Patents by Inventor Carl S. Weimer
Carl S. Weimer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210199685Abstract: A multiple functional instrument is provided. The instrument includes an optical autocovariance function interferometer that can feature multiple fields of view to detect winds in the atmosphere. The instrument can include an infrared camera to detect atmospheric temperatures and the presence of clouds, and a detector assembly that detects the polarization of light returned to the interferometer. Data collected by the instrument can be provided to a deep and reinforcement learning algorithm for real-time prediction of clear air turbulence and other wind-based aviation safety phenomena. Moreover, predicted and actual conditions can be correlated and used to train a deep learning algorithm to enable more accurate predictions. The instrument can be carried by an aircraft or other platform and operated to detect clear air turbulence or other atmospheric phenomena, and to provide instructions regarding flight parameters including wind-aided navigation in order to minimize the effect of predicted turbulence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Sara C. Tucker, Bevan D. Staple, Jennifer H. Lee, Cynthia Wallace, Carl S. Weimer
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Publication number: 20210063429Abstract: A multiple functional instrument is provided. The instrument includes an optical autocovariance function interferometer that can feature multiple fields of view to detect winds in the atmosphere. The instrument can include an infrared camera to detect atmospheric temperatures and the presence of clouds, and a detector assembly that detects the polarization of light returned to the interferometer. Data collected by the instrument can be provided to a deep and reinforcement learning algorithm for real-time prediction of clear air turbulence and other wind-based aviation safety phenomena. Moreover, predicted and actual conditions can be correlated and used to train a deep learning algorithm to enable more accurate predictions. The instrument can be carried by an aircraft or other platform and operated to detect clear air turbulence or other atmospheric phenomena, and to provide instructions regarding flight parameters including wind-aided navigation in order to minimize the effect of predicted turbulence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2018Publication date: March 4, 2021Applicant: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Sara C. Tucker, Bevan D. Staple, Jennifer H. Lee, Cynthia Wallace, Carl S. Weimer
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Patent number: 9041915Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Bevan Staple, Carl S. Weimer
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Patent number: 8736818Abstract: Methods and systems for adaptively controlling the illumination of a scene are provided. In particular, a scene is illuminated, and light reflected from the scene is detected. Information regarding levels of light intensity received by different pixels of a multiple pixel detector, corresponding to different areas within a scene, and/or information regarding a range to an area within a scene, is received. That information is then used as a feedback signal to control levels of illumination within the scene. More particularly, different areas of the scene can be provided with different levels of illumination in response to the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Carl S. Weimer, Tanya M. Ramond, Carl M. Adkins, Jeff T. Applegate, Thomas P. Delker, Lyle S. Ruppert
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Publication number: 20120044476Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Bevan Staple, Carl S. Weimer
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Publication number: 20120038903Abstract: Methods and systems for adaptively controlling the illumination of a scene are provided. In particular, a scene is illuminated, and light reflected from the scene is detected. Information regarding levels of light intensity received by different pixels of a multiple pixel detector, corresponding to different areas within a scene, and/or information regarding a range to an area within a scene, is received. That information is then used as a feedback signal to control levels of illumination within the scene. More particularly, different areas of the scene can be provided with different levels of illumination in response to the feedback signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Carl S. Weimer, Tanya M. Ramond, Carl M. Adkins, Jeff T. Applegate, Thomas P. Delker, Lyle S. Ruppert
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Patent number: 7961301Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Ian J. Gravseth, Xiaopei Huang, Carl S. Weimer
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Publication number: 20100208244Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Ian J. Gravseth, Xiaopei Huang, Carl S. Weimer
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Patent number: 7400385Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, each transceiver receives laser energy as it is backscattered from the air. A computer processes signals from the transceivers to distinguish molecular scattered laser radiation from aerosol scattered laser radiation and determines one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Ophir CorporationInventors: Loren M. Caldwell, Martin J. O'Brien, Carl S. Weimer, Loren D. Nelson
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Patent number: 6894768Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, each transceiver receives laser energy as it is backscattered from the air. A computer processes signals from the transceivers to distinguish molecular scattered laser radiation from aerosol scattered laser radiation and determines one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Ophir CorporationInventors: Loren M. Caldwell, Martin J. O'Brien, Carl S. Weimer, Loren D. Nelson
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Publication number: 20040027570Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, each transceiver receives laser energy as it is backscattered from the air. A computer processes signals from the transceivers to distinguish molecular scattered laser radiation from aerosol scattered laser radiation and determines one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Loren M. Caldwell, Martin J. O'Brien, Carl S. Weimer, Loren D. Nelson
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Patent number: 6509566Abstract: An oil and gas exploration system and method for land and airborne operations, the system and method used for locating subsurface hydrocarbon deposits based upon a remote detection of trace amounts of gases in the atmosphere. The detection of one or more target gases in the atmosphere is used to indicate a possible subsurface oil and gas deposit. By mapping a plurality of gas targets over a selected survey area, the survey area can be analyzed for measurable concentration anomalies. The anomalies are interpreted along with other exploration data to evaluate the value of an underground deposit. The system includes a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system with a spectroscopic grade laser light and a light detector. The laser light is continuously tunable in a mid-infrared range, 2 to 5 micrometers, for choosing appropriate wavelengths to measure different gases and avoid absorption bands of interference gases.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Ophir CorporationInventors: Paula R. Wamsley, Carl S. Weimer, Loren D. Nelson, Martin J. O'Brien