Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090086199 | METHOD INVOLVING A POINTING INSTRUMENT AND A TARGET OBJECT - A first method determines a position of a point of interest on a target object surface in a target object coordinate system using orientation and distance measurements of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system. A second method determines an orientation of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system for the instrument to be aligned with a point of interest on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein a position of the point of interest in the target object coordinate system is known. A third method controls orientation of a laser beam of a laser in an instrument coordinate system for the laser beam to trace an image on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein positions of points for the image on the surface of the target object in the target object coordinate system are known. | 04-02-2009 |
20090099709 | ROBOTIC VEHICLE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for forming a robotic vehicle. The method may involve forming a body and arranging a plurality of movable legs to project from the body for propelling the body over a surface. An actuator may be carried by the body to selectively engage and disengage different ones of the movable legs to cause a motion of the body, and thus the robotic vehicle, to travel over the surface. | 04-16-2009 |
20090222149 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SWARM OF REMOTE UNMANNED VEHICLES THROUGH HUMAN GESTURES - A method is disclosed for controlling at least one remotely operated unmanned object. The method may involve defining a plurality of body movements of an operator that correspond to a plurality of operating commands for the unmanned object. Body movements of the operator may be sensed to generate the operating commands. Wireless signals may be transmitted to the unmanned object that correspond to the operating commands that control operation of the unmanned object. | 09-03-2009 |
20100085437 | METHOD AND SYSTEM INVOLVING CONTROLLING A VIDEO CAMERA TO TRACK A MOVABLE TARGET OBJECT - Methods are described for controlling orientation of an aim point axis of a video camera having an instrument coordinate system to track a point of interest on a movable target object and calculating positions of the point of interest in a local coordinate system in which the target object is moving. The methods include measuring pan and tilt angles of the aim point axis and distance substantially along the aim point axis and calculating a calibration matrix which transforms a position defined in the instrument coordinate system to a position defined in the local coordinate system. A system is described including an instrument and at least one computer, wherein the instrument includes a video camera and a range finder, and wherein the video camera includes an aim point axis having an adjustable orientation. In one example, the target object is adapted to move on and inspect an airplane surface. | 04-08-2010 |
20100102980 | Hand-Held Positioning Interface for Spatial Query - A system and method for determining the position and orientation of a handheld device relative to a known object is presented. The system comprises a handheld device having an inertial measurement unit and a sighting device, such as a laser pointer, that are used to determine the position of the handheld device relative to a target object, such as a structure, aircraft, or vehicle. The method comprises calibrating a handheld device to find the current location of the handheld device relative to a target object, tracking the movement of the handheld device using an inertial measurement unit, and presenting an updated position of the handheld device relative to a target object. | 04-29-2010 |
20100153051 | Locating A Component Underneath A Surface Of A Target Object And Locating An Access Panel For Accessing The Component - A first method locates a component positioned underneath a surface of a target object using a pointing instrument, wherein a position of the component in the target object coordinate system is known. The first method includes calculating an orientation of the aim point axis of the instrument in the instrument coordinate system for the aim point axis of the instrument to be aligned with the component using at least an inverse calibration matrix, the position of the component in the target object coordinate system, and inverse kinematics of the instrument. The first method also includes rotating the aim point axis of the instrument to the calculated orientation. Second and third methods also are described for locating an access panel for accessing the component and/or maintenance zones in which the component resides. | 06-17-2010 |
20100202868 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING VERTICALLY MOUNTED DEVICES - A lifting and lowering apparatus may include: at least one cable, at least one pulley connected to the at least one cable, at least one drive member connected to the at least one cable for driving the at least one cable in at least one direction, a moveable payload attachment member for attaching to a payload to be at least one of lifted and lowered, an attachment member guide attached to the moveable payload attachment member, and an alignment guide for positioning at a position. The moveable payload attachment member may be at least one of lifted and lowered by the at least one cable. Both the attachment member guide and the alignment guide may be shaped to force the attachment member guide into a pre-determined mating position and orientation against the alignment guide at the position. | 08-12-2010 |
20110149266 | Position and Orientation Determination Using Movement Data - Position determining systems and methods are provided. A particular portable device includes a calibration component to communicate with a local positioning system to determine an initial position and orientation of the portable device within a local coordinate system associated with a target structure. The portable device also includes at least one movement sensor to detect movement of the portable device. The portable device further includes a processor to determine a measured position and orientation of the portable device based on the initial position and orientation of the portable device within the local coordinate system and based on the detected movement of the portable device. | 06-23-2011 |
20110196558 | Robotic Vehicle Apparatus and Method - A method for forming a robotic vehicle. The method may involve forming a body and arranging a plurality of movable legs to project from the body for propelling the body over a surface. An actuator may be carried by the body to selectively engage and disengage different ones of the movable legs to cause a motion of the body, and thus the robotic vehicle, to travel over the surface. | 08-11-2011 |
20110295427 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INSPECTION SENSOR PLACEMENT - Methods and systems are provided for positioning a remote sensor within a target object. An articulated robotic system is coupled to the remote sensor. A positioning system determines a position of the target object to be inspected and determines a first position of the remote sensor. A control system calibrates a virtual representation of the target object with respect to the position of the target object, and tracks movement of the remote sensor relative to the target object. | 12-01-2011 |
20120221625 | Distributed Operation of a Local Positioning System - Presented is a system and method for distributed operation of Local Positioning Systems (LPS). A method includes establishing a network connection with a local controller and providing a user interface for sending device commands to an LPS associated with the local controller, and may include requesting a network address of a server for streaming video. The user interface can control a plurality of LPS units and the local controller can accept device commands from a plurality of user interfaces. A system includes a local system with interfaces to an LPS and a network that directs device control messages to the LPS from one or more remote systems, and a remote system that establishes network connections with one or more local systems and provides a user interface for sending device control messages to the one or more LPS units. | 08-30-2012 |
20120320372 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 12-20-2012 |
20120327187 | ADVANCED REMOTE NONDESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION SYSTEM AND PROCESS - A system for inspecting a test article incorporates a diagnostic imaging system for a test article. A command controller receives two dimensional (2D) images from the diagnostic imaging system. A three dimensional (3D) computer aided design (CAD) model visualization system and an alignment system for determining local 3D coordinates are connected to the command controller. Computer software modules incorporated in the command controller are employed, in aligning, the 2D images and 3D CAD model responsive to the local 3D coordinates. The 2D images and 3D CAD model are displayed with reciprocal registration. The alignment system is then directed to selected coordinates in the 2D images or 3D CAD model. | 12-27-2012 |
20130020144 | Adaptive Magnetic Coupling System - A system comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is inverted and below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. The vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The system further comprises means for maintaining the magnetic attraction force within a range as the vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness. | 01-24-2013 |
20130024067 | Holonomic Motion Vehicle for Travel on Non-Level Surfaces - Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces. | 01-24-2013 |
20130041544 | Beam Directed Motion Control System - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 02-14-2013 |
20130188059 | Automated System and Method for Tracking and Detecting Discrepancies on a Target Object - A detection system including a target object having a target object coordinate system, a tracking unit configured to monitor a position and/or an orientation of the target object and generate a target object position signal indicative of the position and/or the orientation of the target object, a camera positioned to capture an image of the target object, an orienting mechanism connected to the camera to control an orientation of the camera relative to the target object, and a processor configured to analyze the image to detect a discrepancy in the image and, when the discrepancy is present in the image, determine a location of the discrepancy relative to the target object coordinate system based at least upon the target object position signal and the orientation of the camera, and then orient the camera and laser to aim at and point out the discrepancy. | 07-25-2013 |
