Patents Issued in August 18, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160238340
    Abstract: A grip attachment for a firearm includes a hollow grip cover for receiving the firearm rear hand grip and having an expansion slit defined in a lateral side thereof and an arm extending to the rear of the grip cover. The arm includes an attachment ring for receiving the firearm butt stock extension tube in sliding engagement and a butt stock coupling disposed at a rearward end of the arm for coupling the rearward end of said grip attachment to the firearm butt stock. The butt stock coupling comprises a rearward extending wedge for preventing engagement of the firearm butt stock locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: JAMES LEVOYD SKELTON
  • Publication number: 20160238341
    Abstract: A firearm support system, has a stock unit configured to be carried by a firearm, the first unit having a first complementary component and a belt unit configured to be carried by a belt, the second unit having a second complementary component configured for selective engagement with the first complementary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: James Mitchell Ray
  • Publication number: 20160238342
    Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a holster for a weapon, tool, or other implement. The holster comprises a backing that may be combined with one or more interchangeable shell components (i.e., covers) to at least partially encase the implement. The backing includes a recessed portion, and a retention membrane is coupled to the backing to form a cavity with the recessed portion. The membrane is arranged to flex partially into the cavity when the implement is encased within the holster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: TEDDER INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Tedder, Timothy Treto
  • Publication number: 20160238343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sight device (1), in particular a reflector sight or telescopic sight, which sight device has a lighting apparatus (2) for producing or illuminating a target mark, wherein the lighting apparatus (2) comprises an light guide (3) made of photoluminescent, in particular fluorescent material and a radioluminescent light source (7) coupled to the light guide (3), wherein the light guide (3) is designed to receive ambient light and convert said ambient light into photoluminescence light along at least one segment (4) of the longitudinal extent of the light guide, and wherein the absorption spectrum (10) of the photoluminescent material of the light guide (3) and the emission spectrum (9) of the radioluminescent light source (7) in the visible range can both be characterized by a spectral bandwidth and a center wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: MB-Microtec AG
    Inventors: Daniel JAKOB, Hannes KIND
  • Publication number: 20160238344
    Abstract: A training device for a mortar that includes a firing tube with a front, open end, a rear end, a tube wall and a removal opening for removing a round of mortar training ammunition from the firing tube. The training device further includes a base plate to which the rear end of the firing tube is pivotably connected and a support with an aiming and alignment device. The firing tube is movably connected to the support on a front area by the aiming and alignment device. The training device also includes a transport device arranged on the rear and of the firing tube with which rounds of mortar training ammunition can be automatically transported away out of the firing tube through the removal opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Jandl, Kai Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20160238345
    Abstract: A system includes a boresight insert configured to be partially inserted into a barrel of a weapon. The boresight insert includes an optics section configured to generate light that identifies an impact point for a projectile from the weapon. The boresight insert includes a mechanical section coupled to the optics section. The mechanical section is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel to secure the boresight insert in place and to disengage the inner surface of the barrel to allow insertion and removal of the boresight insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Chad Wenn, Anthony R. Vulcano
  • Publication number: 20160238346
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus used to connect an optical device to a mounting structure is provided. The mounting apparatus has a base portion which is connectable to the mounting structure and a receiving portion which is movably connected to the base portion, such as with a pivot joint. The mounting apparatus may include an adjustable ‘force to overcome’ pivot joint between the base and receiving portions and a novel clamping system to clamp the base portion to the mounting structure. The mounting apparatus may also include a locking hole and locking structure engagement with a plunger and a movement restraint structure which controls pivotal movement of the receiving structure relative to the base structure. Other novel features and related methods of the mounting apparatus are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J. McCreight
  • Publication number: 20160238347
    Abstract: Hard armor plate pouches incorporated in a ballistic vest carrier cover that has armor panel pockets with side openings and waist panels. The pouches are attached to the carrier cover outer layer inside the armor pockets with access through the outer layer. In one configuration, the pouch is a single fabric sheet attached to the outer layer around the sheet perimeter. In another configuration, the pouch is a bag that hangs freely in the pocket. The pouch is accessed via a lateral opening or a vertical opening in the outer layer that is closed by an openable fastener, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or snaps. The vertical opening can be hidden behind a placket. Optionally, the waist panels have side pouches that have openings at the side or the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blauer, Robert K. Lee
  • Publication number: 20160238348
    Abstract: An armor component including a body having a first portion including calcium boride compounds include non-stoichiometric calcium boride (CaBx) and stoichiometric calcium boride (CaB6) and having a density of at least about 80% theoretical density. In one aspect, the first portion can include a first phase comprising silicon carbide (SiC) and a second phase comprising calcium boride (CaB6). In another aspect, the first portion can further include a third phase comprising boron carbide (B4C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen BOTTIGLIERI, Abhaya K. BAKSHI
  • Publication number: 20160238349
    Abstract: A barrier formed from one or more modular units that include a frame, a protective panel, and a gap that is configured to receive a portion of another one of the modular units of the barrier such that the one or more modular units of the barrier can be arranged at an angle selected from a range of angles from about 90 degrees, to provide a corner arrangement, to about 180 degrees, to provide a substantially straight wall arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: William Collins White, Jordan William Settle
  • Publication number: 20160238350
    Abstract: A net throwing device is disguised as a security camera and includes a casing including a front chamber, inclined tubes around the front chamber, a rear inner tube having an aperture member, and a rear outer tube having an aperture element; an air canister fastened in the inner tube; a spring biased piercing member slidably disposed between the front chamber and the air canister; a spring biased lock pin in the piercing member and having an end disposed in the aperture member to lock the piercing member in a locked position; a spring biased rod member through the aperture element; a cam member engaging the rod member; an external antenna; a receiver; a processor electrically connected to the receiver; an electric motor electrically connected to the processor; and a net received in the front chamber and including edge weights in the tubes respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jui-Fu Tseng
  • Publication number: 20160238351
    Abstract: A stationary target shooting system includes a main body having a horizontal member, a vertical member, and a base. The horizontal member is coupled to a first end of the vertical member. The base is coupled to a second end of the vertical member. At least one paper target holder is disposed on the horizontal member. At least one non-paper target holder depends from the horizontal member. The stationary target shooting system is portable and can be easily broken down and reassembled for use on a variety of surfaces. The stationary target shooting system may be adapted for target shooting with both firearms and archery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Doria
  • Publication number: 20160238352
    Abstract: An active target has a target face that is backlit by LEDs, where a detection layer behind the target face detects a new projectile hole in the target, such as from a gun or an arrow. The detection layer may be formed of one or more resistive layers, and the detected increase in resistance due to a new projectile hole being created is sensed and correlated to an XY position of the hole. The location of the new hole is transmitted via an RF signal to the shooter's portable device, such as a smartphone, and the shooter sees the location of the hit relative to the target face in real time. The LEDs may be dynamically controlled. The target is disposable and is supported by a support base containing the control electronics and transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Baldridge, Alexander Ray, Bradley Whaley, Darin Wagner, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Shelby Jueden, Steven Roach, Larry Todd Biggs, Eric Kahrs
  • Publication number: 20160238353
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to firearm or gunnery training system. More particularly relates to a device and method for providing multiple movements of a target for firearm or gunnery practice. The device (20) comprising a frame unit (8) configured to accommodate a drive mechanism (28), which is configured to rotate a first shaft (1) within a first predetermined range of angle. The frame unit (8) comprises more than one face and at least one of the faces is configured as a base for the device (20). The device (20) further comprises a target holding bracket (6) removably connectable to a target (10) at one end (6a) and a holder mating block (5) at other end (6b). Also, an eccentric target holder (3) is removably connectable to the first shaft (1) at a first end (3a) and a holder mating block (5) at a second end (3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: ZEN TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Kishore Dutt Atluri, Ravi M. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20160238354
