Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Jacobsen

Stephen C. Jacobsen 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).

  • DIGITAL BALLISTIC IMPACT DETECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20100326192
    Abstract: Methods and devices for a miniature, ultra-low power impact recorder for detecting, quantifying and recording the energy of an explosive blast or ballistic projectile impact. In one embodiment, the impact recorder can included a sensor comprised of an array of electromechanical resonators that is sensitive to the vibrations produced in selected, discrete frequency ranges that approximate the spectral signature characteristics of the shockwave resulting from the ballistic impact event, even after traveling through impacted material or body tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: TOMASZ J. PETELENZ, STEPHEN C. JACOBSEN
  • Target-Specific Fire Fighting Device For Launching A Liquid Charge At A Fire
    Publication number: 20100314139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-target-specific fire fighting device for launching a liquid charge towards a localized target portion of a fire. The firefighting device is capable of highly precise target engagement at a single, localized area. In this manner, the fire fighting device can launch a single liquid charge effectively to a target location within a fire, such as the seat of a fire, in order to effectively extinguish the fire. The firefighting device includes at least a liquid charge having a flight integrity component, a barrel, a sighting structure coupled to the barrel, and a launching system for launching the liquid charge down the barrel at a target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, Ralph W. Pensel, Fraser M. Smith
  • Amphibious Robotic Crawler
    Publication number: 20100317244
    Abstract: An amphibious robotic crawler for traversing a body of water having two frame units coupled end-to-end or in tandem by an actuated linkage arm. Each frame unit includes a housing with a drivable continuous track rotatably supported thereon. The frame units are operable with a power supply, a drive mechanism and a control module. Each frame unit further includes a buoyancy control element for suspending the frame unit in the water, and for controlling the depth of the robotic crawler within the water. The control module coordinates the rotation of the continuous tracks, the position of the linkage arm and the buoyancy of the buoyancy control elements to control movement, direction and pose of the robotic crawler through the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier
  • Method And System For Deploying A Surveillance Network
    Publication number: 20100318242
    Abstract: A method and system for gathering information from and setting up a surveillance network within an earth-surface environment that includes inserting one or more mobile robotic devices having a sensing subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a navigation subsystem into an earth-surface environment. The mobile robotic device may be configured into a traveling pose selected from a plurality of available traveling poses, and directed using the navigation subsystem to a sensing location within the earth-surface environment. The environment may be monitored and sensed information collected may be stored or communicated to a remote location. The mobile robotic device may be configured to operate with a vehicle carrier to facilitate insertion and deployment of the robotic vehicle into the earth-surface environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier, Ralph W. Pensel, Fraser M. Smith
  • Serpentine robotic crawler
    Patent number: 7845440
    Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Mini-scope for multi-directional imaging
    Patent number: 7835074
    Abstract: A mini-scope for multi-directional imaging is disclosed. The mini-scope includes an elongated mini-scoped body. An emissions aperture is disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body, which can be configured to emit a beam of optical energy propagating through a flexible optical conductor. A selective mirror is also positioned at the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body and is configured to selectively pass or reflect the beam of optical energy based on the optical characteristics of the beam. A SSID is further disposed on the distal end of the elongated mini-scope body for imaging illumination reflected by an external object in response to the beam of optical energy. This illumination is directed to pass through or reflect from the selective mirror to the camera based on optical characteristics of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sterling LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David Marceau, Fraser Smith
  • Serpentine Robotic Crawler
    Publication number: 20100258365
    Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Miniaturized imaging device including utility aperture and SSID
    Patent number: 7787939
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward miniaturized imaging devices. In one embodiment, the device can include a utility guide having at least one aperture configured for supporting utilities, and an SSID carried by the utility guide. The SSID can include an imaging array on a top surface, and a conductive element on a side surface, wherein the imaging array is electrically coupled to the conductive element. Further, a lens can be optically coupled to the imaging array, and an umbilical, including a conductive line, can be carried by the at least one aperture. The conductive line can be electrically coupled to the conductive element on the side surface of the SSID. Alternatively, the device can include an SSID having, as an integral structure, an imaging array electrically coupled to a conductive pad, wherein the SSID further includes at least one utility aperture passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sterling LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David T. Markus, Ralph W. Pensel
  • Pressure control valve having an asymmetric valving structure
    Patent number: 7779863
    Abstract: The present invention describes, generally, a method and system for controlling the dynamics of an actuatable load functioning or operable within a servo or servo-type system, wherein the dynamics of the load are controlled by way of a unique asymmetric pressure control valve configured to provide intrinsic pressure regulation. The asymmetric pressure control valve, which may be referred to as a dynamic pressure regulator because of its capabilities, utilizes different sized free floating spools that are physically independent of one another and freely supported in interior cavities of respective corresponding different sized valving components that make up the valve body to regulate the pressures acting within the overall system between the control or pilot pressure and the load or load pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Shane Olsen, Michael Morrison
  • Versatile Endless Track For Lightweight Mobile Robots
    Publication number: 20100201187
