Patents by Inventor Mark A. Shand
Mark A. Shand 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: 11837841Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20230234893Abstract: A wallboard product and a method of making a wallboard product are provided. The method may include providing a wallboard core. And exterior surface may be provided to the wallboard core. The exterior surface may include a magnesium compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2022Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Mark A. Shand, Jerry E. Rademan, Christopher McMillan Armstrong, Robert Hauber
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Publication number: 20230184908Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2023Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20230155340Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 11614523Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 11522330Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20220244362Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Patent number: 11333748Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Publication number: 20210101832Abstract: A geopolymer cement and a method of producing the same are provided. A geopolymer cement binder may be provided including a geopolymer precursor and magnesium oxide as an alkali activator. The geopolymer cement binder may be mixed with water using high shear mixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Jerry Elliot Rademan, Mark A. Shand, John Kirin Gehret, Peyton Pool, SR.
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Publication number: 20210055393Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200381884Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10845470Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10797460Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200274311Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10674099Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200088859Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Patent number: 10570980Abstract: An assembly for damping the movement of a vibrating body includes an energy dissipating material, a vessel, and a seal. The energy dissipating material may include one or more types of loose particles. The loose particles may include similar and/or dissimilar materials or a mixture thereof. The loose particles may at least partially fill the vessel. The vessel may be configured to conform to requirements of an environment of the vibrating body and to retain and/or store the loose particles. The seal may include a molded material, a plate, and/or a flange. In an embodiment, the plate may be at least partially encompassed within the seal, and the seal, plate, and/or flange may be configured to engage the vessel and/or to retain the loose particles within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: VIBRACOUSTIC NORTH AMERICA L.P.Inventors: Brandon M. Nyboer, Otto J. Preikszas, Mark A. Shand, Paul D. Cottrell
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Publication number: 20180255252Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 9979906Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20180136321Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand