Patents Issued in October 29, 2019
  • Patent number: 10458735
    Abstract: Provided are a combined loading device and method. The combined loading device includes a first housing in which a shell is inserted; a second housing in which a charge is inserted, the second housing being connected to the first housing; a first support located in the first housing and configured to allow the shell or the charge to be seated thereon and linearly moved; and a driving unit located inside the first housing, connected to the first support, and configured to move the first support on which the shell is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: HANWHA DEFENSE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Ki Yoon, Jae Yi Oh
  • Patent number: 10458736
    Abstract: A magnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes a trigger mechanism allowing a user to selectively adjust the trigger pull force-displacement profile by changing the static magnetic field in the mechanism. In a closed magnetic loop configuration, the trigger mechanism includes a stationary yoke and pivotably movable trigger member. The trigger member includes a trigger portion and working portion operably interfaced with the firing mechanism of the firearm for discharging the firearm. An openable first air gap formed between the trigger member and yoke is maintained in a closed position via magnetic attraction therebetween absent a trigger pull. A control insert movable relative to a second control air gap in the yoke allows adjustment of the static magnetic field to alter the trigger pull force required to actuate the trigger mechanism. Other embodiments provide open magnetic loop trigger mechanism designs adjustable to magnetically vary the trigger pull force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Rob Gilliom, John Klebes, John M. French, Gary Hamilton, Rafal Slezok
  • Patent number: 10458737
    Abstract: A firearms suppressor incorporates one or more thermal energy absorbing elements, or “thermal energy sponges”, fabricated from porous metal. These elements efficiently absorb heat from the propellant gas generated when the firearm is discharged, thus reducing its pressure and the blast noise it creates. The thermal energy absorbing elements are manufactured from porous metal, a material which, due to its high efficiency in absorbing thermal energy, provides a unique solution to designing smaller, lighter, modular, more efficient and less expensive to manufacture firearm suppressors. In addition, as a result of the relationship described in the Darcy-Forchheimer equation, these porous metal elements provide the suppressor with an intrinsic, self-regulating capability, thus allowing the suppressor's use with a variety of different cartridges and different calibers with little to no change to a baseline design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Steven H. Schwartzkopf, Patrick R. Schwartzkopf
  • Patent number: 10458738
    Abstract: A firearm overpressure reduction system is disclosed having a muzzle that further includes a converging section, a throat section and a diverging section. The converging section is in direct communication with the throat section that is in direct communication with the converging section. The converging section has a converging parabolic arrangement and the diverging section has a diverging parabolic arrangement that leads to an exit area for a bullet fired. Another system and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Sergie A. Albino
  • Patent number: 10458739
    Abstract: A silencer can include an aligned baffle assembly with a series of baffles that are configured and/or adapted to be readily and substantially completely aligned to facilitate construction and assembly of the baffles in a desired rotational orientation so as to define a baffle core for the silencer, while also facilitating the quick and easy removal and disassembly of the baffle core from the silencer body for cleaning and/or maintenance thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Leighton Smith
  • Patent number: 10458740
    Abstract: A modular armorer's stand has a block that, on one end, can engage the magazine well of a firearm frame. The other end of the block has a tongue that can be slid into a base. The base can be mounted to a surface such as a work bench. As such, the frame is held solidly in place for gunsmithing. The firearm's magazine release can engage a notch in the block. Each block can be sized specifically for a certain firearm or firearm family while every block has a tongue that can be held by the base. An armorer therefore needs a single solidly mounted base and that base can hold various blocks that, in turn, hold various firearms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Falcon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Hines
  • Patent number: 10458741
    Abstract: The invention described herein concerns a comfort enhancing, pistol protecting gun sock that is compatible with holsters, yet rapidly removable via a convenient pull tab. The present invention addresses the discomfort of carrying pistols in the form of a gun sock that can be attached directly to the user's pistol without disruption to the user's existing carry holster. To accomplish the goal of the present invention, the gun sock comprises joined layers that have certain desired properties such as cushioning, breathability, and/or anti abrasive design. The gun sock is configured to at least partially surround and partially engage with pistol whether it is situated in a holster or not. In some implementations, the pistol can still be fired while the gun sock is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Dale Fischer
  • Patent number: 10458742
    Abstract: A projectile launching device includes self-timing without cam lean. The projectile launching device may include a rail, a riser, two energy storing components, (such as two limbs), two cams, a launch string, and at least two cables. The ends of the launch string are attached to the two cams. Opposing ends of first and second cables are coupled to the first and second cams. A mid-portion of the first and second cables are slideably engaged with the first and second cable pulleys, respectively. The two cams are preferably built as mirror images of each other at a centerline of the rail. The two cams include a launch string track, having identical, but mirrored, upper and lower cable tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ARCHERY INNOVATORS, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Kempf, Rex E. Isenhower
  • Patent number: 10458743
    Abstract: A crossbow with built in cocking device includes a manual crank and a built-in, removable motor gearbox assembly and power source. Rotational forces applied to a drive shaft rotate in a first direction, causing first and second string carriages to engage a bow string, moving the bow string towards a string catch. Once the string catch is latched to the bow string, a drive shaft is rotated in a second direction to move first and second string carriages to the a rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: James J. Kempf, Rex E. Isenhower, Dorge O. Huang
  • Patent number: 10458744
    Abstract: A simulation gun in which an air current is ejected by an operation of a piston mechanism portion to fire a bullet, a piston stop which is movable relative to a piston mechanism portion is provided, the piston stop is attached to one constituent member of the piston mechanism portion to absorb an impact force accompanying the operation of the piston mechanism portion, and shock-absorption means is provided between the piston stop and the other constituent member of the piston mechanism portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOKYO MARUI CO, LTD.
    Inventor: Iwao Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 10458745
    Abstract: This invention is characterized by its appearance as a bracelet or a wrist watch, for example. The distinctive features of this device are its micro size, stealth-ness, and light weight. The object of this invention is to a provide state-of-the-art personal protection in two forms, a firearm and a knife, both of which are totally concealable even if the wearer is not wearing clothes. They are both instantly available and easily deployed to protect oneself from an imminent threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: John V. Rivera, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10458746
    Abstract: An adjustable cheek riser for a firearm is disclosed herein. The adjustable cheek riser comprises a comb extension member configured to move between at least an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration. The adjustable cheek riser comprises at least one living hinge positioned on the comb extension member and at least one locking element, the at least one locking element being configured to switch between a locked and an unlocked position upon activation of the living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Samuel Frazier, Aaron C. Sakash
  • Patent number: 10458747
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the dropping of a handgun during use thereof is shown in conjunction with a special glove that has metal parts attracted to magnetic grips attached to a hand gun, an electromagnetic version of the magnetic grip device, several embodiments of a strap attached to a grip on one side of a gun handle, a spring steel strap for attachment to a hand gun handle that will stay straight when moved to the straight position and coils around a person's wrist when moved from the straight position and lastly and O-ring device attached to a special glove to automatically attach to a tapered tail on a hand gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Dirk D. Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 10458748
    Abstract: A holster for a handgun that comprises a holster body with a handgun cavity for receiving and retaining the handgun by way of a obstructing member at the ejection port and at the rear portion of the handgun slide. Moreover, a single obscured push button actuates both mechanisms. An internal retention sleeve having an inverted U-shape is slidingly mounted within the holster body and movable between a first securement position and a second release position. The sleeve having an integral thumb button depressible downwardly whereby the sleeve moves downwardly within the body to release a ejection port stop catch and the latch hood. The sleeve biased toward a normal retention position, the handgun withdrawal obstructing member biased toward the normal retention position, the latch hood biased toward a release position but having a normal latched obstructing position until released by the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Yeates
  • Patent number: 10458749
