Patents Assigned to General Atomics
  • Transport system incorporating linear motor charged electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8109353
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for moving a vehicle along a roadway. The system includes at least one power segment that incorporates a multiple-phase winding. Structurally, the winding is embedded into the roadway for interaction with a magnet system mounted on the vehicle. With this interaction, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) is established between the roadway and the vehicle to drive movement of the vehicle along the roadway. Also, the vehicle includes a mechanism for initially synchronizing a waveform speed of the multiple-phase winding with the speed of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle is able to selectively establish the LSM for use when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Husam Gurol, Philip L. Jeter, Kurt M. Schaubel
  • Optical System for Reducing Stimulated Brillouin Scattering by Controllably Changing Polarization Direction of an Optical Signal
    Publication number: 20120019887
    Abstract: An optical system having an input surface configured to receive an input optical signal having a polarization, and a polarization changer comprising the input surface and configured to generate two orthogonal polarization components from the input optical signal. The polarization changer also changes a direction of the polarization of the input optical signal in a controlled manner as a function of time while maintaining coherence of the two orthogonal polarization components in order to reduce stimulated Brillion scattering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventor: Detao DU
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE IN FLASH DETECTION
    Publication number: 20120001071
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatuses that detect, classify and locate flash events. In some implementations, some of the methods detect a flash event, trigger an imaging system in response to detecting the flash event to capture an image of an area that includes the flash event, and determines a location of the flash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventors: Robin Terry SNIDER, Jeffrey Dykes MCGEE, Michael Dale PERRY
  • Active armor systems
    Patent number: 8074554
    Abstract: An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Frederick W. MacDougall
  • REFLECTIVE COATING, PIGMENT, COLORED COMPOSITION, AND PROCESS OF PRODUCING A REFLECTIVE PIGMENT
    Publication number: 20110299167
    Abstract: A reflective coating is disclosed that has a base layer provided with a reflective surface for reflecting electromagnetic radiation, such as visible and solar near-infrared light. The reflective coating also has a dielectric layer formed on the reflective surface, and an absorber layer. The absorber layer is formed on the dielectric layer that is formed on the base layer. The reflective coating has an average reflectance greater than about 60% for wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the range of 800 to 2500 nm that is irradiated upon the reflective coating. Additionally, the reflective coating has an average reflectance for wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the range of 400 to 700 nm irradiated upon the reflecting coating that is less than the average reflectance of the reflective coating from 800 to 2500 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Woolf
  • Active armor systems
    Patent number: 8069771
    Abstract: An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Frederick W. MacDougall
  • METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR ASSAYING ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF MYELOPEROXIDASE IN BLOOD SAMPLES
    Publication number: 20110287468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step assay for measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a blood sample. The first step utilizes a chromogenic substrate to measure first peroxidase activity including MPO activity in the sample, whereas the second step measures non-MPO peroxidase activity in the presence of the same chromogenic substrate and a specific MPO inhibitor. Specific MPO peroxidase activity is then determined by comparing the non-MPO peroxidase activity and the total peroxidase activity. The MPO peroxidase activity obtained in this fashion may be proportional, and preferably directly proportional, to the mass of MPO in the sample. Kits for assaying MPO peroxidase activity based on the same principle are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng YUAN, Xiaomin GONG
  • Optical system for reducing stimulated Brillouin scattering by controllably changing polarization direction of an optical signal
    Patent number: 8054539
    Abstract: An optical system having an input surface configured to receive an input optical signal having a polarization, and a polarization changer comprising the input surface and configured to generate two orthogonal polarization components from the input optical signal. The polarization changer also changes a direction of the polarization of the input optical signal in a controlled manner while maintaining coherence of the two orthogonal polarization components in order to reduce stimulated Brillion scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Detao Du
  • METHODS FOR ASSAYING PERCENTAGE OF GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN
    Publication number: 20110250627
    Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng YUAN, Abhijit DATTA, Limin Liu
  • BAR ARMOR SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING AGAINST ROCKET-PROPELLED GRENADES
    Publication number: 20110232472
    Abstract: A bar armor system is provided for reducing damage caused by RPGs launched towards a vehicle. The bar armor system includes at least one bar array, comprised of lateral bars and vertical bars, wherein the lateral bars are set in predetermined positions so as to reduce the possibility of shaped charges being directed towards the target vehicle. Tubular shaft retainers are provided to be positioned in annular openings in the vertical bars. The lateral bars can be of a round or hexagonal cross-section, and when hexagonal lateral bars are employed, the flat surfaces of the cross-section are positioned horizontally by the tubular shaft retainers so as to minimize the area presented to an oncoming RPG, particularly when the RPG strikes at a non-normal incidence. Push washers can be employed at the outside surfaces of the vertical bars so as to hold them in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventors: William R. KELLNER, JR., Paul C. DICKSON, Paul W. TRESTER
