Patents by Inventor Fred Collin

Fred Collin 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: 20240131642
    Abstract: A tool head assembly for crimping, the assembly including an internal cam that spins freely on a stationary shaft in one direction and locks onto the shaft in the other direction. That cam rotates against the moving slide forcing to move away from the stationary shaft opening a gap between rollers. A controller is programmed to have the drive rotate in one direction for a set time period, then reverse the rotation to begin the crimp process. The start rotation of the drive rotates the cam and opens the roller gap. The forward rotation allows the cam to swing, closing the gap and rotating the rollers around a seal. The tool eliminates the air cylinder and related pneumatic hoses and valve making the head smaller and allows a controller to communicate with any OEM production system to verify the tool has been used and was used correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Fred H. Muxlow, Cory Collins
  • Patent number: 11262163
    Abstract: A holographic weapon sight with a housing that has a viewing end and an opposing target end. The viewing path is defined from the viewing end to the target end. The sight has a light source that projects a light beam along a path. The sight also has a diffractive optical element (DOE) disposed in the path of the light beam, and the DOE reconstructs an image of a reticle. The sight includes a parabolic reflector that reflects the image of the reticle. The parabolic reflector may be disposed in the viewing path such that a user views a target along the viewing path through the parabolic reflector from the viewing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Douglas Mills, Fred Collin
  • Publication number: 20200011638
    Abstract: A holographic weapon sight with a housing that has a viewing end and an opposing target end. The viewing path is defined from the viewing end to the target end. The sight has a light source that projects a light beam along a path. The sight also has a diffractive optical element (DOE) disposed in the path of the light beam, and the DOE reconstructs an image of a reticle. The sight includes a parabolic reflector that reflects the image of the reticle. The parabolic reflector may be disposed in the viewing path such that a user views a target along the viewing path through the parabolic reflector from the viewing end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt Douglas Mills, Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 10443977
    Abstract: A compact sight device has a housing with a viewing and a target end. A light source projects a light beam along a path. A holographic optical element (HOE) is disposed in the path of the light beam such that the HOE is illuminated by the light beam at an incidence angle defined with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface of the HOE. The HOE reconstructs an object beam with an image of a reticle, the object beam having an object beam angle measured with respect to the line perpendicular to the surface of the HOE. The incidence angle and the object beam angle are substantially equal. The HOE further reflects a portion of the light beam at a reflection angle substantially equal to the object beam angle such that a user viewing the object beam will also see a reflected image of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 10379495
    Abstract: A holographic weapon sight has a housing with a viewing end and an opposing target end, a viewing path being defined from the viewing end to the target end. A light source energized by a power source projects a light beam along a path onto a liquid crystal cell module. A power controller in communication with the power source is operable to adjust the brightness of the light beam from the light source. The liquid crystal cell module is operable to rotate and polarize the light beam to further adjust the brightness of the light beam. The light beam from the liquid crystal cell module illuminates a holographic optical element (HOE) that reconstructs an image of a reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 10254532
    Abstract: A hybrid holographic sight generates a reticle or other image for aiming a weapon or an optical device. The hybrid holographic sight includes a light source operable to project a light beam along a path and a holographic optical element (HOE) disposed in the path of the light beam. The HOE reconstructs an image of a reticle and a non-diffraction element reflects the image of the reticle, whereby a user may view a reflection of the reconstructed reticle in the non-diffraction element (NDE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 10247515
    Abstract: A holographic gun sight has a housing with a viewing end and an opposing target end, a viewing path being defined from the viewing end to the target end. A light source projects a light beam along a path to illuminate a reflection-type holographic optical element (HOE). The HOE reconstructs an object beam with an image of a reticle. The absolute difference between the incidence angle of the light beam on the HOE and the object beam angle is greater than zero and less than or equal to 30 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Publication number: 20180196390
    Abstract: A holographic weapon sight has a housing with a viewing end and an opposing target end, a viewing path being defined from the viewing end to the target end. A light source energized by a power source projects a light beam along a path onto a liquid crystal cell module. A power controller in communication with the power source is operable to adjust the brightness of the light beam from the light source. The liquid crystal cell module is operable to rotate and polarize the light beam to further adjust the brightness of the light beam. The light beam from the liquid crystal cell module illuminates a holographic optical element (HOE) that reconstructs an image of a reticle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 9752852
    Abstract: A sight assembly for mounting to a weapon. A holographic optical element and a light source are in a fixed angular configuration with respect to one another, but may be adjusted either together or individually in a horizontal or vertical direction. The sight assembly may have a mirror or lens. An adjustment mechanism is provided where a shaft includes at least two portions wherein the two portions of the shaft of the screw have different pitch directions and/or pitch dimensions allowing for slight adjustment the assembly. The light source may be a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). A temperature sensor may sense a temperature of the VCSEL. A current to the VCSEL may be adjusted based on a change in the temperature such that the output wavelength is approximately the same as a desired wavelength. The assembly may further allow for perceived image distance adjustment using parallax mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ziel Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Kurt Douglas Mills, David S. Dilworth, Rod Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Publication number: 20170176138
