Patents by Inventor Robert C. Houvener
Robert C. Houvener 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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Publication number: 20160119610Abstract: A panoramic camera system includes a plurality of camera units mounted in a common, e.g., horizontal, plane and arranged in a circumferential array. Each camera unit includes one or more lenses for focusing light from a field of view onto an array of light-sensitive elements. A panoramic image generator combines electronic image data from the multiplicity of the fields of view to generate electronic image data representative of a first 360-degree panoramic view and a second 360-degree panoramic view, wherein the first and second panoramic views are angularly displaced. A stereographic display system is provided to retrieve operator-selectable portions of the first and second panoramic views and to display the user selectable portions in human viewable form. In a further aspect, a video display method is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Steven N. Pratte
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Patent number: 9270976Abstract: A panoramic camera system includes a plurality of camera units mounted in a common, e.g., horizontal, plane and arranged in a circumferential array. Each camera unit includes one or more lenses for focusing light from a field of view onto an array of light-sensitive elements. A panoramic image generator combines electronic image data from the multiplicity of the fields of view to generate electronic image data representative of a first 360-degree panoramic view and a second 360-degree panoramic view, wherein the first and second panoramic views are angularly displaced. A stereographic display system is provided to retrieve operator-selectable portions of the first and second panoramic views and to display the user selectable portions in human viewable form. In a further aspect, a video display method is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Exelis Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Steven N. Pratte
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Publication number: 20150217188Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Brian Sullivan, Richard S. Malagodi
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Publication number: 20150217922Abstract: A retention apparatus configured to retain a personal electronic device within a physical interaction device may include one or more retention clips flexibly secured within an interior receptacle of the physical interaction device such that the one or more clips deflect as the personal electronic device is inserted into the interior receptacle and a lip of each of the one or more clips engages a surface of the personal electronic device upon full insertion of the personal electronic device into the interior receptacle, thereby securely retaining the personal electronic device within the interior receptacle until manipulation of the one or more retention clips by a user to release the personal electronic device from the interior receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Greg Allison
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Publication number: 20150130191Abstract: A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy includes a subsurface structure supporting machinery to convert received energy into potential energy, store that potential energy, and at a later time convert that potential energy into electrical energy. The system includes one or more buoyant chambers that support the subsurface structure and are maintained with an internal that is approximately equal to the ambient pressure at their deployed depth. The system is anchored to the seafloor with one or more mo lines. Suspended from the subsurface structure are one or more weights that are hoisted up or lowered down by one or more winches The one or more winches comprise a spooling drum, and one or more motors and/or one or more generators or one or more motor/generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: SeaPower Systems, LLC.Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Clifford A. Goudey, Tyler N. Doyle
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Patent number: 8836500Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Michele M. Hermsen, Tyler N. Doyle
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Publication number: 20140210613Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Michele M. Hermsen, Tyler N. Doyle
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Publication number: 20140192478Abstract: A retention apparatus configured to retain a personal electronic device within a protective device may include a personal electronic device retention element including two or more retention loops, where the two or more retention loops comprise flexible material, and each retention loop of the two or more retention loops is configured to stretch over and secure a portion of a personal electronic device. The retention apparatus may further include a retention strap configured to releasably connect the retention apparatus to an exterior shell of the protective device, where the retention apparatus is configured to replaceably receive the personal electronic device during connection of the retention strap to the exterior shell of the protective device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Physical Apps, LLCInventor: Robert C. Houvener
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Patent number: 8730037Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Michele M. Hermsen, Tyler N. Doyle
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Publication number: 20120187693Abstract: A device configured for the production of hydrokinetic energy that allows the efficient capture of energy from fluid in motion, especially slow flowing fluids. The device features an innovative structural design and drive train system as well as redundancy, which allows the device to be deployed in position, placed in service and maintained over its lifetime through the use of remotely operated vehicles. The device features one or more turbines, each turbine having an open center tube. The device features a buoyancy system including a plurality of thin walled modular buoyancy chambers with a redundant (re)pressurization system and remotely operated vehicle replaceable bladder modules. Structure cavities of the device are capable of storing energy via processed energy storage liquids such as hydrogen or via gas compression in tanks and then exporting the stored energy or reconverting the stored energy into electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Tyler Nathaniel Doyle
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Publication number: 20120152790Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a device that may include an exterior shell including at least one of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam, a foamed resin, and an inflatable bladder. The device may include a personal electronic device receptacle configured to removably receive a personal electronic device. The device may be configured to substantially enclose and protect the personal electronic device within the personal electronic device receptacle during physical activity including at least one of rolling the device, throwing the device, kicking the device, and striking the device against another object, and enable interaction with the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is substantially enclosed within the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Michele M. Hermsen, Tyler N. Doyle
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Publication number: 20120139727Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: PHYSICAL APPS, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Michele M. Hermsen, Tyler N. Doyle
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Publication number: 20110119160Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a web site which addresses the above difficulties and others by providing site where an author may upload creative works for sale at a price set by the author. The website allows users to purchase and rate the works, creating an environment where high-quality works may be identified by users. The website further systematizes the process by which works are acquired by an investment pool, which may be an investment pool run by the website operator. The investment pool will offer to buy the rights of any work achieving a given amount of sales or positive feedback on the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Lawrence G. Clawson, JR.