    Abstract: A pyrotechnical igniter (100) for an inflator of a vehicle safety system comprises at least two contact pins (102) physically separated from each other by an electrically insulating compound and a bridge wire (110) connected to both contact pins (102) in an electrically conducting manner. A fastening portion (112) in which the bridge wire (110) is welded to the contact pins (102) is provided at each of the contact pins (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Johann Hinkofer, Christoph Knollhuber, Werner Muller, Stefan Heigl, Georg Schonhuber, Horst Laucht, Andreas Seidel
  • Publication number: 20160238355
    Abstract: An ammunition primer assembly is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cup having a base and a sidewall, a priming composition located in the cup and disposed on the base, an anvil located in the cup an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface abutting the sidewall. The anvil defining a central channel formed therethrough. A portion of the base of the cup forms a striking surface. The striking surface is adjacent to a portion of the primer composition that is adjacent to the lower surface of the anvil. The striking surface is offset from a center of the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Dionne, Pierre Duchesne, Eric Toutant
  • Publication number: 20160238356
    Abstract: Adapter assemblies for arrow assemblies include an insert configured to be received within an arrow shaft and configured to be coupled to a point. The adapter assembly further includes an outer sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the insert. Arrow assemblies include an arrow shaft and an adapter assembly including an insert and an outer sleeve for coupling a point to the arrow shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: GOLD TIP, LLC
    Inventor: BROCK D. ZOBELL
  • Publication number: 20160238357
    Abstract: A hand grenade includes a main body (10), a receiver (3) holding a cartridge chamber (2), a firing pin (6) that acts in the manner of a pendulum and a ball (7) located between facing conical surfaces on the firing pin (6) and on a wall (8) of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: John William George Ellis
  • Publication number: 20160238358
    Abstract: Ammunition including a projectile, and an electromotor disposed within the projectile, the electromotor including a rotor having an axis of rotation aligned with a flight path of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Andrey SOROKIN
  • Publication number: 20160238359
    Abstract: Charged projectile assemblies include a housing and an electronic assembly configured to produce an electric field about at least a portion of the housing of the projectile. Cartridge assemblies for use with firearms include charged projectiles. Methods of charging a projectile include forming an electric field about at least a portion of a projectile and extending the electric field at least partially between a forward portion of the projectile and an aft portion of the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Otto S. Krauss, John W. Westbrook, III
  • Publication number: 20160238360
    Abstract: A concussion device for creating a low level of smoke and a selectively tuned low-toned sound, the device including a structure having a cavity, the cavity having a top opening; a first energetic charge disposed in a bottom portion of the cavity; and a member removably secured to the structure within the cavity and partially overlying the first energetic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Darren Naud, John David Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160238361
    Abstract: An accelerator, having a sealed end and a nozzle, is connected to a projectile. The accelerator is used to provide an additional acceleration to the projectile. The accelerator may be detachably or non-detachably connected to the bottom surface of the projectile. The accelerator may have a bullet like form and may be utilized in a single or a multiple projectile cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Felix RACHLIN
  • Publication number: 20160238362
    Abstract: A grenade round 10 comprises a projectile 12, a case 14 and a high-low propellant propulsion system 16. The system 16 includes a propellant chamber assembly 30 for holding a propelling charge 32. The assembly 30 comprises a chamber body insert 38 which defines an internal cavity and a base plate insert 42 which closes off the internal cavity. The insert 38 is screwed into the case, while the insert 42 is screwed into the insert 38. The insert 42 defines a circumferential flange 60 which extends beyond and abuts a rim Connation of the insert 38. The inserts define a high strength housing for the propelling charge which is able to withstand the high pressures resulting from combustion of the propelling charge. The flange provides a relatively large area for dissipation of energy resulting from combustion of the propelling charge, into the interface between the base plate insert and the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Atlantis Manufacturing Management Services Proprietary Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Henry BLACKBEARD
  • Publication number: 20160238363
    Abstract: An improved transparent template and positioning device for aligning material to be stitched, marked or cut, the template including two overlapping lines with one or more being translucent and one or more using fluorescent pigment that will overlap their colors to create a third color forming an outline or “halo” effect of enhanced visibility, enabling the darker more precise opaque lines on the ruler to be easily seen or found on light and dark materials. The translucent lines will allow the user to see through the template to the actual material that he or she is working with in order to provide improved viewing and more accurate alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Elmer J. Norgard
