Patents by Inventor Wayne A. Thelen

Wayne A. Thelen 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: 7086280
    Abstract: A system for detecting aeration in a lubricant includes a sensor having a pair of spaced apart concentric rings forming a first capacitor through which the lubricant flows and a capacitor segment forming a second capacitor with the outer ring. The capacitors are connected in a balanced bridge circuit and the second capacitor is constructed to remove gas entrapped in the lubricant present in the second capacitor so that the bridge becomes unbalanced indicating gas entrapped in the lubricant flowing through the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Wakeman, Wayne A. Thelen
  • Publication number: 20050072210
    Abstract: A system for detecting aeration in a lubricant includes a sensor having a pair of spaced apart concentric rings forming a first capacitor through which the lubricant flows and a capacitor segment forming a second capacitor with the outer ring. The capacitors are connected in a balanced bridge circuit and the second capacitor is constructed to remove gas entrapped in the lubricant present in the second capacitor so that the bridge becomes unbalanced indicating gas entrapped in the lubricant flowing through the first capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Wakeman, Wayne Thelen
  • Patent number: 5184142
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle antenna comprises an outer cover having a cross section elongated in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The cover, which includes an enlarged section covering a loading coil, strengthens the antenna against bending due to wind force and presents a low wind resistance profile. The antenna may be window mounted and is provided with a conductive base engaging a conductive pivot support. The antenna may be pivoted to a flattened position to avoid damage by objects such as may be encountered in an automatic carwash. The antenna may be adjusted to a precise upright position for optimum reception and is adapted to return to a previously adjusted position when it is returned to the upright position from a flattened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: Kurt P. Hornburg, Wayne A. Thelen, William Thelen