Patents by Inventor Gilbert D. Beinhocker

Gilbert D. Beinhocker 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: 9373234
    Abstract: A security tape comprises a mesh sensor strip in which a filament is woven or otherwise provided to serve as a single continuous signal path across substantially the entire area of the mesh strip. The filament may be an electrical wire or an optical fiber to carry, respectively, an electrical signal or an optical signal. A layer of flexible insulative material is bonded to each side of the mesh strip by an adhesive on the bonding surface of each of the layers. During bonding of the layers to the mesh strip, the adhesive flows into the mesh structure and structurally fixes the filament in its position in the mesh. The mesh sensor strip and bonded layers can be cut to any desired length and each end of the filament is connectable to respective connector units. One connector unit is connected to a signal source, and the other connector unit is connected to a signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: 3D FUSE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 8971673
    Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a plurality of signal paths made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extend between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape, and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. One connector includes a multiplexer to which an input signal is applied for propagation along the signal paths, The other connector includes an AND gate which provides an output signal which changes in the event of a break in any one or more of the signal paths, thereby indicating an alarm condition. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3D Fuse Sarl
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 8653971
    Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a signal path made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extends between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner. One or more layers of flexible material can be laminated on respective sides of the sensor tape to provide a robust laminated or bonded structure that can be rolled and unrolled from a reel. An adhesive layer and a removable layer can be provided to protect the adhesive layer prior to use. An overcoat of outer layer resin may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3D Fuse Sarl
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20130300431
    Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a plurality of signal paths made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extend between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape, and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. One connector includes a multiplexer to which an input signal is applied for propagation along the signal paths, The other connector includes an AND gate which provides an output signal which changes in the event of a break in any one or more of the signal paths, thereby indicating an alarm condition. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20130187630
    Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a signal path made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extends between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner. One or more layers of flexible material can be laminated on respective sides of the sensor tape to provide a robust laminated or bonded structure that can be rolled and unrolled from a reel. An adhesive layer and a removable layer can be provided to protect the adhesive layer prior to use. An overcoat of outer layer resin may be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 8207861
    Abstract: A system for detecting and containing a breach in a container includes a first containment layer and a first sensor layer. The first sensor layer includes at least one signal path extending the first sensor layer. The first sensor layer may be provided by either a fiber optic or a wire. An inability of the at least one signal path to conduct a signal from a first end to a second end represents either a breach, or an attempted breach, from outside the container or a failure of the container. The containment layers may seal against any leakage of material in a container subsequent to a breach either from within or from without. An additional layer may be provided to protect against intrusion and may be made from material such as Kevlar. The detection and containment system may be implemented to protect tunnels, pipelines, hatches and manhole covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: 3D Fuse Sarl
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20110210856
    Abstract: A system for detecting and containing a breach in a container includes a first containment layer and a first sensor layer. The first sensor layer includes at least one signal path extending the first sensor layer. The first sensor layer may be provided by either a fiber optic or a wire. An inability of the at least one signal path to conduct a signal from a first end to a second end represents either a breach, or an attempted breach, from outside the container or a failure of the container. The containment layers may seal against any leakage of material in a container subsequent to a breach either from within or from without. An additional layer may be provided to protect against intrusion and may be made from material such as Kevlar. The detection and containment system may be implemented to protect tunnels, pipelines, hatches and manhole covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7924166
    Abstract: A system for detecting and containing a breach in a container. The container wall includes containment layers and a sensor layer sandwiched between the containment layers. The sensor layer contains a signal path that can be carried by a signal cable such as fiber optic or wire cable. The containment layers contain shards of material. When the wall of the container is compromised, the signal in the sensor layer is altered by the disturbed shards cutting the signal cable, thus allowing for the detection of a rupture, vandalism or an unauthorized access attempt, The containment layers may be composed of a gel or rubber material to slow leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7856157
    Abstract: The present invention provides a security system for a pipeline, such as an oil, gas or water pipeline, or other tubular, elongated or other structures used to convey various other liquid, gaseous or fluent materials. The invention is also useful in protecting a tunnel such as a vehicular tunnel. A flexible and wrappable sensor sheet is provided having an optical fiber or electrical wire disposed therein in a zigzag or other pattern which covers substantially the entire area of the sheet. The sensor sheet containing the fiber or wire is wrapped around the outer surface of a pipeline or other structure, and provides a covering of substantially the entire outer surface of a predetermined length of the pipeline. Similar sheets can be employed on adjacent pipeline sections to provide protection of any intended length of the pipeline, which may include the entire effective pipeline length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20100289651
