Patents Issued in January 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9534861
    Abstract: A novel firearm is lightweight, compact, and the method of manufacture is easy. A single or dual tubular magazine positioned below the barrel of a firearm includes the novel use of an inverted U-shaped stamped receiver cover with a cavity for housing a loading and ejection port. The present invention advances the art of firearm manufacture by disclosing a tubular magazine and stamped sheet metal receiver cover that encloses the major parts of a firearm. The firearm is simple to manufacture, lightweight, approximately 25 to approximately 27 inches in length, and affords an ammunition capacity that is at least twice the capacity of a comparable firearm, such as the Remington® 870 shotgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George Kellgren
  • Patent number: 9534862
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for constructing, installing, and using a compression follower in a tubular firearm magazine. In particular, the compression follower resides inside a shotgun magazine and replaces the standard follower. The compression follower has a compressible tail, thereby providing the capacity of a standard follower and increased reliability by aligning the follower and a magazine spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Edward McNitt
  • Patent number: 9534863
    Abstract: A device and method to accelerate solid metal slugs to high speeds. In one embodiment, a large electric current is passed through an outer cylindrical metal tube enclosing in part a metal slug, a central electrode, and a conducting tail coupled at opposite ends to the. metal slug and the central electrode. Electromagnetic forces accelerate the metal slug to a point high enough to mechanically separate the conducting tail. On separation, a plasma is generated by the passage of electric current though a gas produced by vaporization of the conducting tail and nearby materials. An insulator enclosed within the tube prevents the plasma from shorting to the outer tube until the current flow has produced a sufficient magnetic field to contain the plasma. The metal slug is then accelerated to high speed by a combination of electromagnetic forces and mechanical pressure from the hot gas through which the electric current is passing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William Bryan Maier, Eugene Ellis Nolting, Gene Morris, Donald D. Snyder, George Ralph Caramico
  • Patent number: 9534864
    Abstract: The method of controlling recoil in a disrupter comprises: providing liquid in a liquid chamber of the disrupter, the liquid chamber having a front nozzle for expelling the liquid therethrough; providing combustible propellant in a propellant chamber of the disrupter that communicates with the liquid chamber and that has a rear nozzle for expelling combustion gases therethrough; providing a bather between the liquid and the propellant to avoid admixing both; and igniting the propellant to generate expanding combustion gases that will expel the liquid out of the disrupter through the front nozzle in a first direction, either rupturing or propelling the barrier in the process, the combustion gases exhausting out of the disrupter at least partly through the rear nozzle in a second direction, with the first and second directions being at least partly opposite one another to control the recoil of the disrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PROPARMS LTD.
    Inventor: Rudra Kinkar Dey
  • Patent number: 9534865
    Abstract: Projectile launchers as disclosed herein comprise a reciprocating false barrel or other outwardly extended reciprocating member to cock an air pump and/or to advance a projectile magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Richard A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 9534866
    Abstract: A blade attachment adapted for use with a firearm having a recoil adjusting plate with a plate aperture and a recoil adjusting plate coupler, as part of a combined firearm and blade assembly. The firearm has a stock with a butt end having a butt end aperture. The firearm has a rear stock aperture and a rear stock coupler. The attachment has an anchoring component including a tongue having a tongue aperture, and a blade component including a collar having a collar aperture and a blade. A method for coupling the attachment to the firearm includes inserting the tongue between the plate and the butt end, aligning the tongue aperture with the plate aperture and butt end aperture, aligning the collar aperture with the rear stock aperture, and employing the plate coupler and rear stock coupler to secure the blade attachment therebetween. The blade can have variably shaped blade edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Theo Gianakos
  • Patent number: 9534867
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing a firearm, particularly a long gun, in a secure manner but in which the firearm is readily available to an authorized person. The apparatus may be mounted on a vertical wall. A door assembly is pivotally connected to a main housing and can be locked in a closed position to secure the interior of the housing against unauthorized entry. Adjustable access inhibitor components allow the apparatus to be customized for use with a user-selected model of firearm without compromising security. Movable components within the housing interior hold the selected firearm in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Mark M. Dunn, Gregory K. Gowen, David M. Stafford
  • Patent number: 9534868
    Abstract: An aerodynamic conformal nose cone and scanning mechanism is disclosed. Laser energy, from within a body of a missile, is directed through a solid, optically transparent nose cone. A detector in the body detects reflected laser energy that passes through the solid, optically transparent nose cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Paul Perryman, Bruno J. Evans, Thomas Hiromoto, Don A. Larson
  • Patent number: 9534869
    Abstract: A method for the inertial navigation of a projectile equipped with a mediocre-quality inertial init that is fired from a carrier equipped with a precision inertial unit includes, before firing the projectile, the biases of the accelerometers and of the gyrometers of the inertial unit of the projectile are determined using the inertial unit of the carrier. During the inertial navigation of the projectile, the measurements of the accelermeters and of the gyrometers output by the inertial unit of the projectile are corrected by the biases determined before launching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MBDA FRANCE
    Inventors: Bruno de Araujo, Vincent Guibout, Eric Larcher
  • Patent number: 9534870
    Abstract: An armor system includes an appliqué comprising a high fluid retaining material (HFRM) and a plate configured to hold the appliqué against a compartment, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast wave upon the plate, the HFRM is vented away from the compartment. The armor system may be adapted to a vehicle. In another embodiment, an armor system includes a plate operably connected to a plunger, one or more rods of brittle material operably contained within a tube, wherein the armor system is adapted so that upon impact of a blast shock wave upon the plate, the plate transfers the blast shock wave to the plunger and then to the contents of the tube. Optionally, the tube also contains HFRM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David L. Knies, Alex E. Moser
  • Patent number: 9534871
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a bulletproof window, in particular for use as a window of a motor vehicle or car, comprising at least one outer pane, at least one inner pane, one or more middle panes arranged between the outer pane and the inner pane, adhesive layers each between respective two panes in a laminate, the outer pane protrudes over the other panes on a peripheral edge of the bulletproof window and the inner pane protrudes over the one or more middle panes on the peripheral edge of the bulletproof window, and a bullet resistant, rigid reinforcement covering at least a part of an inner side of the outer pane at the peripheral edge of bulletproof window, being arranged at least partly between the outer pane and the following middle pane in the extension of an adhesive layer, and being fitted to the inner side of the outer pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ISOCLIMA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertolini
  • Patent number: 9534872
    Abstract: The invention combines tiles with an optimal width to thickness ratio together into array(s), and then affixes the array(s) to a depressible adhesive coated substrate. This combination of array(s) and substrates compliments the optimal tile thickness to width ratio to create a more advantageous directional shift of energy dissipation that creates a yaw of the bullet's direction, and subsequent increase of ceramic thickness that the projectile must pass through. The invention eliminates hard epoxies and rigid fiber induced wraps to create a truly flexible matrix that can be applied for use to protect the body with traditional concealable or tactical carriers, or can be used as a “peel and stick” high threat armor system that can be easily field mounted to a vehicle, structure, or aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Allan Douglas Bain
  • Patent number: 9534873
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a frame with top, middle, and bottom sections. The system further includes a first roller section coupled to the frame and positioned at the top section of the frame. A second roller section is coupled to the frame and positioned at the middle section of the frame. One of the first and second roller sections includes a battery, wireless receiver, motor, and optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Urban
  • Patent number: 9534874
    Abstract: A user-fillable linear shaped charge (10), comprising an elongate body (15) and a liner (30), in which the charge further comprises a cavity (50) adjacent at least part of the liner for receiving explosive material, the cavity comprising two elongate channels (50A, 50B) extending adjacent the liner, the body having a delivery opening (55) between the channels for receiving explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Alford Research Limited
    Inventors: Roland Takeshi Alford, John Quentin Killip, Matthew James Eades
  • Patent number: 9534875
    Abstract: An initiator including a housing adapted to be received in an igniter or rocket motor, at least one charge at a distal end of the housing, an electro-explosive device behind the charge for detonating the charge when subject to a voltage HV, and a pressure bulkhead behind the electro-explosive device. An electronic subsystem in the housing is connected to the electro-explosive device through the bulkhead and includes a lead for providing the voltage HV to the electro-explosive device to initiate it, and a switch in the lead which does not conduct if errant voltages are present on the lead to prevent initiation of the electro-explosive device until the correct voltage HV is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Barry Neyer, Daniel Raymond Knick, Paul Thomas Moore, Robert Tomasoski
  • Patent number: 9534876
