Patents by Inventor Benjamin T. Ingram

Benjamin T. Ingram 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).

  • Publication number: 20240111054
    Abstract: One example system includes a first light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that scans a first field-of-view defined by a first range of pointing directions associated with the first LIDAR device. The system also includes a second LIDAR device that scans a second FOV defined by a second range of pointing directions associated with the second LIDAR device. The second FOV at least partially overlaps the first FOV. The system also includes a first controller that adjusts a first pointing direction of the first LIDAR device. The system also includes a second controller that adjusts a second pointing direction of the second LIDAR device synchronously with the adjustment of the first pointing direction of the first LIDAR device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Nicholas Armstrong-Crews, Andreas Wendel, Benjamin T. Ingram, Clayton Kunz
  • Patent number: 11879998
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20230131634
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 11550039
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20210165082
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 10948573
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20190154808
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 10191146
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20180231644
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20180172804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 10001551
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Pierre-yves Droz, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 9043106
    Abstract: A control system that makes adjustments, such as limiting the maximum speed or maximum torque in a vehicle, is provided. These adjustments can be based on knowledge about the vehicle and trip, and on the estimated energy remaining. The control system is applicable to a wide range of vehicles, including ground, air, water, and sea vehicles, as well as vehicles powered by battery, electricity, compressed natural gas, or even liquid fuel propulsion systems. The control system may be used to adjust vehicle operation in route to assure the vehicle reaches a destination and to inform or counteract a human vehicle operator. Control system can also be used in racing applications to calculate the fastest-possible race speed and drive torque for a given race length; or alternatively, in endurance racing or delivery applications to optimize the vehicle speed and/or drive torque for a given race length or route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: W. MORRISON CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Ingram, Robert Ussery, William M. Yates, III
  • Patent number: 9043067
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: W. MORRISON CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Yates, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 8973690
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: W. Morrision Consulting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Yates, III, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20140291050
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: William M. Yates, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Patent number: 8761984
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: W.Morrison Consulting Group Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Yates, Benjamin T. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20130261914
    Abstract: A control system that makes adjustments, such as limiting the maximum speed or maximum torque in a vehicle, is provided. These adjustments can be based on knowledge about the vehicle and trip, and on the estimated energy remaining. The control system is applicable to a wide range of vehicles, including ground, air, water, and sea vehicles, as well as vehicles powered by battery, electricity, compressed natural gas, or even liquid fuel propulsion systems. The control system may be used to adjust vehicle operation in route to assure the vehicle reaches a destination and to inform or counteract a human vehicle operator. Control system can also be used in racing applications to calculate the fastest-possible race speed and drive torque for a given race length; or alternatively, in endurance racing or delivery applications to optimize the vehicle speed and/or drive torque for a given race length or route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: W. Morrison Consulting Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. INGRAM, Robert Ussery, William M. Yates, III
  • Publication number: 20120080249
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: William M. YATES, III, Benjamin T. Ingram