Patents Issued in November 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9506705
    Abstract: A feeder delinker for a Gatling-type machine gun accepts an ammunition belt consisting of interconnecting rounds and clips. The feeder delinker contains a paddlewheel that separates the leading round from the leading clip by applying a side force directly to the round between the two C-shaped loops while the clip is restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph H. Fleischli
  • Patent number: 9506706
    Abstract: A magazine for a firearm comprises a tubular body defining a cavity for holding cartridges, a spring, and a follower biased by the spring for dispensing cartridges from the magazine. In one embodiment, the follower includes lateral guide projections which engage corresponding slots in the sidewalls of the magazine body. This guides movement of the follower and maintains a substantial horizontal orientation as it travels vertically in the magazine by preventing twisting/tilting which might otherwise create potential cartridge feeding jams. In some embodiments, the follower may include front and rear stabilizer projections to further guide movement of the follower in the magazine cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: James B. Higley
  • Patent number: 9506707
    Abstract: A system and method for using a firearm magazine are described. One example includes a firearm magazine assembly. The assembly has a housing defining a cartridge track, the housing having a distal end having feed lips for feeding cartridges to a firearm and a proximal end. The assembly also has a follower assembly having a follower and a spring. The follower has aproximal side and a distal side and is movable between a compressed position and an extended position. The follower further has at least two angled surfaces to engage the housing and bias the feed lips towards each other when the follower is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Brian L. Nakayama, Jeremy Fiester, Nicholas Kielsmeier, Michael T. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 9506708
    Abstract: Tactical firearm systems and methods of manufacturing tactical firearm systems are discussed herein. In some embodiments, a tactical weapons platform can comprise a forend assembly adapted to house a portion of a barrel; a receiver assembly detachably coupled to the forend assembly and adapted to interface with a bolt action; and a butt stock assembly detachably coupled to the receiver assembly. In other embodiments, a modular stock assembly for a bolt action rifle can generally comprise a forend assembly, a receiver assembly, and a butt stock assembly. The forend assembly can have a body adapted to house a barrel in a free floating configuration, wherein the body surrounds at least a portion of the length of the barrel. The receiver assembly can be detachably coupled to the forend assembly and adapted to directly interface with a bolt action without bedding. The butt stock assembly can be detachably coupled the receiver assembly by a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ashbury International Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Charles Robert Overbey, Jr., Gary Vance, William McCormick
  • Patent number: 9506709
    Abstract: A gun detection system and method to prevent school and business shootings is provided that is capable of detecting a firearm a significant distance away from the point of entry and triggering response of an alarm and an automatic door locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: David Wayne Esposito, Lawrence E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9506710
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a silencer or noise suppressor having a rearward portion that may be coupled to the barrel of a firearm and a forward portion that can mate with the rearward portion such that a length of the rearward portion may at least partially overlap an exterior surface of the forward portion. The forward portion may include an interior chamber that can receive a baffle core having a core body made up of a series of spaced peripheral portions, and at least a portion of the baffle core may protrude from the interior chamber so as to be substantially sealed between the rearward and forward portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Leighton Smith
  • Patent number: 9506711
    Abstract: A fixture for use with AR15/M16 type firearms is provided herein. The fixture is made up of several parts that when used in conjunction with one another mitigate the transfer of torque from the barrel nut to the firearms receiver during barrel installation. The fixture affords the user a method and apparatus that holds the barrel in alignment with the firearm receiver and secures the barrel against rotational movement during installation of a barrel nut or similar device. The fixture may be configured to work with the legacy AR15/M16 type barrel nut, as well as other designs as disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: LWRC International LLC
    Inventor: Jesus S. Gomez
  • Patent number: 9506712
    Abstract: A firearm with tubular handguard mounting system is provided. The firearm includes receiver, a barrel having a breech threadably engaging the receiver, and a handguard. A primary barrel nut threadably engages the breech end of the barrel and is moveable into abutting contact with the receiver to form a tightened barrel to receiver connection. A secondary barrel nut threadably engages the primary barrel nut and is tightened thereto to trap an external annular barrel flange between the primary barrel nut and an annular abutment surface on the secondary barrel nut. The secondary barrel nut provides a free float tubular handguard, such as an AR-15 type handguard. Additionally, the primary barrel nut and secondary barrel nut provide a dual locking feature which resists loosening of the barrel connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip Mather, David B. Kangas
  • Patent number: 9506713