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a bullet having a first or proximal end, a second or distal end, and a curved circumferential feature formed between the proximal and distal ends of the bullet. The proximal end comprises a large meplat and a circumferential guidance feature. The circumferential guidance feature is configured to be operable with the rib of an ammunition magazine to help prevent binding and allow for normal alignment in the ammunition magazine. As a result, the bullet has more stability within the ammunition magazine, higher potential accuracy, and ability to have longer and heavier projectiles. The bullet further can be cast in a mold to form the bullet with the desired shape, including the circumferential guidance feature formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert Silvers
  • Patent number: 9534877
    Abstract: A low energy mechanical operating cartridge has an inner regulator core (13) supporting a projectile (21) slidably engaged in a primer casing (19). The regulator core acts to control the velocity at which the projectile is propelled from a firearm (61), and the primer casing carries the explosive propellant (25) necessary to generate the required energy to launch the projectile. To improve the operation of the cartridge and ejection of the cartridge from the firearm, the primer casing is configured to efficiently slide on the regulator core in a rearward recoil action, while robust gas seals are maintained between the casing and regulator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PDT Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Huffman, David Kline
  • Patent number: 9534879
    Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided by a cavitating venturi that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Gerold Yonas
  • Patent number: 9534880
    Abstract: A liquid electrically initiated and controlled composition comprising an oxidizer, soluble fuel additive(s), and other optional additives to enhance the chemical or ballistic properties, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The liquid composition further comprises stabilizers to enhance thermal stability, sequestrants to minimize deleterious effects of transition metal contaminants, and combustion enhancers maximizing efficiency. Buffers and heavy metal sequestering or complexing agents may be used in combination to achieve the highest degree of thermal stability. Additional ionic co-oxidizers may be added to the liquid composition to stabilize the liquid oxidizer and further depress freezing point. The liquid phase of matter allows flow via pipes or tubes from tanks, reservoirs, or other containers, through metering valves, followed by ignition or combustion modulation when stimulated by electrodes, statically or dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Digital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. McPherson, Tim Manship
  • Patent number: 9534881
    Abstract: A ring gauge with a maintenance line, which can reliably and quickly let a user know at an early stage the time for replacement during maintenance of a ring gauge, is provided with a ring gauge body which has, on an inner portion, a hole-shaped measuring portion having a circular shape in a planar view and serving as a reference for various types of measuring devices, a predetermined thickness, an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, and a wear checking gauge line which can have a linear shape formed on an inner diameter portion of the hole-shaped measuring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIIGATA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9534882
    Abstract: To improve the energy efficiency of electrical drive systems for doors, the electric motor is actuated position-dependently, the electrically driven door is disconnected from the supply network in a resting position, a change of position of the door performed in the state of being disconnected from the grid is detected by a position encoder unit that is independently supplied with power by an energy store, and the change of position is used for position-dependently actuating the electric motor after the supply voltage has been reapplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Heinz Ludwig, Uwe Nolte, Guido Sonntag
  • Patent number: 9534883
    Abstract: Polarization based interferometric methods suffer from errors caused by the internal instrument birefringence. Disclosed herein are methods for using dual interferometric measurements allow separating the influence of instrument errors (e.g., due to geometry and birefringence errors) and the measured part. The interferometric system error in an interferometry system having two light sources orthogonally polarized with respect to each other wherein each light source reflects from a reference surface and a test surface, creating four reflected beams (Wr, Vr, Wt, Vt), may be determined by performing a first interference measurement (M1) from Wr-Vt. A second interference measurement (M2) from Wt-Vr is performed and a third measurement (M3), indicative of the interferometric system error, is calculated by averaging the first and second measurements ([M1+M2]/2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Piotr Szwaykowski, Raymond J. Castonguay
  • Patent number: 9534884
    Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively image partially polarized data onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Output digital images from the detectors are processable, to determine a polarization pattern for a user of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ASCENTIA IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Edward R. Dowski, Jr., Bradley Sissom, Gregory Johnson
  • Patent number: 9534885
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a vertical position of an interface between a first component and a second component comprising different layers in a sample container comprises a first unit comprising a first emitting light, a first optics, and a first detector; a second unit vertically spaced from the first unit comprising a second emitting light, a second optics, and a second detector; a driving unit to move the first unit and the second unit relative to the sample container; a position sensing unit to output a position sensing signal indicative of a vertical position of the sample container; and a vertical position determining unit to calculate the vertical position of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Darko Klinec, Michael Koehler
  • Patent number: 9534886
    Abstract: A laser measuring system for continuous measurement of at least one join of pipe being inserted into or removed from a wellbore. The laser measuring system can have a laser housing with a laser surface velocimeter. The laser housing with a laser arm can be connected to a support member with an upper mounting member and an upper rubber pipe wiper and a lower plate with a lower rubber pipe wiper. The laser surface velocimeter can communicate via a network to a computer processor and data storage for measuring pipe joint length in real time. A pressurized gas port can pressurize the laser housing above ambient pressure to keep a laser beam clear of particulate and well fluids. The laser beam used to detect and calculate length and quantity of joints of pipe moving past the laser beam transmitting the information to the computer processor real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Bobby Frank Hicks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9534887
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for measuring a piece of timber in a wood handling machine, wherein the piece is grabbed by a cutting head arranged to a set of booms in the wood handling machine, and the dimensions of the piece are measured by at least one measuring device in the wood handling machine. A measuring signal field formed by one or more measuring beams is also directed to the piece of timber with a monitoring device utilizing contact-free measurement, and a point cloud to be stored is provided by the measuring signal field it produces. The parts to be identified are identified from this point cloud, and a quantity to be measured is defined and formed of the information content of the point cloud. The obtained result is directed to a measuring system in the wood handling machine for further utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PONSSE OYJ
    Inventors: Kalle Einola, Mikko Miettinen, Tuomo Moilanen
  • Patent number: 9534888
    Abstract: The present invention provides a detection apparatus which detects an original mark on an original and a substrate mark on a substrate, the original mark and the substrate mark being arranged via a projection optical system, the apparatus comprising an optical system including an imaging device and configured to form an image of the original mark and an image of the substrate mark onto the imaging device, wherein the optical system includes a detection reference member having a first mark and a second mark, and is configured to form an image of the first mark onto the original, form an image of the second mark onto the substrate via the projection optical system and the original, and form the image of the first mark, and the image of the second mark onto the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akio Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 9534889
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that measures a thickness of a coating by selecting a wavelength of a laser based on a color of the coating using a contactless method using a photoacoustic effect and an interferometer, the apparatus including a pulsed laser source to irradiate a pulsed laser beam toward the coating, a continuous wave (CW) laser source to irradiate a CW laser beam toward the coating, a detector to detect an optical interference signal corresponding to the CW laser beam, and a signal processor to process the optical interference signal to calculate a thickness of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jeong Eun Kim, Hyun Seo Kang, Hyoung Jun Park, Young Soon Heo, Keo Sik Kim, Eun Kyoung Jeon, Kwon Seob Lim, Young Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 9534890
    Abstract: A measuring machine comprising at least one member mobile along an axis, a motor, a transmission system driven by the motor for displacing the mobile member along the axis, and a control system for controlling the motor, wherein a flexible coupling is set between said transmission system, and the mobile member is configured so as to filter the vibrations transmitted by the transmission system to the mobile member in the direction of the axis and to decouple the mobile member from the transmission system in a direction transverse to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON METROLOGY S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Raiteri
  • Patent number: 9534891
    Abstract: A method of angle estimation for use in a vehicle which is travelling on a surface. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first axis and being attached to at least two wheels. The method includes the steps of: providing a first height sensor for measuring h1, the height of the vehicle body with respect to the first wheel; providing a second height sensor for measuring h2, the height of the vehicle body with respect to the second wheel; providing a surface angle sensor for measuring ?road, the angle of the surface in relation to a horizontal plane; measuring the values of h1, h2 and ?road; using the values of h1 and h2 to calculate ?rel, the angle of the vehicle body relative to the surface; and calculating an estimate of ?glob, the angle between the first axis and the horizontal plane, from ?road and ?rel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Juan Herrera, Mark Flinders, Nick Solomon
  • Patent number: 9534892
    Abstract: A distance measuring system comprises a radiation source, a radiation detector, a measuring lens system, a first damping filter, a second damping filter and an actuator. The radiation source is constructed to emit optical radiation and the radiation detector is constructed to detect optical radiation. The measuring lens system is designed to project optical radiation to a target and to conduct optical radiation reflected by the target to the radiation detector. The first damping filter has a constant damping and can be arranged in a beam path between the radiation source and the measuring lens system. The second damping filter has an adjustable damping and can be arranged in a beam path between the measuring lens system and the radiation detector. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first and also to the second damping filter and is constructed to move the first and the second damping filter in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Hermann Goering
  • Patent number: 9534893
    Abstract: An imaging device intended to be placed on board a satellite or an aircraft comprises at least two detector arrays that are arranged in the same focal plane. Each detector array itself comprises a unidirectional detector and at least one additional detector, produced on one same single-piece substrate dedicated to said detector array. The arrangement of the detectors in the focal plane is then carried out in a modular fashion, by positioning the respective substrates of the detector arrays. Several arrangements are proposed that are compatible with the unidirectional and bidirectional push-broom scanning modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space
    Inventors: Michel Tulet, Gilles Planche
  • Patent number: 9534894
    Abstract: In order to provide a resonator element having high production efficiency and low impedance in a small size, the resonator element includes a base portion, and a driving arm which extends from the base portion and includes a through hole, in which the driving arm vibrates along an in-plane direction, and includes a plurality of broad portions of which a width in the in-plane direction is broad and a plurality of narrow portions of which a width in the in-plane direction is narrow which alternate with each other, and the through hole is disposed in the broad portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fumio Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9534895
    Abstract: A vibrating element includes a vibration portion including a first main surface, a second main surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, and extending in a first direction. The vibration portion includes a first groove formed in the first main surface and a second groove formed in the second main surface, and in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the first main surface, the first groove and the second groove are provided to shift in opposite directions from each other, in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Ishii, Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 9534896
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject application provide a method for operating a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) tuning fork gyroscope. The method includes oscillating a voltage on a first sense electrode out-of-plane from and proximate a first side of a first proof mass between a first voltage and a second voltage at a first frequency. The method also includes oscillating a voltage on a second sense electrode out-of-plane from and proximate a second side of the first proof mass between the first voltage and the second voltage at the first frequency and 180 degrees out-of-phase with the voltage on the first sense electrode. The method also includes generating a rate signal corresponding to a rotation rate of the first proof mass by first demodulating an out-of-plane signal from the first proof mass at the first frequency and second demodulating the out-of-plane signal in phase with in-plane motion of the first proof mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Sutton, Mark W. Weber
  • Patent number: 9534897
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method for determining a bias-compensated inertial rotation rate of a Coriolis vibratory gyroscope (“CVG”). The method comprises determining an initial mode that the CVG is operating; obtaining average uncompensated inertial rotation rate measurements from a previous mode transition period; obtaining average uncompensated bias measurements from the previous mode transition period; determining a first transition between a AGC mode and a FTR mode of a given axis; calculating a first estimate of bias of the CVG based on the first transition that was determined and the average uncompensated bias measurements from the previous mode transition period; and calculating, by a processor, a first bias-compensated inertial rotation rate of the CVG based on the first bias that was calculated and the average uncompensated inertial rotation rate measurements from a previous mode transition period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: John Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 9534898
    Abstract: A method of movement mode determination comprising measurement of vehicle's position and orientation and calculation of movement parameters, a compass on the vehicle, is azimuthally oriented along the prevailing and is mostly used movement direction (“forward” direction), a movement vector measurement unit, is used for measuring the azimuth of movement vector. A calculation unit being used for measuring an angle between vehicle movement vector azimuth measured by the movement vector measurement unit and vehicle azimuth measured by the compass fixed on the vehicle; movement is regarded as ‘backward” if the calculated angle is greater than 90 degrees, and “forward” if the calculated angle is smaller than 90 degrees. Also, an apparatus for movement direction determination includes a compass and a computation unit and further comprises a movement vector measurement unit for determining vehicle movement azimuth and connected through a signal connection to the computation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexey V. Zhdanov, Eugene I. Zintsov
  • Patent number: 9534899
    Abstract: Vector Field SLAM is a method for localizing a mobile robot in an unknown environment from continuous signals such as WiFi or active beacons. Disclosed is a technique for localizing a robot in relatively large and/or disparate areas. This is achieved by using and managing more signal sources for covering the larger area. One feature analyzes the complexity of Vector Field SLAM with respect to area size and number of signals and then describe an approximation that decouples the localization map in order to keep memory and run-time requirements low. A tracking method for re-localizing the robot in the areas already mapped is also disclosed. This allows to resume the robot after is has been paused or kidnapped, such as picked up and moved by a user. Embodiments of the invention can comprise commercial low-cost products including robots for the autonomous cleaning of floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Gutmann, Philip Fong, Mario E. Munich
  • Patent number: 9534900
    Abstract: A system for determining a combined velocity rotation compensation and sculling compensation in an inertial navigation system includes: gyroscopes configured to provide a measured angular rotation rate with components from three orthogonal axes; accelerometers configured to provide a measured specific force with components from three orthogonal axes; and a processor configured to calculate a first combined velocity rotation compensation and sculling compensation at a single computational rate, the processor configured to: calculate a first cross product of an instantaneous angular rotation rate and a change in the measured specific force during a first interval; and sum the first cross product with a second cross product of a fraction of the change in the specific force during the second interval and the change in the measured angular rate during the first interval; where the first and second intervals are each one cycle of the single computational rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SYSTRON DONNER INTERIAL, INC.
    Inventor: Honghui Qi
  • Patent number: 9534901
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a route plan for accessing harvestable resources is provided. A processor receives a node layout for a location with harvestable resources, wherein the location includes at least two parcels. A processor determines a first route network for the location at a first time step. A processor determines a second route network for the location at a second time step. A processor generates a first route plan is based, at least in part, on the first route network and the second route network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cecilia J. Aas, Raymond S. Glover
  • Patent number: 9534902
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing video information for a vehicle. A number of prior images is selected from images generated by the vehicle. An object is seen in the number of prior images. A model of the vehicle is displayed in the number of prior images in a current position of the vehicle and with a size that is based on the current position of the vehicle relative to the object in the number of prior images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Kevin R. Lutke
  • Patent number: 9534903
    Abstract: A method may include storing a plurality of floor maps, each floor map indicating a structural layout of a respective physical location, storing a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) data structures, each POI data structure including a physical location of an associated POI that is associated with the respective POI data structure, receiving a floor map request, the floor map request including a requested location, based upon the location included by the floor map request, selecting a floor map and a subset of the plurality of POI data structures, for each of the subset of the plurality of POI data structures, receiving metadata from the associated POI, the metadata indicating a status of the associated POI, and transmitting, to the client computing device and in response to the floor map request, the selected floor map and the selected POI data structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BMC Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Cline, Ting He, Wesley Gere, Jason L. Graham, Kia Behnia
  • Patent number: 9534904
    Abstract: A navigation method for indoor escaping is executed by at least one processor of an electronic device. At least three message transmitters fixed in a building around the electronic device are connected with the electronic device. Messages are received from each message transmitter. The messages include location information of each message transmitter and a floor plan of the building. A current position of the electronic device is determined according to the location information of each message transmitter and signal strength of each connection between the electronic device and each message transmitter when receiving a fire alarm and a position of the fire. An optimal escape route is calculated according to the floor plan of the building, the position of the electronic device, and the position of the fire. Navigation is provided to a user of the electronic device to escape from the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Ching Chien
  • Patent number: 9534905
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering a package is provided. The method includes a receiving by a delivery vehicle delivery, rules and a temporary passcode for delivering a package to a secure indoor location of a customer premises. The delivery vehicle, including the package, is directed to the secured indoor location and upon arrival the temporary passcode is transmitted to a control system for the secure indoor location. In response, access to the secure indoor location is enabled and the delivery vehicle is directed into the secure indoor location for delivery of the package within the secure indoor location such that the package is placed within the secure indoor location. After delivery, the delivery vehicle is directed out of the secure indoor location. The passcode is again transmitted to the control system and in response access to the secure indoor location is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 9534906
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for mapping a shopping space are provided. A system for mapping a shopping space includes a plurality of motorized transport units, a store map database, and a central computer system. The central computer system being configured to divide the map of the shopping space into a plurality of sections, assign a unique section identifier to each of the plurality of sections in the shopping space, associate a blocked tag with each section inaccessible to the plurality of motorized transport units, associate an accessible tag with each section accessible by at least one of the plurality of motorized transport units, for each section having an accessible tag, allow an access restriction setting to be configured, and provide navigation instructions to the plurality of motorized transport units based on access restriction settings of each section of the shopping space stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Robert C. Taylor, Michael D. Atchley
  • Patent number: 9534907
    Abstract: A location tracking unit for use with a location based service system is presented. The location tracking unit comprises: a navigation receiver adapted to implement a location tracking function; data processing means adapted to determine an occupied location according to a first location matching process, the first location matching process using navigation data from the navigation receiver and a first set of geographic data; and data processing means adapted to verify the integrity of the first location matching process based on a second location matching process using navigation data and a second set of geographic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Telit Automotive Solutions NV
    Inventors: Michael Peeters, Claude Debast, Tim Froidcoeur
  • Patent number: 9534908
    Abstract: Repairing GPS data is disclosed. Repairing GPS data includes repairing an effort, comprising determining that the effort includes inaccurate GPS data; and adjusting the effort using a repaired base map. Repairing GPs data includes repairing a segment, comprising determining an inaccurate shape data in the segment; and adjusting shape data for the segment based on a repaired base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Strava, Inc.
    Inventors: Davis Kitchel, Brian Riordan
  • Patent number: 9534909
    Abstract: A service providing method of a user terminal device connected to a display apparatus mounted on a moving means includes displaying a stored contact list and guiding one or more routes which displays a route guide screen to selected address information by utilizing a display apparatus if the address information is selected from personal information recorded on the displayed contact list. Accordingly, various services can be provided based on the personal information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-ho Rhee, Eun-young Lim, Young-shil Jang, Il-ku Chang, Young-kyu Jin
  • Patent number: 9534910
    Abstract: An automated driving system and methods are disclosed. The automated driving system includes a perception system disposed on an autonomous vehicle. The automated driving system can detect an intersection including a yield scenario and identify a check point between the autonomous vehicle and the yield scenario. Prior to the autonomous vehicle reaching the check point, the automated driving system can send a command to one or more vehicle systems to control the autonomous vehicle to stop at the yield scenario. After the autonomous vehicle reaches the check point, the automated driving system can detect, using the perception system, information for the intersection. If the information indicates clear passage through the intersection for the autonomous vehicle, the automated driving system can send a command to the one or more vehicle systems to drive the autonomous vehicle through the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bunyo Okumura
  • Patent number: 9534911
    Abstract: An approach is provided for determining one or more non-travel lanes in at least one route segment. The approach involves obtaining data from a location database, the data comprising information with respect to at least one route segment including, at least in part, information on travel and non-travel lanes within the at least one travel route segment. The approach then involves determining one or more non-travel lanes in the at least one route segment based, at least in part, on the data. The approach further involves determining whether to include the at least one route segment in a navigation route based, at least in part, on a minimization of a risk of being blocked by the one or more non-travel lanes during a time a user is projected to travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.
    Inventors: Jerome Beaurepaire, Philippe Beaurepaire