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Publication number: 20100310376Abstract: A hydro or aero kinetic energy device (100) includes a hydrofoil-shaped blade and rotor system (11) made from composite and membrane flexible materials with an innovative system design to create a large, but relatively light-weight hydrokinetic turbine that achieves disruptively low deployment cost and low Cost of Electricity (COE), in high volumetric flow rate, low velocity (1-3 m/s) marine or air currents. The system (100) continually senses the current (12, 14) at the deployment site and based on the current profile, adjusts the pitch of the blades in real-time, thereby leveling out the forces on the turbine rotor. The hydrokinetic energy device turbine (100) may be assembled onshore, on the way to the deployment site or at the deployment site Further, be turbine may include a remote control receiver mechanism (77), that allows an operator to remotely controlled the maneuvering and other aspects of the turbine (100) during deployment, operation and maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Robert Edward Doyle, Tyler Nathaniel Doyle
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Publication number: 20090248542Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a web site which addresses the above difficulties and others by providing site where an author may upload creative works for sale at a price set by the author. The website allows users to purchase and rate the works, creating an environment where high-quality works may be identified by users. The website further systematizes the process by which works are acquired by an investment pool, which may be an investment pool run by the website operator. The investment pool will offer to buy the rights of any work achieving a given amount of sales or positive feedback on the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Lawrence G. Clawson, JR.
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Patent number: 6950536Abstract: A security identification system and method for identifying and/or verifying subjects includes analyzing primary biometric data of a subject and comparing it to known biometric data in a database. Primary biometric analysis includes determining whether a match exists with respect to the primary biometric data and, if a match exists, whether the match is a strong match. If the primary match is not a strong match, secondary biometric data is input for the subject. Secondary biometric analysis includes determining whether a match exists with respect to the secondary biometric data and whether the match is a strong match. An indication of whether the subject is cleared is provided based on the primary biometric data and, if collected, the secondary biometric analysis. In further aspects, expert analysis and automatic feedback may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Robert C. Houvener
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Publication number: 20040154125Abstract: An air-assisted tool includes a handle, a tool head (such as a rake or shovel, and a blower assembly. The tool is used to quickly and easily move debris (such as grass, rocks, leaves, snow, branches, dirt, etc.) by lifting and dislodging the debris from a surface in the traditional manner. The blower assembly produces an airflow that is directed towards the tool head and is used to propel the debris, thus reducing the labor necessary to move the debris. The blower assembly includes a motor coupled to a blower and a manifold in fluid communication with the blower. The manifold is preferably disposed proximate the tool head. The motor and blower may be disposed on the handle or as a separate unit such as a backpack or hand-held or wheelable unit. The tool may include an air-biasing device to adjust the direction of the airflow across the tool head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Houvener
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Quality assurance and training system for high volume mobile identity verification system and method
Patent number: 6757408Abstract: A security identification system is disclosed for providing information regarding subjects to be identified. The system includes a biometric data input unit for receiving biometric data regarding a subject at a remote location, a biometric analysis unit, and a quality assurance unit. The biometric analysis unit is for analyzing the biometric data and comparing it against known biometric data in a database at a central facility. The biometric analysis unit is also for providing match data that is indicative of whether a match exists and whether the match is above a certain correlation threshold. The quality assurance unit is for permitting quality assurance personnel at the central facility to monitor interactions of a screener and a subject at the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Houvener -
Publication number: 20040109588Abstract: A security identification system is disclosed for providing information regarding subjects to be identified. The system includes a primary biometric data input unit for receiving primary biometric data regarding a subject, a primary biometric analysis unit, a secondary biometric data input unit, a secondary biometric analysis unit, and a security clearance output unit. The primary biometric analysis unit is for analyzing the primary biometric data and comparing it against known biometric data in a database. The primary biometric analysis unit is also for providing primary match data that is indicative of whether a match exists with respect to the primary biometric data and whether the primary match data is above a minimum primary biometric data correlation threshold. The secondary biometric data input unit is for receiving secondary biometric data regarding the subject when the primary match data is below a minimum primary biometric data threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventor: Robert C. Houvener
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Patent number: D697977Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Physical Apps, LLCInventors: Robert C. Houvener, Greg Allison