Patents by Inventor Steven P. Ecklund
Steven P. Ecklund 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).
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Patent number: 9829320Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic PLC modulation are provided. In certain embodiments, a gyroscope system includes a block having cavities and passages that define a path; mirrors, each located in one of the cavities, direct light along the path defined by the cavities and the passages; a mirror drive coupled to one of the mirrors to change a position of the mirror, wherein the path's length is changed as the mirror's position changes; a photodetector that measures power of light along the path; and a controller that provides a control signal indicative of an amplitude of PLC modulation and a PLC frequency to the mirror drive; wherein the mirror drive, in response to the control signal, changes the position of the mirror at the frequency, wherein the mirror drive moves based on the amplitude; and wherein the controller changes the amplitude in relation to the measured power of the light.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Alan Bruce Touchberry, Steven P. Ecklund
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Publication number: 20170115118Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic PLC modulation are provided. In certain embodiments, a gyroscope system includes a block having cavities and passages that define a path; mirrors, each located in one of the cavities, direct light along the path defined by the cavities and the passages; a mirror drive coupled to one of the mirrors to change a position of the mirror, wherein the path's length is changed as the mirror's position changes; a photodetector that measures power of light along the path; and a controller that provides a control signal indicative of an amplitude of PLC modulation and a PLC frequency to the mirror drive; wherein the mirror drive, in response to the control signal, changes the position of the mirror at the frequency, wherein the mirror drive moves based on the amplitude; and wherein the controller changes the amplitude in relation to the measured power of the light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Alan Bruce Touchberry, Steven P. Ecklund
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Patent number: 9007598Abstract: A ring laser gyroscope configured to reduce alignment shifts in at least one critical alignment of the ring laser gyroscope is provided. The ring laser gyroscope includes reflective components configured to direct clockwise optical beams and counter-clockwise optical beams in at least one lasing plane; at least one ring-laser-gyro mounting feature having at least one respective through hole; and at least one minimally-threaded screw positioned in the at least one respective through hole. An unthreaded section of the minimally-threaded screw is contactlessly encased in the at least one respective through hole. A threaded-end of the at least one minimally-threaded screw is threaded in a respective at least one threaded hole in a gyro frame, the gyro frame spanning a reference mounting plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Matthew Clark, Alan Bruce Touchberry, Gordon Allen Seppanen, Steven P. Ecklund, Mark Petersen
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Patent number: 8259302Abstract: A gyroscope system comprises a gyroscope block having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of passages that define a path; a plurality of mirrors each located in one of the plurality of cavities; at least one mirror drive coupled to one of the plurality of mirrors and configured to change a position of the respective mirror, wherein the path's length is changed by the change in the position of the respective mirror; a dither system coupled to the gyroscope block and configured to induce an angular rotation of the gyroscope block; and a controller configured to provide a dither signal indicative of a dither frequency to the dither system and a path length control (PLC) signal indicative of a PLC frequency to the at least one mirror drive. The controller is configured to calculate the PLC frequency as a function of the dither frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Stephen M. Baker, Craig A. Galbrecht
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Publication number: 20120026502Abstract: A gyroscope system comprises a gyroscope block having a plurality of cavities and a plurality of passages that define a path; a plurality of mirrors each located in one of the plurality of cavities; at least one mirror drive coupled to one of the plurality of mirrors and configured to change a position of the respective mirror, wherein the path's length is changed by the change in the position of the respective mirror; a dither system coupled to the gyroscope block and configured to induce an angular rotation of the gyroscope block; and a controller configured to provide a dither signal indicative of a dither frequency to the dither system and a path length control (PLC) signal indicative of a PLC frequency to the at least one mirror drive. The controller is configured to calculate the PLC frequency as a function of the dither frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Stephen M. Baker, Craig A. Galbrecht
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Publication number: 20110199225Abstract: An apparatus to indicate unauthorized manipulation of at least one protected device enclosed in a housing is provided. The apparatus includes a structure attached to a first portion of the housing and a token switch attached to a second portion of the housing. The token switch is operably positioned with reference to the structure. The token switch includes a plunger, and a register programmed with a value. The register is communicatively coupled with a processor in a circuit. The circuit is communicatively coupled to drive the device. The structure, the token switch, and the circuit are internal to the housing when the housing is in a closed position. The plunger and the structure are positioned to generate a current when the housing is opened. The programmed value in the register is changed by the generated current and the processor takes an action responsive to the change in the programmed value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Alan B. Touchberry, William J. Dalzell, JR., Richard Kallay, Matthew Clark, Gregory A. Miller, Stephen M. Baker, Steven P. Ecklund
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Publication number: 20080304076Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying sensors to a ring laser gyro. An example apparatus includes a housing having a cavity, a laser intensity monitor (LIM) sensor mechanically and electrically connected within the cavity of the housing, and a readout sensor mechanically and electrically connected within the cavity of the housing. The LIM sensor and readout sensor are connected within the housing based on predetermined light output properties of a sensor mirror of a ring laser gyro. When the readout sensor is properly aligned with the sensor mirror, then the LIM sensor is automatically aligned with the sensor mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Timothy A. Beckwith, Steven P. Ecklund
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Patent number: 7312866Abstract: A method for determining a surface quality of a substrate sample using a differential interference contrast microscope is described. The microscope includes an eyepiece, an eyepiece focus adjustment, a microscope focus adjustment, a light source, at least one of an aperture or reticule, a camera view, a prism and an eyepiece. The method includes calibrating the focus of the eyepiece with the focus of the camera and determining a peak response ratio for the microscope through adjustment of phase between differential beams of the microscope. The substrate sample is placed under the microscope, illuminated with the light source, and brought into focus with the microscope focus. Phase between differential beams is adjusted, at least one image of the substrate sample is captured and processed to determine a level of surface structure on the substrate sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Fashant, Thomas A. Savard, Tracy L. Sellin, Steven P. Ecklund
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Patent number: 6995847Abstract: A method for determining a surface quality of a substrate sample using a differential interference contrast microscope is described. The microscope includes an eyepiece, an eyepiece focus adjustment, a microscope focus adjustment, a light source, at least one of an aperture or reticule, a camera view, a prism and an eyepiece. The method includes calibrating the focus of the eyepiece with the focus of the camera and determining a peak response ratio for the microscope through adjustment of phase between differential beams of the microscope. The substrate sample is placed under the microscope, illuminated with the light source, and brought into focus with the microscope focus. Phase between differential beams is adjusted, at least one image of the substrate sample is captured and processed to determine a level of surface structure on the substrate sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Fashant, Thomas A. Savard, Tracy L. Sellin, Steven P. Ecklund
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Patent number: 6931711Abstract: A method for reducing oxidation of indium seals within a substantially sealed housing is disclosed. The method includes installing a getter within the housing, the getter including a getter material to reduce oxygen and water vapor levels within the housing, reducing oxygen and water vapor levels within the housing relative to ambient air, substantially sealing the housing, and activating the getter within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Mark J. Jarrett, Lisa P. Koland
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Patent number: 6714580Abstract: Current control biasing of a ring laser gyroscope is employed to protect electrode seals. A frame of a ring laser gyroscope has more than one electrode attached to it. An electric field is created between the electrodes during the operation of the gyroscope, which causes ions in the frame to migrate towards a lowest electrical potential. Electrode seals are located between the electrodes and the frame. By providing a positive power supply voltage and connecting the current control to the non-ground side of the power supply, the mounting structure may be at the lowest electrical potential. The ions will then migrate towards the mounting structure, which significantly reduces migration to the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Timothy J. Callaghan
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Patent number: 6704111Abstract: A ring laser gyro having a high temperature seal. The ring laser gyro includes a laser block of known construction having a closed loop passage formed within the block in the shape of a polygon. Mirrors positioned at the intersection of each side of the polygon-shaped closed loop passage create an optical closed loop path through passage. A lasing gas is sealed within the closed loop passage, and electrodes mounted to the block and in fluid communication with the passage create at least one laser that traverses the optical closed loop path in the passage. The electrodes are mounted on the laser block with a high temperature seal comprising a washer having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and an optical bond between the washer and the laser block In a preferred embodiment, the laser block and the washer are formed from the same material to ensure that these structures expand at substantially the same rate when the ring laser gyro is used in a high temperature application.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Timothy J. Callaghan, Lisa P. Koland
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Publication number: 20040040941Abstract: A method for reducing oxidation of indium seals within a substantially sealed housing is disclosed. The method includes installing a getter within the housing, the getter including a getter material to reduce oxygen and water vapor levels within the housing, reducing oxygen and water vapor levels within the housing relative to ambient air, substantially sealing the housing, and activating the getter within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Mark J. Jarrett, Lisa P. Koland
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Publication number: 20040008350Abstract: A ring laser gyro having a high temperature seal. The ring laser gyro includes a laser block of known construction having a closed loop passage formed within the block in the shape of a polygon. Mirrors positioned at the intersection of each side of the polygon-shaped closed loop passage create an optical closed loop path through passage. A lasing gas is sealed within the closed loop passage, and electrodes mounted to the block and in fluid communication with the passage create at least one laser that traverses the optical closed loop path in the passage. The electrodes are mounted on the laser block with a high temperature seal comprising a washer having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and an optical bond between the washer and the laser block. In a preferred embodiment, the laser block and the washer are formed from the same material to ensure that these structures expand at substantially the same rate when the ring laser gyro is used in a high temperature application.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2001Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Timothy J. Callaghan, Lisa P. Koland
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Publication number: 20040008351Abstract: Current control biasing of a ring laser gyroscope is employed to protect electrode seals. A frame of a ring laser gyroscope has more than one electrode attached to it. An electric field is created between the electrodes during the operation of the gyroscope, which causes ions in the frame to migrate towards a lowest electrical potential. Electrode seals are located between the electrodes and the frame. By providing a positive power supply voltage and connecting the current control to the non-ground side of the power supply, the mounting structure may be at the lowest electrical potential. The ions will then migrate towards the mounting structure, which significantly reduces migration to the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven P. Ecklund, Timothy J. Callaghan
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Publication number: 20030218742Abstract: A method for determining a surface quality of a substrate sample using a differential interference contrast microscope is described. The microscope includes an eyepiece, an eyepiece focus adjustment, a microscope focus adjustment, a light source, at least one of an aperture or reticule, a camera view, a prism and an eyepiece. The method includes calibrating the focus of the eyepiece with the focus of the camera and determining a peak response ratio for the microscope through adjustment of phase between differential beams of the microscope. The substrate sample is placed under the microscope, illuminated with the light source, and brought into focus with the microscope focus. Phase between differential beams is adjusted, at least one image of the substrate sample is captured and processed to determine a level of surface structure on the substrate sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Daniel R. Fashant, Thomas A. Savard, Tracy L. Sellin, Steven P. Ecklund