Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Groover

Thomas A. Groover 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: 7233154
    Abstract: A proximity sensor module includes a housing; and a proximity sensor disposed in the housing, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a sensor plate configured to contact inside of the housing such that substantially no gap exists between the sensor plate and the housing. The housing may be a substantially explosion-proof housing. The housing may include two members coupled by a thread engagement, wherein a sensor plate of the proximity sensor is placed off-center with respect to an axis of rotation for the thread engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Groover, King L. Poon
  • Publication number: 20050179447
    Abstract: A proximity sensor module includes a housing; and a proximity sensor disposed in the housing, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a sensor plate configured to contact inside of the housing such that substantially no gap exists between the sensor plate and the housing. The housing may be a substantially explosion-proof housing. The housing may include two members coupled by a thread engagement, wherein a sensor plate of the proximity sensor is placed off-center with respect to an axis of rotation for the thread engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Applicant: THERMO ELECTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Groover, King Poon
  • Publication number: 20030080757
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor is adapted for use in a housing, such as an explosion-proof housing, and includes a compressible sensor plate and an interface board. The sensor plate is compressed during assembly of the housing. The proximity sensor interacts with other electrical components within and external to the housing. Furthermore, the proximity sensor may include, or interact with, a display. Components, including the proximity sensor, may be configured for use in a hazardous environment and designed to draw minimal current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas A. Groover, King L. Poon
  • Patent number: 5184083
    Abstract: A system of leak detection in an impoundment including a first impoundment layer containing a brine solution, a second impoundment layer positioned beneath the first impoundment layer and having a brine-filled space therebetween, a first electrode positioned in the brine-filled space, an injection electrode positioned in the brine solution on the first impoundment layer, a plurality of sensor elements extending outwardly from the injection electrode for measuring electrical potentials at points distal the injection electrode, and a source of power electrically connected to the first electrode and to the injection electrode for passing a current between the electrodes. A probe assembly is connected to the injection electrode for supporting the injection electrode above the first impoundment layer. The sensor elements are arranged generally coplanar to the injection electrode. Each of the sensor elements are separated by an equal distance from an adjacent sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas A. Groover