    Abstract: A versatile endless track system for a lightweight robotic vehicle is disclosed. The versatile endless track system includes a flexible track configured for mounting about a plurality of track supports of the lightweight robotic vehicle. A plurality of traction pads including at least two different types of traction pads are inserted into and supported by a plurality of receptacles contained within the flexible track. The different types of traction pads provide different ground-interfacing profiles designed to provide traction with respect to ground surfaces having different traction properties. Optionally, traction pads can be removable, allowing the versatile endless track to be reconfigured. A method of configuring a versatile endless track is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Conformable Track Assembly For A Robotic Crawler
    Publication number: 20100201185
    Abstract: A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Brian J. Maclean, Ralph W. Pensel, Christopher R. Hirschi
  • Underwater wave/energy transducer
    Patent number: 7768144
    Abstract: A method for generating electrical current indirectly from ocean wave action based on the reciprocating surge of the ocean that directly results from the overhead wave action. The method includes (a) positioning an energy transducer below overhead wave action and at a depth and orientation substantially responsive to reciprocating water surges arising from the overhead wave action; and (b) powering the energy transducer by the surges in alternating first and second directions to generate electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Vaughn W North, Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith
  • Method And Device For Incremental Wavelength Variation To Analyze Tissue
    Publication number: 20100188492
    Abstract: A method of imaging a target using a miniaturized imaging device is disclosed comprising providing a miniaturized imaging device having a stationary lens system and an imaging array, wherein the distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the imaging array is fixed. The miniaturized imaging device is advanced near the desired target and a distance from a distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target is determined. A desired wavelength of light is calculated based on the determined distance from the distal end of the stationary lens system to the desired target and the desired wavelength of light is propagated onto the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser M. Smith, David P. Marceau
  • Point And Go Navigation System And Method
    Publication number: 20100174422
    Abstract: A remote operator console provides point and go navigation of a robotic vehicle. The remote operator console provides a display for visual representation of the environment in which the robotic vehicle is operating based on sensor information received from the robotic vehicle. An operator may designate a target point on the display. The robotic vehicle is automatically navigated toward a location in the environment corresponding to the designated target point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Marc X. Olivier
  • Method And Device For Wavelength Shifted Imaging
    Publication number: 20100171821
    Abstract: A micro-camera catheter device is disclosed comprising at least one light source disposed on a distal end of a catheter. The light source is capable of propagating a predetermined wavelength of light with a wavelength between approximately 1000 nanometers and approximately 2000 nanometers onto a target. The device further comprises a lens system disposed on the distal end of the catheter, said lens system configured to receive light reflected from the target. The device further comprises a non-linear optical media disposed behind the lens system configured to modify the light reflected from the target. The device also comprises a silicon-based solid state imaging device disposed behind the non-linear optical media configured to receive light from the non-linear optical media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau
  • Miniature Pump Device with an Anti-Free Flow Valve
    Publication number: 20100135831
    Abstract: A miniature unidirectional valve configured to restrict the free flow of fluid through the valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet. A flexible membrane is movably disposed over the inlet and outlet, and movable between an open position and a closed position. The flexible membrane is movable by a pressure from the inlet to move the membrane to the open position. A control chamber is disposed in the valve body adjacent the fluid flow path, and configured to apply a pressure against the membrane to move the membrane to the closed position to restrict fluid flow through the valve. A preload structure is associated with the flexible membrane, and biases the flexible membrane toward the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Method and apparatus for presetting device operating levels with display
    Patent number: 7727180
    Abstract: Techniques for control of fluid delivery from a fluid reservoir by a medical infusion pump are described. Setting of at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter is determined by the use of one or more mechanical keys. The mechanical key actuates one or more electronic switches of a mechanical key receptacle coupled to the medical infusion pump. The electronic switches are coupled to the medical infusion pump to control the at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter. Keys can be differently configured to actuate different switches corresponding to particular settings and can include display indicia showing the particular parameter value set by the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sterling Investments LC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Shane Olsen, Tomasz J. Petelenz
  • Hull Robot
    Publication number: 20100126403
    Abstract: A hull cleaning robot includes at least one cleaning apparatus for cleaning the hull of a vessel, at least one drive track holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull, and at least one turbine actuatable by water flowing past the hull for operating the at least one drive track and, optionally, the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: James H. Rooney, III, Jonathan T. Longley, Joel N. Harris, Fraser Smith, Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Electrical Microfilament to Circuit Interface
    Publication number: 20100116869
    Abstract: Devices and methods for electrical interconnection for microelectronic circuits are disclosed. One method of electrical interconnection includes forming a bundle of microfilaments, wherein at least two of the microfilaments include electrically conductive portions extending along their lengths. The method can also include bonding the microfilaments to corresponding bond pads of a microelectronic circuit substrate to form electrical connections between the electrically conductive portions and the corresponding bond pads. A microelectronic circuit can include a bundle of microfilaments bonded to corresponding bond pads to make electrical connection between corresponding bonds pads and electrically-conductive portions of the microfilaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus
  • Ultra-High Density Connector
    Publication number: 20100112865
    Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus