Patents by Inventor Michael E. Knotts

Michael E. Knotts 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: 11747613
    Abstract: A multi-axis rotary actuator includes a payload support configured to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk surrounding at least a portion of the payload support, and an elevation wheel rotatably coupled to the payload support. The disk is configured to be rotatable about the first axis. The elevation wheel is configured to be in contact with the disk and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The actuator can include a mirror or other device coupled to the elevation wheel. The mirror or other device is configured to be rotatable about the first axis and the second axis as the payload support and the elevation wheel rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Knotts, Adam J. Marcinuk, Chris L. Willis
  • Publication number: 20220137401
    Abstract: A multi-axis rotary actuator includes a payload support configured to be rotatable about a first axis, a disk surrounding at least a portion of the payload support, and an elevation wheel rotatably coupled to the payload support. The disk is configured to be rotatable about the first axis. The elevation wheel is configured to be in contact with the disk and to be rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The actuator can include a mirror or other device coupled to the elevation wheel. The mirror or other device is configured to be rotatable about the first axis and the second axis as the payload support and the elevation wheel rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Knotts, Adam J. Marcinuk, Chris L. Willis
  • Patent number: 9063274
    Abstract: A light control material for displaying a color image. The light control material includes a material body including a plurality of microstructures. The microstructures are designed to produce an additive color perception of one or more colors and designed to reveal an image when the intensity of light reflected from a selected number of the microstructures is modulated. The selected microstructures can be modulated by one or more of modifying, obliterating, obscuring or covering up the selected microstructures. In one embodiment, the microstructures, prior to modulation of the selected number of microstructures, produce a uniform white additive color perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Publication number: 20110299150
    Abstract: A light control material for displaying a color image. The light control material includes a material body including a plurality of microstructures. The microstructures are designed to produce an additive color perception of one or more colors and designed to reveal an image when the intensity of light reflected from a selected number of the microstructures is modulated. The selected microstructures can be modulated by one or more of modifying, obliterating, obscuring or covering up the selected microstructures. In one embodiment, the microstructures, prior to modulation of the selected number of microstructures, produce a uniform white additive color perception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Patent number: 8000009
    Abstract: A light control material for displaying a color image. The light control material includes a material body including a plurality of microstructures. The microstructures are designed to produce an additive color perception of one or more colors and designed to reveal an image when the intensity of light reflected from a selected number of the microstructures is modulated. The selected microstructures can be modulated by one or more of modifying, obliterating, obscuring or covering up the selected microstructures. In one embodiment, the microstructures, prior to modulation of the selected number of microstructures, produce a uniform white additive color perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Publication number: 20080130018
    Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500? and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts, Brian S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7288320
    Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500? and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nanoventions Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts, Brian S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7221512
    Abstract: A light control material is provided for displaying color images having microstructures either on its surface or within the material which reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light in accordance with their physical characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the microstructures are stepped structures which reflect a particular color and bandwidth of light in accordance with the height of the steps of the stepped structures. In alternative embodiment, the microstructures are ribbed structures or crystal like structures designed to reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light. In addition, methods of fabricating the material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Patent number: 7006294
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for authentication of articles and counterfeit deterrence using non-holographic micro-optics and microstructures having a surface relief greater than a few microns. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a range of distinctive optical effects obtained from micro-optic systems incorporating micro lenses, non-imaging collectors, prisms, wave guides, mirrors, gratings, structural interference filters, and photonic crystal microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Publication number: 20040067360
    Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500&mgr; and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts, Brian S. Martin
  • Publication number: 20030232179
    Abstract: A light control material is provided for displaying color images having microstructures either on its surface or within the material which reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light in accordance with their physical characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the microstructures are stepped structures which reflect a particular color and bandwidth of light in accordance with the height of the steps of the stepped structures. In alternative embodiment, the microstructures are ribbed structures or crystal like structures designed to reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light. In addition, methods of fabricating the material are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
  • Publication number: 20030179364
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for authentication of articles and counterfeit deterrence using non-holographic micro-optics and microstructures having a surface relief greater than a few microns. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a range of distinctive optical effects obtained from micro-optic systems incorporating micro lenses, non-imaging collectors, prisms, wave guides, mirrors, gratings, structural interference filters, and photonic crystal microstructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Nanoventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts