James L Gravel

US Patent:

6561038, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Oct 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/978311

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN
Fred C. Sittler - Excelsior MN
David A. Broden - Andover MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01L 700

US Classification:

737292, 73706, 73756

Abstract:

A sensor capsule suitable for use in an industrial process fluid transmitter. The sensor capsule includes a block that has a sensor mounting hole. The block includes two half-blocks joined along mating surfaces passing lengthwise through the sensor mounting hole. A sensor has a sensor neck passing through the sensor mounting hole. The sensor neck is sealed to the sensor mounting hole.

US Patent:

6722927, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

May 28, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/446457

Inventors:

Christopher L. Eriksen - Saint Paul MN
James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN
Randall C. Olson - Prior Lake MN
David Strei - Waconia MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H01R 13405

US Classification:

439736, 73756

Abstract:

An electrical connector protects a pressure sensor stem that protrudes from a pressure sensor capsule. The electrical connector includes a baseplate with a central hole and a peripheral wall joined to the baseplate and protruding below the baseplate. The peripheral wall slidingly engages the pressure sensor capsule as the pressure sensor stem passes through the central hole to protrude above the baseplate. A protective wall joined to the baseplate protrudes above the pressure sensor stem and protects the pressure sensor stem. A lead frame in the protective wall provides electrical connections to sensor contact pads on the pressure sensor stem.

US Patent:

7255002, Aug 14, 2007

Filed:

Apr 7, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/100768

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN, US
Mark C. Fandrey - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

Rosemount, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01F 23/00

US Classification:

73290V, 73290 R, 738665

Abstract:

A microwave level gauge for measuring a level of a process material in a tank includes a ceramic seal and a microwave conductor. The ceramic seal is disposed adjacent to an opening in the tank and adapted to isolate circuitry from the process material. The microwave conductor is electrically coupled to the circuitry and extends through the hermetic seal and into the process material in the tank. The ceramic seal and an isolating adapter cooperate to isolate the microwave conductor from the process fluid and from external forces.

US Patent:

46388303, Jan 27, 1987

Filed:

Sep 27, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/781358

Inventors:

Gregory C. Brown - Chaska MN
James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G05D 1600
F16K 3108

US Classification:

137 83

Abstract:

An improved magnetic actuator for providing mechanical actuation representative of an input current has a housing that supports a coil surrounding a central core, and includes a diaphragm type spring above the central core. A cover of high magnetic permeability is mounted on the housing spaced from the diaphragm spring. A permanent magnet is mounted on the diaphragm spring in a predetermined pole orientation and the magnet extends through an opening in the cover. The permanent magnet provides flux through the housing and the core. Sensitivity is increased by using the permanent magnet to provide a magnetic flux in addition to that created by currents in the coil. The magnet is oriented in relation to current flow in the coil so that the flux from the magnet will add to that generated by the coil in the gap between the pole face formed by the core and the spring and will subtract from the flux generated by the coil in the gap between the spring and the cover to provide a substantially linear deflection versus current relationship. The diaphragm spring is a sandwich of a pair of spider like spring discs having a thin layer of rubber between the plates to provide dampening to reduce sensitivity to vibration while aiding in providing linear operation.

US Patent:

61486817, Nov 21, 2000

Filed:

May 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/322727

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN
Bruce L. Johnson - St. Anthony MN
James A. Kronmiller - River Falls WI
Randall C. Olson - Prior Lake MN
Steven D. Kruse - Bloomington MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01F 2326

US Classification:

738665

Abstract:

A process seal assembly adapted for installation to a process vessel opening. A probe with a probe connector connects to a rod inside a passageway of a housing adapted to be sealingly mounted to the process vessel opening. The rod has a first end coupled to the probe connector and a second end adapted to couple with a transmitter connector body. A rigid, electrically insulating spool is fastened in the passageway, with an outer spool surface fitting tightly to a wall of the passageway and an axial hole fitting tightly to the rod.

US Patent:

53336372, Aug 2, 1994

Filed:

Jun 11, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/076820

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G05D 1600

US Classification:

137 83

Abstract:

A transducer which provides a regulated pneumatic output as a function of an electric control input includes a housing, a gas regulator, and a particle trap. The housing has a passage therein, the passage including an inlet for receiving a pressurized gas supply and an outlet. The particle trap is disposed in the passage and includes a trap plate and a trap nozzle which directs gas against the trap plate so as to remove undesired entrained particles from the gas before it reaches the gas regulator.

US Patent:

59556846, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Jan 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/779321

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN
Steve D. Kruse - Roseville MN
Randall C. Olson - Prior Lake MN

Assignee:

Rosemount Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01D 2100

US Classification:

738665

Abstract:

A modular probe that is used for determining levels in a process material container, bins, pipes, using capacitance, micro impulse radar, or other types of signals, and which has a self contained pressure seal in the probe. The probe mounts to a connector that has an explosion proof barrier. The connector in turn supports a transmitter housing, which can be made explosion proof as well. The probe is coupled to the connector in a manner so that they can be easily separated and replaced without altering the explosion proof barrier. An independent seal on the probe itself permits the probe to be installed in a tank prior to the transmitter installation, and the transmitter may be uncoupled from the connector and replaced with a new transmitter without affecting the explosion proof portion of the assembly. The transmitter housing may also be removed or replaced from service without disassembly of the housing while the probe remains installed in a tank or other location undisturbed until the transmitter is replaced. Further, an environmental seal between the probe and the connector may be replaced without removing the transmitter housing from the connector so the explosion proof barrier for the transmitter housing remains effective.

US Patent:

57637873, Jun 9, 1998

Filed:

Sep 5, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/711408

Inventors:

James L. Gravel - Prior Lake MN
Bruce L. Johnson - Jordan MN
Mark Romo - Eden Prairie MN

Assignee:

Rosemont Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G01L 904

US Classification:

73756

Abstract:

A carrier assembly includes a sensor housing having first and second housing portions and a sensor cavity formed therebetween for carrying a sensor. A carrier assembly couples to the sensor and provides electrical connections which extend from the sensor and between the first and second housing. The sensor couples to a fluid and provides a sensor electrical output.