  • Publication number: 20160238364
    Abstract: A measurement system for determining dimensions of a measurement zone of a physical asset is presented. The system includes a telescoping gauge configured to determine one or more analog measurements corresponding to the measurement zone of the physical asset, where the telescoping gauge includes a sliding arm and a vertical arm. Furthermore, the system includes a data digitizer operatively coupled to the telescoping gauge and configured to convert the one or more analog measurements to corresponding one or more digital measurements. In addition, the system includes a wireless unit operatively coupled to the telescoping gauge and configured to wirelessly transmit the one or more digital measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Juntao Wu, Robert William Tait, Chun Zhan, Maxine Marie Gibeau, John Brandon Laflen
  • Publication number: 20160238365
    Abstract: A digital protractor is provided for measuring spring and wall angles and determining and effecting bevel and miter angle adjustments of a miter saw to adjoining pieces of trim in accordance with the measured spring and wall angles. The protractor includes a pair of pivotally interconnected arms. At least one sensor is attached to one of the arms and a digital readout is secured to the other arm. The readout includes means for determining the bevel and miter angles such that the protractor can be set to those angles to properly adjust the miter saw in accordance with the calculated angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Barry Douglas Wixey, Shi Jian, Li Guang Jin
  • Publication number: 20160238366
    Abstract: This invention reliably returns a measurement surface to a reference position while weakening the elastic force of a spring. A tool length measurement apparatus of this invention includes a supporter that supports the measurement surface that the tip of a tool contacts while translating in accordance with a biasing force received from the tool. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a detector that detects the position of the measurement surface in a translation direction. The tool length measurement apparatus of this invention also includes a biasing unit that biases the measurement surface by a gas in a direction against the biasing force received from the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Onoe, Akira Kimura
  • Publication number: 20160238367
    Abstract: A device for detecting strain and transmitting detected data, as well as a method for the manufacturing of a device of the type indicated above are provided. The device can be either applied to the surface of a structure to be monitored or inserted inside the structure and it allows to reliably acquire and transmit the data relating to the strains suffered by the structure, avoiding errors due to disturbances in the positioning of the strain sensor of the device or in the electronics associated with the sensor. The device includes a middle layer, in which at least one strain sensor made by using a composite material containing electrically conductive impregnable fibers, an electronic circuit and at least an antenna are provided, and a first and a second outer layers made by using a composite material containing electrically insulating impregnable fibers, between which the middle layer is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Guido MAISTO, Marco BONVINO
  • Publication number: 20160238368
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method of fabricating a laminate of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. According to the method a flexible and compliant layer of material which is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Todd Alan Gisby, Antoni Edward Harbuz, Samuel Schlatter
  • Publication number: 20160238369
    Abstract: The present invention is suitable for the technical field of sensing, and provides an sensor based on laser, comprising a pump source, a common section, a reference section and a detection section, the common section is provided with a gain medium, and the detection section is provided with a sensing element capable of causing an optical path difference; the reference section and the detection section is connected to the common section though a first polarization splitting unit and a second polarization splitting unit; the common section is provided with an output unit or each of the reference section and the detection is provided with the output unit, the output unit is connected to a photoelectric detector through a light uniting unit; a polarization rotation unit is disposed between the light uniting unit and the output unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Qiao WEN, Guowen LIANG, Ji LI, Hanben NIU
  • Publication number: 20160238370
    Abstract: An OCT imaging system (100) comprising a radiation emitter (SLD), a radiation receiver CCD), an interferometer (FC, PC, X-Scan, Y-Scan), a controller (COMP) which controls the emitter and processes received radiation data according to OCT to provide an output image. The controller (COMP) forms a spectrum of spatial frequencies along the depth direction. It calculates from the spectrum local spectra of spatial frequencies or periods along the depth direction for individual volume elements along the depth direction. It translates the local spectra of spatial frequencies or periods along the depth direction into the OCT image domain. It maps the local spectra into the volume elements to provide sensitivity on the nano-scale whereas the volume elements are in the micro-scale. The controller calculates information parameters from the translated and mapped local spectra. Thus the system (100) achieves nano-scale sensitivity although the volume elements are at the micro-scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, GALWAY
