Patents by Inventor Michael N. Diamond
Michael N. Diamond 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).
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Patent number: 8373330Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention features a circuit for driving a piezoelectric actuator, comprising a first transmission line to provide an input signal having a time-varying voltage; a second transmission line to provide a predetermined voltage current; a piezoelectric element; and a switch coupled to the second transmission line and the piezoelectric element, the switch configured to electrically connect and disconnect the predetermined voltage current to and from the piezoelectric element based on the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Transonic Combustion, Inc.Inventor: Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 8213151Abstract: In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California), LLCInventors: Steven Nelson, Joe Carvalho, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20120137914Abstract: In networked electronic ordnance systems as disclosed herein, a plurality of pyrotechnic devices communicate with a controller along a common bus. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, at least some of the pyrotechnic devices in the ordnance system are configured such that the address for those devices can be defined during or subsequent to installation of the pyrotechnic devices in an end system. In some instances, a logic device in the pyrotechnic device includes a diagnostics block that initiates a suite of diagnostic tests within the pyrotechnic device in response to a diagnostics command received by the pyrotechnic device. Additionally, in some instances, an additional safety mechanism is added to an energy-reserve capacitor in the pyrotechnic device in compliance with a safe-by-wire standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Pacific Scientific Energetic MaterialsInventors: Steven Nelson, Joe Carvalho, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 8136448Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California), LLCInventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20120037027Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 8037823Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: Robert S. Ritchie, Steven David Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20110011293Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Steven David Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20100288148Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Robert S. Ritchie, Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20100201291Abstract: A multi-element piezoelectric actuator and driver is presented that allows greater control over the dynamic displacement response of a piezoelectric actuator. A system comprises a piezoelectric driving apparatus configured to transmit a plurality of waveform signals to a corresponding plurality of piezoelectric elements of a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric driving apparatus comprises a waveform generator to generate a waveform configured to operate a piezoelectric element, a plurality of channels coupled to the waveform generator and configured to be electrically coupled the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric actuator, a channel comprising an input configured to receive a waveform, a driving amplifier electrically coupled to the input and configured to amplify the waveform, and an output configured to transmit the waveform and configured to be electrically coupled to a piezoelectric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Michael C. CHEIKY, Michael N. DIAMOND
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Patent number: 7762189Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials CompanyInventors: Robert S. Ritchie, Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20100176686Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention features a circuit for driving a piezoelectric actuator, comprising a first transmission line to provide an input signal having a time-varying voltage; a second transmission line to provide a predetermined voltage current; a piezoelectric element; and a switch coupled to the second transmission line and the piezoelectric element, the switch configured to electrically connect and disconnect the predetermined voltage current to and from the piezoelectric element based on the input signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Michael N. DIAMOND
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Publication number: 20100175574Abstract: The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond, John J. Walsh
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Patent number: 7752970Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: PS/EMC West, LLCInventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 7644661Abstract: The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: PS/EMC West, LLCInventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond, John J. Walsh
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Publication number: 20090314175Abstract: A networked electronic ordnance system and method for controlling a variety of pyrotechnic devices at different energy levels include a bus controller controlling at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and a smart connector adapting at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second energy level to control by the bus controller. The smart connector may also include a plurality of capacitors for firing the pyrotechnic device(s). In an embodiment, at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a first energy level and at least one pyrotechnic device operating at a second level include a logic device have a unique identifier. The smart connector may also include an energy reserve capacitor and an emitter follower circuit electrically connected to a logic device. Additionally, the smart connector may be connected to an initiator for firing at least one pyrotechnic device at the second energy level.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2004Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Publication number: 20080156218Abstract: A pyrotechnically powered actuator having a bellows that provides a force and stroke upon initiation is disclosed. The actuator includes a housing body with a first end and a second end. The bellows is coupled to the first end of the housing body. A cover is coupled to the second end of the housing body. An initiator is located within the housing body and includes a pyrotechnic material and a bridge element. The housing body, the bellows, and the cover define a hermetically sealed chamber. The bellows is compact, lightweight, and can withstand internal and external pressure at least as high as 3,000 psi. An exemplary embodiment includes a housing body that provides a compartment for adding supplemental pyrotechnic material. Further exemplary embodiments of the actuator include a chip initiator that requires less than 1 amp to function in less than 10 milliseconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Robert S. Ritchie, Steven D. Nelson, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 6188180Abstract: An ignition circuit for a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp, comprising: first and second series coupled switching transistors connected across upper and lower voltage buses to which a source of DC voltage is connectable, the first switching transistor being connected from the second switching transistor at a common node to the upper voltage bus and the second switching transistor being connected from the common node to the lower voltage bus; a first capacitor connected, at one end, to the common node of the series coupled pair of switching transistors; a first diode having an anode connected to an opposite end of the first capacitor, and a cathode; a second capacitor coupled from the cathode of the first diode to the lower voltage bus; a second diode having an anode coupled to the upper voltage bus, and a cathode connected to the cathode of the first capacitor and the anode of the first diode; a spark gap having opposing ends and being coupled, at one end, to the cathode of the first diode; a pulse transfoType: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: International Rectifier Corp.Inventor: Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 5730817Abstract: A laminated object manufacturing (LOM) system for forming a plurality of laminations into a stack to create a three-dimensional object. The system includes an X-Y plotter device positioned above a work table, the work table being vertically movable. The X-Y plotter device includes a forming tool for forming a layer from a sheet of material positioned on the work table. The layers are bonded to each other with heat sensitive adhesives provided on one side thereof. A bonding tool or fuser is mounted to translate across the work table and apply a lamination force and heat to each of the layers. The X-Y plotter device and bonding tool are mounted to translate along rails mounted on a common reference frame. The reference frame includes two rigid beams positioned on a base frame. A sensor is provided between the bonding tool and the reference frame to sense the force applied by the bonding tool to the laminations and adjust the height of the work table in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Helisys, Inc.Inventors: Michael Feygin, Alexandr Shkolnik, Michael N. Diamond, Emmanuil Dvorskiy
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Patent number: 4356554Abstract: An industrial robot and a control system therefor are described. The robot generally consists of a base member, a post member rotatably mounted on the base member, fluid actuated means for rotating the post member relative to the base member, an arm assembly mounted on the post member, means for performing a work function mounted on the arm assembly, fluid actuated means for operating the arm assembly and the work performing means and a system for controlling the operation of the fluid actuated means. A fluid reservoir is provided having a compartment in the post member, and fluid lines intercommunicate the reservoir and the aforementioned fluid actuated means. A motor driven pump mounted on the post member supplies fluid from the reservoir under pressure to the fluid actuated means under the control of electrically operable valves mounted on the post member for that purpose.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1980Date of Patent: October 26, 1982Assignee: Thermwood CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Susnjara, Michael N. Diamond
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Patent number: 4151445Abstract: An instant light lamp combining a miniature arc tube and a standby filament in a sealed vitreous envelope is operated by a high frequency power supply combined with a filament control circuit. The power supply comprises transforming means including voltage sensing means having an output proportional to the drop across the arc tube. The control circuit comprises an electronic switch for energizing the filament and a comparator circuit which has an output gating on the switch when the sensing means output is either above a high limit or below a low limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1978Date of Patent: April 24, 1979Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John M. Davenport, Michael N. Diamond