US4706259A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mounting and isolation system for tuning fork temperature sensor
Assignee: WELL TEST INSTRUMENTS Inc
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Filing: 1985-12-30
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Granted: 1987-11-10
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Expires: 2005-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Prior mounting systems for tuning fork temperature sensors have resulted in unpredictable activity dips within the sensor operating ranges. This problem is eliminated by the mounting and isolation system (32) of the present invention that is adapted to mount temperature sensitive tuning fork (20) to a support structure. The mounting system comprises a mounting member (34) adapted for rigid connection to the support structure, and support means (36) connecting the tuning fork base to the mounting member such that the tuning fork is supported solely by the support means. The support means comprises a low pass mechanical filter that transmits only vibration frequencies that are less than the operating range of frequencies of the tuning fork.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome M. Paros
- 👤 Jeffrey F. Tonn
- 👤 Richard B. Wearn, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A mounting and isolation system for a tuning fork temperature sensor that includes a tuning fork having a frequency of oscillation that is a function of temperature, the mounting and isolation system comprising a mounting member having a surface shaped so as to permit the mounting member to be rigidly connected to an external support, and an elongated support structure connecting a selected point on the tuning fork to the mounting member such that the tuning fork is supported solely by the support structure, the dimensions of the support structure selected so as to comprise a low pass mechanical filter that is adapted to transmit only vibration frequencies that are less than the operating range of frequencies of the tuning fork.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A mounting and isolation system for a tuning fork temperature sensor that includes a tuning fork having a frequency of oscillation that is a function of temperature, the mounting and isolation system comprising a mounting member having a surface shaped so as to permit the mounting member to be rigidly connected to an external support, and an elongated support structure connecting a selected point on the tuning fork to the mounting member such that the tuning fork is supported solely by the support structure, the dimensions of the support structure selected so as to comprise a low pass mechanical filter that is adapted to transmit only vibration frequencies that are less than the operating range of frequencies of the tuning fork.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mounting and isolation system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a single beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The mounting and isolation system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a variable width beam formed by a pair of back-to-back arcuate recesses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The mounting and isolation system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises two spaced apart beams.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mounting and isolation system of claim 1, wherein the tuning fork, mounting member and support structure are fabricated from a single wafer of crystalline quartz.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-09 | 1991-05-11 | 1991-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-09 | 1995-05-11 | 1995-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-09 | 1999-05-11 | 1999-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |