Patents by Inventor Eric A. Hillenbrand

Eric A. Hillenbrand 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: 20200148140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser module for converting preexisting analog systems into a customizable digital system. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can utilize preexisting analog equipment to operate and control a dispenser module. A squib is electrically connected to a logic circuit such that the normal “firing” of the original payload at that location will cause a change in the state of the electrical circuit. Because there are multiple payload allocations within one module, this allows electrical communication with individual/select payload devices by an operator. Payloads in the module can be quickly swapped in and out without making any changes to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Marshall Mullins, Charlie Upton, Mark Anderson, Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 9321128
    Abstract: A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Publication number: 20130140283
    Abstract: A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 8445813
    Abstract: A portable cutting device and related method of use are disclosed. The method may include the steps of providing a laser source and a battery power supply, and housing the laser source and the battery power supply in at least one storage container carried by a user. The method may further include the step of cutting a barrier with optical energy produced by the laser source and delivered by a handheld laser directing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 8436276
    Abstract: A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply may be a lithium ion battery pack. The laser source may be a Ytterbium Fiber laser. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 8420977
    Abstract: A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Publication number: 20120101658
    Abstract: A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Publication number: 20110024403
    Abstract: A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply may be a lithium ion battery pack. The laser source may be a Ytterbium Fiber laser. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Publication number: 20110024405
    Abstract: A portable cutting device and related method of use are disclosed. The method may include the steps of providing a laser source and a battery power supply, and housing the laser source and the battery power supply in at least one storage container carried by a user. The method may further include the step of cutting a barrier with optical energy produced by the laser source and delivered by a handheld laser directing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 6995359
    Abstract: A calibration method for radiometric imaging systems that relies on an absolute measurement of scene radiance (thereby requiring a baseline measurement of zero radiance), and a shutter assembly for taking the baseline measurement of zero radiance which is operable under cryogenic temperatures as low as 80.5K (?192.65° C.) in vacuums measuring <10?6 torr (mm Hg). The shutter assembly generally includes an actuator and a shutter mechanism. The actuator is preferably a miniature solenoid assembly capable of operation in extreme environments (e.g. vacuums of <10?6 torr, temperatures below 90K). The shutter mechanism preferably includes a single shutter blade and is also capable of operation when subjected to extreme environments. The method of using the shutter assembly provides a zero radiance reference measurement for an infrared imaging system, thereby providing a basis upon which absolute scene radiance may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric A. Hillenbrand, Roy Luoma, R. Kyle Webb
  • Patent number: 6969856
    Abstract: A two band imaging system having two focal plane array detectors, a beam splitter, and an enclosure. The beam splitter disposed within the system at an angle to the optical axis such that light entering the system is split and is simultaneously directed to each of the two focal plane array detectors. The two focal plane array detectors and beam splitter are disposed within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric Hillenbrand, Mark Dombrowski, Jim Lorenz, Ming-De Li, Eric Ford