    Inventors: Sergey ALEXANDROV, Hrebesh SUBHASH, Martin J. LEAHY, Azhar ZAM
  • Publication number: 20160238371
    Abstract: A chip package includes a housing, one or more electrical connections coupled to an exterior of the housing, a photonic integrated circuit, and a scanning unit. Both the photonic integrated circuit and the scanning unit are disposed within the housing. The photonic integrated circuit has at least one waveguide designed to guide a beam of light. The scanning unit is designed to laterally scan the beam of light across a focal plane outside of the housing. The scanning unit is aligned with the photonic integrated circuit such that the beam of light is coupled between the photonic integrated circuit and the scanning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Juan LLORET SOLER, Juan SANCHO DURÁ, José Luis RUBIO GUIVERNAU, Eduardo MARGALLO BALBÁS, William Kennedy LANDLES, Andrés CIFUENTES, Blair UNGAR, Kirill ZINOVIEV
  • Publication number: 20160238372
    Abstract: An automated system and method for detecting substantial edge defects on an object that can degrade or impede proper object performance. The defects, such as chips, cracks, or bumps, if sufficiently substantial, can interfere with the proper operation of the object. The inspection may be performed with four electronic sensors, two on each side of the object, or with two electronic sensors that each take two sets of measurements spaced apart by a certain time interval. Sensor measurements are periodically obtained and used by a controller to calculate a value based on the four sensor measurements. The calculated value is compared to a threshold to determine whether or not any defects are significant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Tasuku Imanishi, Shinrin Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20160238373
    Abstract: A method of inspecting an object with a camera probe for capturing an image of an object, the camera probe being movable along a path by a measurement apparatus, at least a part of the camera probe being rotatable about at least one axis. The method includes: a) the measurement apparatus moving the camera probe relative to the object along an inspection path and b) for at least one period as the camera probe moves along the inspection path: turning at least a part of the camera probe about the at least one axis thereby slowing the passage of a feature of interest on the object across the camera probe's field of view; and capturing at least one image of the feature of interest during at least a portion of the turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventor: Timothy Charles FEATHERSTONE
  • Publication number: 20160238374
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for quantifying space within a container using a removable scanning sensor node. In general, the removable scanning sensor node identifies a type of the container, uses at least one depth sensor on the removable scanning sensor node to scan the space within the container to generate scan data, where the removable scanning sensor node is temporarily mounted within the container and above the space within the container, and where the depth sensor is oriented to scan the space within the container from above the space and within the container. The removable scanning sensor node then determines an unoccupied amount of the space within the container based upon the scan data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Reuben F. Burch, V, William Cawein
  • Publication number: 20160238375
    Abstract: A measuring device for reflection measurements of test objects includes a transmitter for emitting radiation, a first collimation element for aligning the emitted radiation, a first focusing element for focusing emitted radiation in relation to the test object, and a receiver for detecting radiation reflected by the test object. There is a second collimation element for aligning the reflected radiation, and a second focusing element for focusing the reflected radiation in relation to the receiver. At least two of the first and second collimation elements and first and second focusing elements are separate from each other. Thus, a simple and flexible design of the measuring device is achieved, which can be adapted to the test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas HOCHREIN
  • Publication number: 20160238376
    Abstract: The optical fiber sensor system includes a light source unit including a light source and a polarization controller, a modulation unit having an optical path and a coil and configured to modulate light passing though the optical path according to stress applied to the coil, an optical coupler configured to branch the measured light into clockwise light and counterclockwise light, and output interference light, a polarization separator configured to separate the interference light into a first component and a second component having polarization states orthogonal to each other, and a detection unit having a first light detector and configured to detect stress by converting the first component into a first electrical signal. The polarization controller controls a polarization state of light output from the light source so that the first electrical signal is proportional to the stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Takafumi Ohtsuka