20130298682 | Variable Radius Inspection Using Sweeping Linear Array - Method and apparatus for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a changing, insufficiently defined or unknown shape (e.g., a variable radius or a noncircular radius caused by the use of soft tooling) at a rate that meets production requirements. The apparatus comprises a linear ultrasonic array (i.e., sensor) incorporated in a toppler, which in turn is slidably supported by an oscillating sensor mechanism carried by a traveling trailer vehicle. As a result of this arrangement, the sensor can undergo a back-and-forth sweeping motion coupled with motion along the spar radius. The sensor is further able to displace radially relative to a sweep pivot axis and rotate (hereinafter “topple”) about a topple pivot axis. In this manner, the orientation of the sensor can adjust to the contour of the inspected surface as the sensor scans. | 11-14-2013 |
20130304251 | Automated Inspection of Spar Web in Hollow Monolithic Structure - A computer-controlled robotic platform with a collapsible lifting arm that positions a non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor for scanning inside tunnel regions of a composite structure such as an integrally stiffened wing box. The lifting arm of a modified scissor lift mechanism can be collapsed to a very low height to pass through narrow sections of the integrally stiffened wing box, and also extended by more than a factor of three to reach the maximum height of the wing box tunnels. The system performs a vertical position sensing and control process that uses inverse kinematics to enable position control using data from a standard rotational encoder on the motor to determine vertical position. The system produces simulated encoder pulses that represent unit vertical displacements of a distal portion of a modified scissor lift mechanism using a forward kinematics equation in which the rotation angle of a lead screw is an input variable. | 11-14-2013 |
20130321391 | SENSOR-ENHANCED LOCALIZATION IN VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS - In one embodiment, a computer-based system comprises a measurement device, a display, a processor, and logic instructions stored in a tangible computer-readable medium coupled to the processor which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to determine a position and orientation in a real three dimensional space of the measurement device relative to at least one real object in the three dimensional space and render on the display, a perspective view of a virtual image of a virtual object corresponding to the real object in a virtual three-dimensional space, wherein the perspective view of the virtual object corresponds to the perspective view of the real object from the position of the measurement device. | 12-05-2013 |
20140005840 | Automated Inspection of Soft-Tooled Hollow Structure | 01-02-2014 |
20140022281 | PROJECTING AIRPLANE LOCATION SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE HISTORY USING OPTICAL REFERENCE POINTS - A method for displaying location specific maintenance history for an object is implemented by operating a camera to locate at least one marker tag with fiducial marker-based tracking functionality on the object to provide a reference to a coordinate system associated with the object. An area of the object surrounding the coordinates defined by marker tag is determined from the coordinate system. A repair history for the determined area is then projected onto the object with the projection referenced to the coordinate system associated with the object. | 01-23-2014 |
20140137673 | Adaptive Magnetic Coupling System - A system is disclosed comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the tractor and trailer vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is disposed in an inverted position below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. For example, the tractor and trailer vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The magnetic coupling between the magnets on the tractor and trailer vehicles produces an attraction force. The system further comprises means for maintaining the attraction force within a range as the tractor and trailer vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness. | 05-22-2014 |
20140184786 | Systems and Methods for Stand-Off Inspection of Aircraft Structures - A system for stand-off inspection comprising local positioning system hardware and a nondestructive evaluation instrument supported by a pan-tilt mechanism. The system further comprises a computer system that is programmed to perform the following operations: (a) directing the local positioning system hardware toward an area of a surface on a target object by control of the pan-tilt mechanism; (b) activating the local positioning system hardware to acquire an image; (c) processing the image to determine whether an anomaly is present in the area; (d) if an anomaly is present, determining coordinates of a position of the anomaly in a coordinate system of the target object; and (e) directing the nondestructive evaluation instrument toward a position corresponding to the coordinates. Optionally, the computer system is further programmed to measure one or more characteristics of the anomaly. | 07-03-2014 |
20140200832 | Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures - An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. | 07-17-2014 |
20140210986 | Tracking-Enabled Multi-Axis Tool for Limited Access Inspection - A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening. | 07-31-2014 |
