Patents Issued in January 2, 2018
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Patent number: 9857123Abstract: An improved refrigeration cycle defrosting system and method is disclosed. The device uses operation of a compressor to supply heat for the defrosting process without relying on deviation of a hot refrigerant gas from the compressor outlet or any other heating device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: John D. McLaughlin
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Clamp apparatus, substrate carry-in/out apparatus using the same, and substrate processing apparatus
Patent number: 9857124Abstract: The clamp apparatus of the present disclosure includes a clamp member configured to contact a substrate accommodating container from an upper side and fix the substrate accommodating container to a predetermined position when a cover provided on a front surface of the substrate accommodating container is opened/closed, a driving mechanism configured to drive the clamp member; a casing configured to cover the driving mechanism, a suction port configured to communicate with the casing, an exhaust chamber provided near the casing, and a fan provided inside the exhaust chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Mitsuru Obara, Hisashi Inoue, Keishi Shionaga, Masahiro Kobayashi, Norio Baba, Hiroshi Kikuchi -
Patent number: 9857125Abstract: The present invention relates to a denitration and waste heat recovery integrated furnace, comprising a denitration system, a desulfurization system and a waste heat recovery system. An air outlet of the denitration system is connected to an inlet of a dust collector (4), an outlet of the dust collector (4) is connected to an air inlet of the desulfurization system, an air outlet of the desulfurization system is connected to an air compressor (6) of the waste heat recovery system, and the waste heat recovered by the air compressor (6) is used for heat energy utilization of other departments.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: CAS SUPER ENERGY TECHNOLOGY JINGJIANG LTD.Inventors: Xinyu Zhang, Fengjiao Zhang, Wei Wu, Qian Zhao
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Patent number: 9857126Abstract: A radiator which is disposed in front of a cooling fan may include a main heat-radiating portion to cool a high temperature coolant, an auxiliary heat-radiating portion to cool a coolant that is a relatively lower temperature coolant than the coolant passing through the main heat-radiating portion, and an insulating plate that prevents heat from being exchanged between the main heat-radiating portion and the auxiliary heat-radiating portion, in which the auxiliary heat-radiating portion is positioned at a center portion in front of the cooling fan.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kyung Tae Kim
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Patent number: 9857127Abstract: A header for an air cooled heat exchanger is provided. The header includes a housing having top and bottom walls and side walls and an inlet and an outlet, one of said side walls being a tube wall for connection to a plurality of heat exchanger tubes. The header includes a partition wall between the top and bottom walls defining upper and lower regions, the partition being a sheet having a higher central area which extends downward to corners of the upper region. Each corner has a drain aperture for fluid in the upper region to drain by gravity out of the upper region.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Dhawi A. Al-Otaibi
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Patent number: 9857128Abstract: An extruded heat transfer tube with an internal passage includes a tube body made of an extruded material of an aluminum alloy having a composition that includes 0.3 mass % or more and less than 0.8 mass % of Mn; more than 0.1 mass % and less than 0.32 mass % of Si; 0.3 mass % or less of Fe; 0.06 mass % or more and 0.3 mass % or less of Ti; and Al balance including inevitable impurities, a ratio of a Mn content to a Si content, Mn %/Si %, exceeding 2.5. The extruded heat transfer tube further includes a Zn-containing layer provided directly on an outer surface of the tube body.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Furumura, Yasunori Hyogo
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Patent number: 9857129Abstract: This Regulated Bolt Carrier is a lightweight carrier having a built-in gas regulating gate. As a drop-in assembly it enables tuning of the gas system used in firearms of the AR-15 class. Adjustments of a continuously variable nature may be made quickly through the port door without requiring disassembly of the firearm. A gas “regulator gate” located under the gas key below a gas port inside the body of the bolt carrier itself is cut as a half-moon. Rotating the regulator gate on its axis changes the position of the half-moon cutout, blocking the entry of gas into the system. The regulator gate can be set anywhere from fully open to fully closed and is held in position by a small lock screw. For maintenance, the gas regulator gate can be pushed out of its bore via an access hole on the opposite side of the bolt carrier.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: 2A ARMAMENT, LLCInventors: Brian L. Kelly, Ryan Jacobson, Bryan R. Tucker, Ben L. Chuckovich, William W. Schanz
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Patent number: 9857130Abstract: The magazine carrier has flexible yet durable material of construction and slides directly into a rifle magazine and is kept on the magazine during loading into a rifle. The carrier includes novel features for the modern operator including forward facing finger grips and a loop at the bottom to provide magazine drawing and storage options as well as impact protection to the magazine. In addition to providing direct protection to the magazine from contaminants such as dirt and mud, the magazine carrier can also be provided in an alternative embodiment with infrared signature reduction panels to provide the operator with an overall reduced infrared signature.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Joshua Purkiss
