W Paul Wilson, Jr

Title: W Paul Wilson, Jr: Innovator in Servo Amplifier Technology.

Introduction

W Paul Wilson, Jr. is a notable inventor based in Fountain Valley, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of servo amplifier technology, particularly with his innovative designs that enhance the performance of d-c servo motors. His work has been instrumental in advancing the efficiency and reliability of servo systems.

Latest Patents

Wilson holds a patent for a pulse-modulated servo amplifier. This invention is designed to convert the error signal into pulses that are amplified in a saturating amplifier to drive the motor. The unique feature of this servo amplifier is that both the duty cycle and the repetition rate of the pulses vary with the error signal. At large error signals, the duty cycle is 100 percent, indicating 'full on', while at smaller error signals, the duty cycle is low, and the pulses are spaced far apart. As the system approaches balance, the pulses become shorter and less frequent, resulting in a slowdown of the motor. The circuit includes a signal integrator that drives two comparators, one for positive signals and the other for negative. The integrator generates a ramp voltage in the opposite direction of its input polarity and is reset automatically by controlled reset pulses when a comparator set point is reached. This innovative design ensures that reducing the gain does not widen the dead band but only increases the time required for rebalance, leading to a more tightly controlled dead band compared to prior systems. Additionally, a novel overload shutdown circuit is incorporated to cut off the input to the power amplifiers when a large, off-scale input signal occurs for an extended period.

Career Highlights

W Paul Wilson, Jr. is associated with Linear Instruments, where he has applied his expertise in servo technology. His work has contributed to the development of advanced servo systems that are widely used in various applications.

Collaborations

Wilson has collaborated with Ronald E Ross, further enhancing the innovative capabilities within his field.

Conclusion

W Paul Wilson, Jr. is a distinguished inventor whose contributions to servo amplifier technology have significantly impacted the industry. His innovative designs continue to influence the performance of servo systems, showcasing his expertise and dedication to advancing technology.