Patents by Inventor Robert L. Zeliff

Robert L. Zeliff 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: 8117909
    Abstract: A system for an icing resistant sensor port assembly includes shaped and patterned features for resisting the formation and propagation of ice around a sensor port, such as for a pressure sensor in an aircraft fuel tank. Water may be present in fuel tanks due to condensation and other factors. The water, being heavier than fuel, such as jet fuel, sinks to the bottom of the tank and may be present around the sensor port. If the water completely fills the pressure port, it may damage the sensor. In various embodiments, an inlet assembly having a cone-shaped countersink, sharp edges that reduce surface area, anti-wetting coatings, and slots to allow fluid flow within the inlet assembly, among other features, may be used to help resist ice formation and propagation around a sensor port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Downing LaClair, Robert L. Zeliff
  • Patent number: 7965948
    Abstract: Transmitting power and data to electronic components using a single optical fiber includes receiving a light power signal via the single fiber optic, converting the power light signal to electrical energy, at least a portion of which may be stored in an energy storage element, and, in response to a pause in the received light power signal, transmitting a light data signal via the single optical fiber, where power used in connection with data transmission is provided by electrical energy stored in the energy storage element. A photovoltaic element may be used to convert the light power signal into electrical energy. The photovoltaic element may be an array of photodiodes or a single photodiode. The energy storage element may be a capacitor. Transmitting a light data signal may be provided by a communication light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Bugash, Robert L. Zeliff