  • METHODS FOR ASSAYING PERCENTAGE OF GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN
    Publication number: 20110189712
    Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng Yuan, Abhijit Datta, Limin Liu
  • Compact synthetic aperture radar test range
    Patent number: 7978126
    Abstract: A system for testing radar in accordance with one embodiment comprising a target motion platform; a target motion platform controller for controlling motion of the platform; a radar responsive tag and a delay line located on the target motion platform; the radar which is being tested; and a motion measurement simulator for inputting data to the radar electronics assembly to simulate movement of the radar. In some embodiments the system further comprises a radar motion platform, wherein the radar electronics assembly is positioned on the radar motion platform; a radar motion platform controller for controlling the movement of the radar motion platform; and a master controller coupled to the radar motion platform controller and the target motion platform controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Stanley Isamu Tsunoda, Seong-Hwoon Kim, Josh Pine
  • Apparatus and methods for use in flash detection
    Patent number: 7947954
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatuses that detect, classify and locate flash events. In some implementations, some of the methods detect a flash event, trigger an imaging system in response to detecting the flash event to capture an image of an area that includes the flash event, and determines a location of the flash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Robin Terry Snider, Jeffrey Dykes McGee, Michael Dale Perry
  • Methods for assaying percentage of glycated hemoglobin
    Patent number: 7943385
    Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase. The amount of hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction is measured for determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng Yuan, Abhijit Datta, Limin Liu
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE IN FLASH DETECTION
    Publication number: 20110095187
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatuses that detect, classify and locate flash events. In some implementations, some of the methods detect a flash event, trigger an imaging system in response to detecting the flash event to capture an image of an area that includes the flash event, and determines a location of the flash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventors: Robin Terry SNIDER, Jeffrey Dykes MCGEE, Michael Dale PERRY
  • METHODS OF MANUFACTURING QUANTUM WELL MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20110053359
    Abstract: Processes for economical large scale commercial production of blocks of quantum well particles, platelets, or continuous sheets of material imparting minimal or essentially no parasitic substrate loss in quantum well devices such as thermoelectric generators in which the blocks are embodied involve roll to roll processing, i.e., deposition and crystallization of alternating layers of quantum well materials, on an elongate and continuous base layer of appreciable width. Blocks of quantum well materials having no attached base layer are produced on decomposable or release treated base layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Woolf
  • Hydrolysis system and process for devices containing energetic material
    Patent number: 7883676
    Abstract: A system for chemically disposing energetic material enclosed in assembled devices includes a porous basket. The porous basket forms an enclosed chamber for receiving the assembled devices. Further, the basket is supported by a rotatable basket arm that is, in turn, connected to a lifting arm. In addition to these structures, the system includes a tank that holds a hydrolysis solution. The tank is positioned to allow the lifting arm to submerge the basket into the solution. After submersion, the basket arm rotates the basket in the solution to flow the hydrolysis solution into contact with the assembled devices therein. As a result, the assembled devices react with the solution so that the solution penetrates the assembled devices, allowing the solution to contact and react with the energetic material to render the energetic material non-energetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, David W. Ordway, Louie Wong
  • CHARGED CAPACITOR WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20110012740
    Abstract: A capacitor warning circuit, and method of providing a warning are provided, the circuit comprising a capacitor capable of being charged to a charged state and a warning circuit coupled to the capacitor and adapted to provide an indication that the capacitor is in the charged state, wherein the warning circuit is powered by energy accumulated in the capacitor when the capacitor is in the charged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventors: Frederick W. MACDOUGALL, Mark Allen SCHNEIDER, Ross MACDONALD
  • Use of reversible inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase for treating lupus
    Patent number: 7868011
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for suppressing autoimmunity in a patient in need of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus by administering to the patient an effective amount of methyl 4-(Adenin-9-yl)-2-hydroxybutanoate or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the claimed methods include co-administering an effective amount of an immunosuppressant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventor: Chong-Sheng Yuan
  • CAPACITOR WITH AN INTERNAL DUMP RESISTANCE
    Publication number: 20100327819
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide a capacitor system, comprising a capacitor, a switch, and an internal dump resistor coupled with the switch, such that the switch when activated couples the internal dump resistor with the capacitor to drain a charge from the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventor: Frederick W. MACDOUGALL