Patent number: 9664593
    Abstract: Bearing apparatus comprising: an inner race; an outer race; a roller element positioned between the inner race and the outer race; a first sensor to sense displacement of one of: the inner race, the outer race, and the roller element, and to provide a first signal for the sensed displacement to enable a load on the bearing apparatus to be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Stephen Gallimore, Paul Fletcher, Francis Bridge
  • Publication number: 20160177778
    Abstract: A waveguide for a sensor system for mounting in a casing structure to measure the clearance between the casing structure and a rotary blade. The casing structure, which may be a turbine casing structure, includes a radially outer casing portion and a radially inner casing portion (e.g. a segment seal). The waveguide includes a radially outer portion for mounting in the radially outer casing portion and a radially inner portion for mounting in the radially inner casing portion. The two portions are sealed together and bridged by a sealing portion having a deformable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Neal CARTER, Francis BRIDGE