Robert L Rutter DeceasedConroe, TX

5654794, Aug 5, 1997

Jan 13, 1995

8/372245

Robert E. Rutter - Placitas NM
Timothy Towne Hewit - Albuquerque NM

Devore Aviation - Albuquerque NM

G01B 100

356151

A portable flash tube intensity monitoring system which includes: an internal power supply; a human eye spectral response photodiode for producing analog signals, each of which is directly proportional to the intensity of each flash from the flash tube; electronics for converting each of the analog signals to a digital time function proportional to the intensity of the corresponding flash; electronics, including a microprocessor, for monitoring the digital time function, for flagging a time function which is below a preselected minimum, for communicating status signals to a localized operator display when the time function is below the preselected minimum, and for testing of an internal power source; a fixed distance indicator which allows accurate measurement from a remote coordinate location; and an operator display. The monitoring system is preferably integrally formed for ease of use and portability. The fixed distance indicator advances a predetermined coordinate distance to actively engage the system, and also allows for an accurate measurement of the flash tube intensity.

5446277, Aug 29, 1995

Dec 27, 1993

8/173087

Robert E. Rutter - Placitas NM

H01J 4014

250214R

Flash tube and lamp monitoring systems. The flash tube intensity monitoring system includes: a human eye spectral response photodiode for producing analog signals, each of which is directly proportional to the intensity of each flash from the flash tube; electronics for converting each of the analog signals to a digital time function proportional to the intensity of the corresponding flash; and electronics, including a microprocessor, for monitoring each of the digital time functions, for flagging those time functions which are below a preselected minimum, and for sending a fault signal when a preselected number of consecutive time functions are below the pre-selected minimum. The monitoring system and flash tube are, preferably, incorporated into single unit for easy installation in the fuselage of an aircraft. The lamp monitoring system includes: a light pickup; a photodiode for producing an analog signal which is directly proportional to the intensity of the lamp being monitored; a line transceiver; an A/D converter; and a microcontroller. The microcontroller, which has a unique identification code, sends a command to the A/D converter only upon receipt of the matching poll command.