Patents Issued in March 13, 2018
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Patent number: 9915496Abstract: An improved light gas gun launches a projectile in a light gas atmosphere as it travels through a frictionless barrel to achieve high muzzle velocities, decreased acoustic signatures, and increased ranges. The light gas atmosphere is introduced by a purge valve prior to firing or by a muzzle valve that holds a positive light gas pressure on the barrel and breech. The muzzle valve also routes the majority of propellant gases through a suppression canister, reducing the light gas gun's acoustic signature. The frictionless barrel uses light gas propellant routed through gas bearings to keep the projectile centered in the barrel and preclude the projectile from contacting the barrel walls, eliminating barrel wear.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: David Wayne Bergeron
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Patent number: 9915497Abstract: A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: LWRC International LLCInventor: Jesus S. Gomez
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Patent number: 9915498Abstract: A length adjustable butt pad assembly for a firearm is shown and described. The length adjustable butt pad assembly includes a butt plate having an elongated butt plate shaft and a butt plate base. The butt plate base includes an elongated mounting tube extending in a horizontal direction and receives the butt plate shaft. The elongated butt plate shaft is rotatable in the mounting tube between a first locked position and a second released position. The second released position allows for an axial displacement of the elongated butt plate shaft between at least two fixed locations.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Spuhr | Dalby ABInventor: Håkan Spuhr
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Patent number: 9915499Abstract: Provided is a sling for coupling a weapon to a user of the weapon. The sling includes a strap, and a weapon connector that cooperates with a fastening feature provided to the weapon to releasably couple the weapon to the strap. A first connector is coupled to the strap, as is a second connector, which is coupled to a different portion of the strap. The second connector is separated from the first connector along the sling by at least a portion of the strap. The first and second connectors cooperate to establish a connection and form a loop that extends about a portion of the user of the weapon. The sling also includes a rapid sizing adjuster coupled to the strap. The rapid sizing adjuster is adjustable by the user of the weapon to quickly establish a desired length of the sling in a single motion while the sling is coupling the weapon to the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: SAVVY SNIPER, LLCInventor: Brian K. Alford
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Patent number: 9915500Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a portable firearm carrier including a bag having an interior compartment and a burst zipper for accessing the interior compartment. The portable firearm carrier also includes a handgun holster mounted within the interior compartment of the bag. The handgun holster is arranged and configured to retain a handgun at a position where the handgun can be accessed through the burst zipper.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Josh Ralph
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Patent number: 9915501Abstract: A weapon includes a firearm having a front sight and a rear sight. The front sight includes a front channel. The rear sight includes a rear channel. The front channel and the rear channel are aligned along a sight line. The front channel and the rear channel provide an unobstructed field of view toward a target along the sight line.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Tyler A. Grey
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Patent number: 9915502Abstract: Kits, apparatus, assemblies, and methods for mounting sighting devices are disclosed. A sighting device includes a base for coupling the sighting device to an object at a first interface, a mounting element connected to the base at a second interface, and a sighting element connected to the mounting element. A channel disposed in the bottom of the base is aligned with a channel disposed in the surface of the object and a channel insert is secured within both channels to securely couple the sighting device to the object. The secure coupling can resist movement of the sighting device relative to the object in at least one direction. The sighting element has a non-opaque body displaying a reticle. An illuminating element backlights the reticle from a first vantage point. The device optionally includes an opaque mounting body and a magnifying optic aligned with the sighting element in an open sight configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Ronnie Rex Capson
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Patent number: 9915503Abstract: A scope may include an adjustment dial, which may be moved among a plurality of positions to configure the scope to compensate for projectile drops. The adjustment dial may be labeled with dial-calibration data, which may include one or more distance indicators and/or one or more windage hold-off indicators. The scope may be attached to a gun and the dial-calibration data may be at least partially generated using ballistics performance data based on shots fired by the gun. The dial-calibration data may be at least partially generated using shooting conditions. An electronic device may include a derived distance calculation module, which may be configured to use a distance to a target and actual shooting conditions to calculate a derived distance. The derived distance may be used in connection with an adjustment dial labeled with dial-calibration data at least partially generated using shooting conditions different from the actual shooting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: HUSKEMAW OPTICS, LLCInventor: Aaron Davidson
