Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm James B. Bechtel, Esq.
  • Patent number: 6043815
    Abstract: A method for operating a computer architecture independent device for genting and displaying a graphic user interface (GUI) includes steps for generating scripts defining respective GUI objects, generating a GUI script defining the GUI, storing one of the scripts and the GUI script, deciphering one of the scripts and the GUI script, scripting behavior of a program responsive to operator interaction with one of the GUI objects, and presenting a plurality of GUI objects to thereby form the GUI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Adam J. Simonoff, Robert L. Taft, Brian T. McLintock, Larry A. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 6038979
    Abstract: The present invention is a process and material for forming warhead casin The material itself consists of tightly wound carbon fiber bonded by a low temperature (room temperature) resin. This process of formation gives several advantages, including the ease of manufacturing and the elimination of the need to do inside threading as the interior of the casing can be totally formed during winding of the carbon thread. This also increases the speed of the formation process. The use of carbon thread and low temperature resins also gives several key advantages. First, the low temperature aspect of the resin allows the resulting casing to break down at temperatures significantly less than the ignition point of the munitions held within it. Because the fibers tend to separate as the ambient temperature increases, the casing will auto-ventilate at high temperatures. Additionally, since the casing is formed from carbon fibers, it maintains a high tensile strength while minimizing the weight of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Fred W. Watson, Wayne Hannock, Robert Lam, George Evans
  • Patent number: 6023752
    Abstract: A program driver means is disclosed that allows for the exchange of inforion between a NTDS device and a device having a bus topology, especially a VMEbus. The program driver utilizes chain commands which are fully programmable at the user level. The processor itself is programmed at the register level to assure the fastest data rate possible (32 bit access) across the VMEbus. The processor driver is invisible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: William M. Huttle
  • Patent number: 6014923
    Abstract: A shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon having a modified spotting rifle with a top-mounted rocket launcher tube is provided. The spotting rifle forms the base structure of the weapon and all weapon controls are located on the rifle. The rifle has several dual-function mechanisms which perform the combined functions of assembly and safing, bolt-locking back and cartridge ejecting, simultaneous adjustment of both open and optical sights, firing, selectively, of both the spotting round and the rocket round. The combination of these dual-firing mechanisms provides a lighter weight, better-balanced and smaller weapon. The reduction in parts count improves reliability and lowers cost. Other improved features include an adjustable spotting rifle barrel used to match the boresight of the rocket tube and an improved locking mechanism. A dual function trigger assembly operated two sears from a single trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael M. Canaday, Fred W. Watson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5999212
    Abstract: A detection system for detecting a target flying over water, which includes a detector positioned to receive radiation reflected by the target off water, and producing a detector output signal having an amplitude proportional to the amount of received radiation, a high-pass filter for passing portions of the detector output signal having a frequency greater than a prescribed threshold frequency, and for blocking portions of the detector output signal having a frequency lower than the prescribed threshold frequency. The prescribed threshold frequency is sufficiently high to ensure that only the portions of the detector output signal produced by the radiation reflected by the target off the water are passed by the high-pass filter, and that portions of the detector output signal produced by solar glitter are not passed. In a specific embodiment, the system is designed to be installed on a ship for the purpose of detecting low-flying, fast-moving targets, such as cruise missiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Holmes Crosby, Michael J. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 5996401
    Abstract: A leak test adapter system and method for using same are provided for leak esting a container. A test port is defined in the container to have a cylindrical portion accessible from within the container and a slot accessible from the cylindrical portion and the exterior of the container. A housing fitted over the test port from the exterior of the container defines a chamber in line with the test port. A plug has a first portion sealable within the cylindrical portion of the test port, a second portion extending axially from the first portion for engagement in the slot when the first portion of the plug is sealed in the cylindrical portion, and a third portion extending axially from the second portion. A control rod is attachable to the third portion of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Keith B. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5994884
    Abstract: A booster circuit is provided that inhibits the operation of a foldback cent limited power supply during its turn-on phase so that a load may be power to its full output voltage and at the same time retain foldback current limiting during normal operation so that the benefits of short circuit protection are retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert M. Paterno
