Patents by Inventor Ralph E. Knapp

Ralph E. Knapp 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: 5010657
    Abstract: A floating end hook for a measuring tape is disclosed which defines two openings for receipt of first and second rivets for attachment of the end hook to the measuring tape. The openings lie on an axis parallel to an inside surface of an abutting member of the end hook. The positioning of the openings allows the force produced when the end hook impacts the measuring tape housing to be approximately evenly distributed between the first and second rivets. A third opening for receipt of a third rivet may be located on the end hook a predetermined distance from the axis on which the other two openings lie. The third opening prevents the end hook from twisting and further ensures that the impacting force is evenly distributed between the first and second rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Knapp
  • Patent number: 3997975
    Abstract: A calibration system produces a calibrating signal having an adjustable amplitude, a torque force representative of that amplitude is directly applied to a meridian seeking gyroscope unit that hangs from a suspension band. Prior to each use of the instrument, the signal amplitude is adjusted so the gyroscope unit assumes a predetermined null position. The torque force is applied to the gyroscope unit by inductive field interaction of the first, second, and third coils. A control signal representative of the displacement of the gyroscope unit from the null position is applied to the third coil, which is fixed relative to the null position. The calibrating signal is applied to the first coil, which is also fixed relative to the null position. The axis of the first and third coils are both in an approximately perpendicular relationship to a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1972
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Knapp
  • Patent number: 3936947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing the azimuth position of a remote object is provided utilizing a north seeking gyro and a rotating transfer arm. Alignment devices such as an autocollimating telescope is provided at one end of the transfer arm for determining the relative position and alignment of the remote object to the transfer arm. A balance weight is provided at the other end of the arm to provide appropriate compensation for free rotation. The output of the north seeking gyro is connected to the transfer arm through an encoder while the telescope is rotatably connected to the transfer arm also through an encoder. The sum of the two angles measured by the encoders will provide the azimuth position angle for the remote object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1972
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Knapp