Patents Represented by Attorney William Randolph
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Patent number: 6674089Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a trip wire includes a point source of light of a given wavelength; a mirror that reflects the point source of light, the mirror having a first frequency of oscillation about a first axis to thereby create an appearance of a continuous line, the mirror having a second frequency of oscillation about a second axis to thereby define a planar surface, the first frequency of oscillation being greater than the second frequency of oscillation; a camera offset from the point source of light such that a field of view of the camera does not intersect the planar surface, the camera receiving light reflected from the trip wire; and a computer connected to the camera, the computer including pattern recognition algorithms for analyzing the light reflected from the trip wire and thereby detecting a presence of the trip wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Kristan P. Gurton
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Patent number: 6586054Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing fiber reinforced resin structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology, wherein the apparatus and process employ a first fluid impervious flexible sheet containing therein a resin port; a fiber containing preform; a primary vacuum line; a resin channeling means; and a secondary vacuum line. The fluid impervious flexible sheet is placed over or around the fiber containing preform to form a chamber to which the primary vacuum line is connected. The resin channeling means is positioned on top of the fluid impervious flexible sheet, exterior to the chamber containing the preform in a fashion so as to form a pocket between or around the resin channeling means and said fluid impervious flexible sheet to which the secondary vacuum is applied. Activation of the secondary vacuum causes formation of channels in the fluid impervious flexible sheet. These channels increase the speed and efficiency of resin impregnation of the fiber containing preform.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Shaw M. Walsh
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Patent number: 6408915Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the cure of a resin-impregnated material includes a pultrusion die; a plurality of first electrodes mounted in the pultrusion die; a plurality of insulators surrounding the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, in the pultrusion die; a resin-impregnated preform that includes a second electrode therein, the resin-impregnated preform being inserted into the pultrusion die; a constant contact electrode that contacts the second electrode; and a power supply connected to the constant contact electrode wherein electric current flows from the power supply to the constant contact electrode then to the second electrode then through the resin-impregnated preform to the plurality of first electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: William O. Ballata, David Spagnuolo, J. Robert Klinger
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Patent number: 6408681Abstract: A single particle photoacoustic absorption spectrometer for directly measuring the absorption spectra for in situ individual aerosol type particles that is comprised of an electrodynamic trap capable of suspending a charged particle in free-space in a non-intrusive manner; a source of modulated monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, e.g., a laser, and an acoustic transducer/resonator for detecting/amplifying sound waves emitted by the irradiated particle. Depending on the characteristics of the particle, a certain fraction of the electromagnetic energy will be absorbed by the particle resulting in its rapid heating and cooling at the modulation frequency. The heat generated within the particle is rapidly transferred to the surrounding air resulting in a sound wave. The intensity of the sound wave is proportional the absorbed energy by the particle.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Kristan P. Gurton, James B. Gillespie
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Patent number: 6396058Abstract: A single particle caloric absorption spectrometer for directly measuring the absorption spectra in situ of individual aerosol type particles comprises a differential arrangement of two identical electrodynamic traps (separated by a series of pneumatic valves) capable of suspending a charged particle in free-space in a non-intrusive manner in one of the traps; a source of monochromatic radiation, e.g., a laser, which is split and directed equally through transmission windows into the traps; and, a high precision capacitance manometer capable of detecting the pressure differential between the traps. After a particle has been trapped in one of the traps and the traps have been sealed from the atmosphere and from each other by the pneumatic vales, the radiation source is turned on and is evenly split/directed into both trap volumes via an appropriate beam splitter and transmission windows. This results in identical illumination of both the target and reference trap regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Kristan P. Gurton
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Patent number: 6348942Abstract: A system for enhancing underwater visibility is described that uses left and right alternately chopped laser illumination, filtered wide baseline stereo imaging and specular reflectors for deblurring the images. Two stereo images are compared to determine the pattern of backscattered light and the resultant backscatter pattern is subtracted from the images. Inverse point spread filtering based on the fusion of the specular reflector pattern is next performed to further improve the images, and stereoscopic is display for enhanced visibility in turbid and murky mediums. The invention has broad application for underwater exploration and search and recovery operations, and is especially useful for detection and removal of underwater mine hazards.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Wendell R. Watkins
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Patent number: 6281685Abstract: A system and method for locating flaws in cable shields and electromagnetic tubing (shield conduit) without disconnection of the cable or conduit under test is described. The fault location method, using a unique sensor array and fault detection circuit, supplements capabilities of earlier inductance/resistance tester. Previous inductance/resistance testers allow the user to measure very small resistances at cable/connector joints, usually without disconnecting the circuit under test.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: John E. B. Tuttle
