Patents by Inventor John R. Suiter

John R. Suiter 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: 4679431
    Abstract: A capacitance fuel-gauging probe is supported at its upper end in a fuel tank by a stress-relieving mount. The mount includes a disc assembly formed of two identical steel discs each with a central aperture. The discs are joined together at their respective outer edges and around their respective central apertures by steel rings which separate the discs from one another, forming an annular recess. The ratio of the estimated disc stress to the disc material proof stress, and the ratio of the estimated probe stress to the probe material proof stress are substantially the same and as small as possible. A bolt extends through the aperture, the probe being clamped to the center of the disc assembly by a nut. The outer edge of the disc assembly is clamped securely with the wall of the fuel tank by a collar screwed into a sleeve within which the disc assembly is located. Any vibration of the probe during use causes flexing of the disc assembly so as to damp the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Neil R. Jacob, John R. Suiter