  • Publication number: 20160238377
    Abstract: A modeling arrangement is disclosed for modeling the topography of a three dimensional surface. The arrangement includes a light source arranged to produce substantially monochromatic and coherent electromagnetic radiation; a camera arranged to photograph the surface to be modeled at wavelengths emitted by the light source as well as wavelengths detected by the human eye; and a grating provided in connection with the first light source. The light source and the grating provided in connection with the light source are arranged jointly to produce a diffraction pattern of a known geometry on the surface to be modeled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jorma PALMEN
  • Publication number: 20160238378
    Abstract: A system (10) for directly measuring the depth of a high aspect ratio etched feature on a wafer (80) that includes an etched surface (82) and a non-etched surface (84). The system (10) utilizes an infrared reflectometer (12) that in a preferred embodiment includes a swept laser (14), a fiber circulator (16), a photodetector (22) and a combination collimator (18) and an objective lens (20). From the objective lens (20) a focused incident light (23) is produced that is applied to the non-etched surface (84) of the wafer (80). From the wafer (80) is produced a reflected light (25) that is processed through the reflectometer (12) and applied to an ADC (24) where a corresponding digital data signal (29) is produced. The digital data signal (29) is applied to a computer (30) that, in combination with software (32), measures the depth of the etched feature that is then viewed on a display (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Marx, David L. Grant
  • Publication number: 20160238379
    Abstract: A method using fringe projection to describe the three-dimensional profile of a specular object is presented and has steps of: providing a diffraction grating formed by exposing and developing a hologram and having at least two sets of interference fringes; guiding a conjugate of the reference light generated from a conjugate light source to pass through the diffraction grating, in order to generate a real image with a long depth of field, a wide convergent angle, and a sinusoidal distribution light intensity; projecting this real image onto an inspected specular object; using an image capture device to capture the intensity distribution of the real image on the inspected specular object so as to obtain an image signal; and using an image processor to analyze the image signal so as to identify the profile of the inspected specular object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Hung SU, Bo-Chin Huang
  • Publication number: 20160238380
    Abstract: An image measuring method for imaging an object to be measured having a horizontal plurality of planes, on which the object to be measured is mounted and calculating a shape of the object to be measured based on the image of the object to be measured is provided that includes measuring a height of the object to be measured at a plurality of positions of the plurality of planes on the object to be measured; calculating positions of the plurality of planes based on the height measured in the measuring; aligning the focus position with each of the plurality of planes calculated in the calculating and imaging of the object to be measured; and calculating the shape of the object to be measured based on the image of the object to be measured imaged in the imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Akihiro Hatada, Takanori Uemura, Yoshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20160238381
    Abstract: A system for measuring the profile or the refractive index of a transparent object by fringe projection techniques is provided and has an image generating device, an image capture device, and an image processor. The image generating device produces a reference image with a long depth of focus. This reference image is emitted into an inspected transparent object, and is distorted by the refractive index and the profile of the transparent object. The image capture device receives the distorted image. The image processor analyzes the difference between the distorted image and the reference image, so as to identify the profile or the refractive index of the inspected transparent object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Hung SU, Chau-Jern Cheng, Guang-Hong Chen
  • Publication number: 20160238382
    Abstract: A three dimensional shape measurement apparatus comprising: a projection unit configured to perform a projection operation to a measurement area; a photographing unit configured to photograph a target object in the measurement area undergoing the projection operation; and a measurement unit configured to measure a three dimensional shape of the target object based on the photographed image, wherein the measurement area includes a measurement reference surface serving as a reference for a focus position of a photographing optical system of the photographing unit, and is defined based on a projection range of the projection unit and a photographing range of the photographing unit, and the focus position is set deeper than a position of the measurement reference surface when observed from the photographing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Masakazu Tohara
  • Publication number: 20160238383