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a waist protecting plate structure of connecting a holster and a belt buckle, comprising a buckle-type waist protecting plate mounted inside the holster through a removable connection member; the buckle-type waist protecting plate is a two-layer structure with arc bending ends, wherein the layer close to the holster has a concave retaining portion matching with the connection member; the two-layer structure of the buckle-type waist protecting plate is provided a plurality of corresponding connection holes, through which it is convenient to convert the wearing angle and using type; there are two types, namely buckle-type and waist protecting type, thus facilitating quick conversion according to different using environments, and the buckle-type increases the anti-theft effect while waist protecting plate type facilitates the effects of easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: CYTAC TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Yong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10458750
    Abstract: A thermal weapon sight which includes a thermal imaging sensor, associated control and image processing computational elements, and a display includes one or more of improved reticle centering, shot indication and time lapse image capture, digital zoom, contrast enhancement that acts on displayed data only, and device features such as an eyepiece viewing option and controls disposable on a weapon that allow for weapon sight control without moving hands from weapon operation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Seek Thermal, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee
  • Patent number: 10458751
    Abstract: Device and related methods for improving the accuracy and precision of firearms fitted with optical sights. The device comprises a small alignment pattern for indexing against a small, central region of a target picture aimpoint or reticle. The alignment pattern is applied to an auxiliary lens fixed in position externally behind an ocular lens. The auxiliary lens is supported by a frame secured to the optical sight or the auxiliary lens is made to adhere to the outside surface of the ocular lens. Some embodiments refract or condition light to improve target pictures. Alternatively, an alignment pattern, without an auxiliary lens, is applied directly to or made integral with an ocular lens during the manufacture of an optical sight. In general, referencing the alignment pattern with the reticle, by adjusting eye placement until a desired alignment is observed, provides consistent shooter positioning and reduced parallax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: William Rocque
  • Patent number: 10458752
    Abstract: An optical sight includes a housing, a relay assembly, and a biasing element. The relay assembly has at least one optical element, a main tube, a track tube with at least one track, and a reticle assembly. The track tube is selectively rotatable relative to and about the main tube to adjust an axial position of the at least one optical element within the main tube along an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main tube. The reticle assembly further includes at least one optical element. The biasing element includes a mounting strap that is fixed to an inner surface of the housing and a spring having an engagement surface that contacts the relay assembly and exerts a force on the relay assembly. The engagement surface is on a radially inner side of the spring opposite a radially outer side facing the mounting strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Szalony, Ian Doran, Rodney DeLaca
  • Patent number: 10458753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: HVRT CORP.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Sammut, Lawrence Chao
  • Patent number: 10458754
    Abstract: An electronic system for a firearm includes a power source, one or more electrical conductors electrically connected to receive power from the power source, and a plurality of electronic devices. Each electronic device has an electrical input configured to receive power from the one or more electrical conductors to power the electronic device. A communication device is configured for data communication across the one or more electrical conductors. A method of communicating between electronic devices connected to a firearm includes powering a plurality of electronic devices connected to a firearm from a power source through one or more electrical conductors, and communicating data between the plurality of electronic devices across the one or more electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: T-Worx Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Miller, Ben Feldman, Joseph Ellena, Martin Fisher, Wayne Taylor, Gary Callsen
  • Patent number: 10458755
    Abstract: The package delivery blind is a blind. The package delivery blind is adapted for use in an outdoor environment. The package delivery blind is configured for use with a package. The package delivery blind conceals a package left in an outdoor environment. The package delivery blind comprises a blind sheeting and a plurality of weights. The blind sheeting forms an opaque sheeting placed over the package. The blind sheeting prevents the package from being seen. The plurality of weights secure the edges of the blind sheeting such that the wind will not move the blind sheeting thereby attracting attention to the package delivery blind. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the blind sheeting further comprises the visual patterns and forms of camouflage appropriate for the outdoor environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Gonzales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10458756
