Patents by Inventor Robert R. Marshall

Robert R. Marshall 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: 6842991
    Abstract: An improved method, system, and device for a compass combining an electronic magnetic compass and an angular velocity sensing gyroscope. One aspect of the invention integrates an angular velocity output signal from an angular velocity sensor or rate gyroscope to determine the angle of motion. An initial magnetic heading is obtained from a geomagnetic sensor and used as a reference for the integrated angular velocity signal. A geomagnetic heading signal is blended with the angular velocity output signal at an adaptive time interval. The adaptive time interval is increased if the reliability of the magnetic field improves and decreased if the reliability of the magnetic field degenerates. Additionally, dynamic calibration of the angular velocity sensor may be performed to correct for gyroscope bias (zero offset), and/or gyroscope scale factor or gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Robert W. Levi, Robert R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6813582
    Abstract: Performing dead reckoning navigation for persons on foot with improved accuracy. Accelerometers in a navigation device are used to deduce when abnormal steps are being taken and modify navigation calculations accordingly. Running and walking sideways or backwards are among the situations which can be detected and compensated. One embodiment of the invention is a pedometer which is attached to the user's waist or torso. Various correlations are used to distinguish between running versus walking, forward steps versus backward steps, left turn versus right turn, and the slope of the terrain being traveled. Various algorithms are used to distinguish between such motions and accurately track the distance and direction traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Point Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Levi, Robert R. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040064286
    Abstract: Performing dead reckoning navigation for persons on foot with improved accuracy. Accelerometers in a navigation device are used to deduce when abnormal steps are being taken and modify navigation calculations accordingly. Running and walking sideways or backwards are among the situations which can be detected and compensated. One embodiment of the invention is a pedometer which is attached to the user's waist or torso. Various correlations are used to distinguish between running versus walking, forward steps versus backward steps, left turn versus right turn, and the slope of the terrain being traveled. Various algorithms are used to distinguish between such motions and accurately track the distance and direction traveled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Levi, Robert R. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040020064
    Abstract: An improved method, system, and device for a compass combining an electronic magnetic compass and an angular velocity sensing gyroscope. One aspect of the invention integrates an angular velocity output signal from an angular velocity sensor or rate gyroscope to determine the angle of motion. An initial magnetic heading is obtained from a geomagnetic sensor and used as a reference for the integrated angular velocity signal. A geomagnetic heading signal is blended with the angular velocity output signal at an adaptive time interval. The adaptive time interval is increased if the reliability of the magnetic field improves and decreased if the reliability of the magnetic field degenerates. Additionally, dynamic calibration of the angular velocity sensor may be performed to correct for gyroscope bias (zero offset), and/or gyroscope scale factor or gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Levi, Robert R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5522889
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to restore eyelid function in a patient unable to voluntarily raise an eyelid. The apparatus includes a spiral torsion spring and pulley arrangement mounted in a housing that is implanted in the superior portion of the orbit of the eye. A wire connects the pulley to the eyelid. A spiral torsion spring provides the necessary spring force in tension to overcome the weight of the eyelid and draw the eyelid open. The natural muscles of eye closure are, however, sufficiently strong to overcome the spring tension thereby paying out wire from the pulley and closing the eye so as to provide normal blinking function. A position setting gear allows the biasing force of the spring to be selectively reduced sufficiently to allow the eye to remain closed for sleep or at other desired times. A method of treating ptosis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert S. Baker, Brian J. Willoughby, Robert R. Marshall