Patents by Inventor W. Earl McKinley

W. Earl McKinley 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).

  • Pulsed laser thermometer
    Patent number: 6341891
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Method and apparatus for measuring temperature
    Patent number: 6123453
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Method and apparatus for measuring temperature using infrared techniques
    Patent number: 5727880
    Abstract: Method and apparatus provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Method and apparatus for measuring temperature using infared techniques
    Patent number: 5524984
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
  • Method and apparatus for measuring temperature using infrared techniques
    Patent number: 5368392
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser-sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley