Patents by Inventor Roger Frick

Roger Frick 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: 10386383
    Abstract: A waveguide arrangement for measuring the speed of a projectile during passage through a weapon barrel arrangement includes a main waveguide and at least one auxiliary waveguide. The main waveguide has a cross-section suitable for the passage of the projectile. The auxiliary waveguide extends adjacent to the main waveguide and is connected to the main waveguide via an opening. An isolator is arranged in the auxiliary waveguide. The waveguide arrangement is particularly suited for large-caliber ordinance and has at least one coupler extending at least partially in the isolator. The speed of the projectile in the main waveguide is measured at a frequency below the limiting frequency. The transmitting coupler is arranged at a spacing distance from the muzzle in order to prevent an exit of the generated signal from the weapon barrel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Publication number: 20180038883
    Abstract: A waveguide arrangement for measuring the speed of a projectile during passage through a weapon barrel arrangement includes a main waveguide and at least one auxiliary waveguide. The main waveguide has a cross-section suitable for the passage of the projectile. The auxiliary waveguide extends adjacent to the main waveguide and is connected to the main waveguide via an opening. An isolator is arranged in the auxiliary waveguide. The waveguide arrangement is particularly suited for large-caliber ordinance and has at least one coupler extending at least partially in the isolator. The speed of the projectile in the main waveguide is measured at a frequency below the limiting frequency. The transmitting coupler is arranged at a spacing distance from the muzzle in order to prevent an exit of the generated signal from the weapon barrel arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: HENRY ROGER FRICK
  • Patent number: 8984999
    Abstract: A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 8985000
    Abstract: Inductive or capacitive transmission of energy to a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide can be used to transmit the energy, the electric field being concentrated in the waveguide. The thus used energy transfer system includes at least one waveguide which is arranged or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example between a muzzle brake and a gun barrel. A transmission coupler for transmission is fed by a signal generator. The projectile comprises at least one sensor which captures the signal and a store in the projectile is charged. Assemblies of the system are used for a V0 measurement as well as to program the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 8746119
    Abstract: An inductive or capacitative programming of a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide is used for the programming, the electromagnetic field being concentrated in the waveguide. The used programming unit includes at least one waveguide which is preferable located and/or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example in front of the muzzle brake. A transmission coupler for the transmission is fed by a signal generator. The information relating to the projectile is modulated to the carrier frequency in the modulator. A reception coupler integrated on/in the projectile is electrically interconnected to a store or processor in the projectile. The reception coupler receives the modulated signal and transmits it to the processor which is where the eventual programming takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Publication number: 20140060297
    Abstract: Inductive or capacitive transmission of energy to a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide can be used to transmit the energy, the electric field being concentrated in the waveguide. The thus used energy transfer system includes at least one waveguide which is arranged or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example between a muzzle brake and a gun barrel. A transmission coupler for transmission is fed by a signal generator. The projectile comprises at least one sensor which captures the signal and a store in the projectile is charged. Assemblies of the system are used for a V0 measurement as well as to program the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Henry Roger FRICK
  • Publication number: 20140007759
    Abstract: A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Henry Roger FRICK
  • Publication number: 20140007760
    Abstract: An inductive or capacitative programming of a projectile is disclosed. A waveguide is used for the programming, the electromagnetic field being concentrated in the waveguide. The used programming unit includes at least one waveguide which is preferable located and/or integrated in the region of the muzzle, for example in front of the muzzle brake. A transmission coupler for the transmission is fed by a signal generator. The information relating to the projectile is modulated to the carrier frequency in the modulator. A reception coupler integrated on/in the projectile is electrically interconnected to a store or processor in the projectile. The reception coupler receives the modulated signal and transmits it to the processor which is where the eventual programming takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Henry Roger FRICK
  • Patent number: 8305071
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 7903019
    Abstract: A protective device and protective measure for a radar system is provided that includes an active countermeasure by using passive emitter and/or decoys. Decoys are thereby utilized that function according to the reflection principle. These decoys are thereby radiated by the vehicle's radar. The radiation reflected by the decoys in the direction of the ARM has the same characteristic as the direct radiation from the radar itself. Thus, the ARM is unable to discriminate between decoys and the actual radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Publication number: 20090289619
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL AIR DEFENCE AG
    Inventor: Henry Roger FRICK
  • Publication number: 20080148930
    Abstract: A protective device and protective measure for a radar system is provided that includes an active countermeasure by using passive emitter and/or decoys. Decoys are thereby utilized that function according to the reflection principle. These decoys are thereby radiated by the vehicle's radar. The radiation reflected by the decoys in the direction of the ARM has the same characteristic as the direct radiation from the radar itself. Thus, the ARM is unable to discriminate between decoys and the actual radar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Henry Roger Frick
  • Publication number: 20050063444
    Abstract: An optical medium having a cavity that defines a variable gap is provided. The optical medium is used in an optical sensor, laser, and variable frequency resonator, by way of example. The cavity is physically altered in response to changes in a measurable parameter like pressure, temperature, force, flow rate, and material composition. The optical medium is characterized in some embodiments by having a cavity disposed near or within a high Q optical resonator. The optical resonator can be formed by various structures of which Bragg reflector cavities, ring resonators, microdiscs, and microspheres are examples. The optical resonator is preferably coupled to a laser source. The altering of the cavity affects the resonance condition within the optical resonator and thereby the laser signal of the system. If the laser source is a mode locked laser, the repetition rate of the pulse train changes in response to changes in the measurable parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Frick
  • Publication number: 20050062628
    Abstract: A measurement system includes multiple analog sensor elements and multiple sigma-delta modulators for producing digital outputs. Each sigma-delta modulator receives charge packets from one or more sensor element and charge packets from a shared element (which may be a sensor or a reference element). The sigma-delta modulators are operated synchronously in separate phases, so that the shared element either delivers or does not deliver a charge packet of the sign desired by a sigma-delta modulator only during the phase associated with that sigma-delta modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 24, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 6520020
    Abstract: A pressure sensor integrally formed in the shape of a beam around a central channel. The beam has an integral blind end that is pressurized by the fluid. The beam has an opposite end that is shaped to provide a stepped corner with a gap opening at the base of the stepped corner, where the gap and isolated from the fluid. A sensing film in the channel adjacent the blind end has an electrical parameter that varies with pressure and electrical leads that extend from the channel and out the gap. A seal fills the gap around the leads and the seal fills a portion of the stepped corner. The sensor is preferably formed by direct bonding of single crystal alumina layers. Applications include industrial pressure transmitters, aerospace and turbine engine pressure sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lutz, Roger Frick, Fred C. Sittler, Adrian C. Toy
  • Patent number: 6487912
    Abstract: A pressure sensor module and method for pre-installation without a converter module. The pressure sensor module is hermetically sealed and can remain undamaged in an installation environment without a converter module. The pressure sensor module can be assembled later with a converter module in the installation environment. The pressure sensor module includes an isolator, a pressure sensor and a circuit that provides a bus for energization, control and a digital pressure output. The bus is connected to contacts in an insulating feedthrough. An integrally formed hermetic external support structure surrounds the pressure sensor and circuit. The hermetic external support structure has a threaded process fluid inlet around the isolator, and a threaded support sleeve supporting the feedthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Behm, Richard L. Nelson, Robert Hedtke, Roger Frick, Scott D. Nelson, Mark Fandrey, Theodore H. Schnaare, Brian L. Westfield, Mark S. Schumacher, Weston Roper
  • Patent number: 6484585
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter in a process control system for transmitting pressure on a process control loop includes a transmitter housing, an isolation diaphragm configured to couple to a process fluid, and a pressure sensor body of a brittle corrosion resistant material operably coupled to the housing and positioned in the housing. The pressure sensor comprising a first portion bonded to a second portion by a fusion bond, the fusion bond substantially free of foreign material. An isolation fluid is configured to fluidically couple the pressure sensor body to the isolation diaphragm to thereby couple the pressure sensor to a pressure of the process fluid. Measurement circuitry in the transmitter housing coupled to the pressure sensor provides an output which is a function of capacitance, a loop interface in the transmitter housing coupled to the measurement circuitry configured to transmit a pressure related signal on the process control loop as a function of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Fred C. Sittler, Roger Frick
  • Patent number: 5372046
    Abstract: A vortex flow transmitter has a filtering circuit receiving a noise contaminated input signal representative of the flow and which has a fundamental frequency varying responsively to flow. The filter filters the input signal using one of a family of HP filter characteristics to produce a filtered signal having a frequency representative of the physical parameter. Each member of the family of HP filters has varying corner frequencies, each filter having a unique switchup and a unique switchdown value assigned to it. Adaptive response element select a current HP filter for use in the filter. Adaptive circuitry uses one selection method when the flow is increasing and another selection method when the flow decreases. Finally, output circuitry converts the signal from the filter into a transmitter output, typically a 4-20 mA current or a frequency output representative of the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell Kleven, Roger Frick