    Abstract: A flexible and malleable ballistic panel having an adhesive surface for bonding the ballistic shield to a substrate, the ballistic shield including a laminate of a plurality of ballistic-resistant layers comprising ballistic material, each the ballistic-resistant layer having a first inner surface and second outer surface, and a plurality of bonding layers comprising bonding butyl rubber material, each bonding layer having a first inner surface and second outer surface, at least one of the bonding layer being an inner-most layer of the laminate, and each ballistic-resistant layer having a bonding layer therebetween. The base layer of the ballistic shield is attached to the inner surface of the substrate to provide a reinforced substrate that improves the resistance to penetration of the reinforced substrate by a ballistic projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Scott R. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 10458757
    Abstract: An intercepting vehicle includes a body, at least one tensioning line attached to the body, and a net attached to the at least one tensioning line for towing the net behind the intercepting vehicle. The net includes a perimeter surrounding an open-mesh matrix of fibers and at least one airfoil section disposed on the perimeter of the net, where the at least one airfoil section is arranged such that lift created by the at least one airfoil section when the net is towed behind the intercepting vehicle acts outwardly on the perimeter of the net, deploying the net into a capture orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Kearney-Fischer, Lauren Trollinger, Jason Wallace
  • Patent number: 10458758
    Abstract: A system for sensing the impact of a bullet on a target and remotely reporting the successful impact to the shooter by means of a signal transmitted from a sensor transmitter to a receiver incorporated with headphones, ear buds or an “Smart phone”, tablet or other device with WIFI and/or Blue tooth capability. The sensor includes a wireless transmitter and a impact/vibration sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor. The target impact sensors can be used with various stationary targets such as metallic, plastic, film, or paper targets, but can also be used on movable targets such as body armor or removable patches worn by players in mock warfare or games such as paint ball competition to effect audible signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Brian D. Miller, William C. Hall, Loren M. Miller
  • Patent number: 10458759
    Abstract: A wirelessly controlled electrically driven shooting target system(s) that can transition from concealed position to ready position and then back to concealed position. It can be used in a variety of shooting environments. The shooting target apparatus includes the following main components: Mainhouseing with base, interchangeable target holder, TTP130 gearbox, camshaft, double torsion spring (DTS), leaf spring, main housing meshing gear, four magnets, wireless receiver and the remote goes with it. According to one embodiment, activation of drive mechanism to active the camshaft compress DTS, then magnets attracting and disconnection to cause movement of the target holder, the key mechanism is reserve potential energy and fast conversion of kinetic energy from potential energy, which achieved by magnets attracting and disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Xiaomin Fu
  • Patent number: 10458760
    Abstract: A step auto clay thrower consisting of a base, a stepping rod, a support, a throwing arm holder, a throwing arm and a mini motor is disclosed. When the stepping rod is depressed, the throwing arm is forced by a second spring to move a link and a first linking member in turning a shaft and a throwing arm forward for causing generation of a centrifugal force to throw a clay away from the throwing arm, and then a motor shaft of the mini motor is driven to rotate the shaft, thereby returning the throwing arm without any manual operation. In the time the throwing arm throws the clay and the throwing arm is returned by the mini motor, the mini motor does not need to overcome the force of the second spring so that the capacity of the mini motor can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Cheh-Kang Liu
  • Patent number: 10458761
    Abstract: This patent relates to lined shaped explosive devices, in particular it relates to linear Shaped Charges (SC), more particularly it relates to a Fluted or Scalloped Linear Shaped Charge. The fluted linear SC, unlike a standard linear SC produces hydrodynamic penetration, higher jet velocities, higher mass jets and deeper penetration. The fluted linear device disclosed herein produces greater compression and convergence of the liner material because of the partial radial collapse of the concave flutes. Further, the fluted linear SC is equipped with a simultaneous initiation of the full length of the explosive driving the liner, providing smooth detonation wave front along the full length of the fluted linear liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas Collier
  • Patent number: 10458762
    Abstract: The present invention provides an polymer ammunition having a primer insert having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a extraction flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the substantially cylindrical coupling element is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, wherein the primer recess comprises a recess bottom and a circular recess side wall; a primer flash aperture through the recess bottom that extends through the bottom surface, wherein the primer flash aperture is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding to form a flash hole; and a groove in the primer recess positioned around the primer flash aperture adapted to receive a polymer overmolding, wherein the groove extends at least partially over the bottom surface and the groove is adapted to receive polymer at least partially over the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TRUE VELOCITY IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Lonnie Burrow
  • Patent number: 10458763
    Abstract: A cut-on-contact broadhead having a plurality of deployable blades. Each of the plurality of blades is pivotally coupled to a ferrule configured for attaching the broadhead to a shaft of an arrow or a bolt. Each of the plurality of blades includes a tip, an impact region, a first cutting edge, and a second cutting edge. During flight, blades are in a fully retracted state forming a distal tip of the broadhead having sharp cutting edges defined at least in part by the first cutting edges of the blades. Upon impact, the distal tip of the broadhead creates a bore in the target. As the broadhead penetrates the target, the plurality of blades are deployed into a swept-back configuration exposing the second cutting edge of each blade. The second cutting edges expand the bore initiated by the distal tip of the broadhead and create a passage in the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FeraDyne Outdoors, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Blosser, Jon Arthur Syverson
  • Patent number: 10458764
    Abstract: A canard deployment mechanism includes a canard connected to a shaft that is hingedly attached to a rotatable hub that is moveable between a stowed and deployed position. The mechanism further includes a locking feature on the canard for restraining the canard in the stowed position. In an embodiment the mechanism further includes a pawl rotatably mounted on a drive gear to contact and restrain the canard in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Willenbring, Steven W. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 10458765
    Abstract: A parachute device is provided for a divisible shell that includes an active body and a shell base. The parachute device includes two parachutes, a first, main parachute connected to the active body by parachute lines and a second parachute connected to the shell base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS AB
    Inventors: Anders Hagberg, Anders Ekberg, Tomas Hultgren, Jonas Lilja, Olle Norrvi
  • Patent number: 10458766
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: LONE STAR IP HOLDINGS, LP
    Inventor: Steven D. Roemerman
  • Patent number: 10458767
    Abstract: A broadhead arrowhead having retractable blades wherein a plunger of the tip of the arrowhead causes the blades to shear a shear pin and deploy when the arrowhead strikes a target. In an alternative embodiment, the blades are retained in the arrowhead by a friction fit that is overcome to deploy the blades when the arrowhead strikes a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Howard Andrew Buchanan
  • Patent number: 10458768
    Abstract: A protection covering for folded tail fins of a projectile. The protection covering is installed to surround outer portion of the folded tail fins of the projectile and protects the tail fins against external high pressure, whereby the tail fins are not damaged even at high pressure generated in a launching process of the projectile. After the launch of the projectile, the protection covering is separated from the projectile by the pressure applied on the inner side surface of the circular plate portion of the protection covering by the accumulated combustion gas inside the air pocket. The protection covering is automatically separated from the projectile without providing any other mechanical structure immediately after the launch of the projectile, thereby providing an effect to allow the tail fins to be deployed quickly and economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Jin-Seok Kim, Jae-Hyun Choi, Byung-Duk Kang
  • Patent number: 10458769
    Abstract: An inertial igniter for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The inertial igniter including: a base having a first projection; a striker mass rotatably connected to the base through a rotatable connection, the base having a second projection aligned with the first projection such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced; and a spring for biasing the striker mass in a biasing direction away from the base, the spring being disposed between a portion of the striker mass and a portion of the rotation prevention mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: OMNITEK PARTNERS L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jahangir S Rastegar
  • Patent number: 10458770
    Abstract: An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) tool has an inflated state and a deflated, collapsed state. In the inflated state, the EOD tool includes a central longitudinal axis and a radially outer portion. The radially outer portion contains an inflation composition. The radially outer portion includes an opening for admitting the inflation composition into the radially outer portion, an exterior wall and an interior wall that defines a through opening centered on the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Wilhelm, Samuel Emery, Paul Giannuzzi, Daniel McCarthy, Lesley Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 10458771
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Collin J. Nelson, David Andrew Wortelboer, Kyle C. Anderson, Abhijeet A. Khangar, Jonathan F. Vitas
  • Patent number: 10458772