20140278221 | Self-Contained Holonomic Tracking Method and Apparatus for Non-Destructive Inspection - A self-contained, holonomic motion tracking solution for supplementing the acquisition of inspection information on the surface of a structure, thereby enabling the real-time production of two-dimensional images from hand-held and automated scanning by holonomic-motion of non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor units (e.g., NDI probes). The systems and methods disclosed enable precise tracking of the position and orientation of a holonomic-motion NDI sensor unit (hand-held or automated) and conversion of the acquired tracking data into encoder pulse signals for processing by a NDI scanning system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140298227 | Locator System For Three-Dimensional Visualization - A method and apparatus for locating a part in an aircraft. A part is identified in the aircraft. A series of views is generated from a model of the aircraft with graphical indicators in the series of views configured to provide guidance to a position of the part in the aircraft. The series of views is displayed on a display device. | 10-02-2014 |
20140360289 | Nondestructive Inspection System for Difficult to Access Areas - A method for inspecting an object. A support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor is moved to an area for inspection. The support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration. The support structure is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration. | 12-11-2014 |
20140365063 | BEAM DIRECTED MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376768 | Systems and Methods for Tracking Location of Movable Target Object - An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system. | 12-25-2014 |
20150116481 | MAPPING DAMAGED REGIONS ON OBJECTS - Systems and methods for mapping a damaged region on an object. An exemplary system captures an image of the damaged region with a camera, selects target points around a boundary of the damaged region on the image, and determines 2D image coordinates for the target points on the image. The system further determines angles for aiming a laser ranging device at each of the target points based on the image coordinates, and measures a distance to each of the target points with the laser ranging device based on the aiming angles. The system then calculates 3D coordinates for each of the target points in the coordinate system of the object based on the distance measurement and the 2D image coordinates for each of the target points. | 04-30-2015 |
20150207987 | Systems and Methods for Tracking Location of Movable Target Object - An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system. | 07-23-2015 |
20150226369 | Automated Mobile Boom System for Crawling Robots - A system comprising a multi-functional boom subsystem integrated with a holonomic-motion boom base platform. The boom base platform may comprise: Mecanum wheels with independently controlled motors; a pair of sub-platforms coupled by a roll-axis pivot to maintain four-wheel contact with the ground surface; and twist reduction mechanisms to minimize any yaw-axis twisting torque exerted on the roll-axis pivot. A computer with motion control software may be embedded on the boom base platform. The motion control function can be integrated with a real-time tracking system. The motion control computer may have multiple platform motion control modes: (1) a path following mode in which the boom base platform matches the motion path of the surface crawler (i.e., integration with crawler control); (2) a reactive mode in which the boom base platform moves based on the pan and tilt angles of the boom arm; and (3) a collision avoidance mode using sensors distributed around the perimeter of the boom base platform to detect obstacles. | 08-13-2015 |
20150268033 | Relative Object Localization Process for Local Positioning System - Systems and methods for performing relative object localization using a local positioning system. The process in accordance with one embodiment solves the problem of determining the location (i.e., the position and orientation) of an object relative to a previous location of the object, or relative to another object, without the need for known 3-D data point positions in the environment. The process in accordance with another embodiment solves the problem of determining the location of the measurement instrument relative to a previous location of the measurement instrument using visible feature points on a target object as a reference, again without the need for known 3-D data point positions. The process in accordance with a further embodiment is capable of determining the locations of multiple objects relative to each other. | 09-24-2015 |
20150329221 | Automated Scanning Systems for Non-Destructive Inspection of Curved Cylinder-Like Workpieces - Systems and methods for high-speed non-destructive inspection of a half- or full-barrel-shaped workpiece, such as a barrel-shaped section of an aircraft fuselage. Such workpieces can be scanned externally using a mobile (e.g., translating) arch gantry system comprising a translatable arch frame disposed outside the fuselage section, a carriage that can travel along a curved track carried by the arch frame, a radially inward-extending telescopic arm having a proximal end fixedly coupled to the carriage, and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The stiffeners of the fuselage sections can be scanned using a mobile scanner platform disposed inside the fuselage section, which platform comprises a radially outward-extending telescopic arm rotatably coupled to a mobile (e.g., holonomic or linear motion) platform and an NDI sensor unit coupled to a distal end of the telescoping arm. The scan data is matched with position data acquired using any one of a plurality of tracking systems to enable the display of NDI features/flaws on a three-dimensional representation of the workpiece. | 11-19-2015 |