    Abstract: A firearm cover for attachment to a firearm with a scope mounted thereto is disclosed herein. The firearm cover may include a barrel cover, a stock cover attached to the barrel cover, and a rotatable hood attached to the stock cover. The rotatable hood may include a first configuration disposed about the scope and a second configuration rotated away from the scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: David Samuel Frazier
  • Patent number: 9506714
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for a compound bow comprises a draw cable pulley and a dual-groove power module attached to the draw cable pulley and adjustable among one or more positions and two orientations. A power cable is taken up into one of the two grooves depending on the power module orientation. Changing the power module orientation the power module position alters one or more of the bow's draw force curve, stored energy, draw length, or draw weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BOWTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Eacker, Nicholas C. Obteshka, Dylan G. Rinker
  • Patent number: 9506715
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a trigger assembly for use in a crossbow. The trigger assembly includes a floating sear that is able to translate with a cable catch as the cable catch is rotated and also may rotate relative to the cable catch. As the cable catch moves from an uncocked position to a cocked position, the floating sear engages a pivot beam that is engaged with a trigger mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Hughes
  • Patent number: 9506716
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter's Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Bednar, Michael J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9506717
    Abstract: The multiple shot spear gun includes a central rotary shaft having a plurality of relatively stationary spear launching tubes or barrels distributed therearound in a cylindrical pattern. The number of spear launching tubes or barrels is not limited, but may comprise any practicable number. Rotation of the central shaft causes a disc to rotate. The disc has a ramp or tang thereon that sequentially engages the trigger of each of the spear launchers as the disc is rotated. A safety disc is rotated with rotation of the central shaft. The safety disc includes a plurality of holes therein. A spring-loaded catch engages one of the holes as the disc rotates with rotation of the central shaft. Thus, the operator of the multiple shot spear gun must release the safety catch after each shot to rotate the central shaft further for the next shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Hassan Mohammed H. Jaber
  • Patent number: 9506718
    Abstract: The paintball loader of the present invention includes a housing having a hopper for holding a supply of paintballs. An outlet tube connected to the hopper is adapted to be connected to the inlet tube of a paintball gun. Located within the hopper is an electric motor-operated agitator capable of directing paintballs within the hopper toward the outlet tube so that the paintballs can pass through the outlet tube and into the inlet tube of the paintball gun. A sensing system located at least partially within the outlet tube senses the movement of paintballs through the outlet tube. The sensing system includes a rotatable wheel having a plurality of angularly spaced apart radially extending members. The wheel is rotatably mounted relative to the outlet tube such that paintballs passing through the tube engage the radially extending members and cause the wheel to rotate. A plurality of magnets carried by the wheel pass by a Hall effect sensor mounted on the housing as the wheel is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Valken, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Bell
  • Patent number: 9506719
    Abstract: A VATO comprises a blade, a handle, a stabilizing assembly, and a spherical weight. In a preferred embodiment, the spherical weight makes up a significant portion of the overall weight of the VATO. The spherical weight is positioned between the blade and the handle, and the stabilizing assembly is attached to a rear portion of the handle. When the VATO is thrown, a velocity vector is established in the direction of the trajectory of the VATO. The stabilizing assembly produces aerodynamic drag which assists in keeping the blade oriented in a forward position with respect to the trajectory of the VATO. The spherical weight is permitted to freely rotate thereby enabling the blade, the handle and the stabilizing assembly to independently rotate into alignment with the trajectory of the VATO such that the blade is in a forward position as the VATO strikes a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Gary G. Makowski
  • Patent number: 9506720
    Abstract: A shotgun may comprise a barrel, a chamber configured to receive a shell prior to being fired from the shotgun, and a magazine tube configured to hold shells to be introduced into the chamber. The shotgun may further comprise a shell follower configured for insertion into the magazine tube axially forward of the shells with respect to the long axis of the magazine tube. In addition, the shotgun may further comprise an obstruction associated with the magazine tube that is adjustable between a first position in which the obstruction blocks a travel of the shell follower axially forward of the obstruction, and a second position in which the obstruction allows the travel of the shell follower axially forward of the obstruction. The shell loading capacity of the shotgun may be lower when the obstruction is in the first position than when the obstruction is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Gaylan Wayne Moushon, Dwayne Lynn Atherton, Scott E. Meixsell
  • Patent number: 9506721
    Abstract: A firearm mount for a firearm includes a mounting body, a sight module, and a mounting interface. The mounting body has a first mounting face adapted for detachably coupling with the firearm and an opposed second mounting face. The sight module is supported by the mounting body between the first and second mounting faces thereof. The mounting interface is provided at the second mounting face of the mounting body to define a mounting direction aligning with a barrel axis of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: N cSTAR, Inc.
    Inventors: Carson Cheng, Changan Tian
  • Patent number: 9506722
    Abstract: A viewing apparatus for a rifle scope, the viewing apparatus comprising a camera unit having a camera and attachment means operable to attach the camera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image to which it is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image data from the camera to a display unit, the display unit comprising display means being arranged and operable to display the image data received from the camera unit, the display unit further comprising attachment means operable to attach the display unit to a rifle scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nitesite Ltd.
    Inventors: David Craven, Philip Craven
  • Patent number: 9506723
    Abstract: A laser sighting system can be used in combination with a range finder for determining a distance to a target. An onboard ballistics computer processor in the laser sighting system calculates a trajectory and automatically rotates a pointing laser to the proper angle for causing the trajectory path of a fired projectile to intersect with the position of the target. The laser sighting system can also be used in a standalone mode wherein target distance information is input manually by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Marvin S. Carter, III, Daryl Francis, Dean B. Killam, Jansen Habrial
  • Patent number: 9506724
    Abstract: A downrange wind measurement system includes an aerial vehicle with a global positioning system and a communication device; and a remote computer with a display for viewing access and a transceiver. A method to assist a shooter adjust for a wind speed and a wind angle of a wind prior to make a downrange shot includes creating a flight path for an aerial vehicle to fly alongside a projectile path; determining locations for a circular flight path via the flight path; measuring the wind speed and the wind angle along the circular flight path; transmitting the wind speed and the wind angle to a remote computer; and computing via the remote computer scope adjustments with the wind speed and wind angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Lyman Robert Hazelton
    Inventor: Lyman Robert Hazelton
  • Patent number: 9506725
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatically bore-sighting a laser-based optical device to a weapon or other apparatus to which the optical device may be mounted (or otherwise coupled). According to certain embodiments of the invention, a reflective element such as a retro-reflector can be located on a target, and the apparatus is sighted (or otherwise oriented) to the target. While the apparatus is thus sighted, a processing unit (or other control unit) of the laser-based optical device can manipulate a laser-steering assembly to scan the field of view of a camera of the laser-based optical device with a laser to determine where, in the field of view, the reflective element is located and how the laser-steering assembly is oriented. Hill-climbing and/or other peak-detection techniques can be used to make either or both of these determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Maryfield, Mahyar Dadkhah
  • Patent number: 9506726
    Abstract: A firearm having a mounting surface which can include a recess formed on a slide of a pistol. The recess includes mounting posts and a plurality of sights include matching openings and fasteners so that mounting platforms of the plurality of sights can be mounted in the recess in a fixed orientation. The sights of the plurality of sights are movable relative to the platform but the platform is fixed with respect to the recess so that the platform is fixed with respect to the mounting surface. The recess is sized such that optical sights are aligned with original fixed sights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ZEV Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alec Daniel Wolf
  • Patent number: 9506727
    Abstract: An armored window construction for a window opening of a body of a vehicle includes a bullet resistant pane, an armored inner frame arranged inside of the vehicle and overlapping at least part of a peripheral area of the bullet resistant pane, and a mounting frame for mounting the inner frame on the bullet resistant pane. The mounting frame is arranged within a peripheral step of the bullet resistant pane. The mounting frame includes a first part fixed on an inner surface of an outer glass pane of the bullet resistant pane within the peripheral step, and mounting protrusions protruding from the first part. The inner frame is fixed on the mounting protrusions. The first part of the mounting frame is pressed against a lowered window rabbet on an outside surface of the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ISOCLIMA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertolini
  • Patent number: 9506728
    Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1200) for recoil absorption. The methods comprising: causing a moving carrier (102) to freely travel linearly in a first direction by discharging at least one recoil producing device (110-114); absorbing an impulse force resulting from discharging the recoil producing device using a spring (122, 124) having a first end coupled to the moving carrier and a second end (130) coupled to a fixed frame member (132); and applying a pulling force by the spring to the moving carrier in a second direction opposed from the first direction at an end of spring travel, whereby a uni-directional force transfer mechanism (610) is caused to engage an elongate latching element so as to latch the moving carrier in position and prevent the moving carrier from freely traveling in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Loran J. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9506729
    Abstract: A low-cost, reliable and easy to use kit for neutralizing surface exposed landmine and unexploded ordnance for humanitarian demining is based on a liquid fuel and a solid/soluble fuel. Both fuels are premeasured in separate, sealed containers. The addition of a small quantity of solid/soluble fuel into the liquid creates an explosive. The resulting mixture is capable of detonating with a standard No. 8 blasting cap. The solid/soluble fuel can be in the form of a powder, tablet, or its saturated solution in water. The solid/soluble fuel is hexamethylenetetramine. The liquid fuel, nitromethane, is provided in premeasured quantities. User is provided instructions for choosing the appropriate quantity of liquid fuel, the corresponding solid/soluble fuel required, the method of mixing, placement and detonation of the kits. Also disclosed is a simple wooden stand to hold the bottle of explosive in place. A special fuel, liquid 2-ethylhexylnitrate, is provided to desensitize the mixed and sensitized explosive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Inventor: Divyakant L. Patel
  • Patent number: 9506730
    Abstract: A fireworks aerial display shell is provided with lift charges positioned at opposite ends of a casing that additionally contains an effects charge. Fuses are operatively associated with the lift charges and the effects charge in a manner to ignite the lift charges a period of time before igniting the effects charge. When either one of the ends of the casing is placed facing a closed bottom of a launch tube of a reusable mortar, the burning lift charge at that end of the casing when ignited exerts a propelling force to propel the aerial display shell upwardly out of the launch tube to an intended height before the effects charge is ignited to create a pyrotechnic visual effects display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Jake's Fireworks Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Marietta
  • Patent number: 9506731
    Abstract: A multiple projectile fixed cartridge includes a casing, a retention insert arranged in the casing, and a plurality of projectiles arranged proximate the retention insert. The retention insert is configured to align and support at least a first projectile of the plurality of projectiles, and the casing is configured to align and support a second projectile of the plurality of projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jason W. Imhoff
  • Patent number: 9506732
    Abstract: A shotgun shell wad may include a plurality of resilient flaps spaced evenly around a circumference of a cylindrical body configured to receive shot, with the flaps covering less than half of the circumference. The flaps may be in an undeployed state until a shotgun shell is fired and the wad exits the barrel. The movement of the wad through air may urge the flaps into a deployed state. The flaps may retard the motion of the wad gradually such that the shot and wad remain together for up to 20 meters before decoupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SCHULTZ WATERFOWL, LLC.
    Inventors: Preston R. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9506733
    Abstract: The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a first single detonating cord formed into a first grid. The grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. The explosive matrix assembly further has a second single detonating cord formed into a second grid. The second grid has a third plurality of detonating cord portions lying in the first plane and a fourth plurality of detonating cord portions lying in the second plane and the third plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. The first grid is coupled to the second grid via a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Matrix X, LLC
    Inventor: Jon K. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9506734
    Abstract: An explosive matrix assembly of the present disclosure has a single detonating cord formed into a grid, and the grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions, wherein the overlay creates a plurality of crossings between the first plurality of detonating cord portions and the second plurality of detonating cord portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix assembly has one or more point explosives coupled to the crossings for initiation of an explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Matrix X, LLC
    Inventor: Jon K. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9506735
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an ammunition cartridge having a two piece primer insert by forming a two piece primer insert that is overmolding with a cylindrical polymeric middle body and joining a cylindrical polymeric bullet-end component to the cylindrical polymeric middle body to form a polymer ammunition cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TRUE VELOCITY, INC.
    Inventor: Lonnie Burrow
  • Patent number: 9506736
    Abstract: A measurement system identifies geometric errors by using an initial position measurement step for specifying coordinates and dimensions of a target sphere, and an indexing measurement step for positioning rotary axes according to a plurality of indexing conditions and identifying geometric errors from sensor measured coordinate values corresponding to coordinate values obtained by measuring the target sphere with a sensor of a touch probe. Then, in the indexing measurement step, coordinates of the target sphere can be obtained by simply measuring the target sphere with the sensor only three times, using dimensions of the target sphere obtained in the initial position measurement step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Tadahiro Oki
  • Patent number: 9506737
    Abstract: A device for detecting a banknote thickness includes a transmission electrode and a reception electrode facing one another at a predetermined interval and forming an electric field when a driving voltage is applied thereto; a driving voltage applying unit configured to apply a driving voltage having a pre-determined frequency and form an electric field between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode; a current detecting unit configured to detect a current when a banknote is between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode; an antistatic device configured to remove static electricity from the banknote; and a controller configured to detect at least one of a changed current (e.g., when the banknote is present) and a corresponding voltage waveform, and to detect one or more of a state, a thickness and a type of the banknote based on the detected current change or voltage waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Kisan Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hwan Jang, Sung Am Kim
  • Patent number: 9506738
    Abstract: A rod-shaped magnet is mounted on a rotating unit. The rod-shaped magnet has end surfaces which are oriented in a rotating direction and are magnetized to different magnetic poles. An angle detecting unit including magnetoresistive elements is disposed so as to be offset in a radial direction of a revolution path of the magnet from the revolution path and is configured to detect a change in angle of rotation of the rotating unit by detecting a leakage magnetic field in the vicinity of a side surface of the magnet. Two position detecting units each include magnetoresistive elements and are configured to detect a change in orientation of a magnetic field in the direction of a tangent to the revolution path when facing the rod-shaped magnet and produce a switch output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Onodera, Tokuo Nakamura, Takafumi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 9506739
    Abstract: A method determines a distance with a specified accuracy. The method transmits to an interferometer a test signal oscillating with a test frequency and receives, in response to the transmitting, an interferometric signal formed by interfering the test signal with a delayed signal produced by delaying a copy of the test signal over the distance equal to a path length difference in the interferometer. The test frequency is varying such that the test signal oscillates with different values of the test frequency. The method determines at least two values of the test frequency corresponding to particular values of the interferometric signal by beating the test signal with a reference signal having a reference frequency, wherein a value of the reference frequency is an absolute value predetermined with the specified accuracy. The method determines the distance using the two values of the test frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MagiQ Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb A Christensen, Anton Zavriyev, A. Craig Beal
  • Patent number: 9506740
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT] are provided. In particular, a system and method for calibration of spectral interference signals using an acquired calibration signal are provided. The calibration signal may be logarithmically amplified to further improve the accuracy of the calibration. From the calibration signal, a series of more accurate calibration data are calculated. An acquired spectral interference signal is calibrated using these calibration data. Moreover, systems that include logarithmic amplification of the spectral interference signal and variable band-pass filtering of the spectral interference signal are provided. Such systems increase the dynamic range and visualization capabilities relative to conventional spectral domain OCT systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Inventors: Mark Brezinski, Bin Liu, Ehsan Azimi
  • Patent number: 9506741
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system having magnitude and direction of motion detection has a light source, and a scanning system arranged in an optical path of the light source. The scanning system is configured to scan an illumination beam of light in a spatial pattern around each of a plurality of points of interest of an object under observation for a corresponding plurality of instants of time in which each of the plurality of points of interest are displaced from each other due to motion of at least one of the OCT system or the object under observation. The OCT system also includes an OCT detection system configured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the illumination beam of light after being at least one of reflected or scattered from said the under observation, and a signal processor configured to communicate with the OCT detection system to receive detection signals therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Xuan Liu, Jin U. Kang
