Patents by Inventor Robert A. Shepherd

Robert A. Shepherd 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: 9983156
    Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Catherine Ferrie
  • Publication number: 20160341683
    Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Catherine Ferrie
  • Patent number: 9442076
    Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Catherine Ferrie
  • Publication number: 20160169813
    Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Catherine Ferrie
  • Patent number: 9305390
    Abstract: A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Schlichte, Robert M. Laramee, Robert A. Shepherd, Brian P. Corbett
  • Patent number: 8520896
    Abstract: A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Richard A. Shepherd, Kendall E. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20110298800
    Abstract: A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Schlichte, Robert M. Laramee, Robert A. Shepherd, Brian P. Corbett
  • Publication number: 20110142284
    Abstract: A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, David R. Schlichte, Richard A. Shepherd, Kendall E. Goodman
  • Patent number: 7396577
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight structure for simultaneously providing a reduced infrared and radar signature, while adding little or no weight to a vehicle. As such, the present invention allows for substantial improvements over prior systems. An example of the type of vehicle able to make use of the present invention is a military helicopter, but there is nothing within the spirit and scope of the present invention limiting it to any particular vehicle. The teachings of the present invention are useful with any vehicle for which a reduction in infrared emissions and microwave reflections is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Riley, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7248904
    Abstract: A mobile station including a cover assembly and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included in the cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around the signal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold the belt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges which define side openings through which the signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed. Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as to vary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges are easily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect, the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7151531
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad is removably secured to the body and coupled to a processor. The keypad is depressible along a plurality of directions and can be switched between a first mode and second mode, wherein each combination of depressible direction and mode represent a unique group of alphanumeric letters. The processor includes word recognition software, such that a desired word can be determined from the sequence of groups of letters selected without having to select each individual letter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
  • Patent number: 6999805
    Abstract: A mobile station including a cover assembly and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included in the cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around the signal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold the belt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges which define side openings through which the signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed. Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as to vary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges are easily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect, the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20040262179
    Abstract: A mobile station including a cover assembly and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included in the cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around the signal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold the belt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges which define side openings through which the signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed. Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as to vary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges are easily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect, the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Robert A. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20040145571
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad is remotely secured to the body and coupled to a processor. The keypad is depressible along a plurality of directions and can be switched between a first mode and second mode, wherein each combination of depressible direction and mode represent a unique group of alphanumeric letters. The processor includes word recognition software, such a desire word can be determined form the sequence of groups of letter selected without having to select each individual letter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
  • Patent number: 6683599
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad is removably secured to the body and coupled to a processor. The keypad is depressible along a plurality of directions and can be switched between a first mode and second mode, wherein each combination of depressible direction and mode represent a unique group of alphanumeric letters. The processor includes word recognition software, such a desire word can be determined form the sequence of groups of letter selected without having to select each individual letter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
  • Publication number: 20030001821
    Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a body, a display, and a keypad. The keypad is removably secured to the body and coupled to a processor. The keypad is depressible along a plurality of directions and can be switched between a first mode and second mode, wherein each combination of depressible direction and mode represent a unique group of alphanumeric letters. The processor includes word recognition software, such a desire word can be determined form the sequence of groups of letter selected without having to select each individual letter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Shepherd, Nikolaj Helberg Bestle
  • Patent number: 4342913
    Abstract: A portable radiation dosimeter unit for continuously measuring exposure to radioactive decay products in ambient air. The unit is constructed as a unitary assembly suitable for mounting on a portable battery casing, the assembly housing a constant flow air pump for maintaining a constant flow of air through a filter, a detection unit and electronic circuitry connected to the detection unit for processing, counting and storing pulses generated by the detection of radioactive particles from decay products entrapped by the filter. The filter is readily replaceable, and in use is clamped in position by a clamp assembly pivotally mounted on a front wall of the unit, the clamp assembly providing an internal air passage forming part of the air flow path and positioned to receive the air which is drawn through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Assignee: Selco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Shepherd