David J Lange

US Patent:

7250547, Jul 31, 2007

Filed:

Nov 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/707610

Inventors:

Christopher M. Hofmeister - Menomonee Falls WI, US
David A. Lange - Milwaukee WI, US
Charles B. Kendall - Brookfield WI, US
John G. Schmidt - Lino Lakes MN, US

Assignee:

RF Technologies, Inc. - Brookfield WI

International Classification:

A61F 13/15
G08B 23/00
G08B 21/00

US Classification:

604361, 604362, 3405735, 340604

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a wetness monitoring system that includes a data collection device that sends wetness measurement data to a central computer that detects changes in wetness measurement data caused by the presence of urine or other dielectric fluids. The data collection device includes a semi-reusable sensor and reusable data collector that are worn on a garment of the person. The data collector includes an internal power source so that the person can live a normal ambulatory life. The data collector has an electrical circuit that uses the changing resistance characteristics in the sensor to gather wetness measurement data. The data collector periodically generates and transmits a signal containing the actual wetness measurement data. The signals are coded to identify the particular data collector or person sending the signal. The data collector is programmed to conserve power by sending signals less frequently during periods when the sensor is clearly dry.

US Patent:

59041250, May 18, 1999

Filed:

Aug 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/907732

Inventors:

Bernard F. Enright - Wauwatosa WI
David D. Lange - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Dresser Industries, Inc. - Waukesha WI

International Classification:

F01L3/04

US Classification:

1231883

Abstract:

An internal combustion engine has a valve guide that is pressed into an opening in the cylinder head. An exhaust valve is slidably mounted in the bore of the valve guide. The exhaust valve has a head which is sized to cover the exhaust port, a stem which is slidably mounted in the valve guide so that the stem moves axially within the bore of the guide to open and close the valve head over the exhaust port, and a shank which extends between the valve stem and the valve head. The valve stem includes a recessed portion adjacent the valve shank. Except for the recessed portion, the valve stem is coated with a solid lubricant coating which is not capable of surviving repeated exposure to the hot exhaust gas passing through the exhaust port. The valve stem including the recessed portion remains located within the internal bore of the valve guide whenever the valve is opened or closed in such a manner that the recessed portion does not contact the bore of the valve guide. In this manner, the solid lubricant coating is protected from the harsh environment of the hot exhaust gases, yet the solid lubricant coating provides extended wear.

US Patent:

56554931, Aug 12, 1997

Filed:

Jan 16, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/587422

Inventors:

Bernard F. Enright - Wauwatosa WI
David D. Lange - Milwaukee WI

Assignee:

Dresser Industries, Inc. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F01L 304

US Classification:

1231883

Abstract:

A low-friction, extended-life exhaust valve has a coating on the valve stem that is protected from hot exhaust gases. The valve stem slides axially in a valve guide pressed into the cylinder head, and the coating on the valve stem is receded away from the end of the valve guide exposed to the hot exhaust gases passing through the exhaust port. Protecting the coating from the hot exhaust gases allows the use of coatings that cannot normally withstand the harsh environment to which the exhaust valve is exposed. The preferred coating is a molybdenum oxide coating, which not only retains lubricating oil because of its porous nature, but also has solid lubricity which is useful in case of hydrostatic breakdown of the lubricant between engine cycles. It is preferred that the non-coated portion of the valve stem, which is located towards the end of the valve guide where the hot exhaust gases are exposed, be recessed so that the bore of the valve guide contacts only the coated portion of the valve stem, thereby further reducing wear. Other embodiments of the invention involve various coatings and configurations for the valve guide as well as the valve stem.