20150371443 | Viewpoint Control of a Display of a Virtual Product in a Virtual Environment - A method, system, and apparatus for visually presenting a virtual environment relative to a physical workspace. An output device visually presents a view of the virtual environment to guide a human operator in performing a number of operations within the physical workspace. A mounting structure holds the output device and is movable with at least one degree of freedom relative to the physical workspace. A sensor system measures movement of the output device relative to the physical workspace to generate sensor data. A controller computes a transformation matrix and the set of scale factors to align the virtual environment and the physical workspace. The controller changes the view of virtual environment based on the sensor data to thereby change the view of the virtual environment in correspondence with the movement of the output device relative to the physical workspace. | 12-24-2015 |
20160096637 | Automated Non-Destructive Inspection of Surface Skins Using Transporter System - Systems and methods for automated maintenance of the top and bottom surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened hollow structure (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the hollow structure on opposite sides of a vertical structural element. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external maintenance tool, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin to perform a maintenance function. The systems allow maintenance operations to be performed on both surface skins without turning the hollow structure over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory. | 04-07-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100236124 | RAIL COVER FOR A FIREARM - A rail cover for use on a handcover having a rail. The rail cover includes a body having opposing side edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. Parallel sidewalls depend from the bottom surface to define a socket therebetween for slidably engaging the rail of the handguard. A snap clip is carried by the body and is movable between a raised position for allowing sliding engagement with a rail of a handguard and a lowered position wherein a portion thereof is received within a slot of the handguard and prevents sliding engagement thereof. | 09-23-2010 |
20110173858 | MAGAZINE WITH SHOCK ABSORBING TAB - An ammunition magazine including a housing having a first end and an opposing second end for carrying stacked cartridges, a follower plate reciprocally movable within the housing, a spring retainer reciprocally movable within the housing and having an extension tab extending therefrom toward the second end, and a biasing member carried by the housing between the follower plate and the spring retainer. The biasing member biases the follower plate toward the first end and biases the spring retainer toward the second end. A bottom plate closes the second end of the housing and retains the spring retainer within the housing. The bottom plate includes an opening extending therethrough permitting passage of the extension tab therethrough in reciprocal directions. | 07-21-2011 |
20110192067 | REINFORCED EXTENDABLE BUTT STOCK - An extendable butt stock includes a housing having a forward end, an open rearward end, an opening at the forward end and a buffer tube of a firearm received therethrough. A hinge plate pivotally attaches a butt plate to the rearward end of the housing, movable between an open position and a closed position. A spine reinforcing member having a rearward end and a forward end extends from the rearward end of the housing to proximate the forward end of the housing and cradles the buffer tube. The butt plate contacts the rearward end of the spine reinforcing member when the butt plate is in the closed position. An engagement mechanism is carried by the housing and releasably attaches the buffer tube to the spine reinforcing member. | 08-11-2011 |
20110296734 | FIREARM SIGHT - A sight for use on a firearm includes a frame member mountable to a firearm and having a pair of spaced apart posts extending therefrom, a support member extending transversely between the pair of posts and selectively rotatable with respect thereto, and a sight element. The sight element is carried by the support member between the posts and includes a central portion rotatably coupled to the support member, a first sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a first aperture formed in a diamond shape with an upper v-notch and a lower v-notch, and a second sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a second aperture formed in a diamond shape. | 12-08-2011 |
20120102803 | FIREARM AND CHASSIS SYSTEM - A chassis system and firearm including a chassis having a forward end terminating in a barrel support member, a rearward end, and a cavity defined by the chassis intermediate the forward end and the rearward end. A receiver with attached barrel is received in the cavity, and the barrel is received in the barrel support member. A handguard including a rearward end having a split therein and movable between a normally expanded configuration and a contracted configuration is carried over and encircling the barrel. The rearward end is slidably received over the barrel support member in the expanded configuration and securely engaged to the barrel support member in the contracted configuration. | 05-03-2012 |
