Patents by Inventor Armin Nyffenegger

Armin Nyffenegger 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).

  • Patent number: 11428845
    Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Richard Kryszczynski, Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Arthur Owen Endress, Kenneth Allan Ports
  • Publication number: 20210325564
    Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Brian Richard Kryszczynski, Arthur Owen Endress, Kenneth Allan Ports
  • Publication number: 20210088684
    Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: MARK ANDREW TINKER, PAUL ARMIN NYFFENEGGER, PAUL THURSTON RICHARDS
  • Patent number: 10401513
    Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Paul Thurston Richards
  • Patent number: 10185054
    Abstract: A sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. In one embodiment, the system includes a frame having a surface of tubular shape about which a layer of piezoelectric material can be positioned to extend along a first direction. A piezoelectric element is positioned under tension to apply a force against the frame, which tension increases signal response of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Richard Kryszczynski, Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Kenneth Allan Ports
  • Patent number: 10114133
    Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Arthur Owen Endress
  • Publication number: 20170276816
    Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: MARK ANDREW TINKER, PAUL ARMIN NYFFENEGGER, PAUL THURSTON RICHARDS
  • Patent number: 9678231
    Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Terry Davis, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Jonathan Marshall Volk, Kyle Burton Johnston, Paul Thurston Richards
  • Publication number: 20170146689
    Abstract: A sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. In one embodiment, the system includes a frame having a surface of tubular shape about which a layer of piezoelectric material can be positioned to extend along a first direction. A piezoelectric element is positioned under tension to apply a force against the frame, which tension increases signal response of the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Richard Kryszczynski, Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Kenneth Allan Ports
  • Publication number: 20170146674
    Abstract: A method for forming a sensing system responsive to a wavefield of acoustic or seismic signals. One embodiment includes providing a foil layer having first and second opposing surfaces and piezoelectric properties. The foil layer, configured as a sheet, is positioned about a frame surface which provides the foil layer a stable shape while permitting the sheet configuration of the foil layer to be responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy. Coupling between the foil layer and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the foil layer with signals of the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Richard Kryszczynski, Mark Andrew Tinker, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Arthur Owen Endress, Kenneth Allan Ports
  • Publication number: 20150285932
    Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Arthur Owen Endress
  • Patent number: 9091780
    Abstract: Methods of making classifications. One method acquires groups of data, derives features of potential interest in a first data group, and analyzes features using a classification tree and a statistically based classification process to draw a classification conclusion on identity with an associated level of confidence. Features associated with a signal of potential interest may be derived with at least a second group of data. A statistical algorithm may perform linear discrimination analysis, or a quadratic discrimination analysis or a logistic regression classification analysis. A related method includes acquiring signal data with a sensor device comprising piezo-electric material and detecting a signal by performing detections on signal data from the sensor device. Determinations are provided when detections surpass defined thresholds of confidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc. (QTSI)
    Inventors: Robert Terry Davis, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Kyle Burton Johnston
  • Patent number: 9057796
    Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Arthur Owen Endress
  • Publication number: 20120323528
    Abstract: Methods of making classifications. One method acquires groups of data, derives features of potential interest in a first data group, and analyzes features using a classification tree and a statistically based classification process to draw a classification conclusion on identity with an associated level of confidence. Features associated with a signal of potential interest may be derived with at least a second group of data. A statistical algorithm may perform linear discrimination analysis, or a quadratic discrimination analysis or a logistic regression classification analysis. A related method includes acquiring signal data with a sensor device comprising piezo-electric material and detecting a signal by performing detections on signal data from the sensor device. Determinations are provided when detections surpass defined thresholds of confidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Terry Davis, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Klye Burton Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120182835
    Abstract: Methods or systems for identifying seismic or acoustic signals of interest originating with moving motorized vehicles or footstep movement or stationary or moving machinery. A related system for monitoring an area includes a plurality of sensing devices each comprising a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. A monitoring device is coupled to receive information from each of the sensing devices. One method includes providing a processing chain coupled to receive signal data from a sensor device which receives the signals, including a detection stage, a Joint Time Frequency (JTF) domain stage, and a classification stage. The detection stage identifies presence of signals that emerge from the background. The JTF domain stage estimates the state of the signals of interest over time. The classification stage assesses the previously derived information to form a decision about source identity. In one embodiment, the detector stage performs detections on a single cycle basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Terry Davis, Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Jonathan Marshall Volk, Kyle Burton Johnston, Paul Thurston Richards
  • Publication number: 20120174676
    Abstract: A sensor system responsive to acoustic or seismic signals. One system includes a frame and a piezo-electric sensor element. The sensor element, responsive to a wavefield of seismic or acoustic energy, is positioned about the frame. Coupling between the sensor element and the frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with seismic energy. Another system includes a frame and a cable element, responsive to a seismic or acoustic wavefield, extending about the frame. Coupling between the cable element and frame is so limited as to render direct coupling of the sensor element with the wavefield the predominant means for stimulating the sensor element with acoustic or seismic energy. The element may be coaxial cable or have piezo-electric properties to generate a charge differential measurable as a voltage between conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Mark Andrew Tinker, Arthur Owen Endress