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Patent number: 6261771Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of multiple target nucleic acids and/or antigens such as hormones, antibodies, or nerve agents in a sample, involves presenting the sample to a plurality of reporter binding sites wherein each reporter binding site comprises two partially hybridized molecules. A first of the two hybridized molecules is bound to the binding site and is complementary to a target nucleic acid or antigen, and it will therefore hybridize to the target nucleic acid or antigen and cause the release of the second hybridized molecule into the sample. The second hybridized molecule comprises a reporter nucleic acid sequence, which uniquely identifies the target nucleic acid or antigen. Subsequent PCR amplification of the unique reporter nucleic acid sequence using labeled primers results in multiple labeled copies of the unique nucleic acid sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Robert C. Bohannon
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Patent number: 6254047Abstract: A roller slide apparatus for mounting heavy equipment on support structures and which allows safe repositioning of the equipment for servicing and repair includes a lower plate assembly connected to a support structure, an upper mounting plate connected to the equipment, and a bearing assembly connected to both the lower mounting plate assembly and the upper mounting plate for facilitating movement of the upper mounting plate from a first operative position where the upper mounting plate is substantially superimposed over the lower mounting plate assembly to a second operative position where the upper mounting plate is moved away from the lower mounting plate assembly. Locking devices for maintaining the upper mounting plate in either the first or second operative positions, includes flanges formed on the mounting plates and extensions that slide into holes formed in flange or plate elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary Department of the ArmyInventor: Edward Charles Dedrick
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Patent number: 6185153Abstract: A system for detecting gunshots includes an input device including a microphone for converting acoustic noises into signals and amplifiers for amplifying the input signals, a threshold detector for receiving the amplified signals and comparing the signals with a predetermined threshold value and for producing an output signal when the threshold value is exceeded. A pulse width detector is connected to the threshold detector for producing an output signal only if the width of the threshold detector output signal is within a predetermined range of values. A pulse count detector is also connected to the threshold detector for producing an output signal when the level of the threshold output signal is above a peak threshold level or the number of threshold level output signals that exceed a threshold level are less than a preset limit. An output device indicates that a gunshot has occurred only when signals are received from the pulse width detector and the pulse count detector during a sampling period.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Mark William Hynes, James Lee Cole
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Patent number: 6077028Abstract: A rotator for holding and rotating a steel shipping container includes a n frame and a cradle frame attached to the main frame to allow relative rotation between the main frame and the cradle frame under the power of a hydraulic jack or the like. The container is secured to the cradle frame while the cradle frame is horizontal, and compressed air is supplied to the jack to tilt the cradle frame and the container for refurbishing. Pins are provided to hold the cradle frame in both the horizontal position and the tilted position.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Donald Lee Hassenplug, Jr., Alfred Dean Higley, Manuel Benedict Leslie, Ira Lewis Marcum, Joseph Peter Stauffer, Joseph Robert Pavliga
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Patent number: 5537111Abstract: A solar-powered, illuminated aircraft warning marker for connection to suspended cables and overhead transmission lines includes a polygonal housing having a plurality of light elements attached to different sides of the housing. The warning marker includes solar cells, storage batteries and electrical circuit apparatus for selectively illuminating the light elements during low ambient light and nighttime conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1993Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Inventors: John S. Martin, John H. Hapgood, Clarence Rash, Parley P. Johnson
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Patent number: 5198608Abstract: A mine clearing rake comprising a rake assembly with alternately disposed large and small teeth which are arranged to form a broad "V" and are rigidly supported laterally by horizontally disposed bars and rods to provide a maximum proportion of open space rearwardly and are supported rearwardly by a rigid reinforcing frame assembly which is attached to the bottom edge of the moldboard of a propelling vehicle, such as a tank, and have four additional points of support and/or attachment to the moldboard. An extension grid assembly is also mounted above the rake assembly to prevent unearthed mines from rolling over the mine clearing rake. A skid shoe assembly is attached to the reinforcing frame assembly and protrudes through the rake assembly so that the skid shoe rests upon the surface of the minefield during operation of the mine clearing rake.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Inventors: Peter J. Cahill, William L. Holland, Sergio A. Sergi, James M. Collins, James M. Dillon, Charles W. Chichester, Paul T. Kwon, Stephen H. Bennett
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Patent number: 5040769Abstract: A linkage attachment device is used in cold weather in combination with f and water dispensing nozzles having triggers for opening and closing valves for dispensing liquids and for stopping the flow of liquid, without manual contact by the user with such nozzles. Means are provided for preventing the unintended opening of the valves and for limiting the degree to which the valves can be opened by actuating the linkage attachment device.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1989Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Gerald F. Wilber, James D. Lundin, John A. Christians