Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Brentnall

Thomas E. Brentnall 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: 9692988
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Christopher Raynard Runco, Thomas E. Brentnall, Thomas Frasier LaDuke
  • Patent number: 8801190
    Abstract: A mirror is at least partially transparent on a first side and at least partially reflective on a second side. The mirror is positioned at an angle in front of a display such that visible light emitted from the display is reflected from the second side. Further, the a plurality of invisible light emitters are positioned in front of the second side that transmits the invisible light through the mirror from the second side to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Joseph, David Stanley Wishart, Jr., Jere Mark Kirkley, Peter Stepniewicz, Mark A. Reichow, Christopher Raynard Runco, Thomas E. Brentnall, Thomas Fraiser LaDuke
  • Publication number: 20130229527
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Christopher Raynard Runco, Thomas E. Brentnall, Thomas Frasier LaDuke
  • Publication number: 20120138821
    Abstract: A mirror is at least partially transparent on a first side and at least partially reflective on a second side. The mirror is positioned at an angle in front of a display such that visible light emitted from the display is reflected from the second side. Further, the a plurality of invisible light emitters are positioned in front of the second side that transmits the invisible light through the mirror from the second side to the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Joseph, David Stanley Wishart, JR., Jere Mark Kirkley, Peter Stepniewicz, Mark A. Reichow, Christopher Raynard Runco, Thomas E. Brentnall, Thomas Fraiser LaDuke
  • Patent number: 8118434
    Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Turner, David F. Barnett, Thomas E. Brentnall, III
  • Publication number: 20110249201
    Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: RICHARD B. TURNER, DAVID F. BARNETT, THOMAS E. BRENTNALL, III
  • Patent number: 8016434
    Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Turner, David F. Barnett, Thomas E. Brentnall, III
  • Patent number: 7938540
    Abstract: An apparatus projecting 3D autostereoscopic images viewers. The apparatus includes a projector array with projectors each receiving an input image such as digital video and projecting an image based on the input image. A beam splitter with first and second surfaces is positioned such that the projected images strike the first surface and a portion (e.g., 50 to 95 percent) is transmitted through the beam splitter toward a screen with a retroreflective surface. The retroreflective surface reflects the splitter-transmitted portion back along the same path but with increased brightness. The light reflected from the retroreflective surface strikes the second surface of the beam splitter and is reflected toward a display viewing zone provided at about the focal points of the reflected projectors. A 3D image is perceivable to a viewer who positions his eyes at or near any of two or more viewing locations proximate to the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Brentnall, III, Richard B. Turner
  • Publication number: 20100014053
    Abstract: An apparatus projecting 3D autostereoscopic images viewers. The apparatus includes a projector array with projectors each receiving an input image such as digital video and projecting an image based on the input image. A beam splitter with first and second surfaces is positioned such that the projected images strike the first surface and a portion (e.g., 50 to 95 percent) is transmitted through the beam splitter toward a screen with a retroreflective surface. The retroreflective surface reflects the splitter-transmitted portion back along the same path but with increased brightness. The light reflected from the retroreflective surface strikes the second surface of the beam splitter and is reflected toward a display viewing zone provided at about the focal points of the reflected projectors. A 3D image is perceivable to a viewer who positions his eyes at or near any of two or more viewing locations proximate to the projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS E. BRENTNALL, III, RICHARD B. TURNER
  • Publication number: 20090303447
    Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: RICHARD B. TURNER, DAVID F. BARNETT, THOMAS E. BRENTNALL, III
  • Patent number: 4602857
    Abstract: A panoramic motion picture camera for continuously nonintermittently exposing a filmstrip in which a camera body assembly includes a stationary housing portion and a rotatable housing portion, the rotatable housing portion including an upper housing section and a lower housing section rotatable about an axis of rotation. Camera components including a lens means, a film gate, a main film sprocket, a film supply sprocket, and film idler spools providing a film path are enclosed within the upper housing section while a film supply reel and film take-up reel coaxially arranged and in spaced planar zones are contained within the lower housing section of the rotatable portion. Bidirectional film spools translate the filmstrip from the supply reel to the film path provided in the upper housing section and then to the film take-up reel at the lower part of the lower housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: James H. Carmel
    Inventors: Robert L. Woltz, Thomas E. Brentnall