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Patent number: 9857131Abstract: An ammunition indicator system of the present disclosure uses a magazine configured for housing bullet cartridges, the magazine comprising an outward-facing surface and a cavity. The system further has a follower that fits within the cavity and interfaces with the bullet cartridges inside the cavity. The follower further moves in a direction toward an open end of the magazine as bullet cartridges from the cavity are spent. The system further has a channel in the outward-facing surface of the magazine and an ammunition indicator rod configured for slidably coupling to the channel and fixedly coupling to the follower, the ammunition indicator rod indicates an amount of ammunition in the magazine.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: John M. Rose
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Patent number: 9857132Abstract: A rifle stock has a body defining a magazine well configured to closely and removably receive at least a portion of the magazine, the body including an actuation element proximate the magazine well, the magazine well being a passage defining an insertion axis, and the actuation element having an actuation surface portion angularly offset from the insertion axis, such that the cartridge retention element operably encounters and is moved by the actuation element upon insertion of the magazine. There may be a magazine having a body with an exterior profile sized to be closely and removably received in the magazine well, the body defining a central passage configured to receive a plurality of ammunition cartridges, the passage having an open upper end, a cartridge retention element attached to the body and movable between a first retention position, and a second released position.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: PRO MAG MFG., INC.Inventor: Michael W. Ballard
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Patent number: 9857133Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a biometrically-enabled gun. The biometrically-enabled gun may detect a presence of a user. In response to detecting a presence of a user, a processor may be awoken from a power-saving mode. The processor may query for a presence of a finger of a user. A fingerprint image may be captured. A template of the captured fingerprint image may be generated. A correlation between the template and one or more authorized user templates may be determined. In response to the correlation exceeding a threshold, a processor may cause an actuator may unlock the gun. In response to a lapse of user contact with the gun, a processor may cause the actuator to lock the gun.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: BIOFIRE TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Kai Thorin Kloepfer, Bradley Derek Stapley, Benjamin Roy Haymond, Paul Daniel Seiter
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Patent number: 9857134Abstract: A sear safety for a firearm is provided that includes a mode selection mechanism having a detent pin movable from an unlocked position to a locked position by a user. The sear includes a body having a first leg and a second leg. The body is pivotable about a pivot point between the first leg and the second leg. The sear has a first end surface on the first leg for contacting the firing element and a second end surface on the second leg for contacting a hard stop on the frame and for contacting the trigger bar. A pocket is on the second leg for receiving the detent pin when the detent pin is in the locked position to secure the sear against the hard stop. When the detent pin of is in the locked position, the sear is prevented from to rotating about its pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Kimber IP, LLCInventors: Yury Karfiol, Leslie Edelman, John Goliber
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Patent number: 9857135Abstract: A firearm system can include a modular mono-block shotgun system and a standardizing sighting system. The modular mono-block shotgun system can have multiple interchangeable barrels of different gauges for assembling a single shotgun. Each barrel can include an inherent low-rail sight longitudinally along its top surface. The standardizing sighting system can be installed upon the low-rail sight of each barrel of the modular mono-block system. The height of each barrel with its corresponding component of the standardizing sighting system can be substantially equal to the height of a largest gauge barrel with its corresponding component. After changing barrels, a need to make adjustments to the shotgun to account for changes in sighting and impact spread can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Otto Geiger
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Patent number: 9857136Abstract: A conversion device for converting a firearm designed to fire a cartridge of a certain size and caliber to another size and caliber cartridge is disclosed. In some embodiments, the conversion device is suitable for converting an AR-15 type firearm to be able to fire .22 caliber cartridges. Disclosed embodiments of the conversion device 100 may comprise an appropriately sized chamber insert 1 to fit in the chamber of the firearm, a bolt 2, an extractor 4, extractor plunger 3, extractor spring 5, firing pins 6, firing pin springs 9, a bolt spring rod 10 and block 11, a bolt return spring 12, slide rails 14, lock rings 17, and lock pins 15.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: OUTLANDER LLCInventors: Steve Hayes, Roy Chester
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Patent number: 9857137Abstract: A silencer for a firearm in one embodiment includes an outer tube defining a proximal end configured for mounting on a firearm barrel, a distal end, and an internal passageway extending between the ends. A plurality of first baffles is disposed in horizontally stacked relation in the internal passageway between the proximal and distal ends of the tube. The first baffles each comprises an annular mounting sleeve and a cone projecting axially rearward from the sleeve towards the proximal end of the tube. The cone defines an oblong obliquely angled central opening concentrically aligned the bore of a firearm barrel for receiving a projectile therethrough. Gas expansion chambers are formed between the first baffles. The cone may have an asymmetrically skewed shape for cross-jetting. An anti-rotation feature is provided which prevents the silencer assembly from loosening when the silencer is coupled to the firearm barrel.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Jonathan Barrett
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Patent number: 9857138Abstract: A barrel installation assembly is used for easily installing a barrel onto a receiver of a firearm with proper torque and alignment. The barrel installation assembly includes a barrel nut, barrel nut spacers, and a barrel installation tool. The barrel nut is configured to fasten the barrel to the receiver. The barrel nut spacers are configured to be interposed between the barrel nut and the receiver when the barrel is fastened thereto. The barrel installation tool includes a head portion configured to removably engage with the barrel nut, and a handle portion extending from the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: WHG Properties, LLCInventor: William H. Geissele
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Patent number: 9857139Abstract: A bowstring release is described herein. The bowstring release has, in an embodiment, a release body and a hook for holding a bowstring. The bowstring release includes a trigger coupled to the release body, and the trigger has a roller for operation of the release.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Scott Archery LLCInventors: Daniel N. Kelly, Eric J. Griggs, Michael Derus
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Patent number: 9857140Abstract: A loader may be provided having two or more shell segments or sections separable from each other, wherein the shell segments help define an internal chamber of the loader that is capable of housing a quantity of ammunition for a connected gun. A spacer ring can be provided to fit between at least two of the shell segments. When the loader shell segments are reattached having the spacer ring arranged therebetween, the capacity of the loader may be increased.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: GI Sportz, Inc.Inventor: Richmond Italia
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Patent number: 9857141Abstract: A loader and drive system are provided. The loader is preferably configured to house a quantity of projectiles (such as paintballs) in a chamber and supply the quantity of projectiles from the chamber to an attached pneumatic gun when in operation. The loader preferably includes an outlet configured to supply projectiles from the chamber to the pneumatic gun when the loader is operatively connected to the pneumatic gun. A drive system may be arranged in the loader and include a non-rotating cone arranged above the outlet and having an opening in a side thereof to provide an entrance. A way is arranged configured to direct projectiles into the outlet from the chamber through the entrance. A cover may be connected to the non-rotating cone and have an arm that directs projectiles into the entrance. A driving ring may surround the non-rotating cone and rotate around the non-rotating cone. The driving ring urges projectiles from the chamber into the way and toward the outlet during operation of the loader.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: GI Sportz, Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Spurlock
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Patent number: 9857142Abstract: An improved device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach and detach an accessory (e.g., a scope, light, bayonet, etc.) to the Picatinny or tactical rail of a firearm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and a locking mechanism. The device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventors: Matthew A. Sharron, Andrew Visinski
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Patent number: 9857143Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Marvin S. Carter, III, Daryl Francis, Dean B. Killam, Jansen Habrial
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Patent number: 9857144Abstract: A system may be provided that includes a scope configured to mount to a firearm. The scope may include imaging components, processing components, and a display. The processing components may generate an adaptive electronic reticle for the scope. The adaptive electronic reticle may be displayed with the display and may have a shape, a color, a style, a position, and/or other features based on the firearm, an ammunition type, a target type, a target range, a wind speed, a color of an image of a target scene, and/or other target scene information. The reticle may be generated to be a reticle that maximizes the reticle contrast relative to the target scene, a textured reticle, a moving reticle, a Mil-Dot reticle, and/or a custom ballistic reticle. Laser rangefinder input may be used to automatically determine a reticle location based on ballistics data and the range to a target.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventor: Austin A. Richards