    Abstract: Various embodiments improve the performance and reliability of coordinate measuring machines by verifying that coordinate measuring machine is configured to use the appropriate probe or stylus for measuring an object. In some embodiments, confirmation that the appropriate probe or stylus is mounted is built into an automated part of the CMM's measurement process, thereby assuring that a confirmation step is performed and that the outcome is correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Cobb, Gurpreet Singh, Milan Kocic
  • Patent number: 10458773
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for garment property determination are disclosed. One or more movable portions of a mannequin are adjusted, thereby causing the mannequin to change from a first size to a second size. Signals are received from one or more sensors of the mannequin, and pressure readings applied to at least one location on an exterior surface of the mannequin are determined from the signals. Data that correlates at least a first pressure reading with the first size of the mannequin and that correlates at least a second pressure reading with the second size of the mannequin are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry James Lewis Eakins
  • Patent number: 10458774
    Abstract: According to one aspect of this disclosure a comparative measurement gauge is described. The gauge includes a portable U-shaped body having two arms connected by an intermediate portion, wherein at least one of the arms engages a part to be measured. At least one rod is disposed in a space defined between the two arms. A slide is disposed on the rod in the space and one portion of the slide is attached to a measurement probe. A measurement indicator extends from one of the arms. The measurement indicator includes a tip that is adjacent to the slide. As the slide moves along the rod to measure the part the measurement indicator provides a measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Veit Tool & Gage, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane B. Veit
  • Patent number: 10458775
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to measure a depth of a hardened layer formed at a surface layer of a quenched workpiece. The apparatus includes an exciting coil configured to generate a magnetic flux to magnetize the workpiece and a detecting coil configured to detect the magnetic flux generated by the exciting coil. The exciting coil has a U-shaped excitation core portion and an excitation coil portion wound on the excitation core portion. The excitation core portion is arranged such that distal ends of magnetic poles of the excitation core portion face the workpiece. The detecting coil has a detection core portion and a detection coil wound on the detection core portion. The detection core portion is arranged between the magnetic poles of the excitation core portion and along a surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: NETUREN CO., LTD., OITA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Misaka, Kazuhiro Kawasaki, Kenta Sakurai, Yuji Gotoh
  • Patent number: 10458776
    Abstract: An abrasion inspection apparatus includes: a first imaging unit installed on a track along which a vehicle is traveling, a guide wheel installed on the vehicle, the first imaging unit imaging an inside of the track; a second imaging unit installed on the track in a vehicle traveling direction with respect to the first imaging unit and imaging the inside of the track; an image acquisition unit acquiring a first image of a boundary of the guide wheel captured by the first imaging unit on a first direction side in the vehicle traveling direction, and a second image of the boundary of the guide wheel captured by the second imaging unit at the same time on an opposite side to the first direction side; and a guide wheel detection unit detecting an abrasion situation of the guide wheel according to a position of a boundary indicated in the acquired images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Morita, Masahiro Yamada, Kazuki Ozaki, Hiroyuki Kono
  • Patent number: 10458777
    Abstract: Targets, target elements and target design method are provided, which comprise designing a target structure to have a high contrast above a specific contrast threshold to its background in polarized light while having a low contrast below the specific contrast threshold to its background in non-polarized light. The targets may have details at device feature scale and be compatible with device design rules yet maintain optical contrast when measured with polarized illumination and thus be used effectively as metrology targets. Design variants and respective measurement optical systems are likewise provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Eran Amit, Barry Loevsky, Andrew Hill, Amnon Manassen, Nuriel Amir, Vladimir Levinski, Roie Volkovich
  • Patent number: 10458778
    Abstract: A measurement system measures various PCB panel characteristics, such as PCB panel thickness, surface feature thickness (height), surface feature width and length, and warpage. Various techniques are also described for steadying the PCB panel for measurement, whether the PCB panel is positioned horizontally or vertically. Z-height measurements as well as light intensity measurements can be used to determine the various PCB panel characteristics. Either the determined light intensity values, the determined Z-height values, or both can be used to determine pixel transition from one region, or material type, to another. Techniques are also provided to reduce PCB panel vibration and/or automatically adjusting a Z-height of the sensor to ensure a sampling point on the PCB panel is within an allowable Z-height range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Multek Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Michael James Glickman, Brendan Nagle
