Patents by Inventor Robert Burns
Robert Burns 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: 8078207Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of automatically maintaining a line-of-sight communication channel. The method comprises determining information about each communication resource that is accessible in a region through which a mobile system is moving. The method further comprises determining information about the mobile system. The method further comprises performing a line-of-sight (LOS) analysis for each of the communication resources based at least in part on a respective location and a respective elevation for the respective communication resource and the current location of the mobile system and a current elevation for the mobile system. The method further comprises determining if a new communication link should be established with at least one of the communication resources based at least on the LOS analyses that were performed and establishing the new communication link if it is determined that the new communication link should be established.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert Burns, Kurt Holmquist, Dean R. Hellickson
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Publication number: 20110197026Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Robert Burns Douglass, Thomas Marshall Humm, John Aden Mosher
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Patent number: 7954118Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Hie Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Robert Burns Douglass, Thomas Marshall Humm, John Aden Mosher
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Publication number: 20110021231Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of automatically maintaining a line-of-sight communication channel. The method comprises determining information about each communication resource that is accessible in a region through which a mobile system is moving. The method further comprises determining information about the mobile system. The method further comprises performing a line-of-sight (LOS) analysis for each of the communication resources based at least in part on a respective location and a respective elevation for the respective communication resource and the current location of the mobile system and a current elevation for the mobile system. The method further comprises determining if a new communication link should be established with at least one of the communication resources based at least on the LOS analyses that were performed and establishing the new communication link if it is determined that the new communication link should be established.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Robert Burns, Kurt Holmquist, Dean R. Hellickson
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Publication number: 20100314014Abstract: A tyre (10) adapted to be fitted onto a conventional wheel rim (13) for pneumatic tyres, the rim (13) has a tyre support surface (15), bead seats (17), each bead seat (17) comprises an inner seat portion (19) and an outer seat portion (21) terminating in an arcuate portion (22) defining the outer periphery of the rim (13), the tyre (10) comprises a radially inner portion (31) engageable with the rim (13), the radially inner portion comprising a band (41), the band comprises a metal band adapted to the supportingly received on, and releasably fixed with respect to the outer periphery of the rim (13) by welding at circumferentially spaced intervals, the tyre (10) further comprises a cushioning structure (33), the cushioning structure (33) comprises a resiliently deformable body of appropriate material such as rubber, bonded onto the band (41), the band (41) provides a rigid base for supporting the resiliently deformable body (43).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Crocodile Corporation LtdInventor: Alan Robert Burns
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Publication number: 20100266290Abstract: A system for receiving an optical communication signal includes a first array of light responsive devices defining a first target area and a second light responsive device defining a second target area. The second target area is smaller than the first target area. A detection device is coupled to the first array of light responsive devices and configured to identify at least one individual light responsive device in the first array of light responsive devices receiving the greatest light input relative to other light responsive devices in the first array of light responsive devices. A positioning device is configured to position the second light responsive device relative to the at least one individual light responsive device, such that the second light responsive device receives the optical communication signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Halil N. Altan, Robert Burns, John Ryan Parry
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Patent number: 7815004Abstract: This invention pertains to an attachment to an electric wheelchair. The attachment enables an electric wheelchair to be used in areas that would not otherwise be possible. An electric wheelchair, though very useful and necessary, has several mobility drawbacks. Off road areas such as beaches, mud, and even tall grass pose a problem to the electric wheelchair. This invention provides an attachment to an existing electric wheelchair and powered off of that wheelchair's motor that allows the user to explore terrain that would not be possible in conventional wheelchair designs. By designing a drive system that works off of the electric wheelchair's power, the attachment can remain purely mechanical. With no motors or electric parts on the attachment, the design is simple and user friendly.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Travis Watkins, Robert Burn, John Hopkins
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Publication number: 20100219065Abstract: Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2006Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: SEAPOWER PACIFIC PTY LTD.Inventor: Alan Robert Burns
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Publication number: 20100171312Abstract: A buoyant actuator (10) for use in apparatus (11) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high-pressure seawater. The buoyant actuator (10) comprises a body (21) defining a chamber (23) having a pliant outer skin (27). The chamber (23) is adapted to contain matter and a hydrodynamic property of the body (21) is selectively variable by varying the matter within the chamber (23). The variation to the hydrodynamic property may comprise a variation to the buoyancy (either positively or negatively) or a variation to the response area (such as the volume or shape) of the body (21), as well as a combination thereof. The variation to the matter may comprise addition of matter to, or extraction of matter from, the chamber (23). The matter may comprise a solid, liquid or gas, as well as any combination thereof. In the arrangement shown, the matter comprises foam spheres (53).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Alan Robert Burns
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Publication number: 20100053330Abstract: A security sensor system comprises one or more laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors configured for accumulation of three-dimensional image data. In one embodiment, the one or more LADAR sensors each comprise a LADAR device, such as a MEMS device, configured to transmit a plurality of laser pulses, and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the LADAR device. One or more data storage devices is operatively coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store the three-dimensional image data, as well as predetermined protected area boundary and fixed object definitions. A GPS receiver can be operatively coupled to the microprocessor and a GPS antenna. The microprocessor is configured to perform a LADAR image analysis that compares the three-dimensional image data with the protected area boundary and fixed object definitions to identify one or more potential intruders.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Dean R. Hellickson, Kurt Holmquist, James Cook, Robert Burns, Andrew W. Guyette
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Patent number: 7673309Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Hie Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Robert Burns Douglass, Thomas Marshall Humm, John Aden Mosher
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Publication number: 20100014391Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Robert Burns Douglass, Thomas Marshall Humm, John Aden Mosher
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Patent number: 7618669Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-lactose, partially hydrolyzed infant formula. The carbohydrate component of the infant formula comprises between 0% and 60% lactose and the protein component of the infant formula comprises partially hydrolyzed whey protein and casein, the protein component having a particular molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Mead Johnson Nutrition CompanyInventors: Nagendra Rangavajla, Win-Chin Chiang, Khaled A. Khatib, David A. Wynsen, Gabor Puski, Jon Vanderhoof, Robert A. Burns
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Publication number: 20090107328Abstract: A reciprocating pump (10) comprises a body (11) configured as a cylindrical pressure vessel defining an internal space (13). The body (11) comprises a wall (17) having an opening (18) therein. The pump (10) further comprises a reciprocating plunger (25) having a cylindrical side face (26) and an end face (27). The plunger (25) extends into the internal space (13) through the opening (18) within the wall (17). A seal means (40) is provided for establishing a fluid seal between the body (11) and the plunger (25) at the opening (18). The seal means (40) is adapted to accommodate limited tilting movement of the plunger (25) with respect to the body (11). The seal means (40) comprises a bush (43) with which the plunger (25) is in sliding and sealing engagement. The bush (43) is supported in a mount (45) and is moveable with respect thereto to accommodate the limited tilting movement of the plunger (25).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: SEAPOWER PACIFIC PTY LTD.Inventors: Alan Robert Burns, Peter Tinc
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Patent number: 7474329Abstract: An apparatus to evaluate an illuminated panel comprises a camera to acquire a real-time digital color image of the illuminated panel and a stored digital color image of a standard illuminated panel. A monitor is provided to alternately display the real-time image and the stored image to detect any differences in the illuminated panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: BAE Systems Controls, Inc.Inventors: Richard Duane Hill, Stephen P. Cook, Thomas J. Lipko, Robert Burns
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Publication number: 20080315443Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for the adjustment of optical or fibre optical components, whereby a partial region of an actuator is locally heated in such a defined manner that compressive stresses are created therein as a result of the restricted thermal expansion of said heated partial region, caused by at least one other partial region of the actuator. If the yielding point ? of the material of the partial region is exceeded, said compressive stresses lead to the plastic compression of the heated partial region. Furthermore, said heated partial region is contracted during cooling and leads to a defined modification of the geometry of the actuator following the cooling process. Tensile stresses are created as a result of a restriction of said contraction by means of at least one other partial region in the previously heated partial region, and compressive stresses are frozen in the at least one other region.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Burkhard Muller, Robert Burns Israelsen
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Publication number: 20080267843Abstract: There is disclosed a reactor apparatus including a support element that is rotatable about an axis and which has a first surface generally centered on the axis. The first surface is adapted for outward radial flow of a thin film of fluid phase reactant thereacross when supplied thereto as the support element is rotated. The support element also has a second surface opposed to the first surface and which is in thermal communication with the first surface. The second surface is provided with a spiral passageway generally centered on the axis and also with means for supplying a heat transfer fluid to the spiral passageway. By providing a spiral passageway for the heat transfer fluid, improved heat transfer from the first surface to the heat transfer fluid is obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: John Robert Burns, Ian Henderson
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Patent number: 7440878Abstract: A method of generating a virtual model of an object, comprising the step of constructing a fused model to represent the variation of the shape of the object in a plurality of configurations. In the method, position variation vectors may be calculated which describe the variation of a plurality of points in the fused model from their mean positions over all the configurations of the object; the position variation vectors may be assigned a weighting factor which represents a measure of their probabilistic confidence; a weighted covariance matrix may be constructed to represent the variations; the weighted covariance matrix may be operated on to obtain shape variation vectors representing the weighted direction and magnitude of variations; such that the fused model may describe how the shape of the object varies as a function of the shape variation vectors scaled by a shape parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: The University Court of the University of EdinburghInventors: Robert Burns Fisher, III, Petko Faber, Timothy Campbell Lukins
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Publication number: 20080232901Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Robert Burns, Dennis Darling, Paul Hurlburt, Gary Ketner
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Publication number: 20080232902Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and deploying a barrier utilizing one or more gas generators. The invention includes a barrier component installed beneath the ground surface or substantially parallel to the ground and raised by activation of the gas generator. The device can be trigger automatically without human intervention and thereby faster deployment of the barrier. The barrier can include a reactive component. The barrier can include plurality of telescoping barrier subcomponents.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Robert Burns, Dennis Darling, Paul Hurlburt, Gary Ketner