Patents Assigned to Spartanics, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 5194008
    Abstract: Weapon training simulation system including a computer operated video display scene whereon is projected a plurality of visual targets. The computer controls the display scene and the targets, whether stationary or moving, and processes data of a point of aim sensor apparatus associated with a weapon operated by a trainee. The sensor apparatus is sensitive to non-visible or subliminal modulated areas having a controlled contrast of brightness between the target scene and the targets. The sensor apparatus locates a specific subliminal modulated area and the computer determines the location of a target image on the display scene with respect to the sensor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Samuel P. Willits, Steven V. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 4958824
    Abstract: A sheet feeding system for feeding single sheets from a magazine containing plural sheets arranged in a stack. A vacuum type sheet pick-up mechanism picks up and deforms one end of the top most sheet to facilitate that sheets separation from the stack. Static and movable separators then act on the top most sheet to complete its separation from the stack and elevate the leading edge to bring it into contact with a friction drive mechanism. The friction drive mechanism is then activated by an external device to cause the sheet to be driven from the magazine. A programmed logic control system sequentially controls the cycling of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Willits, Samuel Meiri, Jon C. Muckerheide
  • Patent number: 4912317
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically counting stacked sheet-like materials having sheet-to-sheet brightness gradients alternating between positive and negative while simultaneously eliminating problems encountered when the sheet edge reflectance characteristics have combined lambertian and specular reflective natures. Rectification of a pitch matched sensor array's data output combined with a selective disposition of the sensor and illumination optical components relative to the sheet edges to be counted based upon the maximum acceptance angle of the optical system yields the improved count data necessary to achieve accurate counting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Thomas E. Kleeman, Paul E. Ridl
  • Patent number: 4827140
    Abstract: The method and apparatus are utilized for quickly and accurately positioning a workpiece, which is situated on a movable platform and which has at least one indicia mark thereon having a different sensitivity to a sensing means than an adjacent contrast area, to a position where the indicia mark is in registry with a registration axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Spartanics Ltd.
    Inventor: William L. Mohan
  • Patent number: 4809188
    Abstract: A material positioning and registering system for patterned material incorporating a computer with associated memory and software. A material moving system employing a drive roller with associated pressure roller in a novel pinch roller system, moves the material. A motion detecting sensing device driven by the pressure roller and an optical sensor for viewing the patterned material, each provide outputs to a computer which, in turn, provides control of material movement and optical sensor operation and may, provide signals for initiating machining of the patterned material when the pattern is properly located relative to a designated work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Willits, Thomas E. Kleeman, William L. Mohan
  • Patent number: 4804325
    Abstract: A weapon training simulator employing a computer with associated memory and software. A simulated weapon with simulated recoil provides hammer fall signals to initiate computation. A quadrature sensor mounted on the weapon generates target position signal based on point sources located on simulated targets. The computer generates real time, video displays and replays and prints out displays of target aim, hit and other information while controlling recoil simulation, providing shot sound and generating speech directions and commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Willits, Thomas E. Kleeman, Steven F. Willits
  • Patent number: 4771443
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically counting stacked sheet-like materials having sheet-to-sheet brightness gradients alternating between positive and negative while simultaneously eliminating problems encountered when the sheet edge reflectance characteristics have combined lambertian and specular reflective natures. Rectification of a pitch matched sensor arrays data output combined with a selective disposition of the sensor and illumination optical components relative to the sheet edges to be counted based upon the maximum acceptance angle of the optical system yields the improved count data necessary to achieve accurate counting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Thomas E. Kleeman, Paul E. Ridl
  • Patent number: 4576262
    Abstract: The method and apparatus are used for operating a magnetic clutch system of the type which includes a magnetic clutch having a clutch magnetizing coil which can be actuated to couple a first rotatable element to a second rotatable element when voltage is applied across the clutch magnetizing coil and which disengages the second rotatable member when voltage is disconnected from, or connected in reverse polarity across, the clutch magnetizing coil and which can include a brake with a brake magnetizing coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Spartanics Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Samuel P. Willits
  • Patent number: 4542470
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining the predominant frequency of an unknown signal occurring in a known frequency spectrum that is many times larger than the unknown signal. The system searches the known frequency spectrum, determines and locks on to the one useful frequency that results in closed loop servo operation about the single stable null point which matches the unknown signal frequency. The lock-on occurs when a validation signal is generated based on the vector sum of two time delayed signals that are filtered reconstructions of the unknown signal. When this technique is applied to counting plural stacked objects using the apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,135, it is possible to accomodate large mis-settings of velocity and sensor width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Samuel P. Willits
  • Patent number: 4373135
    Abstract: An apparatus for counting stacked sheet-like materials having low or ambiguous contrast characteristics associated with their edges. A single non-pitch matched sensor is used to synthesize sensor output data that is the equivalent of that generated by pitch matched single or plural sensors. Automatic correction for errors in pitch match of the sensor and automatic velocity determination are provided. Sensor signal synthesis is accomplished through use of a multiple output tap analog delay line functioning as a discrete time processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: William L. Mohan, Samuel P. Willits, Thomas E. Kleeman
  • Patent number: 4079525
    Abstract: An apparatus for simulating the recoil force of a weapon A recoil force generator is coupled through a linkage to the weapon in such a manner that the recoil force is substantially coaxial with the axis of the weapon over wide variations in weapon aiming positions. The simulated recoil force is also used to provide simulation of weapon recocking, round counting and empty weapon simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: John D. Linton, Samuel P. Willits, William L. Mohan
  • Patent number: 4065860
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining without human intervention the intersection point of the axis of an aimable optical system with a plane. A scanning radiation source is imaged on a radiation sensor array by a movable focusing reflector. The signal output from the sensor array is electronically processed to determine the intersection point of the optical axis of the focusing reflector on a target plane. When the apparatus is used as a weapon training simulator, a shot sound synthesizer imparts additional realism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventors: John D. Linton, Samuel P. Willits, William L. Mohan
  • Patent number: D401872
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Spartanics, Ltd.
    Inventor: William L. Mohan