  • Patent number: 9506742
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for photoacoustic tomography of a sample, deformations on a measurement surface of the sample being measured as a function of location and time, the deformations resulting from the absorption of a pulsed excitation radiation on at least one spectrally addressable target structure in the sample interior while emitting thermomechanical pressure waves in the direction of the measurement surface, and the measured deformations being fed to a reconstruction method for determining the position of the target structure in the sample interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medizinisches Laserzentrum Lubeck GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Horstmann, Ralf Brinkmann
  • Patent number: 9506743
    Abstract: An apparatus to measure the position of a mark, the apparatus including an objective lens to direct radiation on a mark using radiation supplied by an illumination arrangement; an optical arrangement to receive radiation diffracted and specularly reflected by the mark, wherein the optical arrangement is configured to provide a first image and a second image, the first image being formed by coherently adding specularly reflected radiation and positive diffraction order radiation and the second image being formed by coherently adding specularly reflected radiation and negative diffraction order radiation; and a detection arrangement to detect variation in an intensity of radiation of the first and second images and to calculate a position of the mark in a direction of measurement therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignees: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V., ASML HOLDING N.V.
    Inventors: Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Justin Lloyd Kreuzer, Simon Gijsbert Josephus Mathijssen, Gerrit Johannes Nijmeijer, J. Christian Swindal, Patricius Aloysius Jacobus Tinnemans, Richard Johannes Franciscus Van Haren
  • Patent number: 9506744
    Abstract: A method of combining 2D images into a 3D image includes providing a coordinate measurement device and a triangulation scanner having an integral camera associated therewith, the scanner being separate from the coordinate measurement device. In a first instance, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner and the integral camera captures a first 2D image. In a second instance, the scanner is moved, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner, and the integral camera captures a second 2D image. A cardinal point common to the first and second images is found and is used, together with the first and second images and the positions and orientations of the scanner in the first and second instances, to create the 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 9506745
    Abstract: A method for measuring errors in the linear feed shafts of a multi-spindle machine tool having two or more rotating feed shafts in addition to three linear feed shafts, wherein: at least first through third reflecting mirrors are attached to a table of the machine tool; a laser length-measuring machine is attached to the tip of a principal shaft of the machine tool; the linear feed shafts are driven, and the laser length-measuring machine is moved to prescribed measuring points; the two or more rotating feed shafts are driven at each of the measuring points; the coordinates at each measuring point are calculated by measuring the distances between the first through third reflecting mirrors and the laser length-measuring machine; and errors in the linear feed shafts of the machine tool are obtained by comparing the machine coordinates of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MAKINO MILLING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 9506746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the location of a first mechanical element (10) and a second mechanical element (12) with respect to each other, having a first measurement unit (14) for positioning at the first mechanical element, a second measurement unit (18) for positioning at the second mechanical element, and an analysis unit (22), wherein the first measurement unit has means (24) for producing at least one light beam bundle (28, 30), a scattering surface (34) for scattering the light (WV, PV) impinging on the scattering surface, and a camera (36) for recording images of the scattering surface, wherein the second measurement unit has a reflector arrangement (38), which faces the first measurement unit when the measurement units are positioned at the respective mechanical element so as to reflect the light beam bundle (28?, 28?) onto the scattering surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: PRUFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH AG
    Inventor: Roland Holzl
  • Patent number: 9506747
    Abstract: A control portion of a sheet detection device causes a light emitter to emit a predetermined amount of light emission, to determine whether or not a first reference sheet is in a detection area. When the first reference sheet is not in the area, a sheet detection sensor is moved upward by a predetermined movement pitch. When the first reference sheet is in the area, the present detection distance between the sheet detection sensor and the first reference sheet is stored. The same process is performed for the second reference sheet. When both of the detection distances are correct, the control portion determines that an output from the sheet detection sensor is correct, and sets the amount of light emission for a document detection process. When both of the detection distances are incorrect, the amount of light emission from the light emitter is increased by one step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Katsushi Saiki
