Patents by Inventor John T. Shillingford, Jr.

John T. Shillingford, Jr. 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: 4972593
    Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic field measuring system and method for generating a magnetic field signal representative of the Earth's undistorted magnetic field at any given spatial location over a measurement period. The measured undistorted magnetic field is substantially independent of distortions due to any magnetically susceptible material within the measuring system and is substantially independent of internal magnetic fields generated by magnetic field sources within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Dahlen, James R. Scholten, John T. Shillingford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4202034
    Abstract: A system for measuring ocean characteristics. The system includes a sensor assembly and an associated means to control the system buoyancy to achieve cyclic ascent and descent at controlled speeds, either along a mooring line or free-drifting. Buoyancy control is provided by a pump assembly including two rolling diaphragm-sealed, low friction displacement pistons driven by a high torque d.c. motor operated at low speed. There are four functional groups of data gathering instrumentation. The first group measures horizontal water transport, and includes sensors for current (flow velocity), system azimuth, system tilt, and vertical velocity. The second group provides a determination of salinity, and includes sensors for conductivity, temperature and pressure. The third group monitors conditions within the system, and includes sensors for internal temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip N. Bowditch, John M. Dahlen, John F. McKenna, Jr., John T. Shillingford, Jr., Frank J. Siraco, William E. Toth
  • Patent number: 4202036
    Abstract: A system for measuring ocean characteristics. The system includes a sensor assembly and an associated means to control the system buoyancy to achieve cyclic ascent and descent at controlled speeds, either along a mooring line or free-drifting. Buoyancy control is provided by a pump assembly including two rolling diaphragm-sealed, low friction displacement pistons driven by a high torque d.c. motor operated at low speed. There are four functional groups of data gathering instrumentation. The first group measures horizontal water transport, and includes sensors for current (flow velocity), system azimuth, system tilt, and vertical velocity. The second group provides a determination of salinity, and includes sensors for conductivity, temperature and pressure. The third group monitors conditions within the system, and includes sensors for internal temperature and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip N. Bowditch, John M. Dahlen, John F. McKenna, Jr., John T. Shillingford, Jr., Frank J. Siraco, William E. Toth
  • Patent number: 4191049
    Abstract: A system for measurement of ocean current near the surface wave field. The system includes a controlled buoyancy platform having a current sensor. Upper and lower plural roller assemblies are affixed to the platform for limiting platform motion along a guide line. In one form, each guide assembly includes a plurality of rollers adapted to freely track the guide line so that the platform is both substantially free to move along the guide line in response to pressure gradients from the surface wave field and also substantially decoupled from twisting and axial motions of the guide line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1980
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip N. Bowditch, John M. Dahlen, John F. McKenna, Jr., John T. Shillingford, Jr., Frank J. Siraco, William E. Toth
  • Patent number: 3935592
    Abstract: A recording instrument for use in ocean depths and like remote locations and adapted to provide meaningful readings of temperatures and pressure, for example, at such locations over a long period of time without attendance. Analog signals from transducers, which indicate the level of the thing-to-be-measured, are processed to give an averaged digital signal that is then stored on a magnetic tape. The system is battery powered. The instrument detailed is for use at ocean depths where the instrument housing and attachment to a mooring line are of particular importance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John M. Dahlen, William E. Toth, John T. Shillingford, Jr., John F. McKenna, Jr.