Patents by Inventor Robert A. Hale

Robert A. Hale 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).

  • Publication number: 20250124567
    Abstract: A device for analyzing or inspecting a prepared portion of a power cable includes a cable gripping section to grip a portion of the power cable proximate to a prepared end of the power cable, where the cable end has been prepared by removing certain portions of the power cable so that it can properly accept an electrical or cable accessory, such as a splice or termination. The device also includes an imaging device holding section to hold an imaging device at a predetermined radial distance from the prepared cable end. In particular, the imaging device holding section is radially and axially adjustable in position. During inspection of the prepared cable end, the imaging device is fully rotated about the prepared cable end to acquire a 360 degree image of the prepared cable end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Inventors: Cecil V. Francis, Sally M. Grambusch, Robert A. Hale, Qingqiang Ma, Douglas B. Gundel, Huo Ying Lu
  • Patent number: 12198326
    Abstract: A device for analyzing or inspecting a prepared portion of a power cable includes a cable gripping section to grip a portion of the power cable proximate to a prepared end of the power cable, where the cable end has been prepared by removing certain portions of the power cable so that it can properly accept an electrical or cable accessory, such as a splice or termination. The device also includes an imaging device holding section to hold an imaging device at a predetermined radial distance from the prepared cable end. In particular, the imaging device holding section is radially and axially adjustable in position. During inspection of the prepared cable end, the imaging device is fully rotated about the prepared cable end to acquire a 360 degree image of the prepared cable end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cecil V. Francis, Sally M. Grambusch, Robert A. Hale, Qingqiang Ma, Douglas B. Gundel, Huo Ying Lu
  • Publication number: 20220164940
    Abstract: A device for analyzing or inspecting a prepared portion of a power cable includes a cable gripping section to grip a portion of the power cable proximate to a prepared end of the power cable, where the cable end has been prepared by removing certain portions of the power cable so that it can properly accept an electrical or cable accessory, such as a splice or termination. The device also includes an imaging device holding section to hold an imaging device at a predetermined radial distance from the prepared cable end. In particular, the imaging device holding section is radially and axially adjustable in position. During inspection of the prepared cable end, the imaging device is fully rotated about the prepared cable end to acquire a 360 degree image of the prepared cable end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Cecil V. Francis, Sally M. Grambusch, Robert A, Hale, Qingqiang Ma, Dougtas B. Gundel, Huo Ying Lu
  • Patent number: 6929214
    Abstract: A conformal air defense (CAD) system is provided which is adapted to be attached externally to an aircraft as an appendage. The CAD system includes a conformal mounting adapter having an aircraft-to-adapter interface and upper adapter side. A mounting structure is provided which has an adapter interface and a mounting side, wherein the adapter interface is attached to the upper adapter side. A missile countermeasures system is mounted on the mounting side of the mounting structure. And a cover substantially encloses the countermeasures system, wherein the cover is removably fastened to the mounting side of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Ackleson, Michael A. Guy, Robert A. Hale, Jeffrey A. Plebanski
  • Patent number: 6129307
    Abstract: A two axis optical FLIR gimbal assembly for azimuth and elevation supporting an assembly of optical elements including five folding mirrors, one of which is a Mangin mirror, and six lenses which implement a wide stabilized field of regard and provide a magnification of the incident image. The gimbal assembly, moreover, includes a yoke structure which is driven about an azimuth axis and supports a stable body member which is independently driven about an elevation axis. An independently driven turret is also rotatable about the azimuth axis and shields the gimbal assembly from external forces such as an air stream passing over the fuselage of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Deoms, Robert A. Hale, Robert W. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5418364
    Abstract: A dual line of sight forward looking infrared (FLIR) navigation and targeting system including two separate infrared turrets housing respective optical gimbal assemblies which simultaneously provide two independently controlled lines of sight, one of which has wide field(s) of view for implementing a pilotage function and the other has narrow magnified field(s) of view for implementing a targeting function. Both lines of sight are merged following individual temperature compensating image gain and level adjusting operations in an optical multiplexer assembly, the output of which is coupled to a single IR detector in the form of a focal plane array having time delay integration. Two separate FLIR video image signals are generated in a single common processor, one for pilotage and one for targeting which can be viewed simultaneously and independently. The processor is also utilized and integrated with a radar system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Hale, Fred S. Hurt, William F. Clarke, Victor J. Norris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5412421
    Abstract: A sensor produces signals corresponding to positions of objects within a field of view over time. A motion detector is provided for determining movement of the sensor. Signals from the sensor and the detector go to a processing unit which causes an appropriate modification of the signal received from the sensor to compensate for the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Hale, Harvey C. Nathanson
  • Patent number: 5317394
    Abstract: An imaging system utilizes a plurality of sensors capable of sensing objects within a field of view about a sight line. At least two sensors have different sight lines with the sight lines having known relative positions. Each sensor produces signals corresponding to positions of objects within a field of view over time. At least one sensor signal memory receives those signals and stores them in a manner enabling concurrent access to signals received from any selected combination of sensors. The processing unit and associated memory contain at least one program for selecting sensor signals from a sensor signal memory. Preferably motion detectors are provided for determining vibration, flexure or movement of each sensor. A normalizing means is preferably provided to adjust the sensor or make an appropriate modification of the signal received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hale, Harvey C. Nathanson, Joel F. Hazlett
  • Patent number: 4583462
    Abstract: A driverless vehicle has a platform mounted on support wheels for riding on rails. First and second drive wheels adapted for frictional contact with a drive tube are provided on the vehicle. The drive wheels are supported on opposite sides of a longitudinal center line for alternative use depending upon the direction of movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: SI Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hale
  • Patent number: 4353306
    Abstract: A driverless vehicle has at least one drive wheel for cooperation with a drive tube. The vehicle has two actuators coupled to the drive wheel for rotating the drive wheel to an accumulation position. Each actuator can be selectively rendered inoperative. The vehicle can be propelled by way of the drive wheel and drive tube in opposite directions along a track with either end of the vehicle being the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Si Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Rohrbach, Robert A. Hale
  • Patent number: 4036148
    Abstract: A track system is arranged to be flush with the floor and a drive shaft is mounted for rotation beneath the level of the floor. A vehicle mounted on wheels is moved along the tracks by a drive wheel which extends downwardly from the bottom of the vehicle through an elongated slot in the floor and which contacts the drive shaft. The vehicle includes a bumper system which upon impact oscillates the drive wheel into a position which decellerates and stops the vehicle. A cam associated with the drive wheel selectively cooperates with a cam surface located beneath the floor level at a queuing station for oscillating the drive wheel into a position which decellerates and stops the vehicle. Means are also provided at the queuing station for positively holding the vehicle in a stopped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: SI Handling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vercoe C. Jones, Robert A. Hale