Patents Assigned to Orbital Research
  • Patent number: 11585660
    Abstract: Inertial measurement units (IMUs) and methods with adaptations to eliminate or minimize sensor error, offset, or bias shift. More particularly, such IMUs and methods for gun-fired projectiles and particularly adapted to accurately measure forces and to prevent or minimize the error, offset, or bias shift associated with events exhibiting high g shock, and/or high levels of vibration, and/or rotation. Even more particularly, such IMUs and methods utilizing novel IMU packaging adapted to prevent or minimize sensor error, offset, or bias shift, and recalibration adaptations and methods adapted to correct or reset the error, offset, or bias shift from such an event. Ultimately relates to IMUs that are adapted to provide accurate measurements prior to, during and after such event, and to provide continuous accurate measurements during flight of gun-fired projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Opperman, Frederick J. Lisy, Edward J. Rapp, Angela M. Lisy, Scott Suren, Douglas E. Russell
  • Patent number: 11559255
    Abstract: Earphone apparatus includes dry electrophysiological electrodes and, optionally, other physiological and/or environmental sensors to measure signals such as ECG from the head of a subject. Methods of use of such apparatus to provide fitness, health, or other measured or derived, estimated, or predicted metrics are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Lisy, Anthony Opperman, David D. Dashevsky
  • Patent number: 11524187
    Abstract: A wearable device for comprehensive bio-monitoring of physiologic metrics to determine metabolic, pulmonary and cardiac function and oxygen saturation measurements from breathing mask apparatuses. The device non-invasively monitors the physiologic profile of the subject, and is capable of detecting physiologic changes, predicting onset of symptoms, and alerting the wearer or another person or system. In some embodiments, the device comprises both a wearable sensor suite and a portable gas composition and flow analysis system. In preferred embodiments, it comprises a miniaturized non-invasive sensor suite for detecting physiologic changes to detect dangerous breathing or other health conditions. The acquired physiologic profile is used to generate alarms or warnings based on detectable physiological changes, to adjust gas delivery to the subject, alter mission profiles, or to transfer control of the craft or other duties away from a debilitated subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: David Dashevsky, Matthew Birch, Frederick Lisy
  • Patent number: 11525655
    Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
  • Patent number: 11509828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to projectiles and munitions, and more specifically to such in flight. More particularly the present invention relates to projectiles and munitions in flight equipped with one or more image sensors adapted for acquiring image data of the environment surrounding the projection or munition in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for correcting or stabilizing motion effects and artifacts present in the image data related to the movement or motion of the projectile or munition in flight, including spin or rotation of the projectile or munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Douglas E. Russell
  • Patent number: 11458313
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for stimulating perceived motion, and more particularly to stimulating perceived motion in three axes. The invention is further directed to stimulating such perceived motion when accompanied by visual stimuli. The invention is further directed to utilizing as few as two distinct pairs of electrodes to administer electrical stimulation to generate the perceived motion. The invention is further directed to systems, devices and methods to minimize side effects while utilizing electrical currents create the perceived motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Lisy, Anthony Opperman, Matthew D. Tarler, Angela Lisy, Vincent R. Cozza
  • Patent number: 11414174
    Abstract: Multiple redundant harmonic drive motors on a rotor head actuate the angle of attack of rotor blades at the rotor blade roots, providing collective control that, in combination with a system for providing cyclic control on the rotor blades, eliminates the need for a swashplate, thereby advantageously reducing the weight and maintenance cost of a helicopter, increasing its reliability, and reducing its vulnerability to ballistic attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Birch, Zak Sowie
  • Patent number: 11397221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor suite comprising at least one sensor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sensor suite for measuring absolute and/or relative position, location and orientation of an object on or in which the sensor suite is employed. The present invention further relates to improved, novel sensor types for use in the sensor suite. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved, novel magnetometer that is self-calibrating and scalable. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to such a magnetometer that is miniaturized. Further embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing location and guidance, and more particularly for providing location and guidance in environments where global position systems (GPS) are unavailable or unreliable (GPS denied and/or degraded environments).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Opperman, Edward J. Rapp
  • Patent number: 11298064
    Abstract: Eyewear apparatus includes dry electrophysiological electrodes and, optionally, other physiological and/or environmental sensors to measure signals such as EOG and ECG from the head of a subject. Methods of use of such apparatus to provide fitness, health, or other measured or derived, estimated, or predicted metrics are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Lisy, Anthony Opperman, David D. Dashevsky
  • Patent number: 11253199
    Abstract: Hat, helmet, and other headgear apparatus includes dry electrophysiological electrodes and, optionally, other physiological and/or environmental sensors to measure signals such as ECG from the head of a subject. Methods of use of such apparatus to provide fitness, health, or other measured or derived, estimated, or predicted metrics are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Lisy, Anthony Opperman, David D. Dashevsky
  • Patent number: 11235183
    Abstract: A wearable device for comprehensive bio-monitoring of physiologic metrics to determine metabolic, pulmonary and cardiac function and oxygen saturation measurements from breathing mask apparatuses. The device non-invasively monitors the physiologic profile of the subject, and is capable of detecting physiologic changes, predicting onset of symptoms, and alerting the wearer or another person or system. In some embodiments, the device comprises both a wearable sensor suite and a portable gas composition and flow analysis system. In preferred embodiments, it comprises a miniaturized non-invasive sensor suite for detecting physiologic changes to detect dangerous breathing or other health conditions. The acquired physiologic profile is used to generate alarms or warnings based on detectable physiological changes, to adjust gas delivery to the subject, alter mission profiles, or to transfer control of the craft or other duties away from a debilitated subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: David Dashevsky, Matthew Birch, Aaron T. Rood, Frederick J. Lisy
  • Patent number: 11150062
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of munitions, missiles and projectiles, in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for control of munitions, missiles and projectiles in flight with the use of activatable or deployable flow effectors that remain stowed or inactive during launch or firing, and can be actuated after launch or firing on demand. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for control of munitions, missiles, and projectiles by activating and/or deactivating a control actuation system (CAS) based on measurements of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and sensors integrated into such IMU, the IMU and sensors being at least part of a configurable guidance sensor suite (CGSS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Anthony Opperman, Vincent Cozza
  • Patent number: 11125543
    Abstract: A closed, self-contained ballistic apogee detection module for use in a projectile, such as a rocket, mortar round, or artillery round, fuses data from multiple built-in sensors, such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope, and processes the data using a microprocessor through a custom quaternion extended Kalman filter to provide accurate state and orientation information about the projectile so as to accurately predict apogee. The module outputs a signal indicating apogee detection or prediction which they projectile uses to initiate fuze arming, targeting control, airbody transformation, maneuvering, flow effector deployment or activation, payload exposure or deployment, and/or other mission activity. Because the system and method of the invention does not rely on external environmental data to detect apogee, it need not use a pressure sensor and can be completely sealed in and closed without requiring access to air from outside the projectile for barometric readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Anthony Opperman, Gerard Skebe
  • Patent number: 11118909
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing location and guidance, and more particularly for providing location and guidance in environments where global position systems (GPS) are unavailable or unreliable (GPS denied and/or degraded environments). The present invention further relates to systems and methods for using inertial measurement units IMUs to provide location and guidance. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a series of low-accuracy or low-resolution IMUs, in combination, to provide high-accuracy or high-resolution location and guidance results. The present invention further relates to an electronics-control system for handing off control of the measurement and guidance of a body in flight between groups or subgroups of IMUs to alternate between high dynamic range/lower resolution and lower dynamic range/higher resolution measurement and guidance as the environment dictates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Edward J. Rapp
  • Patent number: 11060829
    Abstract: A projectile incorporates one or more spoiler-tabbed spinning disks to effect flow around the projectile and thus impart steering forces and/or moments. The spoiler tabs may be deployed only during steering phases of travel thus minimizing the drag penalty associated with steering systems. The disks are driven by motors and informed and controlled by sensors and electronic control systems. The spoiler tabs protrude through the surface of the projectile only for certain angles of spin of the spinning disk. For spin-stabilized projectiles, the disks spin at substantially the same rate as the projectile, but the disks may function in fin-stabilized projectiles as well. Any number of such spinning flow effector disks may be incorporated in a projectile, with the manner of functional coordination differing slightly for even and odd numbers of disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc
    Inventors: Zak Sowle, Srikanth Vasudevan, Matthew C. Birch
  • Patent number: 11058339
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode harness and more particularly to an electrode harness with various features, which enhance the use and performance of the electrode harness. The present invention further relates to a method of taking biopotential measurements. The electrode harness and methods of the present invention allow for use with most applications where biopotential measurements are taken. The electrode harness can be used in ECG (or EKG), EEG, EMG, and other such biopotential measurement applications. Because of the versatility of various embodiments of the present invention, preferably the electrode harness can be adjusted for different applications or for application to various sized and shaped subjects. The electrode harness is further preferably part of a system, which includes either wireless or tethered bridges between the electrode harness and a monitor, and preferably includes various forms of processors for analyzing the biopotential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: David Krzypow, James Elliott, Aaron Rood, Frederick J. Lisy
  • Patent number: 11041702
    Abstract: Methods involve using a guided munition (e.g., a mortar round or a grenade) that utilizes deployable flow effectors, activatable flow effectors and/or active flow control devices to extend the range and enhance the precision of traditional unguided munitions without increasing the charge needed for launch. Sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, IR sensors, rate gyros, and motor controller sensors feed signals into a controller which then actuates or deploys the flow effectors/flow control devices to achieve the enhanced characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Srikanth Vasudevan, Paul Suchy, Matthew C. Birch
  • Patent number: 10974812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a missile or aircraft with a hierarchical, modular, closed-loop flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile with a flow control system for enhanced aerodynamic control, maneuverability and stabilization. The present invention further relates to flow control system involving different elements including flow sensors, active flow control device or activatable flow effectors and logic devices with closed loop control architecture. The active flow control device or activatable flow effectors of these various embodiments are adapted to be activated, controlled, and deactivated based on signals from the sensors to achieve a desired stabilization or maneuverability effect. The logic devices are embedded with a hierarchical control structure allowing for rapid, real-time control at the flow surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Troy S Prince, Richard Kolacinski, Mehul Patel
  • Patent number: 10979643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to projectiles and munitions, and more specifically to such in flight. More particularly the present invention relates to projectiles and munitions in flight equipped with one or more image sensors adapted for acquiring image data of the environment surrounding the projection or munition in flight. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for correcting or stabilizing motion effects and artifacts present in the image data related to the movement or motion of the projectile or munition in flight, including spin or rotation of the projectile or munition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Douglas E. Russell
  • Patent number: 10969226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing location and guidance, and more particularly for providing location and guidance in environments where global position systems (GPS) are unavailable or unreliable (GPS denied and/or degraded environments). The present invention further relates to systems and methods for using inertial measurement units IMUs to provide location and guidance. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a series of low-accuracy or low-resolution IMUs, in combination, to provide high-accuracy or high-resolution location and guidance results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jankowski, Edward J. Rapp