Patents by Inventor Peter N. Nicholson

Peter N. Nicholson 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: 4661707
    Abstract: A miniature, nonevacuated, detector refrigerator assembly for use in infrared imaging systems is described. The assembly incorporates a miniature Joule-Thomson laminar refrigerator which serves as the substrate for the detector subassembly, electrical leads, as well as the primary structural element of the assembly. The detector subassembly is positioned on the cold region of the refrigerator, surrounded by two prefabricated vacuum chambers and capped by an optical window or filter as required. As a result, the detector is easily built and is cooled in an efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Jungkman, Peter N. Nicholson, Thomas M. Brennan
  • Patent number: 4645931
    Abstract: An improved detector dewar assembly in which the flange supporting the upper cap of the dewar assembly comprises a disc ceramic matrix, including buried electrical leads. This disc serves several purposes. First, it provides a vacuum tight electric feedthrough which connects a tape cable from the detector assembly to a pin assembly imbedded in the exterior portion of the disc feedthrough. Second, it includes metalizations on its top and lower surface in order to provide a surface for connecting (by brazing or soldering) the upper cap assembly and the major vessel wall. A tape cable comprising wires embedded in a flexible nonconductive matrix connects the detector element leadout wires with the electrical connectors of the feedthrough disc. The cable forms a collar which substantially surrounds the coldwell and has tabs at its basal portion which fold up to attach to pin or pad connectors on the lower surface of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gordon, Peter N. Nicholson, John E. Six
  • Patent number: 4528449
    Abstract: An improved detector dewar assembly comprised primarily of metal subassemblies, which is easily assembled, and leaves the included detector assembly more readily serviceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gordon, Peter N. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 4488414
    Abstract: A miniature, nonevacuated, detector refrigerator assembly for use in infrared imaging systems is described. The assembly incorporates a miniature Joule-Thomson laminar refrigerator which serves as the substrate for the detector subassembly, electrical leads, as well as the primary structural element of the assembly. The detector subassembly is positioned on the cold region of the refrigerator, surrounded by insulating material and capped by an optical window or filter as required. As a result, the detector is cooled while the contact pads used for connection to external devices are at the ambient temperature. A piece of high thermally conductive material may be placed in the vicinity of the detector subassembly so that during operation gases in the chamber surrounding the detector assembly will preferentially condense thereon rather than on the detector subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Jungkman, Roger C. Coda, Peter N. Nicholson