20120180624 | FIREARM SUPPRESSOR - A suppressor for reducing muzzle blasts in firearms includes mounting apparatus with a rear end designed to mate with a firearm barrel. A blast cap includes aligning and joining features mating the blast cap with the mounting apparatus. A plurality of baffles each includes aligning and joining features mating one baffle with the blast cap and the remaining baffles to each other. Each baffle includes a plate having gas ports therethrough positioned within a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The gas ports are positioned intermediate a central aperture and an outer edge of the plate. An end cap includes aligning and joining features mating the end cap with the adjacent baffle. The mounting apparatus, the blast cap, the plurality of baffles, and the end cap are affixed together using the aligning and joining features to form a suppressor and each includes a central aperture longitudinally aligned with the firearm barrel. | 07-19-2012 |
20120186123 | FIREARM HANDGUARD SYSTEM - A clamping mechanism for attaching a handguard to a firearm includes a barrel nut having radially outwardly directed tines, a tubular body having a plurality of longitudinal grooves separated by lands forming an inner surface of the tubular body, and a pair of circumferentially extending grooves traversing the lands, formed forward from a rearward end of the tubular body. A clamp element is carried by the tubular body and includes a body with a beveled end and a heel extending substantially perpendicularly from an opposing end of the body. The clamp element is adjustably positioned within the tubular body with the heel extending radially outwardly and received in the second groove and the beveled end engages the barrel nut. | 07-26-2012 |
20120192709 | FIREARM CONTROL DEVICES - A fire selector control device for a firearm with a lower receiver that is operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a selector body designed to fit within the lower receiver and extend between one side of the lower receiver and an opposite side of the lower receiver. The selector body is designed to engage a firing mechanism within the firearm and switch the firing mechanism to any one of a plurality of firing modes. First and second levers are attached to opposite ends of the body to move the body to any one of the plurality of firing options. The first lever is accessible from the exterior of the right side of the lower receiver and the second lever is accessible from the exterior of the left side of the lower receiver. | 08-02-2012 |
20120198742 | MAGAZINE RELEASE DEVICE FOR FIREARMS - A magazine release device is affixed to a firearm and operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a shaft extending between opposite sides of the lower receiver and movable longitudinally between an engaged and a disengaged orientation. A spring biases the shaft into the engaged orientation. A plate, affixed to one end of the shaft, includes an inwardly directed catch that engages with a magazine when the shaft is in the engaged orientation and disengages from the magazine when the shaft is moved to the disengaged orientation. A right hand actuation button is affixed to the shaft on the right side of the lower receiver and a left hand actuation button is affixed to the plate on the left side and each actuation button controls the shaft and plate between the disengaged orientation and the engaged orientation. | 08-09-2012 |
20120246989 | FIREARM HANDGUARD SYSTEM - A firearm includes a receiver with a socket defined by a forwardly extending circumferential rim having an inner surface, a barrel extending from the socket of the receiver and terminating in a muzzle, and a cocking lever housing carried above the barrel. A partial tubular body is received over the barrel with a rearward end abutting the receiver at the forwardly extending circumferential rim. A clamp element is carried by the partial tubular body and is movable between a release position and an engaged position in which a clamp end of the clamp element frictionally engages the inner surface of the circumferential rim. | 10-04-2012 |
20120291331 | SCOPE MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR FIREARM - Scope mounting apparatus including a base designed to mate with a dovetail mounting rail on a firearm, and a mounting ring including arcuate elements pivotally joined together and movable between an open and a closed orientation. The ring is designed to receive a scope body in the open orientation and to enclose the scope body in the closed orientation. Mounting elements are fixed to the ring and positioned together in the closed orientation. A mounting block receives mounting elements therein. A mounting screw extends upwardly through the mounting block and into threaded engagement with a nut carried by the mounting elements. In the threadedly engaged orientation, the mounting screw and nut firmly hold the ring in the closed orientation. | 11-22-2012 |
20120311906 | INSERT GRIPS FOR FIREARM - An insert grip is used in cooperation with a firearm handguard having a plurality of regularly spaced holes therethrough. The insert grip includes a plurality of tubular flexible inserts, each having a tubular body extending through one of the openings. An upper collar extends radially outwardly around the outer end of the body of each insert. The inserts are affixed together in a regular pattern designed to be coaxial engaged with the holes in the handguard. | 12-13-2012 |
