Patents by Inventor Dana Cottrell

Dana Cottrell 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: 20130197864
    Abstract: A non-invasive system for detection of explosives and contraband in a vehicle includes at least one laser vibrometer for measuring vehicle vibrations at one or more points on the vehicle while the vehicle is operating. One laser vibrometer can be sequentially directed to various points on the vehicle according to a predetermined single point or pattern. Or, a plurality of laser vibrometers could be used to simultaneously illuminate the vehicle. After measurement, the vehicle vibrations are compared to a database of reference vibrations, which that were taken of similar vehicles that were known to be contraband-free. The measured vibrations are compared to the vibrations pattern for the same type of vehicle. If the vibration patterns exhibit differences in frequency peaks that exceed predetermined parameters, the system alerts the operator. A more detailed inspection of the vehicle can then be accomplished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Dana Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8482408
    Abstract: A non-invasive system for detection of explosives and contraband in a vehicle includes at least one laser vibrometer for measuring vehicle vibrations at one or more points on the vehicle while the vehicle is operating. One laser vibrometer can be sequentially directed to various points on the vehicle according to a predetermined single point or pattern. Or, a plurality of laser vibrometers could be used to simultaneously illuminate the vehicle. After measurement, the vehicle vibrations are compared to a database of reference vibrations, which that were taken of similar vehicles that were known to be contraband-free. The measured vibrations are compared to the vibrations pattern for the same type of vehicle. If the vibration patterns exhibit differences in frequency peaks that exceed predetermined parameters, the system alerts the operator. A more detailed inspection of the vehicle can then be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Dana Cottrell
  • Patent number: 7362657
    Abstract: A system includes a receive line array that generates one or more receive line array signals, a processor operatively connected to the receive line array to process the receive line array signals and to generate detonation signals based upon the processed receive line array signal, and a modem operatively connected to the processor that transmits the detonation signals to one or more explosive line arrays, the explosive line arrays having at least one explosive charge coupled thereto that is detonated upon receipt of the detonation signals. The receive line array may include multiple sensors and multiple hydrophones. The sensors may be magnetic field, electric field, or electromagnetic sensors. The explosive line arrays may be detection line arrays or disruption line arrays. The modem may be configured to receive and transmit one or more user-initiated detonation signals to the disruption line arrays to detonate the disruption line arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Patrick Donahoe, Dana Cottrell, David Keir