Patents by Inventor Richard A. Wade

Richard A. Wade 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: 9995641
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a force sensor having flip-chip mounted force-sensing die having a force-sensing element fabricated on an unflipped top surface and an unflipped back surface being thinned so as to create a flexible diaphragm responsive to an externally applied force, wherein, when the force-sensing die is flipped and mounted, a predetermined space remains between the top surface of the force-sensing die and the mounting substrate it faces, the substrate presenting a deflection limitation for the deformation of the flexible membrane during a force event. In an illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may have a mechanical stop to precisely establish a predetermined deflection limitation. In some embodiments, the predetermined deflection limitation may advantageously limit the deflection of the flexible membrane so as not to deflect beyond a breaking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, James D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20160273977
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a force sensor having flip-chip mounted force-sensing die having a force-sensing element fabricated on an unflipped top surface and an unflipped back surface being thinned so as to create a flexible diaphragm responsive to an externally applied force, wherein, when the force-sensing die is flipped and mounted, a predetermined space remains between the top surface of the force-sensing die and the mounting substrate it faces, the substrate presenting a deflection limitation for the deformation of the flexible membrane during a force event. In an illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may have a mechanical stop to precisely establish a predetermined deflection limitation. In some embodiments, the predetermined deflection limitation may advantageously limit the deflection of the flexible membrane so as not to deflect beyond a breaking point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, James D. Cook
  • Patent number: 9164003
    Abstract: A force sensor system includes a housing assembly, a sensor, an actuator, and an actuator travel stop. The sensor is disposed within the housing assembly, and is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of a force supplied to the sensor. The actuator is disposed at least partially within, and is movable relative to, the housing assembly. The actuator extends from the housing assembly and is adapted to receive an input force. The actuator is configured, upon receipt of the input force, to move toward, and transfer the input force to, the sensor. The actuator travel stop is disposed within the housing assembly, and between the housing assembly and a portion of the actuator. The actuator travel stop is configured to be selectively engaged by the actuator and, upon engagement by the actuator, to limit movement of the actuator toward, and the input force transferred to, the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Publication number: 20140102222
    Abstract: A force sensor system includes a housing assembly, a sensor, an actuator, and an actuator travel stop. The sensor is disposed within the housing assembly, and is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of a force supplied to the sensor. The actuator is disposed at least partially within, and is movable relative to, the housing assembly. The actuator extends from the housing assembly and is adapted to receive an input force. The actuator is configured, upon receipt of the input force, to move toward, and transfer the input force to, the sensor. The actuator travel stop is disposed within the housing assembly, and between the housing assembly and a portion of the actuator. The actuator travel stop is configured to be selectively engaged by the actuator and, upon engagement by the actuator, to limit movement of the actuator toward, and the input force transferred to, the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 8459125
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a sensor assembly may include a pressure port connected to a sensor unit, an electrical connector connected to the sensor unit and an outer housing encompassing at least portions of the pressure port, sensor unit and electrical connector. In some instances, the sensor unit may include pressure signal output terminals electrically connected to electrical terminals of the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Ryan Jones, Todd Eckhardt, James A. Machir, Ian Bentley
  • Patent number: 7759945
    Abstract: A sensor incorporates a dual range ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for accurately sensing and measuring sensor input over extensive range along with an improved resolution. The sensor can incorporate an ASIC utilizing signals from a MEMS-based piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge. Signals can also come from capacitive pressure measurement sources. The signals can be converted to digital bit counts where calibration coefficients can be implemented to achieve high precision. The calibration coefficients corresponding to bit counts can be compared with transition points that are recorded into ASIC for effectively distinguishing different sensor ranges. The transition points can be stored in an EEPROM fabricated to suit ASIC applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 7503221
    Abstract: An absolute pressure sensor includes a sense die with a reference chamber on a top side thereof. The reference chamber comprises a precisely fabricated beam that limits the travel of a diaphragm. The beam can be positioned in a cap or cover member of the sense die, thereby allowing the sense die diaphragm to move freely for a particular distance. Over this distance, the sense die will have one sensitivity. When the sense die is pressurized to a certain point, the diaphragm moves until it contacts the beam member in the cap or cover. When the diaphragm hits the beam, the sensitivity of the sense die changes, thereby allowing a smaller voltage out for the greater pressure in. Such an arrangement permits the sensor to provide a function that accurately measures low pressure and measures a higher pressure without utilizing a linear scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Publication number: 20090049887
    Abstract: A sensor incorporates a dual range ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for accurately sensing and measuring sensor input over extensive range along with an improved resolution. The sensor can incorporate an ASIC utilizing signals from a MEMS-based piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge. Signals can also come from capacitive pressure measurement sources. The signals can be converted to digital bit counts where calibration coefficients can be implemented to achieve high precision. The calibration coefficients corresponding to bit counts can be compared with transition points that are recorded into ASIC for effectively distinguishing different sensor ranges. The transition points can be stored in an EEPROM fabricated to suit ASIC applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Publication number: 20080105057