  • Patent number: 5990829
    Abstract: A computer vision system is disclosed that utilizes a spinning array of podetectors. The array is rotated about the focal plane of a lens and scans all the possible orientations and positions of the edges of the unknown object. In one embodiment, the photodetectors are elongated so as to provide for maximum light gathering ability along the direction of elongation and a minimum light gathering ability in the direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation. In other embodiments, optical means are used to focus the image onto conventional photodetectors while still having the ability to more efficiently determine edge segments of unknown objects. The system efficiently and rapidly implements the wavelet projection transform to characterize-multi-scale edge segment features of an image of an unknown object. An imaging radar system that utilizes a spinning antenna system having frequency scanning provisions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Joseph P. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5987962
    Abstract: A copper crusher gauge holder for testing internal pressures of cartridges uring test firing is provided. The copper crusher gauge holder has a circular aluminum upper plate and a circular aluminum lower plate having a layer of urethane rubber approximately 3/4 inch thick sandwiched between the plates. The gauge holder is bored to hold copper crusher gauges and center-bored to fit over a cartridge centerline primer tube. A series of machine screws hold the plates together and allow for tightening the screws once the copper crusher gauge holder is in place in a cartridge to be tested. As the machine screws are tightened, the urethane rubber expands laterally gripping the inside of the cartridge and gripping the copper crusher gauges. A method to manufacture the gauge holder is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eugene W. Bowie, Raymond E. Bowen
  • Patent number: 5991815
    Abstract: The method defines a distribution solution for supplying product to a pluity of loads from a plurality of sources via a network of substantially linear path segments that are interconnected at nodes. A combination of minimum spanning trees (MST) and a shortest-path tree (SPT) are applied to the network to form a composite path. The resulting composite path defines a plurality of closed-loop paths in the network. Excluded from consideration in the distribution solution are any of the path segments not included in the composite path. All closed-loop paths are then eliminated by excluding from consideration the one or more path segments having a total weight value that is greatest from each of the closed-loop paths. As a result, a composite tree is defined. The composite tree is then redefined by excluding from consideration in the distribution solution any of the path segments of the composite tree that are not part of a path linking one of the sources to one of the loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Keith A. Prater, Alan G. Shimp
  • Patent number: 5978834
    Abstract: A Universal Client with a self-contained scripting language called GUIScript allows computing systems of varying architectures linked to the Internet or connected by an Intranet to run the same application software without modification or recompilation. Using a client-server architecture, the Universal Client receives GUIScript from the server, which commands the Universal Client to display certain graphical user interface (GUI) objects. The GUIScript also describes the behavior of the GUI objects presented by the Universal Client, thus providing a personality which defines the client application without changing the Universal Client's software. The Universal Client can also send GUIScript to the server to cause the server to execute commands. Preferably, a storage medium stores computer readable instructions for permitting a computer to display a graphical user interface (GUI) responsive to commands issued in the GUIScript scripting language to a Universal Client running on a JAVA.TM. virtual machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Adam J. Simonoff, Robert L. Taft, Brian T. McLintock, Larry A. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 5970195
    Abstract: A low cost rugged sealed fiber optic cable furcation unit is provided. The urcation unit has an outer heat shrink tube which encloses a protective tube. Within the protective tube, a spacer/fiber guide is located along with a sealant material. When installed and sealed, the sealed furcation unit includes fiber ends and cables. The furcation unit allows loose tube fiber optic cables or tube ducts within Air Blown Fiber (AEF) cables to be furcated into multiple single fiber cables. The furcation unit is compatible with both 250 micrometer and 500 micrometer coated optical fibers. The furcation unit is also compatible with common single fiber optical connectors and splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gair D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5961895
    Abstract: A multi-stage system produces microbubbles in a liquid. A first bubble prcing stage generates bubbles of a first size range. At least one additional bubble producing stage has an inlet positioned in the liquid for capturing bubbles in the first size range. Each additional bubble producing stage terminates in an outlet and includes a pump. Each pump generates a pressure increase between the inlet and its outlet and generates a pressure drop across the respective outlet. As a result, bubbles of a second size range exit each outlet where the second size range defines bubble sizes that are smaller than bubble sizes defined by the first size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Matthew J. Sanford
  • Patent number: 5955698
