Patents by Inventor James E. Hooper

James E. Hooper 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: 7278290
    Abstract: A projectile impact energy and location measurement system is taught employing a target apparatus having an impact plate of a solid durable substance such as steel or titanium. Disposed over the plate is a layer of elastoluminescent material composed of zinc sulfide and manganese embedded in an elastomeric composite. This luminescent material is designed to emit light or exhibit luminescence when elastically strained, for example when a projectile strikes the material. Optical photosensitive sensors are deployed at strategic locations to observe and record color images of the target before during and after impact by a projectile. These images capture the target luminescence and impact location of the projectile. The images are transmitted to a traditional image processing system that can isolate the impact location and correlate the light wave length with a known kinetic energy value that was obtained through initial calibration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Derke R. Hughes, Jeffrey T. Feaster, James E. Hooper