Patents by Inventor James L. Gravel

James L. Gravel 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: 7255002
    Abstract: A microwave level gauge for measuring a level of a process material in a tank includes a ceramic seal and a microwave conductor. The ceramic seal is disposed adjacent to an opening in the tank and adapted to isolate circuitry from the process material. The microwave conductor is electrically coupled to the circuitry and extends through the hermetic seal and into the process material in the tank. The ceramic seal and an isolating adapter cooperate to isolate the microwave conductor from the process fluid and from external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Rosemount, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Mark C. Fandrey
  • Patent number: 6722927
    Abstract: An electrical connector protects a pressure sensor stem that protrudes from a pressure sensor capsule. The electrical connector includes a baseplate with a central hole and a peripheral wall joined to the baseplate and protruding below the baseplate. The peripheral wall slidingly engages the pressure sensor capsule as the pressure sensor stem passes through the central hole to protrude above the baseplate. A protective wall joined to the baseplate protrudes above the pressure sensor stem and protects the pressure sensor stem. A lead frame in the protective wall provides electrical connections to sensor contact pads on the pressure sensor stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Eriksen, James L. Gravel, Randall C. Olson, David Strei
  • Patent number: 6561038
    Abstract: A sensor capsule suitable for use in an industrial process fluid transmitter. The sensor capsule includes a block that has a sensor mounting hole. The block includes two half-blocks joined along mating surfaces passing lengthwise through the sensor mounting hole. A sensor has a sensor neck passing through the sensor mounting hole. The sensor neck is sealed to the sensor mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Fred C. Sittler, David A. Broden
  • Publication number: 20020100333
    Abstract: A sensor capsule suitable for use in an industrial process fluid transmitter. The sensor capsule includes a block that has a sensor mounting hole. The block includes two half-blocks joined along mating surfaces passing lengthwise through the sensor mounting hole. A sensor has a sensor neck passing through the sensor mounting hole. The sensor neck is sealed to the sensor mounting hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Fred C. Sittler, David A. Broden
  • Patent number: 6148681
    Abstract: A process seal assembly adapted for installation to a process vessel opening. A probe with a probe connector connects to a rod inside a passageway of a housing adapted to be sealingly mounted to the process vessel opening. The rod has a first end coupled to the probe connector and a second end adapted to couple with a transmitter connector body. A rigid, electrically insulating spool is fastened in the passageway, with an outer spool surface fitting tightly to a wall of the passageway and an axial hole fitting tightly to the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Bruce L. Johnson, James A. Kronmiller, Randall C. Olson, Steven D. Kruse
  • Patent number: 5955684
    Abstract: A modular probe that is used for determining levels in a process material container, bins, pipes, using capacitance, micro impulse radar, or other types of signals, and which has a self contained pressure seal in the probe. The probe mounts to a connector that has an explosion proof barrier. The connector in turn supports a transmitter housing, which can be made explosion proof as well. The probe is coupled to the connector in a manner so that they can be easily separated and replaced without altering the explosion proof barrier. An independent seal on the probe itself permits the probe to be installed in a tank prior to the transmitter installation, and the transmitter may be uncoupled from the connector and replaced with a new transmitter without affecting the explosion proof portion of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Steve D. Kruse, Randall C. Olson
  • Patent number: 5763787
    Abstract: A carrier assembly includes a sensor housing having first and second housing portions and a sensor cavity formed therebetween for carrying a sensor. A carrier assembly couples to the sensor and provides electrical connections which extend from the sensor and between the first and second housing. The sensor couples to a fluid and provides a sensor electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Rosemont Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gravel, Bruce L. Johnson, Mark Romo
  • Patent number: 5333637
    Abstract: A transducer which provides a regulated pneumatic output as a function of an electric control input includes a housing, a gas regulator, and a particle trap. The housing has a passage therein, the passage including an inlet for receiving a pressurized gas supply and an outlet. The particle trap is disposed in the passage and includes a trap plate and a trap nozzle which directs gas against the trap plate so as to remove undesired entrained particles from the gas before it reaches the gas regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Gravel
  • Patent number: 4638830
    Abstract: An improved magnetic actuator for providing mechanical actuation representative of an input current has a housing that supports a coil surrounding a central core, and includes a diaphragm type spring above the central core. A cover of high magnetic permeability is mounted on the housing spaced from the diaphragm spring. A permanent magnet is mounted on the diaphragm spring in a predetermined pole orientation and the magnet extends through an opening in the cover. The permanent magnet provides flux through the housing and the core. Sensitivity is increased by using the permanent magnet to provide a magnetic flux in addition to that created by currents in the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Brown, James L. Gravel