    Abstract: A supercavitating water-entry projectile having empennage on the aft end ch provides both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic stability and a supercavitating nose section is provided. A representative projectile is a subcaliber munition adapted for use in a 25 mm weapon using a sabot currently in use with the M919 round. The projectile has circumferential grooves around its center section to match these sabots. A key feature in the invention is the size and shape of the nose section. The projectile has a novel high strength extended blunt nose section followed by a truncated conical section which angles towards the body of the projectile in the range of five degrees. During underwater trajectory, the entire projectile is contained within the cavitation bubble formed by the blunt nose tip. The projectile's aft empennage, which provides both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic stability, fits within the bore of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Thomas K. Harkins, Howard K. Steves, Jacques E. Goeller
  • Patent number: 5952957
    Abstract: A method of enhancing resolution of an electromagnetic image comprising steps of inputting an infrared signal, inputting a radar signal, combining the infrared signal and the radar signal to produce an image and displaying the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Harold H. Szu
  • Patent number: 5952601
    Abstract: A recoilless and gas-free projectile propulsion device is provided. A hol pressure vessel is sealed on a first end to an aft end of a projectile in a launch tube. The pressure vessel is further open on a second end. A propellant charge-filled pressure chamber, defined in a forward portion of the pressure vessel, has holes venting to the pressure vessel aft thereof. A piston, sealed within the pressure vessel for sliding movement therein, is spaced apart from the pressure chamber to define a volume therebetween that receives gases produced during the burning of the propellant charge via the vent holes. A pressure valve divides the volume into a forward section adjacent the pressure chamber and an aft section adjacent the piston. The pressure valve remains closed until a threshold pressure is reached in the forward section at which point the pressure valve opens to join the forward section with the aft section. A countermass is positioned between the piston and the second end of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Matthew J. Sanford, Larry E. Crabtree, Roger L. Ellis, James F. Cahill
  • Patent number: 5944784
    Abstract: A Universal Client with a self-contained scripting language called GUIScript allows computing systems of varying architectures linked to the Internet or connected by an Intranet to run the same application software without modification or recompilation. Using a client-server architecture, the Universal Client receives GUIScript from the server, which commands the Universal Client to display certain graphical user interface (GUI) objects. The GUIScript also describes the behavior of the GUI objects presented by the Universal Client, thus providing a personality which defines the client application without changing the Universal Client's software. The Universal Client can also send GUIScript to the server to cause the server to execute commands. A method of operating the computer system using the Universal Client and GUIScript is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Adam J. Simonoff, Robert L. Taft, Brian T. McLintock, Larry A. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 5932006
    Abstract: Metal insulator semiconductor field effect transistors (MISFETs), charge coupled devices (CCDs), and capacitors based on an epitaxial barium fluoride (BF.sub.2) insulator layer deposited directly onto a single crystal gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Francisco Santiago, Tak Kin Chu
  • Patent number: 5924587
    Abstract: A container comprises bottom, left and right side, front, back and top asblies. The side, front, back and top assemblies have a rectangular sheet with a batten frame affixed to the perimeter of a first face thereof and coincident with the edges thereof. The bottom assembly has a rectangular sheet with a base frame affixed to the perimeter of a bottom face thereof. The base frame extends beyond the perimeter of the sheet to form a circumferential extension dimensioned therearound to be equal to the thickness of the sheet used in the other assemblies plus the thickness of the batten frame. During construction of the container, each assembly is glued and stapled prior to being glued and screwed to other assemblies. The side, back and front assemblies are arranged to form a rectangular tube with an inner surface defined entirely by the side, back and front assemblies' sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Charles W. Landman
  • Patent number: 5923175
    Abstract: An apparatus for contactlessly measuring the electrical resistance per unit ength of a low-resistance test conductor (e.g., wire or cable) at a selected measurement frequency, which includes a coaxial cavity structure having a central cavity region defined by opposed first and second outer conductor sections, and a center conductor, wherein the test conductor comprises the center conductor. An input probe disposed adjacent to the first one of the outer conductor sections launches a standing wave on the center conductor, and an output probe disposed adjacent to the second one of the outer conductor sections senses the Q of the central cavity region. A detector coupled to the output probe measures the sensed Q of the central cavity region. The electrical resistance per unit length of the test conductor at the selected measurement frequency can be determined from the measured cavity Q.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert E. Richardson