Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Schultz

Thomas J. Schultz 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: 6672151
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6357292
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sentech Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6283749
    Abstract: A hot walled, industrial, batch-type vacuum furnace constructed with a cylindrical furnace casing having a closed spherical end and an open end adapted to be closed by a sealable door. Furnace insulation is applied to the outside of the door and furnace casing so that the inside of the furnace is impervious to the furnace gases. Special mounting arrangements are used to seal furnace components extending into the casing as well as the door by elastomer seals which are air cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Surface Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Bernard, Jr., Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5728933
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmit a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sentech Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5483826
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: TJS Development Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5481444
    Abstract: A light holder includes a receptacle which receives a miniature light without requiring the imposition of significant application forces by the user during insertion and which thus permits miniature lights to be strung on a christmas tree or the like in a desired orientation without fear of damaging the lights or the holders. The receptacle may have a body which slidably receives a socket of a stock light, in which case the receptacle body should be formed with slots for guiding the electrical cord of the light string into and through the receptacle. The receptacle may also be formed integral with a light socket when the light is manufactured. In either case, the receptacle and a clip for clipping the holder to a support are preferably formed from a single injection molded element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5414510
    Abstract: A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Textron Defense Systems, Division of Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Petros A. Kotidis, Jaime A. Woodroffe, Peter S. Rostler
  • Patent number: 5410405
    Abstract: A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Textron Defense Systems, Division of Avco Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Petros A. Kotidis, Jaime A. Woodroffe, Peter S. Rostler
  • Patent number: 5402233
    Abstract: A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Surface Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Petros A. Kotidis, Jaime A. Woodroffe, Peter S. Rostler
  • Patent number: 5385337
    Abstract: A control arrangement is disclosed for a conventional, atmosphere heat treating furnace which is operated at high temperature and fitted with a vacuum pump to draw rough or soft vacuum levels when heating the work to heat treat temperatures. The control arrangement utilizes a hydrogen--inert gas furnace atmosphere continuously metered into the furnace to produce a reducing gas mixture to prevent oxidation of the work. If oxidation conditions are sensed, the mass flow is automatically increased while vacuum levels are maintained constant. A unique oxygen probe mounting arrangement is disclosed which enables a conventional oxygen probe to give fairly accurate and consistent readings for fast, automatic process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5301553
    Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: TJS Development Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Alan J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5286313
    Abstract: A system for non-destructively measuring an object and controlling industrial processes in response to the measurement is disclosed in which an impulse laser generates a plurality of sound waves over timed increments in an object. A polarizing interferometer is used to measure surface movement of the object caused by the sound waves and sensed by phase shifts in the signal beam. A photon multiplier senses the phase shift and develops an electrical signal. A signal conditioning arrangement modifies the electrical signals to generate an average signal correlated to the sound waves which in turn is correlated to a physical or metallurgical property of the object, such as temperature, which property may then be used to control the process. External, random vibrations of the workpiece are utilized to develop discernible signals which can be sensed in the interferometer by only one photon multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Surface Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Petros A. Kotidis, Jaime A. Woodroffe, Peter S. Rostler
  • Patent number: 5261976
    Abstract: A control arrangement is disclosed for a conventional, atmosphere heat treating furnace which is operated at high temperature and fitted with a vacuum pump to draw rough or soft vacuum levels when heating the work to heat treat temperatures. The control arrangement utilizes a hydrogen--inert gas furnace atmosphere continuously metered into the furnace to produce a reducing gas mixture to prevent oxidation of the work. If oxidation conditions are sensed, the mass flow is automatically increased while vacuum levels are maintained constant. A unique oxygen probe mounting arrangement is disclosed which enables a conventional oxygen probe to give fairly accurate and consistent readings for fast, automatic process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5224857