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Patent number: 9915504Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a laser system, comprising with a phase conjugation laser receiver and transmitter (PCLRT) and at least one processing unit and configured to enable simultaneous designation of multiple platforms each to a respective target.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Michael Andorn, Raphael Levy
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Patent number: 9915505Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Lone Star IP Holdings, LPInventor: Steven D. Roemerman
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Patent number: 9915506Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that employ an IR suppression system to alter the signature of a vessel during a missile engagement with the objective of confusing a seeker of an incoming missile so as to increase the probability that the seeker is seduced by a flare. The flare is launched and IR suppression is enabled or set to an increased level, with coordinated timing, such that the IR signature of the target vessel is changed at about the same time that the flare is launched.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: W.R. Davis Engineering LimitedInventor: David Anthony Vaitekunas
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Patent number: 9915507Abstract: Long-lasting targets that can be repeatedly used (e.g., shot with a firearm) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the target includes a base that optionally has wheels, at least one post assembly comprising a bottom end connected to the base and a top end, and a target body connected to the at least one post assembly. Optionally, the target body is comprised of a polyurethane. Optionally, the target includes two post assemblies and the target has an expanded position for use and a collapsed position for storage. Methods of preparing targets using a mold are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Timothy Wayne Cummins
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Patent number: 9915508Abstract: A target senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target includes a screen for allowing laser light to pass through, a plurality of light sensors behind the screen, and an optical display associated with one or more of the light sensors. When the target is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike, and the target may be struck with laser light multiple times, whereby different sensors may record the different strikes. To determine whether and where the target has been struck, the user activates a display mode that causes the optical displays in the target to illuminate. The user can then reset the target so the user can begin again.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventors: Larry Moore, Aaron Moore
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Patent number: 9915509Abstract: Disclosed is a claymore mine on which a device for preventing a breakdown attributable to a power noise has been mounted. In order to prevent an electric primer from operating due to a power noise induced by a magnetic field or generated by the falling of a thunderbolt or other factors, such as a communication device, a shield layer formed by weaving or braiding a conductive fiber, such as a carbon fiber, or weaving or braiding a copper-plated tin wire, is formed in the wire and percussion unit of the claymore mine. In order to discharge a power noise introduced into the wire and the percussion unit to the earth, a power noise discharge adaptor including a plurality of diodes, a TVS, a GDT, and an SPD is formed. Accordingly, the introduction of a power noise can be fundamentally blocked, and a power noise can be safely discharged to the earth if the power noise is introduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
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Patent number: 9915510Abstract: A variable weighted arrow tip includes a field point and a weighted insert. The field point preferably includes a field point tip, an insert bore, a threaded tap, a first shaft diameter and a second shaft diameter. The field point tip is formed on one end of the field point and the insert bore with the threaded tap are formed in an opposing end thereof. The first and second shaft diameters are formed on a middle and substantially an end opposite the field point. The first and second shaft diameters are sized to receive first and second inner diameters of a double walled arrow shaft. The weighted insert includes a bore diameter and a threaded projection. The threaded projection is threadably received by the threaded tap. At least one o-ring groove is retained on the bore diameter. A drive cavity is formed in an end opposite the threaded projection.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Dorge O. Huang
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Patent number: 9915511Abstract: Embodiments are directed to unpowered railgun field validation for safe-arm fuzing. Embodiments use a wire coil having an induced electromotive force voltage. At least one positive duration circuit measures the positive portion of the induced voltage. At least one positive peak duration circuit measures the peak value of the positive portion of the induced voltage. At least one negative duration circuit measures the duration value of the negative portion of the induced voltage. At least one negative peak detector circuit measures the peak value of the negative portion of the induced voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Michael D. Haddon
