William M Brintz

US Patent:

7535574, May 19, 2009

Filed:

Sep 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/537076

Inventors:

Timothy A. Beckwith - Coon Rapids MN, US
William M. Brintz - Lino Lakes MN, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

G01C 19/64

US Classification:

356459

Abstract:

A path length control driver for a ring laser gyroscope includes a baseplate, a number of piezoelectric elements, and electrodes. The baseplate includes openings selectively sized and located on the baseplate for reducing distortion thereof during thermal or other mechanical loading. The baseplate includes a central hub extending from a central portion of an actuator plate, which comprises an annular diaphragm member. The baseplate further includes an outer rim or sidewall coupled to the actuator plate and a baseplate flange extending from the sidewall. In one embodiment, a portion of the baseplate flange is attached to a mirror transducer substrate assembly. The mirror transducer substrate assembly includes a reflective device, such as a mirror, and a transducer block. The transducer block includes an optical contact surface onto which the mirror is affixed. The piezoelectric elements are employed to achieve a desired amount of movement of the baseplate, which in turn induces micro-movements or micro-adjustments of the mirror.

US Patent:

58672702, Feb 2, 1999

Filed:

Dec 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/984918

Inventors:

Timothy A. Beckwith - Coon Rapids MN
William M. Brintz - Lino Lakes MN
Karl D. Johnson - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G01C 1970

US Classification:

356350

Abstract:

Disclosed is a mounting mechanism and method for accurately securing and uniformly bonding piezoelectric transducers (PZT's) to a dither spring. The dither spring includes a central hub, an outer toroidal rim, a plurality of flexible reeds and a plurality of lobes. The reeds extend between the hub and the rim, and one of the lobes is positioned between each pair of adjacent reeds. A mounting mechanism includes locating channels on the lobes sized to receive mounting inserts that hold the PZT's during assembly. The mounting mechanism accurately positions and provides a uniform bonding force to the PZT's to precisely and firmly secure the PZT's on the dither spring reeds.

US Patent:

59509953, Sep 14, 1999

Filed:

Dec 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/984773

Inventors:

Timothy A. Beckwith - Coon Rapids MN
William M. Brintz - Lino Lakes MN
Karl D. Johnson - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

G01C 1970

US Classification:

267161

Abstract:

Disclosed is a dither spring structure and method of dither spring manufacture. The dither spring structure includes a central hub, an outer toroidal rim, a plurality of flexible reeds and a plurality of lobes. The reeds extend between the hub and the rim, and one of the lobes is positioned between each pair of adjacent reeds. The rim is defined by a plurality of spaced arcuate segments with one of the segments at a radial outward end of each of the reeds. Each arcuate segment has first and second wing elements extending transversely to each side of its respective reed, and a free end of the first wing element of one reed is spaced from a free end of the second wing element of an adjacent reed to produce thermal stress relief. The dither spring structure can be manufactured via electro-discharge machining (EDM) using a single continuous pass of an EDM cutting element.

US Patent:

56169833, Apr 1, 1997

Filed:

Feb 28, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/395354

Inventors:

Timothy A. Beckwith - Coon Rapids MN
William M. Brintz - Coon Rapids MN
Walter A. Barniskis - New Hope MN

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01R 400

US Classification:

313 51

Abstract:

Disclosed is an electrode assembly particularly for electrodes in which the electrode consists of a material which is non-conducive to soldering of an electrical wire thereto. A retaining wing is forcibly fitted on an electrode having a closed circumferential wall member. An electrical wire is attached to the ring member which consists of a weldable or solderable material.