20120324775 | DROP-IN HANDGUARD SYSTEM - A handguard system for use with a firearm including a tubular body assembly having a rearward end and a forward end, a top handguard portion and a bottom handguard portion. The bottom handguard portion includes a forward tubular portion, a gap extending from the rearward end to the forward tubular portion, a first groove formed in an inner surface thereof and spaced forwardly from the rearward end for receiving tines of a barrel nut therein, and a second groove parallel to the first groove. A clamp assembly is carried by the bottom handguard portion for engaging the barrel nut and securing the bottom handguard portion to the receiver. The top handguard portion is receivable in the gap and including a forward end, a rearward end, and engagement elements for securing the forward end of the top handguard to the bottom handguard portion. | 12-27-2012 |
20130000174 | ANGLED BIPOD FOREGRIP FOR FIREARM - A bipod foregrip includes a longitudinally extending mounting base constructed to slidingly engage a mounting rail of a firearm. A fixed gripping portion is affixed to the base adjacent the rear end. A movable gripping portion has a first end pivotally attached adjacent a lower extremity and pivotal between a stored orientation and an extended orientation. The opposed end is positioned in abutting engagement with a lower surface of the mounting base in the stored orientation. Two legs form the movable gripping portion in the stored orientation and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly into a bipod rest in the extended orientation. | 01-03-2013 |
20130263489 | FIREARM BUTT STOCK GPS UNIT HOLDER - A firearm butt stock includes a portable GPS unit having a display on a surface, and control buttons on adjacent surface/surfaces, and a butt stock including a cavity defined by sidewalls formed in one side thereof intermediate a rearward end and a forward end. The cavity receives the portable GPS unit therein with the display facing outwardly. Attachment apparatus removably secures the portable GPS unit within the cavity. | 10-10-2013 |
20140096432 | FIREARM SIGHT - A sight for use on a firearm includes a frame member mountable to a firearm and having a pair of spaced apart posts extending therefrom, a support member extending transversely between the pair of posts and selectively rotatable with respect thereto, and a sight element. The sight element is carried by the support member between the posts and includes a central portion rotatably coupled to the support member, a first sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a first aperture formed in a diamond shape with an upper v-notch and a lower v-notch, and a second sight aperture portion extending from the central portion and defining a second aperture formed in a diamond shape. | 04-10-2014 |
20140115939 | FOREGRIP FOR FIREARM - A foregrip for use with a firearm having a handguard extending along the barrel and a mounting rail, with transverse spaced apart slots, extending longitudinally along a lower surface of the handguard parallel with the barrel and including slots spaced there along. The foregrip including a member formed to engage the mounting rail and slide longitudinally there along. The member includes a transverse slot formed through an upwardly directed surface thereof. A gripping member has an upper end formed to engage the mounting rail engaging member. A bar clamp carried by the gripping member is positioned to slide into the slot in the mounting rail engaging member and extend into engagement with a slot in the mounting rail, whereby the foregrip is positioned at a selected position longitudinally along the mounting rail. | 05-01-2014 |
20140190056 | STOCK ASSEMBLY AND RECOIL SYSTEM FOR A FIREARM - A stock and recoil system for a firearm includes a lower receiver, a bolt carrier, and a stock assembly. The bolt carrier is reciprocally movable along an axis within an upper receiver carried by the lower receiver and includes a tubular rearward end defining a cavity with a rearwardly directed opening. The stock assembly is coupled the lower receiver and includes a receiver extension coupled to the lower receiver and aligned on the axis. An action spring is carried within the receiver extension and extends therefrom into the tubular rearward end of the bolt carrier. The action spring is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration during the firing cycle of the firearm. A butt plate is adjustably coupled to the receiver extension and is movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. | 07-10-2014 |
20150040450 | MAGAZINE RELEASE DEVICE FOR FIREARMS - A magazine release device is affixed to a firearm and operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a shaft extending between opposite sides of the lower receiver and movable longitudinally between an engaged and a disengaged orientation. A spring biases the shaft into the engaged orientation. A plate, affixed to one end of the shaft, includes an inwardly directed catch that engages with a magazine when the shaft is in the engaged orientation and disengages from the magazine when the shaft is moved to the disengaged orientation. A right hand actuation button is affixed to the shaft on the right side of the lower receiver and a left hand actuation button is affixed to the plate on the left side and each actuation button controls the shaft and plate between the disengaged orientation and the engaged orientation. | 02-12-2015 |
20150128471 | IRON SIGHT CENTERED WINDAGE WHEEL - A firearm sight including a base coupled to a firearm receiver. The base includes a body having opposed side defining a void therebetween. A sight housing having an end coupled to the base and an opposing end carrying a sight structure. The end coupled to the base is bifurcated with spaced apart furcated portions defining a central gap therebetween. A threaded support member extends transversely between the opposed side portions and concurrently through apertures formed through the furcated portions. A wheel member has a threaded bore and is received on the threaded support member between the furcated portions within the central gap. Rotation of the wheel member moves the sight housing laterally between the opposed sides of the base. | 05-14-2015 |