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Patent number: 9915512Abstract: Technologies for analyzing and deactivating an explosive device include electrically connecting an analysis device to a pair of trigger wires of the explosive device, performing a number of electrical measurements, and determining a deactivation action to be performed on the explosive device based on the electrical measurements (e.g., based on the calculated resistance between the trigger wires). In a disclosed embodiment, a primary lead of the analysis device is electrically coupled to a first trigger wire of the explosive device and a pair of secondary leads are each electrically coupled to a second trigger wire of the explosive device. The analysis device measures a voltage between the primary lead and at least one of the secondary leads. The analysis device also measures a current flowing through the secondary leads after a link of trigger wire extending between the leads has been cut or broken.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Special Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Roach, Travis M. Andreas
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Patent number: 9915513Abstract: The present disclosure describes an electronic ignition circuit (“EIC”) for controlling at least one detonator. The EIC may include a protection circuit, an input circuit coupled to the protection circuit, a logical circuit electrically coupled to the input circuit, and an ignition circuit electrically coupled to the logical circuit. The protection circuit may include at least one of a fuse, a circuit breaker and an automatic switch. The logical circuit may include an answer back circuit, and a switching circuit adapted to switch to the next detonator or igniter. The ignition circuit may include a capacitor charging circuit, a capacitor discharge circuit to discharge a firing capacitor through a fuse head, and a shot detection circuit adapted to measure a voltage across the firing capacitor before discharging through the fuse head and to measure a voltage after discharging through the fuse head.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: DynaEnergetics GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Andreas Robert Zemla, Sascha Thieltges, Frank Graziola
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Patent number: 9915514Abstract: A blasting system with automated detonator logging eliminates on-the-field manual logging of each detonator. Detonators are connected in sequence in an auto-logging circuit, and the blast machine initiates a logging operation in which each detonator receives and confirms an assigned sequence number along with assigned delay data. Elimination of manual logging by individuals increases safety in the blast zone and facilitates the blasting operation. The operation is simplified, likelihood of human error is reduced, and the cost of a separate logger device is eliminated. An auto-logging protocol may be incorporated into the control module of the electronic detonator. Alternately, an auto-logging module may be connected externally to each detonator similar to the conventional surface plus down-the-hole delay systems. The inventive system may include an IDC connector that facilitates the serial connection of the detonators for the logging circuit while allowing parallel connections of the blast control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: UTeC Corporation, LLCInventor: Nanda Kumar J. Nair
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Patent number: 9915515Abstract: A blasting system with automated detonator logging eliminates on-the-field manual logging of each detonator. Detonators are connected in sequence in an auto-logging circuit, and the blast machine initiates a logging operation in which each detonator receives and confirms an assigned sequence number along with assigned delay data. Elimination of manual logging by individuals increases safety in the blast zone and facilitates the blasting operation. The operation is simplified, likelihood of human error is reduced, and the cost of a separate logger device is eliminated. An auto-logging protocol may be incorporated into the control module of the electronic detonator. Alternately, an auto-logging module may be connected externally to each detonator similar to the conventional surface plus down-the-hole delay systems. The inventive system may include an IDC connector that facilitates the serial connection of the detonators for the logging circuit while allowing parallel connections of the blast control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: UTeC Corporation, LLCInventor: Nanda Kumar J. Nair
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Patent number: 9915516Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a shape measuring apparatus which continues to perform nominal scanning measurement to a workpiece having a slightly large deviation from a design data. A scanning path to move a stylus tip is calculated based on design data of a workpiece. The stylus tip is moved along the scanning path. It is monitored whether a distance between the scanning path and an actual workpiece is excessive. When the distance between the scanning path and the actual workpiece is excessive, a trajectory difference error is generated. When the trajectory difference error is generated, geometric correction is performed to the design data so that the design data approaches to the actual workpiece. Scanning measurement is performed based on the design data after the geometric correction.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventor: Takashi Noda
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Patent number: 9915517Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a rotor position of an electrically excited electrical machine by injecting voltage test signals at a plurality of space vector angles with a fundamental frequency which lies in a frequency range in which there is a difference in admittance in space vector angles; calculating resulting values of an excitation current indicator variable as Fourier coefficients of the excitation current resulting from the voltage test signal with reference to the fundamental frequency of the voltage test signal at the corresponding space vector angles; and determining the rotor position on the basis of the profile of the excitation current indicator variable.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Simon Feuersaenger, Mario Pacas, Christian Stulz