    Abstract: A standard atmosphere furnace constructed of a steel casing formed as a cylinder with fibrous insulation attached is operated as a vacuum furnace. A plurality of radiant, fuel-fired ceramic heat tubes positioned in a centered but circumferentially spaced arrangement provides heat input to the furnace to permit it to operate at high, vacuum associated temperatures. The ceramic tubes are vacuum sealed to the furnace case by an elastomer seal/water jacket arrangement which uses an outboard clamp arrangement to establish a ceramic-to-metal contact to permit thermal cooling and prevent tube-flange movement so that the integrity of the elastomer seal can be maintained. In addition, an articulated joint connector is provided so that the tube can be supported in a pivotable manner permitting thermal movement while reducing tube stress to prolonged tube life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Timothy J. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5163416
    Abstract: A standard atmosphere furnace constructed of a steel casing formed as a cylinder with fibrous insulation attached is operated as a vacuum furnace. A plurality of radiant, fuel-fired ceramic heat tubes positioned in a centered but circumferentially spaced arrangement provides heat input to the furnace to permit it to operate at high, vacuum associated temperatures. The ceramic tubes are vacuum sealed to the furnace case by an elastomer seal/water jacket arrangement which uses an outboard clamp arrangement to establish a ceramic-to-metal contact to permit thermal cooling and prevent tube-flange movement so that the integrity of the elastomer seal can be maintained. In addition, an articulated joint connector is provided so that the tube can be supported in a pivotable manner permitting thermal movement while reducing tube stress to prolonged tube life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Timothy J. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5083457
    Abstract: A tire pressure sensor is provided including a transducer unit having a mechanical-to-electrical transducer disposed in intimate contact with the pressurized region of a tire. The transducer senses tire pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The transducer unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of tire pressure. A hand-held remote display unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of tire pressure, for example on a three-digit digital display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: TJS Development Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5040972
    Abstract: A pyrolyzer-kiln system for generating combustible fume from waste material and supplementing the fuel used to provide heat energy to a clinker kiln. The system includes a pyrolyzer for generating a combustible pyrolytic fume, a kiln for burning the fume as part of a cement-forming process, a conduit for conveying the fume from the pyrolyzer to the kiln, and a closed-loop feedback component for monitoring the heating value of the fume and varying the operational parameters of the pyrolyzer to maintain the heating value of the fume generated within a predetermined range. The closed-loop feedback component includes a calorimeter which continuously samples and burns fume from the conduit. The heating value of the fume is determined by measuring the amount of auxiliary fuel and air required to be mixed with the fume to maintain a predetermined temperature when the combustion is burned within the calorimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Systech Environmental Corporation
    Inventors: Ned J. Kleinhenz, Alvin L. Gaunce, Robert A. Schmall, Thomas J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 4924785
    Abstract: A semi-continuous pyrolysis arrangement is disclosed which is particularly useful in the reclamation of a base material in a substantially pure form from a composite material which has organic compounds. The furnace base barrier free zones wherein the waste material is continuously pyrolyzed as it is indexed through the furnace and each zone is controlled in a preset manner established from pyrolyzing a sample waste specimen under controlled conditions. Preferably, the waste is containerized as a particulate solid in discrete static beds permitting a fan exhaust arrangement to establish convective heat transfer with the bed while also establishing the furnace zones. An exothermic zone is provided at the end of the furnace to remove fixed carbon from the pyrolyzed waste by bleeding substoichiometric amounts of air in an oxygen temperature controlled manner to permit recovery of the waste in a substantially pure form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Surface Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Jay K. Shah, Valdis R. Daiga
  • Patent number: 4913069
    Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for thermally decomposing waste material from several batch furnaces plumbed into one afterburner. The afterburner is modified to mix and combust in a controlled manner an otherwise explosive mixture of fumes from several furnaces. The entire system is regulated only by the temperature of incinerated gases from the afterburner. The furnaces are operated in a sequenced, overlapping staged manner to produce a generally constant fume loading permitting significant cost savings in equipment and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Surface Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Klaus H. Hemsath, Franklin G. Rinker, Jay K. Shah
  • Patent number: 4805881
    Abstract: An internal gas generator in combination with a standard heat treat furnace is provided for producing either an endothermic product gas or a purge gas. The generator includes a reaction tube containing alternating packed beds of a highly active catalyst and inert heat transfer particulates. The reaction tube is surrounded by an elongated tubular heating element which heats the reaction tube, the combination producing an acceptable product gas in a small arrangement suitable for retrofit applications to existing furnaces. A flanged mounting permits the reaction tube to be easily removed for standard replacement in the event of catalyst poisoning and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Thomas J. Schultz, Deane A. Horne, Stephen J. Sikirica, James W. Bender