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Patent number: 9857145Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a seeker for a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) guided missile. The seeker has a Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) camera and a Pulse Timing Logic (PTL) detector. The PTL detector has a SWIR photo detector axially aligned with a lens stack of the SWIR camera. The SWIR photo detector is configured to detect a sequence of SWIR pulses generated by a SAL target designator and reflected by a designated target. The PTL detector has a pulse timer configured to identify a sequence pattern of the detected sequence of SWIR pulses, and to predict a timing of a next SWIR pulse in the identified sequence pattern so as to synchronize exposure of the SWIR camera to capture a next image of the designated target at the predicted timing of the next SWIR pulse. Such exposure timing can advantageously improve the signal to noise ratio of the next image.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Robert Rutkiewicz, Gary Halama
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Systems and methods for attaching a firearm accessory to a first rail system or a second rail system
Patent number: 9857146Abstract: A rail attachment assembly for attaching a firearm accessory to a first or second rail system includes a main body comprising a first side having a protrusion configured to mate with a slot in the first rail system, a second side having a protrusion configured to mate with a slot in the second rail system, and an aperture. The rail attachment assembly also includes a cavity in the firearm accessory configured to mate with the protrusion on the first side or the second side of the main body. An aperture extends through the firearm accessory. A fastener is positionable through the aperture in the firearm accessory, the aperture in the main body, and the slot in the first rail system or the slot in the second rail system. A nut is attachable to the fastener to secure the firearm accessory to the first rail system or the second rail system.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: RAILSCALES LLCInventors: Derek Hunter Shelton, Brent Taylor McGuire -
Patent number: 9857147Abstract: There is accordingly provided a rail system selectively connectable to a rifle. The rifle has a loading port for receiving bullets therein. The system includes a first rail positioned forward of the loading port. The system includes a second rail extending substantially parallel to the first rail and positioned rearward of the loading port. The system includes an aperture interposed between the first and second rails. The aperture is positioned to align with the loading port of the rifle. The system includes an elongate side member connecting the rails together.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: David Drummond
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Patent number: 9857148Abstract: A composite article includes a plurality of fibers at least partially embedded within a matrix. The fibers may be adhered to the matrix at a level of adhesion. The adhesion level between the fibers and the matrix may be varied spatially within the composite article. For example, the adhesion level may vary along a length of one of the fibers. The adhesion level may also vary among the fibers of a given layer. Furthermore, the adhesion level may vary between the layers of the composite article.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark S. Wilenski, Michael P. Kozar
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Patent number: 9857149Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a light source having spatially separated light emitting areas emitting light at different wavelengths to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. Reflectors adapted for use with spatially separated light substrates provide for light concentration from lower powered optical sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Optech Ventures, LLCInventors: Vladimir Rubtsov, Gennady Sigal
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Patent number: 9857150Abstract: A target device and method of manufacture includes providing a substrate with a printing surface upon which multiple coatings are deposited so as to provide a target image that allows for improved capacity for visually determining impact or penetration locations on the target image. The coatings include a first coating which defines target areas, with uncoated areas forming borderlines between and around the target areas. A transparent laminate of adhesive and a low dyne surface material is applied over the initial coating. Multiple layers of additional coatings having a variety of colorants are placed over the low dyne surface layer of the second coating to form the final target image. A projectile passing through the resulting target device will leave a halo of material around the impact site comprised of the first coating or the visible surface of the printing layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Splatterburst Targets LLCInventor: Cary Larson
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Patent number: 9857151Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems—Canada, Inc.Inventors: Sylvain Dionne, Pierre Duchesne, Eric Toutant
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Patent number: 9857152Abstract: An Auto-Lock Broadhead is disclosed having incorporated a unique, new, fail-safe, self-locking system to eliminate the possibility of blade failure, either upon launching, or upon impact. It is the only current design of its kind in existence.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Roger Dennis Franco, Sr.