  • Patent number: 9506748
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to not only decrease the time required to detect an optical section line in an optical sectioning method but to improve precision in shape measurement of an object to be measured. In this shape measuring method, after an area dividing line is drawn in a region that includes an extracted optical section line and the region is divided into small areas, a longitudinal region is established that spreads in the up and down direction by a plurality of pixels centered around the location of the optical section line in each small area. The next image processing occurs in the whole region of the longitudinal regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nireco Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Ohta
  • Patent number: 9506749
    Abstract: A surface measurement module for 3-D triangulation-based image acquisition of a surface-under-inspection and under observation by at least one camera. The module having: (a) a casing housing an optical system comprising a plurality of lens elements positioned between a fixed-pattern optic and a light source; (b) an output of said fixed-pattern optic comprising a multi-frequency pattern comprising a plurality of pixels representing at least a first and second superimposed sinusoid projected simultaneously, each of the sinusoids represented by the pixels having a unique temporal frequency and each of the pixels projected to satisfy I n p = A p + ? k = 1 K ? B k p ? cos ? ( 2 ? ? ? ? f k ? y p + 2 ? ? ? ? k ? ? n N ) Eq . ? ( 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Seikowave, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bellis, Daniel L. Lau
  • Patent number: 9506750
    Abstract: Imaging range finding device and method are disclosed. The range finding device can include an array of emitters and photodetectors in optical communication with an imaging lens. During the range finding method, the emitters in the array can emit light that is directed by the lens toward a target object. The photodetectors in the array can detect light received from the object through the lens and onto the photodetectors. The lens, the array, or both can be movable to adjust the light emitted by the device. Characteristics of the emitted light and/or the received light can be used to find the object's range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Emanuel Last
  • Patent number: 9506751
    Abstract: An inclinometer that provides inclination data of a walking beam in a rod pumping system includes a cover including an indented portion external to the inclinometer. The cover is attached to a chassis which together provide an internal area. Magnets are attached to a bottom of the chassis to magnetically attach the inclinometer to the walking beam. A power supply within the internal area includes a power storage and a charger. A solar panel is disposed in the indented portion of the cover and electrically connects to the power supply through a hole in the cover. Beam angle sensor circuitry measures an inclination of the walking beam and transmits corresponding inclination measurement data via an antenna in the internal area. The power supply is configured to supply power to this beam angle sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BODE ENERGY EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Zhao
  • Patent number: 9506752
    Abstract: An explosion-proof dust of electromechanical level measuring device includes: a explosion proof enclosure (100), formed with a safe chamber area (101) and a hazardous chamber area (102) and a power shaft sleeve (120) is provided for communicating the above two; a power unit (200) disposed inside the safe chamber area (101); a control module (300) disposed inside the safe chamber area (101) and electrically connected to the power unit (200); a capstan (400) disposed in the hazardous chamber area (102); a power shaft (500) sleeved in the power shaft sleeve (120) and two ends thereof are respectively connected to the power unit (200) and the capstan (400); and a pair of bearings (610, 620) disposed in the power shaft (120) and spaced with an interval thereby forming a fireproof path (601).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FINETEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ching-Cheng Kuo, Yun-Lung Lo, Yi-Liang Hou, Chao-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 9506753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt sensor for a device, comprising a tank receiving a flowable medium, wherein the position of the medium relative to the tank depends on the tilt, and the tank comprises a polygonal, in particular triangular, or an elliptical, in particular circular base, a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating projections of at least one part of a boundary of the medium, at least two detectors for detecting one of the projections, respectively, and for converting same into signals, wherein the detectors each comprise a detecting direction and the detecting directions of the detectors are disposed at angles to each other, and further comprising an analysis unit for determining the tilt in two axes from the signals of the at least two detectors, wherein the tilt is determined jointly for the two axes from a combination of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Bernhard Metzler, Werner Amann
  • Patent number: 9506754
    Abstract: A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Mayor, Patrick Piemonte, Ronald Keryuan Huang, Parin Patel