    Abstract: An absolute pressure sensor includes a sense die with a reference chamber on a top side thereof. The reference chamber comprises a precisely fabricated beam that limits the travel of a diaphragm. The beam can be positioned in a cap or cover member of the sense die, thereby allowing the sense die diaphragm to move freely for a particular distance. Over this distance, the sense die will have one sensitivity. When the sense die is pressurized to a certain point, the diaphragm moves until it contacts the beam member in the cap or cover. When the diaphragm hits the beam, the sensitivity of the sense die changes, thereby allowing a smaller voltage out for the greater pressure in. Such an arrangement permits the sensor to provide a function that accurately measures low pressure and measures a higher pressure without utilizing a linear scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 7077008
    Abstract: Differential pressure sensor systems and methods are disclosed, including an absolute pressure sensor composed of a plurality of pressure sense die for detecting sensed media, wherein each of the pressure sense die possess a back side and a front side and are respectively associated with a plurality of varying pressures. The sensed media are applied only at the backside of the pressure sense die, thereby preventing wire bonds and active regions associated with the front side of the pressure sense die from exposure to sensed media and attack from acids and abrasive chemicals associated with the sensed media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tuyen V. Pham, Gregory D. Parker, Phillip I. Lane, Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 6953057
    Abstract: A control solenoid and valve includes a valve bodying having a magnetic assembly, hydraulic assembly, and a pressure regulation member. The magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member are formed respectively on offset axes preferably substantially parallel to one another. The hydraulic assembly exchanges forces created by the magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member. This design accomplishes a more compact arrangement. The pressure regulation member includes longitudinal cavity within the valve body situated on its corresponding axis. Within this cavity, a spool valve reciprocates relative to fluid pressure interacting with the spool valve and forces generated by the magnetic assembly. To accurately sense pressure of the fluid within this cavity and acting on the spool valve, a pressure sensor is positioned at an end of the longitudinal cavity bounded by an end of the spool valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 6945120
    Abstract: An absolute pressure sensor is disclosed that includes a plurality of pressure sense die and a hermetically sealed cover located above the plurality of pressure sense die. A carrier can be provided to which the pressure sense die are mounted by a cured adhesive. The carrier and the pressure sense die can be attached to a circuit board populated with a plurality of surface mounted components for electrical connection to the absolute pressure sensor. An ASIC can also be provided for digitally calibrating the pressure sense die with temperature compensation, wherein the ASIC automatically controls a plurality of output modes thereof during calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Marcus, Michael J. Burkett, Phillip L. Lane, Richard A. Wade, Travis D. Wesley
  • Patent number: 6481409
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control module for deactivating and reactivating intake and exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine comprising a series of stacked plates that form hydraulic valves, manifolding for supply, control and exhaust hydraulic flow and supports electromagnetic solenoids for activating the hydraulic valves. The plate structure is economical to manufacture and is advantageously small in vertical size. A bleed circuit keeps the hydraulic system relatively free of air to achieve fast, reliable and repeatable performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Fasco Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Edgar E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6422206
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a pressure chamber. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within the pressure chamber. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Fasco Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Paul P. M. Beuger
  • Patent number: 6367334
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a pressure chamber. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within the pressure chamber. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fasco Control Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Paul P. M. Beuger
  • Patent number: 6298731
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a pressure chamber. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within the pressure chamber. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Fasco Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Paul P. M. Beuger
  • Publication number: 20010023616
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a pressure chamber. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within the pressure chamber. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Paul P.M. Beuger
  • Patent number: 6155233
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for high pressure diesel fuel systems includes a pressure sensing element attached directly to a wall adjacent a fuel inlet passageway that generates electrical signals responsive to stresses imposed on the wall by fuel pressure within the fuel inlet passageway. The pressure sensing element includes a semiconductor element that deflects in response to a deflection of a portion of the pressure caused by fuel pressure within fuel inlet passageway. A coil is electrically connected with the pressure sensing element and is configured to generate a magnetic field that moves a magnetic armature to control fuel pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: FASCO Controls Corp.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wade, Thomas K. James, William P. Page, Paul P. M. Beuger, Joseph A. Stain
  • Patent number: 6036167
    Abstract: Solenoid-actuated control valves having low hysteresis include an annular flux housing with an axial bore extending therethrough. A coil configured to generate a magnetic field is disposed within the flux housing. A magnetic pole piece is disposed within the flux housing axial bore. A magnetic armature is slidably secured within the flux housing axial bore. A spring, positioned between the pole piece and armature, is configured to urge the armature away from the pole piece. A spool valve, slidably secured within a spool sleeve, is mechanically coupled with the armature such that the spool valve follows movement of the armature as a slave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fasco Controls Corp.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade
  • Patent number: 5282604
    Abstract: A pressure control device, preferably for use in a control system of an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, is shown as having a solenoid motor assembly the armature of which, through a cooperating servo orifice, is effective for varying the magnitude of pressure of a fluid medium acting upon a spool slave-like valving member. The spool valving member has at least two cylindrical axially spaced valving portions with one of such valving portions having a diametrical dimension substantially greater than that of the other of the at least two cylindrical axially spaced valving portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Coltec Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Wade