US3759133A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vibrator structure and method and apparatus for adjusting the frequency thereof
Assignee: Bunker Ramo Corp
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Filing: 1972-01-24
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Granted: 1973-09-18
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Expires: 1992-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for tuning and adjusting the frequency of a vibrator structure such as a tuning fork of the type formed from a single thin strip of low molecular loss material. Tuning is effected by bending one or more of the tines of the fork or preferably by bending an ear formed for this purpose on a tine. In the alternative, the frequency may be controlled by selectively removing material from an ear. In order to maintain the balance of the structure it is desirable that tuning be performed on both tines of a fork. A preferred method for performing the tuning involves forming the structure in a manner such that its frequency is always lower than required. This frequency is then measured and half the difference in frequency is corrected by bending ears formed on an outer tine. Material is then removed from an inner tine by, for example, burning the material off with a laser, to raise the frequency to the desired value.
Inventors
- 👤 W Reefman
- 👤 I Budych
- 👤 La Verne Frey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:06
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03H; H03H3/00; H03H3/007; H03H3/013; B; B23; B23K; B23K26/00; B23K26/351; G; G04; G04C; G04C3/00; G04C3/08; G04C3/10; G04C3/101; G04C3/107; G04D; G04D3/00; G04D3/0069; G04F; G04F5/00; G04F5/04; G04F5/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/42; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49009; Y10T29/49764; Y10T29/49771; Y10T29/49774
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A vibrator structure formed from a single thin strip of material, said structure having first and second tine members and a base, said tine members and base each having its major surface areas normally lying in substantially common planes, said first tine member being generally U-shaped, having two side arms extending from said base with a leg connecting the ends of said arms, and said second tine member being surrounded by said first tine member, characterized by: a tuning ear formed as an integral part of at least one of said tine members, said ear being of a width which is a fraction of the width of the tine, tine arm or tine leg on which it is formed, being attached to the tine only at the base of the ear, and being adapted to be bent at said base at an angle to said common plane, the angle at which said ear is bent determining the resonant frequency to which said structure is tuned.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A vibrator structure formed from a single thin strip of material, said structure having first and second tine members and a base, said tine members and base each having its major surface areas normally lying in substantially common planes, said first tine member being generally U-shaped, having two side arms extending from said base with a leg connecting the ends of said arms, and said second tine member being surrounded by said first tine member, characterized by: a tuning ear formed as an integral part of at least one of said tine members, said ear being of a width which is a fraction of the width of the tine, tine arm or tine leg on which it is formed, being attached to the tine only at the base of the ear, and being adapted to be bent at said base at an angle to said common plane, the angle at which said ear is bent determining the resonant frequency to which said structure is tuned.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein there are at least two of said ears which ears are bent at opposite angles to said common plane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein there are a pair of said ears symmetrically positioned on the outer corners of said side arms; and including a slot formed in each of said arms, each of said slots projecting from the top of the arm toward said base and serving to separate the ear on the corresponding arm from the remainder of the first tine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein said ear projects from the upper center of said first tine member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein said ear is formed by cutting a generally U-shaped aperture in said second tine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein said ear is narrowest at its base, the width of said ear becoming progressively greater at points beyond said base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein said ear is widest at its base, the width of said ear becoming progressively less at points beyond said base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 1 wherein said ear is formed to project at an angle between the angle at which said side arms project and an angle perpendicular thereto, said ear being adapted for fine tuning of said structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vibrator structure of the type described in claim 8 wherein there are a plurality of said ears, at least two of which are formed at different angles to provide courser and finer tuning.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |