Patents by Inventor Blair H. Brumley

Blair H. Brumley 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: 11879971
    Abstract: A small aperture acoustic velocity sensor and a method for velocity measurement are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed technology uses spatially-shifted sub-arrays for projection and/or hydrophone receipt and cross-correlation of successive pulses to improve correlation and reduce bias. The spatial shift can be created physically by selection of groups of elements or virtually by weighting the contributions of fixed sub-arrays. Spatial modulation can be used to form a projected signal and measured spatial phase of slope across the set of sub-arrays allows correction of both long- and short-term errors. The disclosed technology uses spatial and/or temporal interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Jerker Taudien
  • Publication number: 20210181339
    Abstract: A small aperture acoustic velocity sensor and a method for velocity measurement are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed technology uses spatially-shifted sub-arrays for projection and/or hydrophone receipt and cross-correlation of successive pulses to improve correlation and reduce bias. The spatial shift can be created physically by selection of groups of elements or virtually by weighting the contributions of fixed sub-arrays. Spatial modulation can be used to form a projected signal and measured spatial phase of slope across the set of sub-arrays allows correction of both long- and short-term errors. The disclosed technology uses spatial and/or temporal interpolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Jerker Taudien
  • Patent number: 10877151
    Abstract: A small aperture acoustic velocity sensor and a method for velocity measurement are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed technology uses spatially-shifted sub-arrays for projection and/or hydrophone receipt and cross-correlation of successive pulses to improve correlation and reduce bias. The spatial shift can be created physically by selection of groups of elements or virtually by weighting the contributions of fixed sub-arrays. Spatial modulation can be used to form a projected signal and measured spatial phase of slope across the set of sub-arrays allows correction of both long- and short-term errors. The disclosed technology uses spatial and/or temporal interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Jerker Taudien
  • Publication number: 20170031020
    Abstract: A small aperture acoustic velocity sensor and a method for velocity measurement are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed technology uses spatially-shifted sub-arrays for projection and/or hydrophone receipt and cross-correlation of successive pulses to improve correlation and reduce bias. The spatial shift can be created physically by selection of groups of elements or virtually by weighting the contributions of fixed sub-arrays. Spatial modulation can be used to form a projected signal and measured spatial phase of slope across the set of sub-arrays allows correction of both long- and short-term errors. The disclosed technology uses spatial and/or temporal interpolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Jerker Taudien
  • Patent number: 8625392
    Abstract: A system and method of remote sound speed measurement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for estimating a sound speed comprises a plurality of transducers configured to i) transmit a first acoustic signal from a first location, ii) receive a first scattered signal at a second location, iii) receive a second scattered signal at a third location, and iv) receive a third scattered signal at a fourth location; and a microprocessor configured to i) estimate a travel time based on at least one of the first, second, or third scattered signals, ii) generate a cross-correlation signal comprising a product of at least two of the first, second, and third scattered signals, iii) estimate a travel time difference based on at least the cross-correlation signal, and iv) estimate a sound speed based on at least the estimated travel time and the estimated travel time difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair H. Brumley
  • Patent number: 8385152
    Abstract: A system and method of remote sound speed measurement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for estimating a sound speed comprises a plurality of transducers configured to i) transmit a first acoustic signal from a first location, ii) transmit a second acoustic signal at a second location, iii) receive a first reflected signal at a third location, and iv) receive a second reflected signal at a fourth location, the reflected signals comprising at least one echo from at least one of the acoustic signals; and a microprocessor configured to i) estimate a travel time based on at least the first or second reflected signals, ii) estimate a travel time difference based on at least the first and second reflected signals, and iii) estimate a sound speed based on at least the estimated travel time and estimated travel time difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair H. Brumley
  • Publication number: 20100302907
    Abstract: A system and method of remote sound speed measurement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for estimating a sound speed comprises a plurality of transducers configured to i) transmit a first acoustic signal from a first location, ii) transmit a second acoustic signal at a second location, iii) receive a first reflected signal at a third location, and iv) receive a second reflected signal at a fourth location, the reflected signals comprising at least one echo from at least one of the acoustic signals; and a microprocessor configured to i) estimate a travel time based on at least the first or second reflected signals, ii) estimate a travel time difference based on at least the first and second reflected signals, and iii) estimate a sound speed based on at least the estimated travel time and estimated travel time difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Blair H. Brumley
  • Patent number: 7839720
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring velocity in a fluid medium utilizing a transducer are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises transmitting an acoustic signal comprising N (where N is integer and N>1) pings for each of a plurality of beams, receiving echoes from each ping, obtaining a velocity estimate for each of the N pings based on echoes of the ping, and calculating a velocity based on the sum of the N velocity estimates such that the velocity is substantially free from error caused by cross-coupling between the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Fran Rowe, Mark A. Vogt
  • Patent number: 7768874
    Abstract: A system and method of horizontal wave measurement is disclosed. The system for measuring the directional spectrum of waves in a fluid medium having a substantially planar surface may include a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams, at least one of the plurality of acoustic beams being angled non-orthogonally to at least one other of the plurality of acoustic beams. The method may calculate the directional spectrum associated with the waves from the received echoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S Strong, Blair H Brumley, Jerald W Mullison
  • Patent number: 7545705
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the directional spectrum of one or more waves in a fluid medium using a multi-beam sonar system. In an exemplary embodiment, range cells located within a plurality of acoustic beams are sampled to provide current velocity data. Optionally, wave surface height and pressure data is obtained as well. This velocity, wave height, and pressure data is Fourier-transformed by one or more signal processors within the system, and a surface height spectrum produced. A cross-spectral coefficient matrix at each observed frequency is also generated from this data. A sensitivity vector specifically related to the ADCP's transducer array geometry is used in conjunction with maximum likelihood method (MLM), iterative maximum likelihood method (IMLM), or other similar methods to solve a the wave equation at each frequency and produce a frequency-specific wave directional spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H Brumley, Eugene A Terray, Brandon S Strong
  • Patent number: 7542374
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring velocity in a fluid medium utilizing a phased array transducer are disclosed. The phased array transducer comprises a plurality of transducer elements arranged to form a single two-dimensional array. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving echoes of a plurality of beams generated by the transducer, calculating raw velocity estimates based at least in part on the echoes, and removing substantially a bias related to a first velocity from the raw velocity estimates. The first velocity is orthogonal to the face of the two-dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Mark A. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20090052282
    Abstract: A system and method of horizontal wave measurement is disclosed. The system for measuring the directional spectrum of waves in a fluid medium having a substantially planar surface may include a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams, at least one of the plurality of acoustic beams being angled non-orthogonally to at least one other of the plurality of acoustic beams. The method may calculate the directional spectrum associated with the waves from the received echoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: TELEDYNE RD INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Strong, Blair H. Brumley, Jerald W. Mullison
  • Patent number: 7379387
    Abstract: A system and method of horizontal wave measurement is disclosed. The system for measuring the directional spectrum of waves in a fluid medium having a substantially planar surface may include a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams, at least one of the plurality of acoustic beams being angled non-orthogonally to at least one other of the plurality of acoustic beams. The method may calculate the directional spectrum associated with the waves from the received echoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Strong, Blair H. Brumley, Jerald W. Mullison
  • Publication number: 20080080313
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring velocity in a fluid medium utilizing a transducer are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises transmitting an acoustic signal comprising N (where N is integer and N>1) pings for each of a plurality of beams, receiving echoes from each ping, obtaining a velocity estimate for each of the N pings based on echoes of the ping, and calculating a velocity based on the sum of the N velocity estimates such that the velocity is substantially free from error caused by cross-coupling between the beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Fran Rowe, Mark A. Vogt