    Abstract: A compact sight device has a housing with a viewing and a target end. A light source projects a light beam along a path. A holographic optical element (HOE) is disposed in the path of the light beam such that the HOE is illuminated by the light beam at an incidence angle defined with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface of the HOE. The HOE reconstructs an object beam with an image of a reticle, the object beam having an object beam angle measured with respect to the line perpendicular to the surface of the HOE. The incidence angle and the object beam angle are substantially equal. The HOE further reflects a portion of the light beam at a reflection angle substantially equal to the object beam angle such that a user viewing the object beam will also see a reflected image of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 9591814
    Abstract: A light-weight, modular, adjustable vertical hydroponic growing system and method of Native American design for cultivation plants and beneficial soil organisms (BSO's) in symbiotic combination. Forest-like arrays of fully rotatable and demountable grow tubes are suspended within climate-moderating greenhouses, optionally from conveyor tracks. The tubes are filled with light-weight, porous 100% in-organic grow media predominately comprised of expanded volcanic or recycled glass granules. The grow tube arrays are provided with an insulated, overhead-mounted fertigation distribution system delivering metered intermittent flows from insulated mixing and holding tanks. The flows are recycled via an insulated return piping system to maintain cool fertigation temperatures near those of natural ground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Fred Collins, Don Hertel
  • Publication number: 20160377377
    Abstract: A holographic gun sight has a housing with a viewing end and an opposing target end, a viewing path being defined from the viewing end to the target end. A light source projects a light beam along a path to illuminate a reflection-type holographic optical element (HOE). The HOE reconstructs an object beam with an image of a reticle. The absolute difference between the incidence angle of the light beam on the HOE and the object beam angle is greater than zero and less than or equal to 30 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Publication number: 20160377378
    Abstract: A hybrid holographic sight generates a reticle or other image for aiming a weapon or an optical device. The hybrid holographic sight includes a light source operable to project a light beam along a path and a holographic optical element (HOE) disposed in the path of the light beam. The HOE reconstructs an image of a reticle and a non-diffraction element reflects the image of the reticle, whereby a user may view a reflection of the reconstructed reticle in the non-diffraction element (NDE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Fred Collin
  • Patent number: 9500442
    Abstract: A sight assembly for mounting to a weapon is provided. A holographic optical element and a light source are provided in a fixed angular configuration with respect to one another, but may be adjusted either together or individually in a horizontal or vertical direction. A mirror or lens may also be provided. An adjustment mechanism is provided where a shaft includes at least two portions wherein the two portions of the shaft of the screw have different pitch directions and/or pitch dimensions allowing for slight adjustment of the assembly. The light source is typically a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The wavelength of the VCSEL is controlled by controlling the current it is given. The assembly further allows for perceived image distance adjustment using parallax mismatch. Further, a chassis is provided for holding holographic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: OptiFlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Kurt Douglas Mills, David S. Dilworth, Rod Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Publication number: 20160327365
    Abstract: A compact weapon sight has a housing with a base that is configured to mount to a weapon. The sight may have a holographic optical element (HOE) and a light source. The light source may be a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode. The wavelength of the VCSEL may be adjusted by controlling the current drawn by the VCSEL and may include a temperature controller to keep the temperature of the light source at or above a minimum threshold temperature without using a thermoelectric cooler or a wavelength sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Kurt Douglas Mills, David S. Dilworth, Rod Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Publication number: 20160313089
    Abstract: An adjustable holographic gun sight has a base and a carrier pivotally connected to the base. An adjustment mechanism may be adapted to pivot the carrier with respect to the base. A pair of dropouts connects the carrier to the base and the dropouts allow the carrier to pivot with respect to the base. The dropouts may be mounted to an external portion of the carrier and the base thereby provides for external adjustment of the gun sight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Publication number: 20160245618
    Abstract: A sight assembly for mounting to a weapon. A holographic optical element and a light source are in a fixed angular configuration with respect to one another, but may be adjusted either together or individually in a horizontal or vertical direction. The sight assembly may have a mirror or lens. An adjustment mechanism is provided where a shaft includes at least two portions wherein the two portions of the shaft of the screw have different pitch directions and/or pitch dimensions allowing for slight adjustment the assembly. The light source may be a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). A temperature sensor may sense a temperature of the VCSEL. A current to the VCSEL may be adjusted based on a change in the temperature such that the output wavelength is approximately the same as a desired wavelength. The assembly may further allow for perceived image distance adjustment using parallax mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: OptiFlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Kurt Douglas Mills, David S. Dilworth, Rod Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Patent number: 9395158
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an accessory to a rail of a weapon including a base portion, a first side portion configured to engage a first side of a rail of the weapon, and a second side portion configured to engage a second side of the rail. The first side portion has an opening defined therein. A movable clamping member is disposed in the opening in the first side portion so as to be movable between a clamping position where it secures the device to the rail and a retracted position. A clamping lever is pivotally interconnected with the first side portion for movement between an open position and a closed position. A link interconnects the clamping lever and the clamping member such that moving the lever from the open position to the closed position moves the clamping member from the retracted position to the clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: OptiFlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Michael L. Marino, Lamoyne (Jack) Durham
  • Patent number: D969958
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: SHELTERED WINGS, INC., OPTIFLOW, INC
    Inventors: David M. Hamilton, Michael Rosen, Fred Collin
  • Patent number: D975818
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SHELTERED WINGS, INC.
    Inventors: David M. Hamilton, Rob Morell, Michael Rosen, Fred Collin