Patents by Inventor Thomas J. De Groot

Thomas J. De Groot 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: 6318497
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch comprises a base member having a mounting surface formed of electrically-insulating material; two electrodes mounted on the base member and each having an electrically-conductive contact surface, and a flexible diaphragm having its periphery secured in a fluid-tight manner to the mounting surface with its electrically-conductive central portion overlying the contact surfaces of the electrodes. The diaphragm, which is formed with plural corrugations, is exposed to the external pressure. When the switch is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the central portion of the diaphragm does not touch the contact surfaces of said electrodes, but when the switch is exposed to a super-atmospheric pressure, this central portion is forced into contact with both contact surfaces, thus electrically connecting the two electrodes. This pressure-sensitive switch is especially useful for use with hydrophones, as in seismic streamer cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Benthos, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. De Groot, Glen Ferguson, William H. Hulsman, Robert C. Prescott, Richard D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5789844
    Abstract: A transducer includes an elongated piezoelectric sensor having only a single integrated mass of piezoelectric material and a pair of relatively longer opposite edges and a pair of relatively narrower opposite edges. The transducer also includes a sensor support. The support imposes less constraint on one of the pairs of edges than on the other pair. Two piezoelectric sensors are supported back-to-back. Each of the sensors is held on opposite edges by a pair of opposite ledges, while two other opposite edges of the sensors are less constrained. The maximum displacement of the two less constrained edges of each sensor are limited by another pair of opposite ledges which are tapered or spaced away from the sensor when the sensor is in its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Benthos, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. de Groot
  • Patent number: 5646470
    Abstract: A transducer includes an elongated piezoelectric sensor having only a single integrated mass of piezoelectric material and a pair of relatively longer opposite edges and a pair of relatively narrower opposite edges. The transducer also includes a sensor support that imposes less constraint on one of the pairs of edges than on the other pair.A transducer has two piezoelectric sensors, and a support for supporting the two sensors back-to-back. Each of the sensors being held on opposite edges by a pair of opposite ledges, while two other opposite edges of the sensors are less constrained. The maximum displacement of the two less constrained edges of each sensor are limited by another pair of opposite ledges which are spaced away from the sensor when the sensor is in its normal position.A transducer has two piezoelectric sensors mounted back-to-back on a housing that includes a rib which supports an edge of each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Benthos, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. de Groot