  • Patent number: 10458779
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring a property of a transparent tubular object, a laser beam scans the object, and laser light originating from the object is detected in a first detection direction parallel to the laser beam direction, or in the first and in a second detection direction at an angle thereto, in particular at 90°. The inner radius of the object may be calculated from the refractive index, scanning speed, outer diameter detected in the first detection direction, and, in the second detection direction, the time difference between laser light reflected from the outer surface of the object and laser light refracted into the object and reflected at the inner surface thereof. If the time of detecting laser light refracted into the object and reflected at the inner surface thereof in the first detection direction is known, the refractive index is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Han Haitjema, Hendrik Ketelaars
  • Patent number: 10458781
    Abstract: A sample shape measuring method includes a step of preparing illumination light passing through a predetermined illumination region, a step of applying the illumination light to a sample, and a predetermined processing step. The predetermined illumination region is set such that the illumination light is applied to part of inside of a pupil and outside of the pupil, a light intensity of the illumination light incident on the predetermined illumination region differs between a center and a periphery. The predetermined processing step includes a step of receiving light transmitted through the observation optical system, a step of obtaining a quantity of light of the received light, a step of calculating a difference or a ratio between the quantity of light and a reference quantity of light, and a step of calculating an amount of tilt in a surface of the sample from the difference or the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mayumi Odaira, Yoshimasa Suzuki, Kazuo Kajitani, Hisashi Ode
  • Patent number: 10458782
    Abstract: A flexible apparatus is provided. The flexible apparatus includes a plurality of motion sensors mounted on different locations of the flexible apparatus, a storage configured to store operation information of the flexible apparatus corresponding to a bending shape, and a controller configured to determine a bending shape of the flexible apparatus based on a sensing value of each of the plurality of motion sensors, and to perform an operation corresponding to the determined bending shape based on the operation information stored in the storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-sung Lee, Geun-ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10458783
    Abstract: A triangulation scanner includes a projector, a camera, and a processor, the projector projecting a first pattern of light on a first point during first intervals and a no light during second intervals, the camera including an optical detector, a first accumulator, and a second accumulator, the optical detector receiving reflected light from the first point, the first and second accumulators summing signals from the optical detector during the first and second intervals, respectively, the processor determining 3D coordinates of the first point based at least in part on the first pattern, the summed signals from the first and second accumulators, and a speed of light in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthias Wolke, Rolf Heidemann, Gerrit Hillebrand, Daniel Döring
  • Patent number: 10458784
    Abstract: 3D coordinates at first selected measurement points of a measurement object are determined using a first measurement arrangement. Surface normals at second selected measurement points of the measurement object are determined using a second measurement arrangement. Using the 3D coordinates and the surface normals, at least one of dimensional or geometric characteristics of the measurement object are determined. The second measurement arrangement includes a number of light sources and a first camera which is directed to the measurement object. A calibration data set represents individual direction dependent radiation patterns of the light sources. The surface normals are determined using the calibration data set and the 3D coordinates at the first selected measurement points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Franz-Georg Ulmer, Christian Hoerr
  • Patent number: 10458785
    Abstract: A sample shape measuring method includes a step of preparing illumination light passing through a predetermined illumination region, a step of applying the illumination light to a sample, and a predetermined processing step. The predetermined illumination region is set so as not to include the optical axis at a pupil position of the illumination optical system and is set such that the illumination light is applied to part of the inside of the pupil and the outside of the pupil at a pupil position of the observation optical system. The predetermined processing step includes a step of receiving light, a step of obtaining the quantity of light, a step of calculating the difference or the ratio between the quantity of light and a reference quantity of light, and a step of calculating the amount of tilt in the surface of the sample from the difference or the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Suzuki, Hisashi Ode, Mayumi Odaira