Patents by Inventor Alan Sharp
Alan Sharp 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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Publication number: 20200107541Abstract: A container includes a vial, cap, and one or more wireless transponders secured to the cap, the vial or a jacket to store and identify samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., vitrified biological samples), for instance held by cryopreservation storage devices. A specimen holder may be extend from the cap. The vial and/or cap includes ports or vents. A carrier includes a box, thermal shunt, thermal insulation to store and identify arrays of containers that hold cryopreservation storage devices with samples of biological material at cryogenic temperatures. Various apparatus include wireless transponders positioned and oriented to enhance range, and allow interrogation while retained in a carrier. Various apparatus can maintain the biological material at or close to cryogenic temperatures for prolonged period of times after being removed from a cryogenic cooler, and can allow wireless inventorying while maintaining the biological samples at suitably cold temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: William Alan Blair, Timothy Alan Sharp
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Patent number: 10220956Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of an object having one or more magnetic elements. The apparatus includes magnetostrictive optical sensors, each arranged to produce a signal which is indicative of a proximity of the sensor to the one or more magnetic elements. The apparatus is arranged to determine the position of the object based on a plurality of such proximity signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Christopher Wood, Alan Sharp, Carsten Heuer
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Publication number: 20190014006Abstract: An operator node is configured to generate a visualization of the configurations of nodes communicatively coupled to the operator node via a network. The operator node scans target nodes in a network and identifies a set of attributes describing various configuration properties of each node. The operator node compares corresponding attributes across nodes and determines for each attribute a measure of variance. The variance for each attribute is displayed in a grid view, allowing a user to observe the level of similarity or dissimilarity of each attribute across the target nodes of the network. The operator node also defines and implements a policy describing a set of configuration properties with which target nodes must comply. The operator node determines if one or more target nodes is in violation of the policy, displays a differential visualization associated with each policy failure event, and enables an operator to re-configure target nodes accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Michael Franz Baukes, Paul McCarthy, Greg Pollock, Alan Sharp-Paul, Mark Sheahan, Taylor Stackpole, Cheyne Wallace
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Patent number: 10084653Abstract: An operator node is configured to generate a visualization of the configurations of nodes communicatively coupled to the operator node via a network. The operator node scans target nodes in a network and identifies a set of attributes describing various configuration properties of each node. The operator node compares corresponding attributes across nodes and determines for each attribute a measure of variance. The variance for each attribute is displayed in a grid view, allowing a user to observe the level of similarity or dissimilarity of each attribute across the target nodes of the network. The operator node also defines and implements a policy describing a set of configuration properties with which target nodes must comply. The operator node determines if one or more target nodes is in violation of the policy, displays a differential visualization associated with each policy failure event, and enables an operator to re-configure target nodes accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Upguard, Inc.Inventors: Michael Franz Baukes, Paul McCarthy, Greg Pollock, Alan Sharp-Paul, Mark Sheahan, Taylor Stackpole, Cheyne Wallace
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Patent number: 10006184Abstract: A system for automated dynamic compaction includes a compaction crane having a boom and compaction weight, at least one positional sensor, at least one boom deflection sensor, a rotational encoder, and a compaction control system. The compaction control system may be programmed to identify a first drop location having a first target parameter, determine whether the compaction crane is positioned over the first drop location, determine an initial elevation of the compaction weight, lift the compaction weight to a drop height, detect that the compaction weight has been released, re-hoist the compaction weight to the drop height, measure the payout length of a winch cable after each drop, determine a current elevation of the compaction weight after each drop, and determine whether the first target parameter has been satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Alan Sharp, Morgan Mattsson, Ole Martin Gausnes, Logan Rowe, Qiang Li, Zhibin Gao, Jiaguang Dong, Shaoning Liu
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Publication number: 20170241097Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automated dynamic compaction systems. A system for dynamic compaction includes a compaction crane having a boom and compaction weight, at least one positional sensor, at least one boom deflection sensor, a rotational encoder, and a compaction control system. The compaction control system may be programmed to identify a first drop location having a first target parameter, determine whether the compaction crane is positioned over the first drop location, determine an initial elevation of the compaction weight, lift the compaction weight to a drop height, detect that the compaction weight has been released, re-hoist the compaction weight to the drop height, measure the payout length of a winch cable after each drop, determine a current elevation of the compaction weight after each drop, and determine whether the first target parameter has been satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2016Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: Alan Sharp, Morgan Mattsson, Ole Martin Gausnes, Logan Rowe, Qiang LI, Zhibin GAO, Jiaguang DONG, Shaoning LIU
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Patent number: 9654908Abstract: A method for tracking an entity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of messages conveying an identification of an entity are received using a wireless identification component. A geographic location of the wireless identification component is determined by a position determining component wherein the geographic location describes a respective geographic location of the wireless identification component when each of the plurality of messages is received. A geographic position of the entity is determined based upon a known spatial relationship between the position determining component and the wireless identification component.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Bernd Schoner, Ravikanth Pappu, John Biondo, Peter Fredriksson, Linda Chase, Alan Sharp
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Publication number: 20170093637Abstract: An operator node is configured to generate a visualization of the configurations of nodes communicatively coupled to the operator node via a network. The operator node scans target nodes in a network and identifies a set of attributes describing various configuration properties of each node. The operator node compares corresponding attributes across nodes and determines for each attribute a measure of variance. The variance for each attribute is displayed in a grid view, allowing a user to observe the level of similarity or dissimilarity of each attribute across the target nodes of the network. The operator node also defines and implements a policy describing a set of configuration properties with which target nodes must comply. The operator node determines if one or more target nodes is in violation of the policy, displays a differential visualization associated with each policy failure event, and enables an operator to re-configure target nodes accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Michael Franz Baukes, Paul McCarthy, Greg Pollock, Alan Sharp-Paul, Mark Sheahan, Taylor Stackpole, Cheyne Wallace
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Publication number: 20170057659Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position of an object having one or more magnetic elements. The apparatus includes magnetostrictive optical sensors, each arranged to produce a signal which is indicative of a proximity of the sensor to the one or more magnetic elements. The apparatus is arranged to determine the position of the object based on a plurality of such proximity signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Christopher WOOD, Alan SHARP, Carsten HEUER
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Patent number: 9574320Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for determining a blended position solution for a vehicle, using data from multiple positioning devices, some of which can be external to the vehicle. Some techniques allow a control system of a vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another device without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity the position solution (and any resulting work performed by the vehicle) to within acceptable tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Alan Sharp
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Patent number: 9466144Abstract: A real time 3D survey site modeler is disclosed. One embodiment includes a survey data collector to collect survey data for a location and obtain information for each object that is surveyed. In addition, a 3D model creator receives the collected survey data and creates a 3D model of the world being surveyed in real time.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Alan Sharp, Mark Nichols
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Publication number: 20160295356Abstract: A method for tracking an entity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of messages conveying an identification of an entity are received using a wireless identification component. A geographic location of the wireless identification component is determined by a position determining component wherein the geographic location describes a respective geographic location of the wireless identification component when each of the plurality of messages is received. A geographic position of the entity is determined based upon a known spatial relationship between the position determining component and the wireless identification component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Bernd Schoner, Ravikanth Pappu, John Biondo, Peter Fredriksson, Linda Chase, Alan Sharp
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Patent number: 9447550Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for controlling heavy equipment vehicles, such as tractors, graders, road-forming machines, and the like. Some techniques allow a control system of a heavy equipment vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity in a manipulated ground surface to within acceptable tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLCInventors: Jason Grier Lindsay Hill, Helen C. Cutler, Stephen A. Miller, Chad C. Apple, James Robert McKaskill, Alan Sharp
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Publication number: 20160186388Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for controlling heavy equipment vehicles, such as tractors, graders, road-forming machines, and the like. Some techniques allow a control system of a heavy equipment vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity in a manipulated ground surface to within acceptable tolerances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Jason Grier Lindsay Hill, Helen C. Cutler, Stephen A. Miller, Chad C. Apple, James Robert McKaskill, Alan Sharp
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Publication number: 20160159484Abstract: A mounting system includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end; at least one mount assembly operatively connected to the first end of the elongated member, wherein the at least one mount assembly includes a mount and a securing channel attached to the mount; a plate operatively connected to the second end of the elongated member; a flange attached to the plate; and a bar extending from the flange. The at least one mount assembly includes a mount base and a mount rest. The at least one mount assembly receives means for securing the at least one mount assembly to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a helicopter. The flange may outwardly protrude from the plate in a first direction, wherein the elongated member may outwardly protrude from the plate in a second direction, and wherein the first direction may be opposite to the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2014Publication date: June 9, 2016Applicant: SKYCOMP, INC.Inventors: Charles Alan Sharp, Gregory Wayne Jordan
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Patent number: 9309631Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for controlling road-forming machines, such as paving machines, graders, and the like. Some techniques allow a control system of a road-forming machine to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity in the formed road surface to within acceptable tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLCInventors: Jason Grier Lindsay Hill, Helen C. Cutler, Stephen A. Miller, Chad C. Apple, James Robert McKaskill, Alan Sharp
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Patent number: 9305196Abstract: A method for tracking an entity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of messages conveying an identification of an entity are received using a wireless identification component. A geographic location of the wireless identification component is determined by a position determining component wherein the geographic location describes a respective geographic location of the wireless identification component when each of the plurality of messages is received. A geographic position of the entity is determined based upon a known spatial relationship between the position determining component and the wireless identification component.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Bernd Schoner, Ravikanth Pappu, John Biondo, Peter Fredriksson, Linda Chase, Alan Sharp
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Publication number: 20160047220Abstract: A drilling system has one or more drilling machines at a drilling site, in communication with a drill planning computer. The drill planning computer includes one or more processors, and a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the one or more processors having encoded thereon a set of instructions executable by the one or more processors to receive drill plan parameters, generate a drill plan based on the drill plan parameters, communicate the drill plan to one or more drilling machines, execute the drill plan with the one or more drilling machines, update at least one of the drill plan parameters based on an identified change in drilling conditions, update the drill plan in real-time based on an updated drill plan parameter, and adjust operation of the one or more drilling machines to reflect the changes in the updated drill plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Alan Sharp, Morgan Mattsson
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Publication number: 20150275482Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for controlling road-forming machines, such as paving machines, graders, and the like. Some techniques allow a control system of a road-forming machine to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity in the formed road surface to within acceptable tolerances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Jason Grier Lindsay Hill, Helen C. Cutler, Stephen A. Miller, Chad C. Apple, James Robert McKaskill, Alan Sharp
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Publication number: 20150274157Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for determining a blended position solution for a vehicle, using data from multiple positioning devices, some of which can be external to the vehicle. Some techniques allow a control system of a vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another device without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity the position solution (and any resulting work performed by the vehicle) to within acceptable tolerances.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Alan Sharp