Patents by Inventor Stephen B. Crain

Stephen B. Crain 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).

  • Publication number: 20240027607
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20230139324
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20210141083
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20180196135
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: SADAR 3D, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20150025788
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping. In one version mapping can be carried out. Vehicles may carry scanners used for mapping and three-dimensional modeling. Surveillance and monitoring methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20140368373
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Publication number: 20140368378
    Abstract: A scanning system uses synthetic aperture radar and photography. The system is capable of conjoint use of image data developed by these and other scanning apparatus to form a model of a zone. In some versions, the model includes subsurface image information. Methods for use to scan and for implementation of images and models developed by the scan are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Joseph V.R. Paiva, Dennis H. Cowdrick
  • Patent number: 8490937
    Abstract: A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seco Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize, Christopher T. Moore, Jerry L. Williamson, Brandon T. Spitzmiller, Larry W. Essex, Clinton J. Mize
  • Patent number: 7707733
    Abstract: A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7669816
    Abstract: A clamp comprises an anvil and a jaw member moveable relative to the anvil between a secured positioned and an unsecured positioned. A driver, which moves the jaw member between the secured and unsecured positions, includes a torque limiter to inhibit overtightening the jaw member against an object. The jaw member has a rigid engagement portion and an elastomeric pad on its engagement surface. In the unsecured position, the elastomeric pad projects above the rigid material such that when the jaw member is brought into contact with the object, the elastomeric pad contacts the object and the object is substantially free of contact with the rigid engagement portion. In the secured position, the elastomeric pad is compressed such that both the elastomeric pad and rigid engagement portion contact the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore, Ralph C. Mize, Jerry L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7669813
    Abstract: A geomatics pole support comprises a body and pole engaging members for connecting the support to a geomatics pole so that the body is retained by the pole engaging members projecting generally laterally outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the pole. The body further includes a terrain engagement surface adapted to engage a ground surface and to hold at least a portion of the pole in a stable position out of contact with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7669342
    Abstract: A snap-on support has a body and a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the body and adapted for snap-fit connection with a geomatics target device. The arms are moveable between an operative position wherein the arms extend outward from the body for securing the support to the geomatics target device and a stowed position wherein the arms are retracted generally adjacent to the body for storage of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Clinton J. Mize, Lindsey Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 7631842
    Abstract: Supports for geomatic equipment, and in particular geomatic poles, can come in the form of bipods and tripods. The support system can be selectively configured as a bipod support and as a tripod support. No modification needs to be made to the geomatic pole, the system is independently capable of configuration. The position of legs of the supports is particularly selected to provide stability in both the bipod and tripod configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Clinton J. Mize, Ralph C. Mize, Jerry L. Williamson, Larry W. Essex, Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7500843
    Abstract: A mold kit and mold which provides for renewal of damaged or worn molds. The mold kit employs spacers to make up for subtractive reconditioning of the mold. A method for renewing the mold is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 7441981
    Abstract: A coupler comprises a male component and a female component including an interior chamber for receiving the male component. A catch extends into the interior chamber for cooperating with the male component to axially secure the male component with respect to the female component. A release comprises a slide located adjacent the catch, whereby depression of a button on the catch causes the catch to resiliently deform and move along the slide to a position free of engagement with the male component. The coupler can be used to attach a holder for holding an auxiliary device to a clamp. The coupler has a first position wherein the holder is spaced a first distance from the clamp and is fixed rotationally relative to the clamp, and a second position wherein the holder is spaced a second distance from the clamp and is free to rotate with respect to the clamp while remaining coupled to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7240881
    Abstract: A support capable of supporting geomatic equipment has hinged legs which allow the legs to pivot about a horizontal axis to selected positions. A hinge lock associated with each of the legs allows the leg to be locked in the selected angular position. Locking of the legs in this manner facilitates stability of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Christopher T. Moore, Ralph C. Mize, Jerry L. Williamson, Larry W. Essex
  • Patent number: D572998
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize, Lindsey Marie Davis
  • Patent number: D579360
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Clinton J. Mize, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: D579803
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Clinton J. Mize, Lindsey Marie Davis
  • Patent number: D585646
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Crain Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Lindsey Marie Davis