Patents by Inventor J. Vincent Fitzgerald

J. Vincent Fitzgerald 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: 4754640
    Abstract: A rheometer for determining the viscoelasticity of a liquid from the mechanical impedance which the liquid presents to an oscillating surface. The incremental power required to maintain a fixed amplitude of oscillation of the surface upon immersion in the liquid is determined. The differential shift in oscillation frequency due to immersion in the liquid is also determined. By relating (i) the incremental oscillation power to mechanical resistance presented by the liquid to the oscillating surface, and (ii) the differential shift in a oscillation frequency to the mechanical reactance presented by the liquid to the oscillating surface, the viscoelasticity of the liquid is determined. Applications include laboratory measurements and process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: National Metal and Refining Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: J. Vincent Fitzgerald, Frank J. Matusik, Donald W. Nelson, John L. Schrag
  • Patent number: 4524610
    Abstract: A rotational vibratory viscometer-densitometer for in-line process control and similar applications, having an elastic hollow metal tube extending between two clamps, and a relatively rigid transverse yoke secured to the tube at a point midway between the clamps. The yoke has magnetically permeable ends and a magnetically permeable center portion. Electromagnets adjacent one end of the yoke and the center portion thereof interact with the yoke to cause the tube to oscillate simultaneously in torsion and in flexure at the natural frequency of the tube in combination with the fluid within it. The amplitude of torsional oscillation is maintained constant by a torsional detector and control circuit, and the power required to maintain said amplitude is determined, said power being a measure of the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: National Metal and Refining Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: J. Vincent Fitzgerald, Frank J. Matusik, Donald W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4312577
    Abstract: A map display system for an automobile, in which a map is projected on a screen by optical magnification of a portion of a map disposed on a movable slide. A portion of the slide contains a list of locations such as cities, governmental institutions and points of interest, with an optical positioning code adjacent to each item of the list. Means is provided for automatically positioning the slide to display a selected location on the list, and for showing successive locations on the display in accordance with a prearranged itinerary as the automobile traverses the locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: J. Vincent Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 4299119
    Abstract: A rotary viscometer of the type which measures the viscous torque to which a rotating spindle is subjected, by measuring the current drawn by the electric motor driving the spindle. True viscosity, i.e. the slope of the torque-spindle rotation speed curve, is approximated by varying the spindle speed stepwise in sets of speed measurements having a fixed speed difference, and obtaining the difference between the corresponding torque values for each set. By repeating this process throughout the desired speed range, an approximate derivative of the torque-speed curve is obtained, corresponding to an approximation of the true viscosity of the fluid being characterized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: National Metal and Refining Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: J. Vincent Fitzgerald, Frank J. Matusik, Donald W. Nelson