20160025447 | STOCK ASSEMBLY AND RECOIL SYSTEM FOR A FIREARM - A stock and recoil system for a firearm includes a lower receiver, a bolt carrier, and a stock assembly. The bolt carrier is reciprocally movable along an axis within an upper receiver carried by the lower receiver and includes a tubular rearward end defining a cavity with a rearwardly directed opening. The stock assembly is coupled the lower receiver and includes a receiver extension coupled to the lower receiver and aligned on the axis. An action spring is carried within the receiver extension and extends therefrom into the tubular rearward end of the bolt carrier. The action spring is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration during the firing cycle of the firearm. A butt plate is adjustably coupled to the receiver extension and is movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. | 01-28-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120095585 | System and Method for Workflow Integration - A system is provided. The system comprises a computer system, an at least one memory; and a first application stored in the at least one memory. When executed by the computer system, the first application automatically executes a workflow that receives a first input from a human machine interface (HMI) in a first plant, in response to the first input generates a first event that assigns a first task associated to a first functional role performed at the first plant, receives a second input associated with the first task, in response to the second input generates a second event that assigns a second task associated to a second functional role, receives a third input associated with the second task, in response to the third input transmits information to the human machine interface that changes the process mediated by the human machine interface in the first plant. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095925 | System and Method of Federated Workflow Data Storage - A system is provided comprising a first and second computer system, a first and second memory, and a first and second application. The first application executes a first workflow that receives a first input from an HMI in a first plant, in response generates a first event that assigns a first task associated to a role performed at the first plant, receives a second input associated with the first task, in response to the second input generates a second event, and transmits the second event. The second application executes a second workflow that receives the second event and assigns a second task associated to a role performed at the office separate from the first plant, receives a third input associated with the second task, and in response to the third input transmits information to the HMI that changes the process mediated by the HMI in the first plant. | 04-19-2012 |
20120096463 | System and Method for Integrated Workflow Scaling - A system is provided. The system comprises a first computer located in a first plant, a first memory, and a first object based process management application stored in the first memory. The system further comprises a second computer located in a location separate from the first plant, a second memory, and a second object based process management application stored in the second memory. When executed on the first computer, the first application invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks. When executed on the second computer, the second computer invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks, one of the events acted on by the second application is a message received from the first application. | 04-19-2012 |
20140214478 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED WORKFLOW SCALING - A system is provided. The system comprises a first computer located in a first plant, a first memory, and a first object based process management application stored in the first memory. The system further comprises a second computer located in a location separate from the first plant, a second memory, and a second object based process management application stored in the second memory. When executed on the first computer, the first application invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks. When executed on the second computer, the second computer invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks, one of the events acted on by the second application is a message received from the first application. | 07-31-2014 |
20150356476 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WORKFLOW INTEGRATION - A system is provided. The system comprises a computer system, an at least one memory; and a first application stored in the at least one memory. When executed by the computer system, the first application automatically executes a workflow that receives a first input from a human machine interface (HMI) in a first plant, in response to the first input generates a first event that assigns a first task associated to a first functional role performed at the first plant, receives a second input associated with the first task, in response to the second input generates a second event that assigns a second task associated to a second functional role, receives a third input associated with the second task, in response to the third input transmits information to the human machine interface that changes the process mediated by the human machine interface in the first plant. | 12-10-2015 |