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Patent number: 9915518Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring the clearance between the apex of the vanes of a rotor and the inner surface of an abradable coating covering the inner surface of a turbomachine casing, the clearance measuring capacitive sensor including a first electrode the material of which is abradable so as to get worn upon contacting an apex of a vane, the material of the first electrode having a degree of wear substantially identical to the degree of wear of the material of the abradable coating.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Andre Leroux
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Patent number: 9915519Abstract: System and method for measuring an aerial image are provided. The system may include a lighting unit for providing illuminating light to pass through a mask to form initial light. An imaging unit is configured for imaging the initial light to form imaging light. A beam splitting unit is for splitting the imaging light into projection light and reference light. A projection light is projected to a substrate to form a mask image in the substrate, and the substrate reflects the projection light to form first reflected light onto the beam splitting unit. A reflecting unit is for receiving the reference light to form second reflected light, and for projecting the second reflected light onto the beam splitting unit, the second reflected light and the first reflected light interfering with each other to form interference light. A measuring unit is for measuring an aerial image formed from the interference light.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATIONInventors: Qiang Wu, Yuntao Jiang
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Patent number: 9915520Abstract: An optical instrument including at least a first and second wavelength swept vertical cavity laser (VCL) sources. The wavelength sweeping ranges spanned by the first and second VCL sources may differ with a region of spectral overlap. The first and second VCL sources may be operable under different modes of operation, wherein the modes of operation differ in at least one of: sweep repetition rate, sweep wavelength range, sweep center wavelength, and sweep trajectory. A VCL source may also exhibit sweep-to-sweep variation. Apparatus and methods are described for aligning sample signal data from the first VCL and sample signal data from the second VCL to generate output digital data. The output digital data is aligned with respect to at least one of: wavelength, wavenumber, and interferometric phase. The apparatus and methods can also be used to phase stabilize successive sweeps from the same VCL source or wavelength swept source.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignees: Thorlabs, Inc., Praevium Research, Inc.Inventors: Alex Cable, Vijaysekhar Jayaraman, James Jiang, Benjamin Potsaid
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Patent number: 9915521Abstract: A method for scanning and obtaining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates is provided. The method includes providing a 3D measuring device having a projector, a first camera and a second camera. The method records images of a light pattern emitted by the projector onto an object. The 3D measuring device is moved from a first position and a second position along a second path. A gesture and a corresponding control function are determined based at least in part on the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Gerrit Hillebrand, Rolf Heidemann, Martin Ossig
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Patent number: 9915522Abstract: Provided are scatterometry techniques for evaluating a 3D diffracting structure. In one embodiment, a method involves providing a 3D spatial model of the diffracting structure and discretizing the model into a 3D spatial mesh. The method includes approximating 3D fields for each element of the 3D mesh using 3D spatial basis functions and generating a matrix including coefficients of the 3D spatial basis functions approximating the fields. The coefficients of the 3D spatial basis functions are computed and used in computing spectral information for the model. The computed spectral information for the model is compared with measured spectral information for the diffracting structure. If the model is a good model fit, the method involves determining a physical characteristic of the diffracting structure based on the model of the diffracting structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATIONInventors: Peilin Jiang, Leonid Poslavsky
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Patent number: 9915523Abstract: The invention relates to a system for monitoring a position of a distal end of a tube with respect to a blood vessel of a mammal. The system comprises a source for generating an outgoing beam of electromagnetic radiation having a predefined electromagnetic spectrum. The system furthermore comprises a guideway for guiding the outgoing beam to the distal end, and for guiding an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation reflected by surroundings of the distal end in response to said outgoing beam to a measurement arrangement, which is arranged for measuring a parameter associated with an electromagnetic spectrum of the incoming beam. The system furthermore comprises a comparator arrangement for comparing said parameter with a reference parameter associated with a reference electromagnetic spectrum representing a predefined location of the distal end inside the mammal.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Judith Margreet Rensen, Wouter Harry Jacinth Rensen