  • Publication number: 20080080314
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring velocity in a fluid medium utilizing a phased array transducer are disclosed. The phased array transducer comprises a plurality of transducer elements arranged to form a single two-dimensional array. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving echoes of a plurality of beams generated by the transducer, calculating raw velocity estimates based at least in part on the echoes, and removing substantially a bias related to a first velocity from the raw velocity estimates. The first velocity is orthogonal to the face of the two-dimensional array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Mark A. Vogt
  • Patent number: 7317660
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the directional spectrum of one or more waves in a fluid medium using a multi-beam sonar system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, range cells located within a plurality of acoustic beams are sampled to provide current velocity data. Optionally, wave surface height and pressure data is obtained as well. A sensitivity vector specifically related to the ADCP's transducer array geometry is used in conjunction with maximum likelihood method (MLM), iterative maximum likelihood method (IMLM), or other similar methods to solve a the wave equation at each frequency and produce a frequency-specific wave directional spectrum. The frequency-specific spectra are combined to construct a complete two-dimensional wave directional spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. BrumleĆ½, Eugene A. Terray, Brandon S. Strong
  • Patent number: 7007555
    Abstract: A system and method of horizontal wave measurement is disclosed. The system for measuring the directional spectrum of waves in a fluid medium having a substantially planar surface may include a sonar system having a plurality of transducers for generating respective acoustic beams and receiving echoes from one or more range cells located substantially within the beams, at least one of the plurality of acoustic beams being angled non-orthogonally to at least one other of the plurality of acoustic beams. The method may calculate the directional spectrum associated with the waves from the received echoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Teledyne RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Strong, Blair H. Brumley, Jerald W. Mullison
  • Publication number: 20040184350
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the directional spectrum of one or more waves in a fluid medium using a multi-beam sonar system. In an exemplary embodiment, range cells located within a plurality of acoustic beams are sampled to provide current velocity data. Optionally, wave surface height and pressure data is obtained as well. This velocity, wave height, and pressure data is Fourier-transformed by one or more signal processors within the system, and a surface height spectrum produced. A cross-spectral coefficient matrix at each observed frequency is also generated from this data. A sensitivity vector specifically related to the ADCP's transducer array geometry is used in conjunction with maximum likelihood method (MLM), iterative maximum likelihood method (IMLM), or other similar methods to solve a the wave equation at each frequency and produce a frequency-specific wave directional spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Eugene A. Terray, Brandon S. Strong
  • Patent number: 6700834
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the directional spectrum of one or more waves in a fluid medium using a multi-beam sonar system. In an exemplary embodiment, range cells located within a plurality of acoustic beams are sampled to provide current velocity data. Optionally, wave surface height and pressure data is obtained as well. This velocity, wave height, and pressure data is Fourier-transformed by one or more signal processors within the system, and a surface height spectrum produced. A cross-spectral coefficient matrix at each observed frequency is also generated from this data. A sensitivity vector specifically related to the ADCP's transducer array geometry is used in conjunction with maximum likelihood method (MLM), iterative maximum likelihood method (IMLM), or other similar methods to solve a the wave equation at each frequency and produce a frequency-specific wave directional spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: RD Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Eugene A. Terray, Brandon S. Strong
  • Publication number: 20020018400
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the directional spectrum of one or more waves in a fluid medium using a multi-beam sonar system. In an exemplary embodiment, range cells located within a plurality of acoustic beams are sampled to provide current velocity data. Optionally, wave surface height and pressure data is obtained as well. This velocity, wave height, and pressure data is Fourier-transformed by one or more signal processors within the system, and a surface height spectrum produced. A cross-spectral coefficient matrix at each observed frequency is also generated from this data. A sensitivity vector specifically related to the ADCP's transducer array geometry is used in conjunction with maximum likelihood method (NLM), iterative maximum likelihood method (IMLM), or other similar methods to solve a the wave equation at each frequency and produce a frequency-specific wave directional spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Blair H. Brumley, Eugene A. Terray, Brandon S. Strong