Donald Bryan Christian

US Patent:

7159420, Jan 9, 2007

Filed:

Apr 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/414895

Inventors:

William David Autery - Richardson TX, US
Gregory Stewart Tyber - Allen TX, US
Donald Bryan Christian - Allen TX, US
Marissa Marie Barnard - Dallas TX, US

Assignee:

Umicore SA - Brussels

International Classification:

C03B 19/02

US Classification:

65 66, 65162, 65357, 6537412

Abstract:

A system and method for forming infrared glass optical components are provided. The system includes first and second mold halves having first and second respective faces. The first and second mold halves are configured to be removably coupled such that the first face and the second face form an interface that defines a lens-shaped cavity. A tapered surface of the first face cooperates with a tapered surface of the second face to enhance centering of the first face with respect to the second face.

US Patent:

7171827, Feb 6, 2007

Filed:

Apr 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/417026

Inventors:

William David Autery - Richardson TX, US
Gregory Stewart Tyber - Allen TX, US
Donald Bryan Christian - Allen TX, US
Allan Leroy Buehler - Garland TX, US
Athanasios John Syllaios - Richardson TX, US

Assignee:

Umicore SA - Brussels

International Classification:

C03B 5/42

US Classification:

65 325, 65 83, 65 66, 65157, 65319

Abstract:

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for the automated casting of infrared glass optical components is provided. The system includes a mold for casting infrared glass into lenses, a mold chamber operable to heat the mold to a temperature above the melting temperature of the infrared glass, and a casting chamber operable to fill the mold with molten infrared glass. The method includes heating a mold in a mold chamber to a temperature above the melting temperature of infrared glass, casting molten infrared glass into the mold in a casting chamber; and cooling the mold to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the infrared glass.

US Patent:

20040206119, Oct 21, 2004

Filed:

Apr 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/414957

Inventors:

Athanasios Syllaios - Richardson TX, US
William Autery - Richardson TX, US
Gregory Tyber - Allen TX, US
Marissa Barnard - Dallas TX, US
Donald Christian - Allen TX, US
Allan Buehler - Garland TX, US
Andre Walker - Plano TX, US

Assignee:

RAYTHEON COMPANY

International Classification:

C03B005/42

US Classification:

065/029210, 065/032500, 065/135300, 065/029120, 065/162000, 065/374120, 065/374130, 065/374150

Abstract:

A system and method for preparing chalcogenide glass are provided that allow for larger quantities of glass to be produced with lower production costs and less risks of environmental hazards. The system includes a reaction container operable to hold chalcogenide glass constituents during a glass formation reaction, a stirring rod operable to mix the contents of the reaction container, a thermocouple operable to measure the temperature inside the reaction container, and a reaction chamber operable to hold the reaction container. The method includes placing chalcogenide glass constituents in a reaction container, heating the chalcogenide glass constituents above the melting point of at least one of the constituents, promoting dissolving or reaction of the other constituents, stirring the reaction melt, maintaining an overpressure of at least one atmosphere over the reaction melt, and cooling the reaction melt to below the chalcogenide glass transition temperature.

US Patent:

48153532, Mar 28, 1989

Filed:

Aug 18, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/235836

Inventors:

Donald J. Christian - Richardson TX

International Classification:

G10H 318

US Classification:

84 116

Abstract:

A photoelectric transducer is provided for musical instruments to pick up musical tones so that they may be amplified, transcribed, resynthesized, or recorded. A light source, such as a light emitting diode, is mounted on the instrument to direct light onto a vibratory element of the instrument. Vibrations of the vibratory element cause modulations in the intensity of the light which is reflected or partially obstructed before reaching a photodetector. The modulated electrical output of the photodetector corresponds to the vibration frequency of the vibratory element and may be amplified to drive a loudspeaker or processed for transcription or resynthesis.

US Patent:

47501235, Jun 7, 1988

Filed:

Aug 30, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/771459

Inventors:

Donald J. Christian - Richardson TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G06F 1550

US Classification:

364424

Abstract:

In a manufacturing environment, a controllable mobile apparatus such as a mobile robot is guided through the manufacturing environment by a navigation system that utilizes fixed overhead cameras having a predefined viewing area. As the robot leaves a first viewing area there is an uncertainty as to which viewing area the robot will go into so that that camera may be monitored. The uncertainty is minimized by using a plurality of rings of uncertainty which overlap the surrounding areas. The uncertainty is continuously eliminating by drawing the circle of uncertainty into smaller and smaller area.

US Patent:

47899409, Dec 6, 1988

Filed:

Aug 30, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/771380

Inventors:

Donald J. Christian - Richardson TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H04N 718

US Classification:

364468

Abstract:

A visual navigation system that rejects reflected images navigates an electrical controllable apparatus such as a mobile robot. The mobile robot is fitted with a minimum of three navigation beacons which emit a light visible to overhead television cameras. The beacons area arranged so as to form a triangle. The shape and the dimension of the triangular pattern are measured and stored in a memory unit within the visual navigation system, and when a reflected image is received it will be characterized by a different angle and thus the vision navigation system is able to distinguish the reflected image from the primary image of the mobile robot.

US Patent:

48826944, Nov 21, 1989

Filed:

May 12, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/195345

Inventors:

William B. Brubaker - Dallas TX
John Slaughter - Richardson TX
Donald J. Christian - Richardson TX
Thomas J. Doty - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G06F 1550

US Classification:

36442402

Abstract:

A communication system for a mobile apparatus includes a means for communicating commanded destination to the mobile apparatus. The mobile apparatus includes a plurality of beacons that are used for both communicating with a master station and as a means of locating the mobile apparatus by the master station. The location of the mobile apparatus is used to generate commands which are transmitted to the mobile apparatus by light emitting diodes such that the light emitting diodes mounted on the mobile apparatus are used for both navigation purposes and communication.

US Patent:

45891419, May 13, 1986

Filed:

Mar 12, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/588484

Inventors:

Donald J. Christian - Richardson TX
Patrick A. Humm - McKinney TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G06K 962

US Classification:

382 14

Abstract:

A computer vision apparatus for automatically inspecting printed labels is disclosed. A television type camera views a label under inspection and inputs an image thereof to a pattern recognition and analysis circuit for verification. A monitor with viewing screen, joystick and keypad is connected to the pattern recognition and analysis circuit for operator supervision of the system.