Patents by Inventor Kurt A. Gunther
Kurt A. Gunther 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).
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Patent number: 10179595Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLCInventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180362058Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rail vehicle signal enforcement and separation control. A vehicle-mounted system for managing operation compliance of a vehicle may include a communication subsystem that includes one or more transponders and one or more communication circuits, configured for communicating signals, and a processing subsystem, that includes at least one processor. The communication subsystem may be configured to communicate signals with one or more fixed reporting stations, with the signals including ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and with at least some of the signals carrying data pertinent to evaluating vehicle operation compliance. The processing subsystem may be configured to evaluate vehicle operation compliance based on information obtained from at least one signal communicated with at least one reporting station. The processing subsystem may determine a rule for evaluating compliance of the vehicle, and may monitor operation of the vehicle to evaluate compliance with the rule.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20170282944Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, JR.
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Patent number: 9731738Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: METROM RAIL, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20160280240Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for worker protection. The worker protection systems comprise a plurality of alert devices, comprising one or more wearable personal alert devices, each worn by a person (e.g., worker), and one or more companion alert devices that broadcast alerts or signals triggering alerts. The companion alert devices comprise vehicle-mounted alert devices, configured for operation on vehicles (e.g., trains), and wayside detection units, configured for placement on or near paths of the vehicles. The wayside detection units may be operable to autonomously detect and track the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Richard Carlson, Kurt Gunther, Sara Jo Woitel, Marc Wayne Cygnus, Peter Strezev, John Albert Plutt, JR.
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Publication number: 20150329130Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Patent number: 9043131Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20150060608Abstract: A system for vehicle management includes a control signal interface subsystem and a vehicle-mounted subsystem. Each of these subsystems includes an ultra-wideband (UWB) communications component. The subsystems communicate with each other through the UWB components. The vehicle mounted subsystem interfaces with a braking system of the vehicle. The vehicle mounted subsystem determines the distance between it and the control signal interface subsystem based on the time-of-flight of at least one communication between the subsystems. The vehicle-mounted subsystem can cause the braking system of the vehicle to activate if the distance between the vehicle-mounted subsystem and the control signal interface subsystem is less than a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20140346285Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Patent number: 8812227Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20140229096Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Patent number: 8752797Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLCInventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Publication number: 20130256466Abstract: The present technology provides a rail crossing remote diagnostics system. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system includes a rail crossing station monitor installed in a bungalow at a rail crossing station. The station monitor has a communication module, such as a wireless transceiver, a connection to the ethernet, a cellular transceiver, a telephone connection, or a modem. The rail crossing remote diagnostics system also includes one or more diagnostic sensors installed at the rail crossing station. The diagnostic sensors are adapted to communicate with the station monitor. The station monitor automatically monitors at least one device installed at the rail crossing station and generates rail crossing diagnostics reports. The present technology also provides a rail crossing diagnostics network that includes a network hub and one or more rail crossing remote diagnostics systems. Certain embodiments also provide methods for automatically monitoring the operation of a rail crossing station.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, John Wolf, Kurt Gunther, Richard Carlson, JR.
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Publication number: 20130088370Abstract: Systems, methods, routines and/or techniques for a crossing gate tip sensor are described. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a crossing gate tip sensor may be attached to or incorporated into a gate arm of a crossing gate. The crossing gate tip sensor may accurately detect the orientation (among other things) of the gate arm. In some embodiments, a crossing gate tip sensor may include a tilt sensor that includes one or more accelerometers. In some embodiments, a crossing gate tip sensor may include a microcontroller and/or a wireless communication unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt Gunther
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Publication number: 20120296562Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Patent number: 8276498Abstract: A modular ballistic shield design includes a viewport which extends from a first lateral edge of the shield to the second lateral edge providing unobstructed viewing. The three modules are connected together in a manner enabling replacement of any particular damaged module. No fastener protrudes through to the front face in a region fronting the user.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: ComposiflexInventors: Alan J. Hannibal, Kurt Gunther
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Publication number: 20120244336Abstract: A spun-dyed polyester monofilament is provided having a linear density of at least 40 dtex containing at least one pigment selected from the group of phthalocyanine, metallophthalocyanine, pyrazolone, anthraquinone, dioxazine, sulfur, azo, dibenzanthrone and/or perylene pigments, wherein the sum total of free hot-air shrinkage after 30 minutes' treatment at 180° C. and extension at a specified load of 27 cN/tex from the stress-strain diagram of the polyester monofilament is less than 15%.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Nextrusion GMBHInventors: Kurt-Günther Berndt, Rex Delker, Reinhardt Schenzinger, Andreas Dirr
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Publication number: 20120138752Abstract: A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Peter Strezev, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
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Patent number: 6563122Abstract: A basic assembly configuration for determination of relevant vegetation parameters includes a high repetitive pulsed excitation laser (1) for the stimulation of chlorophyll fluorescence, a fluorescence detector (3) including an imaging and separation optic (4, 5), a trigger and delay electronic (6) to adjust the laser and appropriate detector timing and a detector electronic (7), consisting of a signal recording and processing module. The assembly can be used for determination of relevant vegetation parameters for agricultural, horticultural and greenhouse application.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt E.V.Inventors: Wilhelm Lüdeker, Kurt Günther, Hans-Günter Dahn
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Patent number: 6258933Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the one-stage resalting and purification of oligopeptides. Oligopeptides are often not formed directly as acetates when synthesised. Acetate salts of oligopeptides are however desirable as bulk-active material for medical and formulation reasons. Processes known from the prior art have hitherto involved two separate steps or pyridine-containing solvents. The resalting and purification can be combined in one step and the use of pyridine as solvent can be avoided, if the oligopeptide in the form of its chloride salt is purified with an acetate-containing solvent by liquid chromatography methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Degussa-Huls AktiengesellschaftInventors: Kurt Günther, Franz-Rudolf Kunz, Karlheinz Drauz, Thomas Müller