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Patent number: 9915524Abstract: Methods and systems are presented to reduce the illumination spot size projected onto a measurement target and associated spillover onto area surrounding a measurement target. In one aspect, a spatial light modulator (SLM) is located in the illumination path between the illumination light source and the measurement sample. The SLM is configured to modulate amplitude, phase, or both, across the path of the illumination light to reduce wavefront errors. In some embodiments, the desired state of the SLM is based on wavefront measurements performed in an optical path of the metrology system. In another aspect, an illumination aperture having an image plane tilted at an oblique angle with respect to a beam of illumination light is employed to overcome defocusing effects in metrology systems that employ oblique illumination of the measurement sample. In some embodiments, the illumination aperture, objective lens, and specimen are aligned to satisfy the Scheimpflug condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Noam Sapiens, Kevin A. Peterlinz, Alexander Buettner, Kerstin Purrucker, Andrei V. Shchegrov
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Interferometric measurement method for end face surface angle of multi-fiber ferrules and connectors
Patent number: 9915525Abstract: An interferometric measurement method aims at calculating end face surface angle of multi-fiber connector or ferrule taking into account parallelism deviation angles of the connector or ferrule guide holes. The parallelism deviation angles are measured by scanning the side surfaces of guide pins inserted into the guide holes, which is done simultaneously with the end face scanning. Interferometric data from connector or ferrule end face and side surfaces of the guide pins is gathered during one scanning session—either one simultaneous scan or several scans without moving or re-inserting the connector or ferrule.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Sumix CorporationInventor: Farhad Towfiq -
Patent number: 9915526Abstract: An apparatus comprises: (1) measuring unit configured to transmit a signal towards the object and to determine a plurality of voxels, each comprising phase and magnitude of a reflected signal and spatial coordinates (comprising Z-axis, X-axis and Y-axis), and the voxels comprise a plurality of series of voxels along the Z-axis, each having a same X-coordinate and a same Y-coordinate; and (2) surface-determining unit comprising (a) magnitude unit configured to determine a maximum magnitude voxel for each series of voxels, (b) phase unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, phases of at least three voxels (maximum magnitude voxel and voxels adjacent thereto), (c) angle unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, a normal vector based on the respective phases, and (d) reconstructing unit configured to determine the object surface based on the spatial coordinates of the maximum magnitude voxels and the respective normal vectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Sherif Ahmed
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Patent number: 9915527Abstract: A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Curtis R. Estevo, Jr., Basilio Penuelas, Jason G. DeStories
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Patent number: 9915528Abstract: A first device may emit a first modulated signal within an environment that includes a second device that is located close in proximity to an object. The second device may capture the first modulated signal and determine a second modulated signal having a phase that is different from that of the first modulated signal. In response to capturing the second modulated signal, the first device may determine a phase difference corresponding to the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal using time-of-flight (TOF). Using the phase difference, the first device may determine the distance between the first device and the object. In embodiments where the phase difference is zero, the first device may be unable to detect the presence of the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Mashhour Solh
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Patent number: 9915529Abstract: Disclosed is a tidal current meter that measures the velocity of a tidal current. The tidal current meter includes an oscillator, a calculation section, a depression angle setup section, and a drive section. The oscillator is capable of transmitting an ultrasonic wave into water and receiving the reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic wave. The calculation section calculates the velocity in accordance with the Doppler shift frequency of the reflection received by the oscillator. The depression angle setup section sets a depression angle, that is, the angle formed by the transmission direction of the ultrasonic wave and a horizontal plane. The drive section drives the oscillator in such a manner as to transmit the ultrasonic wave and receive the reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic wave at the depression angle set by the depression angle setup section.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: HONDA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuki Higuchi
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Patent number: 9915530Abstract: A laser readable surveying rod is provided with adjustable lighting elements. More specifically, lighting elements, such as LED lights are provided along a length of a surveying rod such that laser readings may be taken at night or in dark conditions. Lighting elements may be translated along a length of a rod, particularly where it is desirable to illuminate only a portion of a rod and conserve valuable energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: RM ASSET GROUP, LLCInventors: Michael J. Gregory, Reed W. Baker