    Abstract: A detection and containment system for detecting and containing a breach in a container includes a first containment layer and a first sensor layer coupled to the first containment layer. The first sensor layer includes at least one signal path extending across substantially an entire area of the first sensor layer. The first sensor layer may be provided by either a fiber optic carrying a light signal or a wire carrying an electrical signal. A second containment layer is coupled to the first sensor layer such that the first sensor layer is between the first and second containment layers. An inability of the at least one signal path to conduct a signal from a first end to a second end represents either a breach, or an attempted breach, from outside the container or a failure of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7619226
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which totally encapsulates the inside volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof in a fail-safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tamper Proof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7608812
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which encloses the volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a total loss of light or a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof. A continuous wire path can be provided in an alternative embodiment, and which may include e-textiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20090115607
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which encloses the volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a total loss of light or a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof. A continuous wire path can be provided in an alternative embodiment, and which may include e-textiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20090067777
    Abstract: The present invention provides a security system for a pipeline, such as an oil, gas or water pipeline, or other tubular, elongated or other structures used to convey various other liquid, gaseous or fluent materials. The invention is also useful in protecting a tunnel such as a vehicular tunnel. A flexible and wrappable sensor sheet is provided having an optical fiber or electrical wire disposed therein in a zigzag or other pattern which covers substantially the entire area of the sheet. The sensor sheet containing the fiber or wire is wrapped around the outer surface of a pipeline or other structure, and provides a covering of substantially the entire outer surface of a predetermined length of the pipeline. Similar sheets can be employed on adjacent pipeline sections to provide protection of any intended length of the pipeline, which may include the entire effective pipeline length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Tamper Proof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7482924
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which encloses the volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a total loss of light or a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an alarm indication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Tamper Proof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Publication number: 20080237485
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which totally encapsulates the inside volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof in a fail-safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7394060
    Abstract: An inflatable sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect a breach or nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a container or several such sheets can line several walls of the container. A breach of the sheet or radiation within or near the sheet reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length and volumetric mass of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, a self-destruct circuit or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the breach or radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7332728
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting radiation from a source in a container is disclosed. A continuous optical fiber path is disposed in a medium which is part of or associated with a container and which encloses the volumetric space of the container. The optical fiber path provides a volumetric mass of optical fiber which is reactive to radiation from a radiation source in the container to cause an irreversible change in the light carrying capacity or other characteristic of the optical fiber. A light source is coupled to one end of the optical fiber path for introducing light having a predetermined characteristic. A light detector is coupled to the other end of the optical path for receiving light from the optical path. A circuit is coupled to the light detector and is operative to detect a change in the predetermined characteristic of the light and to provide an indication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7211783
    Abstract: A sheet includes an optical fiber extending across at least a portion of its surface to detect nuclear radiation. The sheet can line at least a portion of a shipping container or box. Radiation within or outside the container or box reduces optical transmissibility of the fiber. The fiber integrates the radiation over time and/or over the length of the fiber, making the fiber sensitive to even low-level radiation. Dopants, use of particular wavelengths of light or temperatures or other mechanisms can increase the sensitivity of the optical fiber to radiation. The optical fiber is monitored for a change in its transmissibility. A reduction in the transmissibility, such as to below a threshold, can trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or send a message that includes information about the time or the container's contents or location when the radiation is detected to a central location, such as a ship's control room or port notification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Tamperproof Container Licensing Corp.
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker
  • Patent number: 7098444
    Abstract: A liner sheet lines at least a portion of an interior surface of a shipping container or box and defines an optical path extending across at least a portion of the sheet, such that a breach of the interior surface also alters an optical characteristic of the optical path. For example, an optical fiber can be woven into, or sandwiched between layers of, the liner sheet. The optical path is monitored for a change in an optical characteristic. If the container or box interior surface is breached, one or more portions of the optical fiber are severed or otherwise damaged, and the optical path is altered. The detected change in the optical path can be used to trigger an alarm, such as an annunciator, or to send a message that includes information concerning the container's contents or time or location of the container when the breach occurred to a central location, such as a ship's control room or a port notification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Gilbert D. Beinhocker