Patents by Inventor Fred Holmes
Fred Holmes 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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Patent number: 8063773Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing data associated with an acoustic event. In an exemplary implementation, there is provided a method of data processing including determining a location of an acoustic event and processing information associated with directing a camera towards the location. Moreover, one exemplary method may include processing information from and/or related to one or more sensors in an area to be monitored, processing data associated with the acoustic event, and determining a location of a source of the acoustic event as a function of the information from and/or related to the acoustic event. Further exemplary implementations include performing processing associated with providing instructions to direct a camera towards the determined location.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Shotspotter, Inc.Inventors: Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter, Fred Holmes
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Publication number: 20110204821Abstract: A battery operated LED lighting apparatus including: a battery outputting a battery voltage; a light emitting diode or array of light emitting diodes; and a power supply including a boost regulating circuit. The power supply being in communication with the battery and the light emitting diodes such that a constant voltage or constant current is supplied to the light emitting diodes as the battery discharges and the battery voltage falls below the output voltage. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Fred Holmes, Kevin Baxter, Ken Fisher
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Publication number: 20100278013Abstract: Systems and methods of providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. Consistent with some exemplary implementations, sensors may employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server may collect differential information from a differential node and, in one exemplary implementation, may calculate a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In other exemplary implementations, differential information may be sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Exemplary differential information may include latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Shotspotter, Inc.Inventors: Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter
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Patent number: 7751282Abstract: A system and method for providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment sensors employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server collects differential information from a differential node and, in one preferred embodiment, calculates a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In another preferred embodiment differential information is sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Differential information may be latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Shotspotter, Inc.Inventors: Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter
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Publication number: 20100123040Abstract: A balloon-mounted light source includes an array of LEDs mounted on, and cooled by, a balloon structure filled with a lightweight gas such as helium. The LEDs are preferably mounted in long series arrangements with small gauge wire to minimize weight. They may be mounted on heatsinks that are dispersed in a mesh-like structure over the balloon. The LED circuitry may also be mounted on flexible circuit boards, which may be porous to reduce weight. The balloon may include an envelope compartment with a leak-resistant seal or zipper to allow the interior of the envelope to be accessed, and a pressure relief valve. The envelope of the balloon may be clear in the front in order to maximize the projection of light but reflective along the back and sides as to minimize spill. The balloon may take the form of a controllable dirigible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: Kevin C. Baxter, Ken S. Fisher, Fred Holmes
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Patent number: 7719428Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for data processing associated with acoustic events such as weapon fire. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method of processing communications associated with identifying or locating a weapon fire event. Moreover, the method may include processing communications from a plurality of sensors deployed across an area to be monitored, wherein the sensors are interconnected via a wireless network, processing signals communicated over the network from each sensor that detects the acoustic event, and determining a location of a source of the acoustic event as a function of time of arrival information and sensor location information. Other exemplary implementations may include using time of arrival data that is synchronous/universal among the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: ShotSpotter, Inc.Inventors: Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter, Fred Holmes
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Publication number: 20100060203Abstract: A battery operated LED lighting apparatus including: a battery outputting a battery voltage; a light emitting diode or array of light emitting diodes; and a power supply including a boost regulating circuit. The power supply being in communication with the battery and the light emitting diodes such that a constant voltage or constant current is supplied to the light emitting diodes as the battery discharges and the battery voltage falls below the output voltage. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Fred Holmes, Kevin Baxter, Ken Fisher
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Patent number: 7602329Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of tracking and/or avoiding harm to certain devices or humans. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of tracking individual assets may include obtaining position data of an asset via a GPS receiver in communication with a position sensor associated with the asset, processing position data and sensor data via a processing component associated with the position sensor that receives the position data from the GPS receiver, and communicating sensor data to a host device via a communication interface associated with the position sensor and configured to enable wireless communication between the position sensor and the host device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Shotspotter, Inc.Inventors: Scott Manderville, Kevin Baxter, Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher
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Patent number: 7586812Abstract: A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Shotspotter, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Baxter, Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher
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Publication number: 20090109796Abstract: A system and method for providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment sensors employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server collects differential information from a differential node and, in one preferred embodiment, calculates a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In another preferred embodiment differential information is sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Differential information may be latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: ShotSpotter, Inc.Inventors: FRED HOLMES, Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter
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Patent number: 7420878Abstract: A system and method for providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment sensors employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server collects differential information from a differential node and, in one preferred embodiment, calculates a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In another preferred embodiment differential information is sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Differential information may be latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Inventors: Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter
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Publication number: 20060280033Abstract: A system and method for protecting sensor positions in an array of acoustic sensors which make up a gunfire locator system. The inventive system includes a purity of sensors and a host computer. Each sensor includes: a microphone for receiving acoustic information; a processor for processing acoustic information to detect an acoustic event and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver; an encryption module for encrypting transmitted sensor positions; and a network interface for transmitting sensor positions and times of arrival. The host computer includes: a network interface for receiving sensor transmissions; an encryption module for deciphering sensor positions; and a CPU.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2005Publication date: December 14, 2006Inventors: Kevin Baxter, Ken Fisher, Fred Holmes
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Patent number: 7139222Abstract: A system and method for protecting sensor positions in an array of acoustic sensors which make up a gunfire locator system. The inventive system includes a purity of sensors and a host computer. Each sensor includes: a microphone for receiving acoustic information; a processor for processing acoustic information to detect an acoustic event and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver; an encryption module for encrypting transmitted sensor positions; and a network interface for transmitting sensor positions and times of arrival. The host computer includes: a network interface for receiving sensor transmissions; an encryption module for deciphering sensor positions; and a CPU.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventors: Kevin Baxter, Ken Fisher, Fred Holmes
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Publication number: 20060161339Abstract: A system and method for providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment sensors employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server collects differential information from a differential node and, in one preferred embodiment, calculates a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In another preferred embodiment differential information is sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Differential information may be latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher, Kevin Baxter
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Publication number: 20050255874Abstract: A system and method for detecting motion of a cell phone and disabling the use of the cell phone while moving or driving. The inventive system includes: a cell phone; a sensor to detect motion of the cell phone; software in the cell phone to disable the use of the cell phone when motion is detected. In a preferred embodiment, the system also recognizes the near proximity of an automobile and disables the use of the cell phone in this near proximity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2005Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Marie Stewart-Baxter, Fred Holmes
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Publication number: 20050207196Abstract: A battery operated LED lighting apparatus including: a battery outputting a battery voltage; a light emitting diode or array of light emitting diodes; and a power supply including a boost regulating circuit. The power supply being in communication with the battery and the light emitting diodes such that a constant voltage or constant current is supplied to the light emitting diodes as the battery discharges and the battery voltage falls below the output voltage. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2004Publication date: September 22, 2005Inventors: Fred Holmes, Kevin Baxter, Ken Fisher
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Publication number: 20050068459Abstract: A voltage adapter for a battery-powered camera, including a boost regulating circuit, which is positionable between a camera and a camera battery. The power adapter being in communication with the battery and an appliance (e.g., a camera, a light, etc.) such that a constant boosted voltage (e.g., greater than the output voltage of the battery) is supplied to the appliance as the battery discharges. In a preferred embodiment the power supply further includes a buck regulator to maintain the proper output voltage when the battery voltage is greater than the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2004Publication date: March 31, 2005Inventors: Fred Holmes, Ken Fisher
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Patent number: 5123730Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a light source for producing a coherent beam of light. A beam splitter is provided for splitting the beam of light into a first, transmitted beam segment and a second, local oscillator beam. A mechanism is provided for frequency shifting the frequency of one or both beam segments and for directing the first beam segment to a target. A remote target for scattering the first beam is provided. A mechanism is provided for combining the scattered first beam segment returning from the target and the second beam segment into a combined beam, and detecting the combined beam. A detector is operative to generate a signal indicative of the crosswind along the path of the directed first beam segment. A mechanism for determining the wind speed normal to the path from the generated signal is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1988Date of Patent: June 23, 1992Assignee: The Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & TechnologyInventors: J. Fred Holmes, Farzin Amzajerdian, John M. Hunt
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Patent number: 5015862Abstract: A method for modulating a liquid metal ion source includes generating an ion beam, directing a light beam at the liquid metal ion source and inducing a modulation in the ion beam by modulating the light beam.An apparatus for carrying out the invention includes a light beam source for generating a light beam, a modulator for modulating the light beam and a mechanism for directing the modulated light beam at the light metal ion source.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & TechnologyInventors: J. Fred Holmes, Jonathan H. Orloff, Karl J. Jousten
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Patent number: 4806729Abstract: A laser wax joinery method and apparatus are disclosed. Molded wax segments, such as those used to produce patterns for investment casting, are immobilized relative to one another, with their conforming marginal edges in abutted relationship, on a two axis rotatable tilt table. A laser beam of controllable energy density scans the edges of the wax segments, forming therealong a wax weld pool that, while molten, is maintained generally horizontal by rotation of the tilt table. The laser beam's energy density is modulated to correspond with the varying thickness of the edges to be joined. A laser beam delivery system includes a process robot and a lens and mirror system for directing the beam generally vertically toward the surface of the wax segments. Shrinkage by wax dripping or filler vaporization is avoided by precisely controlling the energy density adjacent the weld joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1988Date of Patent: February 21, 1989Assignee: Oregon Graduate CenterInventors: J. Fred Holmes, John M. Hunt, Douglas C. Draper, Todd L. Cloninger, Tom R. Mersereau, Michael J. Hosler