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Patent number: 9915531Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane and a Coriolis element, in which the rotation rate sensor is configured so that the Coriolis element is excitable with the aid of an excitation arrangement to carry out an excitation oscillation along a first direction and in parallel to the main extension plane, the rotation rate sensor including a compensation element for exerting a compensation force, the compensation force having a non-linear dependence on the excitation oscillation.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Odd-Axel Pruetz, Stefan Zehringer
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Patent number: 9915532Abstract: A gyroscope having a resonant body utilizes a self-calibration mechanism that does not require physical rotation of the resonant body. Instead, interface circuitry applies a rotating electrostatic field to first and second drive electrodes simultaneously to excite both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope. When drive electrodes associated with both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope are excited by forces of equal amplitude but 90° phase difference, respectively, the phase shift in the gyroscope response, as measured by the current output of the sense electrodes for each resonance mode, is proportional to an equivalent gyroscope rotation rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventors: Giorgio Casinovi, Farrokh Ayazi, Wang Kyung Sung, Milap Jayesh Dalal, Arashk Norouz Pour Shirazi
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Patent number: 9915533Abstract: A terminal apparatus, a method and a system for setting up a destination and providing information are provided, in which the terminal apparatus includes a communicator which is configured to communicate with other terminal apparatuses, an input unit which is configured to receive a user command, a display which is configured to display a list including at least one item which corresponds to at least one of the other terminal apparatuses, and a controller which is configured to control the communicator to transmit destination information to a first terminal apparatus which corresponds to a selected item that is selected from among the at least one item included in the displayed list via the input unit. Accordingly, a user is provided with routes to the destination, without having to input address or name of the intended destination on his own terminal apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Young-ho Rhee, Il-ku Chang, Young-kyu Jin
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Patent number: 9915534Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an enhanced navigation solution for cycling applications is described herein. The navigation solution is about a device within a platform, which is a cycling platform such as for example a bicycle, a tricycle, or a unicycle amongst others. The device can be in any orientation with respect to the platform (such as for example in any location or orientation on the body of the cyclist). The device includes a sensor assembly. The sensors in the device may be for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometer among others. The present method and apparatus can work whether in the presence or in the absence of navigational information updates (such as, for example, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or WiFi positioning).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Chang, Jacques Georgy, Naser El-Sheimy
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Patent number: 9915535Abstract: An acceleration-based mobile asset data recorder and transmitter equipped with a wireless processing unit, an event recorder, a digital video recorder, a fuel level sensor, and an inertial navigation sensor board. The inertial navigation sensor board includes a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a microcontroller. The data recorder and transmitter allows for automatic orientation, automatic compass calibration, fuel compensation with pitch and roll, emergency brake application with impact detection, rough operating condition detection, engine running detection, and inertial navigation of a mobile asset. Users can use the normal operation of their mobile assets to locate and alert, in real-time, areas where their assets are encountering rough operating environments, to provide for quicker emergency response, and to validate the effectiveness of repairs and rerouting.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Wi-Tronix, LLCInventors: Lawrence B Jordan, Lisa A Matta
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Patent number: 9915538Abstract: In a method for operating a vehicle, a location assigned to a driving route of the vehicle is transmitted from the vehicle to an external server, and the server checks whether a zone is assigned to the transmitted location for which navigation data exist for at least partially automated vehicle driving within the zone. The navigation data are transmitted from the server to the vehicle when such a zone is assigned to the transmitted location.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Thomas Fuehrer
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Patent number: 9915539Abstract: A method of vehicle navigation guidance includes: receiving at least three satellite positioning data; receiving road marking data from a driver assistance device; calculating a first position of a vehicle according to the at least three satellite positioning data and according to the road marking data; determining a turning action of the vehicle according to the road marking data; determining an acceleration force of the vehicle according to the road marking data; and calculating a second position of the vehicle according to the first position, according to the turning action, and according to the acceleration force.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Wei Ming Dan Chia, Chuan Hock Lim, Bee Ching Kong
