Michael Sean Watson
Engineers in Logan, UT
License number
Utah 343875-2202
Category
Engineer/Land Surveyor
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
Logan, UT
Professional information
Mini-Cell, On-Orbit, Temperature Re-Calibration Apparatus And Method
US Patent:
8556501, Oct 15, 2013
Filed:
Jan 26, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/014027
Inventors:
Troy Shane Topham - Nibley UT, US
Gail Bingham - Hyde Park UT, US
Harri Latvakoski - Hyde Park UT, US
Michael Sean Watson - North Logan UT, US
Vern Alan Thurgood - Providence UT, US
Gail Bingham - Hyde Park UT, US
Harri Latvakoski - Hyde Park UT, US
Michael Sean Watson - North Logan UT, US
Vern Alan Thurgood - Providence UT, US
Assignee:
Utah State University Research Foundation - North Logan UT
International Classification:
G01K 15/00
US Classification:
374 2, 374 3
Abstract:
A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the sensor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. Additionally, the state of the material may be measured by displacement of the container to improve the accuracy of the plateau temperature measurement. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature, measured at a threshold state of the material, corresponding to that phase change. The correction may be applied to subsequent temperature readings obtained using the temperature sensor.
Apparatus, System, And Method For Modifying A Thermal Connection
US Patent:
2008004, Feb 28, 2008
Filed:
Aug 25, 2006
Appl. No.:
11/467431
Inventors:
Vaughn A. Griffiths - North Logan UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
International Classification:
H05K 7/20
US Classification:
361704
Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for modifying thermal connections. An actuator motivates a thermal connector. In one embodiment, the actuator is configured as a wax actuator that motivates the thermal connector in response to melted wax. The thermal connector contacts a first body to form a thermal connection between the thermal connector the first body. A thermal link conducts heat through the thermal connection. In one embodiment, the thermal link conducts heat between the first body and a second body. In addition, the actuator may separate the thermal connector from the first body and stop the transport of heat.
Apparatus And Method For Measuring Moment Of Inertia
US Patent:
2013003, Feb 14, 2013
Filed:
Jan 24, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/357336
Inventors:
Bryan Bingham - Providence UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
Steven R. Wassom - Smithfield UT, US
Assignee:
Utah State University Research Foundation - North Logan UT
International Classification:
G01M 1/00
US Classification:
73 6508
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining the mass moment of inertia of a given object is disclosed, The apparatus is a mass moment of inertia platform whereon objects to be measured can be placed. The platform uses flex pivots as torsional springs and the method ensures the flex pivots are procured and assembled in such a way so as to limit flex pivot misalignment systemic errors thereby resulting in a highly accurate and low-cost apparatus for measuring the mass moment of inertia.
Latching Actuator
US Patent:
2012025, Oct 11, 2012
Filed:
Apr 11, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/444754
Inventors:
Vaughn A. Griffiths - North Logan UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
Michael S. Watson - North Logan UT, US
International Classification:
F15B 15/26, F15B 15/00
US Classification:
60327, 60329
Abstract:
A latching actuator capable of repeated operation in a cryogenic, remote, or difficult-to-access environment, capable of enduring many cycles without user intervention or maintenance, capable of latching in a fixed position without consuming additional power, or to operate independent of external environmental conditions. In selected embodiments, a latching actuator may comprise an expansion chamber that houses a working substance capable of undergoing a phase change, a logic mechanism, a biasing assembly, and an output pin. In one embodiment, a wax motor may provide the motive force to toggle a latching mechanism. An actuator may be capable of positioning an output pin in two or more discrete latching positions and may be used to create a thermal connection between two structures, to engage or disengage a clutch, or to position an optical element in an optical instrument. An actuator may also be used as a launch lock apparatus.