Patents by Inventor Joel E. Anspach

Joel E. Anspach 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: 9851442
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for detecting and tracking a target are disclosed. The disclosed method involves receiving, with an infra-red (IR) fine track sensor, a IR signal from the target. The method further involves determining, with at least one processor, an estimate of a direction of the target using the IR signal. Also, the method involves transmitting, with a Laser transmitter, a Laser beam towards the direction of the target. Further, the method involves receiving, with a Laser receiver, the Laser signal after it reflects off the target. In one or more embodiments, the Laser receiver is a photon receiver (e.g., a geiger-mode avalanche photo-diode (Gm-APD) receiver).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark Lo, Joel E. Anspach, Michael C. Cates
  • Publication number: 20110286218
    Abstract: A system and methods for broad area visual obscuration around a platform. In one embodiment the system comprises a source of visible light, shaping optics and projecting optics. The system projects a light beam onto an illumination area in a sweeping pattern to repetitively illuminate all portions of the illumination area, such that a stationary observer within the illumination area receives repeating pulses of the light at a power, intensity, frequency and duration sufficient to visually impair the observer so as to substantially prevent the observer from discerning the platform between pulses. The light pulses are capable of temporarily blinding human eyes but incapable of causing permanent vision loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Joel E. Anspach, Jeffrey J. Voelker
  • Patent number: 8051761
    Abstract: A system and methods for broad area visual obscuration around a platform. In one embodiment the system comprises a source of visible light, shaping optics and projecting optics. The system projects a light beam onto an illumination area in a sweeping pattern to repetitively illuminate all portions of the illumination area, such that a stationary observer within the illumination area receives repeating pulses of the light at a power, intensity, frequency and duration sufficient to visually impair the observer so as to substantially prevent the observer from discerning the platform between pulses. The light pulses are capable of temporarily blinding human eyes but incapable of causing permanent vision loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Alan Z. Ullman, Joel E. Anspach, Jeffrey J. Voelker