William F Clarke

Title: Innovations of William F. Clarke

Introduction

William F. Clarke is a notable inventor based in Westminster, MD (US), recognized for his contributions to advanced technology. He holds 2 patents that showcase his innovative spirit and technical expertise.

Latest Patents

One of Clarke's latest inventions is the "Optically multiplexed dual line of sight FLIR system." This system features a dual line of sight forward-looking infrared (FLIR) navigation and targeting system, which includes two separate infrared turrets. These turrets house respective optical gimbal assemblies that provide two independently controlled lines of sight. One line offers wide fields of view for pilotage functions, while the other provides narrow magnified fields for targeting. The system merges both lines of sight after individual temperature compensating image gain and level adjustments, outputting to a single IR detector in the form of a focal plane array with time delay integration. This innovation generates two separate FLIR video image signals for pilotage and targeting, which can be viewed simultaneously and independently.

Another significant patent is the "Robotic end effector." This invention presents an improved end effector for robots, particularly beneficial for placing flat pack integrated circuits on circuit boards. The end effector features a vacuum-operated quill for picking up integrated circuits from predetermined locations. It also includes a pressure spring mechanism that allows the flat pack to be held in position with a predetermined force. Once positioned on the circuit board, the circuit is released, and the quill is moved away by a linear actuator without any motion of the robotic arm.

Career Highlights

William F. Clarke is associated with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he has made significant contributions to the field of robotics and infrared technology. His work has been instrumental in advancing the capabilities of robotic systems and navigation technologies.

Collaborations

Clarke has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Mark W. Handlesman and Robert A. Hale, who have contributed to his innovative projects and research endeavors.

Conclusion

William F. Clarke's inventions reflect his dedication to innovation and technology. His patents in the fields of FLIR systems and robotic end effectors demonstrate his significant impact on modern engineering and robotics.