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Patent number: 9857153Abstract: A broadhead with dynamic blades that deploy upon impact with an animal includes a body defining an interior area. A pair of trigger blades is rotatably mounted inside the interior area and movable between an initially deployed configuration extending outwardly away from the side wall and a rotated configuration. A pair of dynamic blades is rotatably mounted inside the interior area and movable between a retracted configuration completely inside the interior area and an extended configuration extending outwardly from the body. A ring associated with the body is slidably movable between a flight configuration positioned proximate the front end of the body that prevents the dynamic blades from moving to the deployed configuration and an actuated configuration displaced from the front end that actuates the trigger blades to move the dynamic blades to the extended configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Christopher Redline
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Patent number: 9857154Abstract: A munition having a warhead and an ogive coaxially rotatably mounted to the warhead. A controllable motor is mechanically coupled to the ogive to control the rotational position of the ogive relative to the warhead. The ogive includes an asymmetric surface while a windscreen is detachably connected to the ogive over the asymmetric surface so that, with the windscreen attached to the ogive, the outer surface of the ogive together with the windscreen are axisymmetric in shape. A detachment mechanism, when activated, detaches the windscreen from the ogive which permits steering of the munition by placement of the asymmetric surface relative to the warhead. The introduction of the asymmetric surface during flight produces an asymmetric pressure field resulting in a lateral force on the munition causing is to change direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Michael A. Minnicino, II
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Patent number: 9857155Abstract: The present specification discloses a new self-aligning rifle bullet. The resulting bullet offers greatly improved rifle accuracy and reduction in aerodynamic drag for better long range shooting. The resulting improvements will help shooters achieve longer ranges, higher scores, smaller group sizes, and higher probabilities of first shot hits.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: James Allen Boatright
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Patent number: 9857156Abstract: An extended range support module for an undersea vehicle includes an outer hull capable of accommodating the undersea vehicle therein. A navigation module is positioned on the outer hull and capable of being joined to the undersea vehicle. Controllable fins are provided on the outer hull and joined to allow control by the navigation module. A buoyancy control system is positioned within the outer hull and joined to the navigation module. An extended fuel tank is provided inside the outer hull between the outer hull and the undersea vehicle. The extended fuel tank is joined to provide fuel to the undersea vehicle. The navigation module can have GPS, inertial sensors, and sonar sensors to aid in navigation.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Brian T McKeon, John Sirmalis, William P. Krol
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Patent number: 9857157Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods to provide an ability to quickly and securely hand emplace stand-off demolition charges to various surfaces or structures including surfaces including any flat surface. An aspect of the embodiment of the invention is a lightweight attachment bracket that will hold charges at distances up to (e.g., ten inches) away from a vertical target. The bracket is collapsible, therefore provides a user adjustable stand-off, which is necessary for some applications. Attachment to ferrous material can be instant through a set of rare earth metals imbedded in the base of the bracket. A skirt of high strength textile material provides attachment to other surfaces via integrated hooks and rings. Alternative embodiments of the invention could include an electromagnetic system provided to couple the bracket with a battery in order to provide a limited amount of power to operate the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Eric Scheid, Brad Moan
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Patent number: 9857158Abstract: In some aspects, a wireless system is configured for estimating a thickness of a material layer on a surface of an aircraft. The wireless system includes a tag device located beneath a material layer. The tag device is capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal in response to an electromagnetic signal. In some aspects, a transceiver device is configured to estimate the thickness of a material layer on a surface of an aircraft. The transceiver can be configured to communicate with a tag using electromagnetic signals. The transceiver can include one or more processors configured to measure signal strength and correlate the signal strength to the thickness of a material layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Brian Tucker, Paul Madej
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Patent number: 9857159Abstract: A velocity-compensated frequency sweeping interferometer has a single measurement light producing device that produces a coherent light source consisting of a single light beam. The light producing device produces a scanning wavelength light beam. A primary beam splitter produces a first reference beam and a first measurement beam from said single light beam. The first reference beam travels a fixed path length to a primary reference reflector and the first measurement beam travels to and from a moveable reflective target over an unknown path length. A distance measurement interferometer is created by interfering the first reference beam with the first measurement beam. A return frequency measurement interferometer provides a measure of frequency of the return beam from the target which, when compared with the frequency of the outgoing beam, allows for velocity compensation of the target.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: TVS Holdings, LLCInventor: John M Hoffer, Jr.
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Patent number: 9857160Abstract: A multi-mode frequency sweeping interferometer has a single measurement light producing device configured to produce a coherent light source consisting of a single light beam. The single measurement light producing device transitions the single light beam between a fixed light beam and a scanning wavelength light beam. A primary beam splitter produces a first reference beam and a first measurement beam from said single light beam. The first reference beam is configured to travel a fixed path length to a primary reference reflector and the first measurement beam is configured to travel to and from a moveable reflective target over an unknown path length. A first interferometer is created by interfering the first reference beam with the first measurement beam and one or more optoelectronic devices may be configured to determine a measured distance to the movable reflective target.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: TVS Holdings, LLCInventor: John M Hoffer, Jr.
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Patent number: 9857161Abstract: A six degree of freedom laser simultaneous measurement system, wherein a laser emitting unit is separated from a fixed sensor head; the laser emitting unit is connected with the fixed sensor head by a single polarization maintaining fiber; a moving unit comprising the reflector and the beam splitter is mounted on the linear guide; utilizing of the single polarization maintaining fiber, which connects the laser emitting unit with the fixed sensor head, reduces the influence of heat generated by laser source on the measurement accuracy, and makes the system more compact and integrated. The six degree of freedom errors, including position error, horizontal and vertical straightness errors, pitch, raw and roll, can be measured simultaneously by only one incident light. The non-cable connection on the moving unit makes long-distance and in-situ measurement possible.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Beijing Jiaotong UniversityInventors: Qibo Feng, Bin Zhang, Zhan Gao, Cunxing Cui
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Patent number: 9857162Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for tracking position of a mobile device within a venue. In an aspect, the mobile device obtains a plurality of light source identifiers and a plurality of location identifiers corresponding to a plurality of light sources within the venue, determines a first position of the mobile device within the venue, the first position having a first position accuracy, determines a subset of the plurality of light source identifiers corresponding to a subset of the plurality of light sources based on a location of each light source in the subset of light sources being within a threshold distance of the first position, demodulates a fragment of a light source identifier, and determines a second position of the mobile device based on one or more location identifiers corresponding to the light source, the second position having a greater position accuracy than the first position accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Arnold Gum, Bala Ramasamy
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Patent number: 9857163Abstract: A method of measuring an object having associated geometric data and material data receives the geometric data and material data relating to the object, and controls an x-ray device to scan the object. The x-ray device operates in accordance with a plurality of operating parameters. The method then varies at least one of the operating parameters during the scan as a function of one or both the geometric data and the material data.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan J. O'Hare, Stephen Darrouzet
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Patent number: 9857164Abstract: A lens device for an illumination assembly, wherein the lens device comprises at least one ring region, wherein each ring region extends along a circumferential direction about a central axis of the lens device, wherein each ring region comprises a plurality of segments, wherein each segment forms a circular arc portion of a respective ring region and wherein each segment comprises a first end in the circumferential direction and a second end opposite to the first end in the circumferential direction, wherein each segment has a first refractive index at a reference wavelength at the first end at a first radial distance from the central axis and a second refractive index at the reference wavelength at the second end at the first radial distance, said second refractive index differing from the first refractive index. An illumination assembly, a coordinate measuring machine and a method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Dominik Seitz, Nils Haverkamp
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Patent number: 9857165Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) for characterizing the physiological state of woody plants (2, 3) with branches grown in rows, such as vine plants, said system (1) including a vehicle (10) designed to move between said rows, a geolocation device (14) and a processing unit (15), and being characterized in that it includes a sensor (16) including a light source (17) designed to emit a light beam (18) and a light receiver (19), said light beam (18) being able to intersect the branches, as the vehicle (10) moves forward, said light beam (18) having a dimension (L) greater than the diameter (D) of the thickest of the branches in said row (6), said light beam (18) projecting, onto said light receiver (19), a shadow (20A, 20B) from which the processing nit (15) determines the diameter (D1, D2) of the branch (2A, 2B) in question.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: E.RE.C.A.—INGENIERIE EN ELECTRONIQUE ET INFORMATIQUE INDUSTRIELLEInventors: Serge Jacques Nicolle, Sebastien Debuisson
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Patent number: 9857166Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes at least one projection unit configured to project a light pattern on a measuring target object, at least one imaging unit configured to capture an image of the measuring target object with the light pattern projected thereon, a measurement unit configured to measure a distance from the at least one projection unit or imaging unit to the measuring target object based on the image captured by the at least one imaging unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether a measured distance is valid, and a control unit configured to reduce luminance of a light pattern, included in a projected light pattern, which is projected on an area with respect to which the measured distance is determined by the determination unit to be valid.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoaki Higo, Kazuyuki Ota
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Patent number: 9857167Abstract: A current problem with 3D scanners using structured light patterns is choosing a single light pattern to accommodate all possible object/range conditions. Objects far from the 3D scanner often require different patterns than objects that located close to the 3D scanner. In addition, large objects often require different patterns than small objects. To automatically sense and adapt to a wide variety of size/range conditions, the present invention embraces a 3D scanner for dimensioning that has two projectors for projecting two different light patterns. Based on the scanning requirements for a particular object, one of the two projected patterns may be used to obtain information regarding the shape of an object. In one possible embodiment, this shape information is used to obtain the object's dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Jovanovski, Jingquan Li
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Patent number: 9857168Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for performing shape measurement are provided. In some embodiments, systems for performing shape measurement are provided, the systems comprising: a projector that projects onto a scene a plurality of illumination patterns, wherein each of the illumination patterns has a given frequency, each of the illumination patterns is projected onto the scene during a separate period of time, three different illumination patterns are projected with a first given frequency, and only one or two different illumination patterns are projected with a second given frequency; a camera that detects an image of the scene during each of the plurality of periods of time; and a hardware processor that is configured to: determine the given frequencies of the plurality of illumination patterns; and measure a shape of an object in the scene.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Mohit Gupta, Shree K Nayar
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Patent number: 9857169Abstract: An interferometer includes a short-coherence source and an internal path-matching assembly contained within its housing. Because path matching occurs within the housing of the interferometer, it is removed from external environmental factors that affect measurements. Therefore, a single cateye measurement of an exemplary surface can be performed in advance and stored as a calibration for subsequent radius-of-curvature measurements. In one embodiment, a path-matching stage is incorporated into a dynamic interferometer where orthogonally polarized test and reference beams are fed to a dynamic imaging system. In another embodiment, orthogonal linearly polarized test and reference beams are injected into a remote dynamic interferometer by means of one single-mode polarization-maintaining optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: 4D TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Michael North Morris, James Millerd
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Patent number: 9857170Abstract: A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparatus may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: Rony Abovitz, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson
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Patent number: 9857171Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring probe for non-destructive measuring of the thickness of thin layers on an object with a measuring head, which comprises at least one sensor element for contact on a measurement surface of an object, and with a support device for receiving the measuring head, which is at least partly surrounded by a housing, wherein at least one further measuring head, which is adjacent to and separated from the first measuring head, is arranged on the support device, which can be controlled independently of the first measuring head.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: HELMUT FISCHER GMBH INSTITUT FUER ELEKTRONIK UND MESSTECHNIKInventor: Helmut Fischer
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Patent number: 9857172Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing high-precision orientation and evaluating orientation precision of a large-scale dynamic photogrammetry system, including steps: a) selecting a scale bar, arranging code points at two ends of the scale bar, and performing length measurement on the scale bar; b) evenly dividing a measurement space into multiple regions, sequentially placing the scale bar in each region, and photographing the scale bar by using left and right cameras; d) limiting self-calibration bundle adjustment by using multiple length constraints, adjustment parameters including principal point, principal distance, radial distortion, eccentric distortion, in-plane distortion, exterior orientation parameter and spatial point coordinate; and e) performing traceable evaluation of orientation precision of the photogrammetry system. The present invention can effectively reduce the relative error in length measurement.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: BEIJING INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITYInventors: Mingli Dong, Peng Sun, Wei Li, Jun Wang, Bixi Yan, Naiguang Lv