    Abstract: A thickness measurement system includes a composite carrier assembly and a thickness sensor system. The composite carrier assembly includes a sample carrier and a gauge standard carrier. The sample carrier and gauge standard carrier are configured to simultaneously support a sample and a gauge standard, respectively. The thickness sensor system is configured to generate a signal representative of a thickness of the sample and to be calibrated with the gauge standard while the sample and the gauge standard are simultaneously supported by the sample carrier and the gauge standard carrier, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: John A. Kane, II, John A. Kane, III
  • Publication number: 20160238384
    Abstract: An alignment meter for a rail system includes a housing defining a cavity, a flexible member connected to the housing, and at least one strain measuring element provided on the flexible member. The strain measuring element may be configured to measure the strain experienced by the flexible member. At least one strain measuring element may be positioned to measure strain in a horizontal direction relative to the flexible member. The at least one strain measuring element may be positioned to measure strain in a vertical direction relative to the flexible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Jaynes, Lester Whiteman, Robert Eckert
  • Publication number: 20160238385
    Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises a light emitting element for emitting a distance measuring light, a distance measuring light projecting unit for projecting the distance measuring light, a light receiving unit for receiving a reflected distance measuring light, a photodetection element for receiving the reflected distance measuring light and for producing a photodetection signal and a distance measuring unit for performing a distance measurement based on a light receiving result from the photodetection element, further comprises a first optical axis deflecting unit disposed on a projection optical axis of the distance measuring light for deflecting an optical axis of the distance measuring light at a deflection angle as required and in a direction as required, a second optical axis deflecting unit disposed on a light receiving optical axis for deflecting the reflected distance measuring light at the same deflection angle and in the same direction as the first optical axis deflect
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20160238386
    Abstract: A distance measuring system includes a light source module, an image capturing device and a processing module. The light source module transmits a light beam having a speckle pattern to a first flat surface and a second flat surface, and an object. The image capturing device captures the image of the speckle pattern shown on the first and second flat surfaces, and captures the image of the speckle pattern shown on a surface of the object to produce first reference image information, second reference image information, and object image information. The processing module calculates a displacement vector of the speckle pattern according to the first and second reference image information. The processing module calculates the relative distance between the object and the first flat surface or the second flat surface according to the position of the speckle pattern on the object image information and the displacement vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Shu-Sian Yang, Hsin-Chia Chen, Ren-Hau Gu, Sen-Huang Huang
  • Publication number: 20160238387
    Abstract: An object descent detection system and method is disclosed herein. The method for detecting whether an object is falling includes determining geopotential heights of the object and actuating a response when a change in geopotential heights occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventor: Kushal Singh
  • Publication number: 20160238388
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to photovoltaic installation systems and methods. A method may include determining a maximum number of photovoltaic (PV) modules for positioning on a roof of a structure, and determining one or more regions on the roof for positioning at least the maximum number of PV modules. Further, the method may include submitting a permitting package including the maximum number of PV modules and the one or more regions. In addition, the method may include determining a number of PV modules to be installed on the roof, where in the number of PV modules less than or equal to the maximum number of PV modules. The method may also include installing the number of PV modules within at least one of the one or more regions. The method may also include establishing the as-built characteristics of the PV system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Willard S. MacDonald, Randall King, Roger L. Jungerman
  • Publication number: 20160238389
    Abstract: Coriolis vibratory gyroscope includes a thin-walled resonator, fastened centrally on a stem located within the resonator; with 4nk holes in a wall of the resonator and arranged around the stem, where “k” is integer, “n” is order of vibration modes, and the angle between adjacent holes is “?/2nk”. The stem is rotationally symmetric and is fastened on a base; electrodes are arranged on the wall for excitation and measurement of vibration modes, with leads passing from the electrodes through the holes; the base has a seating for the resonator stem, and leads pass from the outside of the base through it, the leads being electrically-insulated and sealed relative to the base; the leads which pass through the base are connected to the leads which pass from the electrodes, allowing signals to pass from outside the base, through the base, through the holes in the resonator wall and to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: VALERY VALERIANOVICH CHIKOVANI, YURII ALEKSEEVICH YATZENKO