Patents by Inventor Robert J. Cummings
Robert J. Cummings 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: 11953547Abstract: An apparatus that allows for access to any and all registers of a central processing unit in a line replaceable unit (LRU) without a need to open the housing of the LRU is provided. The apparatus may receive write or read packets from an external device and relay the same to an LRU. The apparatus may receive state information from one or more registers of the LRU in response. The apparatus may transmit or transfer the state information to an external device. The apparatus may be used to update firmware in the LRU, for diagnostics or testing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: BAE Systems Controls Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Cummings, Robert J. Vovos
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Patent number: 11934161Abstract: System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: HLI SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Theodore E. Weber, Terrence R. Arbouw, Ronald K. Bender, Ronald J. Cummings-Kralik, Michael D. Crane, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Robert A. Martin, Peter A. Moyle, Gregory F. Smith, Stephan K. Zitz
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Patent number: 6555359Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic treatment of organic wastes in a liquid filled vessel wherein particles of the waste are buoyed and form a floating bed in the liquid by the gasses generated by the anaerobic digestion of the wastes. The bed forms to an upper stratum of the least digested, least dense waste and a lower stratum of the most digested, most dense waste. Liquid from beneath the bed is continuously sprayed over the upper surface of the bed through a series of discharge ports which expands to bed downwardly. Each spraying period is followed by a quiescent period to allow the bed to reform. Over time the floating bed is moved from an inlet end to an outlet end of the vessel where the most digested waste is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Anaerobics, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Publication number: 20030059927Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic treatment of organic wastes in a liquid filled vessel wherein particles of the waste are buoyed and form a floating bed in the liquid by the gasses generated by the anaerobic digestion of the wastes. The bed forms to an upper stratum of the least digested, least dense waste and a lower stratum of the most digested, most dense waste. Liquid from beneath the bed is continuously sprayed over the upper surface of the bed through a series of discharge ports which expands to bed downwardly. Each spraying period is followed by a quiescent period to allow the bed to reform. Over time the floating bed is moved from an inlet end to an outlet end of the vessel where the most digested waste is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Patent number: 4664341Abstract: A head restraint system is disclosed that is designed to protect the pilot's head against severe lateral forces. A circular track surrounds and is affixed to the pilot's helmet. The track is attached by two cables to a seat back. During normal flight conditions, the cables provide a small but constant tension to the helmet, and allow the pilot's head free movement in all directions. A spring loaded inertia reel will lock the cables in place when the lateral forces exceed a predetermined level. The system will also provide afterward head support during the pilot's emergency ejection from the aircraft, and the cables are automatically severed when the pilot is separated from the seat.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1984Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Patent number: 4637629Abstract: A pair of crisscrossing straps and a pair of tension straps connect the two ends of a rigid U-shaped member to the two sides of the backrest of an aircraft crewmember's seat. The end portions of the U-shaped member have slip rings which are the support points for a pair of support straps which form loops encircling the crewmember's rib cage. The support straps can move through the slip rings thereby allowing the crewmember the ability to turn to either side while secured to the seat by the restraint system. In another embodiment of the invention, the crisscrossing straps are eliminated and a pair of wedge shaped support pads mounted on the front surface of the backrest of the seat are used instead of a U-shaped member. The tension straps and the crisscross straps are connected to inertial reels mounted at the sides of the backrest of the seat in order to provide restraint to each side of the support strap system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1985Date of Patent: January 20, 1987Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Patent number: 4482112Abstract: A windblast arm protector assembly for use by an occupant of an open-type ejection seat of an aircraft. The assembly includes, for each arm of the seat occupant, a full length fabric sleeve member which is independent of any garment body, which is a part of the seat's restraint system (rather than an item of personal protective equipment), and which is shaped and dimensioned from the shoulder area to its wrist area in the form of a flexed (i.e., bent) arm. During ejection of the seat and occupant together, the sleeve member is pulled forwardly and adjacent to the occupant's sides by associated co-acting components of the assembly, such that the arm is not extended into the windblast and is protected from it. Unlike the prior art, this arm protector assembly restrains the wrist area of the seat occupant's arm near the seat ejection handle, while the arm is restrained over its entire length. As a result, the windblast load is uniformly applied, and the restrained arm is protected from injury.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1982Date of Patent: November 13, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Patent number: 4465250Abstract: A windblast leg protector assembly for use by an occupant of an open-type ejection seat of an aircraft. The assembly includes, for each leg of the seat occupant, a modification to the occupant's conventional anti-acceleration suit by way of a piece of nylon fabric (with concave configurated load spreading cuts, and with a ring captured thereon) attached to the thigh portion, and a similar piece of nylon fabric with a ring captured thereon attached to the calf portion, of each full length leg member of the anti-acceleration suit. Restraining/retracting straps which are connected to, and which remain with the ejection seat, are also constituent components of the windblast leg protector assembly. Snap hooks, which are captured on the slack restraining/retracting straps, are releasably connected by the occupant, after sitting down in the ejection seat, to the captured rings on the thigh and the calf portions of the anti-acceleration suit being worn.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1983Date of Patent: August 14, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Robert J. Cummings
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Patent number: 4436262Abstract: A windblast head protector for use in conjunction with an ejection seat of a high performance aircraft in order to protect the head of a crew member during ejection from the aircraft. The protector includes a deployable U-shaped tubular frame which supports a canopy that extends over the top of a crew member's helmet. The frame is held in place when fully deployed by two cords which extend from the frame's forward edge to two rings attached to the headrest of the ejection seat. The head protector is normally stowed in the pilot chute compartment on top of the main parachute pack of the ejection seat and moved into the fully deployed position by means of cable passing through the frame and operably connected to a deployment mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1982Date of Patent: March 13, 1984Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Robert J. Cummings