Patents by Inventor Bruce Clifford

Bruce Clifford 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).

  • Laser-based tail dock anti-collision system and method to preclude damage to aircraft upon their insertion into maintenance facilities
    Patent number: 9938020
    Abstract: A tail dock anti-collision system for augmenting positioning of an aircraft in a maintenance facility which comprises lateral alignment sensors disposed on opposing sides of the aircraft and a backup tracking sensor directed toward the tail section. A processor, for example a programmable logic controller, is coupled to, and operatively controls, the sensors to provide an indication to a principal guide of the aircraft docking procedure of the relative position of the aircraft with respect to a centerline and platform of the maintenance facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Clifford, Neil T. Heeke
  • LASER-BASED TAIL DOCK ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PRECLUDE DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT UPON THEIR INSERTION INTO MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
    Publication number: 20170088287
    Abstract: A tail dock anti-collision system for augmenting positioning of an aircraft in a maintenance facility which comprises lateral alignment sensors disposed on opposing sides of the aircraft and a backup tracking sensor directed toward the tail section. A processor, for example a programmable logic controller, is coupled to, and operatively controls, the sensors to provide an indication to a principal guide of the aircraft docking procedure of the relative position of the aircraft with respect to a centerline and platform of the maintenance facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Clifford, Neil T. Heeke
  • Remote sensor head for laser level measurement devices
    Patent number: 6339468
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical sensor used for remote laser level monitoring in liquid storage vessels. The sensor is mounted directly to a standard tank nipple, located on top of the vessel, by a threaded connecting means and is linked to a laser measurement device via fiber optic cabling. The level in the vessel is measured as a function of the time required for a laser signal to be transmitted from the sensor, reflected off the liquid surface and returned to the receiver lens located in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Clifford, John Harrison
  • Remote sensor head for laser level measurement devices
    Patent number: 6040897
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical sensor used for remote laser level monitoring in liquid storage vessels. The sensor is mounted directly to a standard tank nipple, located on top of the vessel, by a threaded connecting means and is linked to a laser measurement device via fiber optic cabling. The level in the vessel is measured as a function of the time required for a laser signal to be transmitted from the sensor, reflected off the liquid surface and returned to the receiver lens located in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Laser Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Clifford, John Harrison