David F Plummer

US Patent:

6453746, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Jun 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/590086

Inventors:

Marc A. Polosky - Albuquerque NM
David W. Plummer - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Sandia Corporation - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

G01P 318

US Classification:

73530

Abstract:

A new class of micromechanical acceleration history discriminators is claimed. These discriminators allow the precise differentiation of a wide range of acceleration-time histories, thereby allowing adaptive events to be triggered in response to the severity (or lack thereof) of an external environment. Such devices have applications in airbag activation, and other safety and surety applications.

US Patent:

6484545, Nov 26, 2002

Filed:

Apr 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/294782

Inventors:

Frank J. Peter - Albuquerque NM
Larry J. Dalton - Bernalillo NM
David W. Plummer - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Sandia Corporation - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

E05B 3716

US Classification:

70288, 70299, 70306, 70313

Abstract:

A new class of mechanical code comparators is described which have broad potential for application in safety, surety, and security applications. These devices can be implemented as micro-scale electromechanical systems that isolate a secure or otherwise controlled device until an access code is entered. This access code is converted into a series of mechanical inputs to the mechanical code comparator, which compares the access code to a pre-input combination, entered previously into the mechanical code comparator by an operator at the system security control point. These devices provide extremely high levels of robust security. Being totally mechanical in operation, an access control system properly based on such devices cannot be circumvented by software attack alone.

US Patent:

63078155, Oct 23, 2001

Filed:

Jul 23, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/121763

Inventors:

Marc A. Polosky - Albuquerque NM
Ernest J. Garcia - Albuquerque NM
David W. Plummer - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Sandia Corporation - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

G04B 1902

US Classification:

368220

Abstract:

A microminiature timer having an optical readout is disclosed. The timer can be formed by surface micromachining or LIGA processes on a silicon substrate. The timer includes an integral motor (e. g. an electrostatic motor) that can intermittently wind a mainspring to store mechanical energy for driving a train of meshed timing gears at a rate that is regulated by a verge escapement. Each timing gear contains an optical encoder that can be read out with one or more light beams (e. g. from a laser or light-emitting diode) to recover timing information. In the event that electrical power to the timer is temporarily interrupted, the mechanical clock formed by the meshed timing gears and verge escapement can continue to operate, generating accurate timing information that can be read out when the power is restored.