Reme, L.l.c.

Lumedyne Technologies, Inc.

Ricardo E Dao

Denny E Morgan

Richard Lee Waters

John David Jacobs

Mark Steven Fralick

Jacques Pierre Leveille

Brad Wesley Chisum

David Carbonari

David M Bachelder

Harold H Kries

A time domain switching analog-to-digital converter apparatus and methods of utilizing the same. In one implementation, the converter apparatus comprises a carrier signal source, and at least one reference source. The carrier signal is summed with the input signal and the summed modulated signal is fed to a comparator circuit. The comparator is configured detects crossings of the reference level by the modulated waveform thereby generating trigger events. The time period between consecutive trigger events is used to obtain modulated signal deviation due to the input signal thus enabling input signal measurement. Control of the carrier oscillation amplitude and frequency enables real time adjustment of the converter dynamic range and resolution. The use of additional reference signal levels increases sensor frequency response and accuracy. A dual channel converter apparatus enables estimation and removal of common mode noise, thereby improving signal conversion accuracy.

Time domain switched analog-to-digital converter apparatus and methods

A computer control device which provides spacial information to a computer or electronic game by sensing the linear acceleration or tilt angle of the control device. The computer control device includes an accelerometer having an enclosure containing a fluid and temperature sensing elements positioned within the enclosure. The fluid moves across the temperature sensing elements in free convection during acceleration or inclination of the enclosure causing a temperature differential between the temperature sensing elements which is measurable. The control device incorporating one or more of these accelerometers senses acceleration or tilt in one to three dimensions and may be used to control a cursor on a computer screen, a display of a virtual reality device, or other computer and electronic game displays.

Computer control device

The vehicle control system incorporates an accelerometer which is particularly adapted for use in vehicles due to its readily compensated temperature sensitivity and stable zero g bias. The accelerometer for use in the vehicle control system includes a hermetically sealed enclosure containing a fluid and two temperature sensing elements positioned within the enclosure. When the fluid within the enclosure is heated the convective flow pattern within the enclosure is affected by acceleration of inclination of the enclosure. This change in the convective flow pattern is measured by measuring a temperature difference between the temperature sensing elements to determine the acceleration of the enclosure. The accelerometer provides improved performance over silicon micromachined accelerometers and provides an economical and reliable alternative to other types of accelerometers used in a variety of automotive applications including navigation systems, anti-lock breaking systems, suspension systems, airbag arming, and vehicle tilt sensing applications.

Vehicle information and control system

A convective accelerometer and inclinometer includes two temperature sensing elements mounted within a sealed enclosure containing a gas. The application of heat to the gas within the enclosure by a heating element causes the gas to flow in a predetermined pattern in free convection. When linear acceleration or inclination is applied to the enclosure the convective flow of gas is affected causing a temperature differential between the temperature sensing elements. This temperature differential is measured as a difference in electrical resistance between the two temperature sensing elements which is proportional to the acceleration. The device can be used to measure linear acceleration, velocity, position or inclination. The device can also be used as an inclinometer for measuring the angle of gravity. The device has a wide variety applications particularly within the automotive field.

Convective accelerometer and inclinometer

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Ricardo E Dao