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Patent number: 9915540Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for generating routing information. The method includes one or more processors acquiring a current location for each of a plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors identifying a range that corresponds to each of the plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors determining a target location at which at least two of the plurality of mobile computing devices can be in proximity. The determined target location is based on the acquired current location of each of the plurality of mobile computing devices and the identified ranges that correspond to each of the plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors generating routing information corresponding to the at least two of the mobile computing devices and the determined target location.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Anna Bridgen, Christopher J. Poole, Stephen J. Upton, Mark A. Woolley
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Patent number: 9915541Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle information including at least location and fuel level. The processor is also configured to determine a current estimated time-of-arrival (ETA) to an event-associated destination based on travel time from the location. The processor is further configured to determine a fuel-level impact on the current ETA. Also, the processor is configured to provide a remote party update, including the current ETA, responsive to the current ETA deviating from a previous ETA by more than a threshold deviance.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stefan Bankowski, Edward Wehrman, Elizabeth Halash, Kevin Burdette, Heath Williams
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Patent number: 9915542Abstract: A system for reconstructing vehicle itinerary include a processor and a memory storing instructions, implemented by the processor, to cluster historical trip records into a plurality of clusters, each of the plurality of clusters including a set of historical trip records that describe events occurring within a predetermined time range at one location; identify a sequence of clusters that includes a cluster at each location; and estimate an itinerary for a vehicle based on the sequence of clusters and constraint data describing physical constraints, the itinerary for the vehicle describing a sequence of arrival and departure times at a sequence of locations for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Morteza Ibrahimi, Damon Jude Wischik, Christopher David Pluntke, Balaji Satyanarayana Prabhakar, Deepak Merugu
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Patent number: 9915543Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a display of one or more multi-dimensional navigation scores. The data source device may comprise a data source computer and a database storing historical data or real time data associated with a plurality of segments of road. A map data processing device may have a map data processing computer and memory storing computer-executable instructions. The map data processing device may determine a geographical location based on a location determining device, determine a segment of road associated with the geographical location, and/or receive, from the data source device, one or more of the historical data or real time data for the segment of road.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Sunil Chintakindi, Howard Hayes, Santhosh Thammi
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Patent number: 9915544Abstract: A method and an apparatus provides a service using a sensor and image recognition in a portable terminal that supports Augmented Reality (AR). The method includes determining whether the portable terminal is parallel to ground using an acceleration sensor. When the portable terminal is parallel to the ground, either a map including nearby Point Of Interest (POI) information or constellation information is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Myeon Lee, Hyun-Su Hong, Mi-Jin Jeong
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Patent number: 9915545Abstract: A method for providing directions to a blind user of a smart device is described. The method includes detecting, by at least two sensors and in response to a selection of a find mode of the smart device, image data corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart device and positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart device. The method also includes receiving, by an input device, the desired object or the desired location. The method also includes determining, by a processor, the initial location of the smart device based on the image data, the positioning data and map data stored in a memory of the smart device. The method also includes providing, by the output device, the directions to the desired object based on the initial location of the smart device and the map data.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Tiffany L. Chen, Joseph M.A. Djugash, Kenichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9915546Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a route for navigating to a destination; determining a travel deviation based on a current location and the route; determining an error prone scenario based on the current location, the travel deviation, and the route; and updating an error-prone-scenario switch based on the error prone scenario for displaying on a device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Telenav, Inc.Inventor: Hongzhu Lin
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Patent number: 9915547Abstract: A method of providing enhanced navigation information in a vehicle in response to a finding of driver confusion includes the steps of monitoring behavior of a driver, determining whether the driver is confused based on the behavior of the driver, and providing additional points of interest data to the driver if the driver is determined to be confused.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Alvin Teh Yuan