Patents by Inventor Gregory A. T. Hansen

Gregory A. T. Hansen 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: 9316509
    Abstract: A method of measuring direction of rotation of a tappet of an engine valve train. Two opposing notches are machined or otherwise formed in the outer surface of the tappet. Two sensors proximate the outer surface of the tappet are operable to detect the change in distance resulting from the notches as the tappet rotates. There is a predetermined difference angle of separation between the arc distance between the notches and the arc distance between the sensors. Each sensor outputs a square wave output having pulses whose width represents detection of the notches by the sensor. The location of the pulses of the two square wave outputs is compared to determine direction of rotation of the tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Gregory A. T. Hansen, Peter M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20150054497
    Abstract: A method of measuring direction of rotation of a tappet of an engine valve train. Two opposing notches are machined or otherwise formed in the outer surface of the tappet. Two sensors proximate the outer surface of the tappet are operable to detect the change in distance resulting from the notches as the tappet rotates. There is a predetermined difference angle of separation between the arc distance between the notches and the arc distance between the sensors. Each sensor outputs a square wave output having pulses whose width represents detection of the notches by the sensor. The location of the pulses of the two square wave outputs is compared to determine direction of rotation of the tappet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Gregory A. T. Hansen, Peter M. Lee