John W Labelle

US Patent:

7053992, May 30, 2006

Filed:

Mar 4, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/793144

Inventors:

John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US
Steven Szczuka - Cheo Hills CA, US
Kenneth W. Baun - Trabuco Canyon CA, US

Assignee:

Meade Instruments Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G01C 25/00
G01C 3/08

US Classification:

356 6, 356 501

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.

US Patent:

7414707, Aug 19, 2008

Filed:

May 3, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/417423

Inventors:

John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US
Steven Szczuka - Cheo Hills CA, US
Kenneth W. Baun - Trabuco Canyon CA, US

Assignee:

Meade Instruments Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G01C 25/00
G01C 3/08

US Classification:

356 6, 356 501

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.

US Patent:

7508497, Mar 24, 2009

Filed:

Nov 23, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/995687

Inventors:

John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US

Assignee:

Meade Instruments Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

G01C 3/08

US Classification:

356 501, 356 507

Abstract:

A rangefinder and method are provided for measuring a distance between the rangefinder and a target by measuring the flight time of a beam reflected from the target. In an embodiment, a receiver having reduced noise detects weak reflections from the targets or targets with poor reflectivity. The receiver generates a voltage signal proportional to a reflected beam, clamps the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom, and compares the voltage signal to a threshold. In some embodiments, the receiver also filters the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom. In an embodiment, the sensitivity of the receiver is increased as a function of time to reduce the likelihood of detecting stray reflections from objects other than the intended target. In some embodiments, the rangefinder collects calibration data with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements.

US Patent:

20070001103, Jan 4, 2007

Filed:

Aug 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/214228

Inventors:

John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

G02B 23/00

US Classification:

2502140SW

Abstract:

In various embodiments, a telescope comprises a telescope body, telescope optics, a two-dimensional sensor array, and power supply circuitry. The power supply circuitry comprises a switching power supply configured to provide power to the two-dimensional sensor array and sensing circuitry. During at least a portion of data acquisition, the switching power supply is shut off and the two-dimensional sensor array is powered by a non-switching power source, thereby reducing noise.

US Patent:

20070234626, Oct 11, 2007

Filed:

Aug 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/214226

Inventors:

Steven Murdock - Mission Viejo CA, US
Kenneth Baun - Trabuco Canyon CA, US
John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US

International Classification:

F41G 1/38

US Classification:

042126000, 042142000, 042122000

Abstract:

Systems and methods usable to facilitate adjustments to a sighting device, such as a scope. In one example, an adjustment calculator associated with the scope receives data relating to a distance to a target and relating to at least one environmental variable, such as for example, wind and/or humidity, which may affect the trajectory of a projectile. The adjustment calculator processes the data and calculates a recommended scope adjustment. For instance, the adjustment calculator may output a number of adjustment “clicks” for a rifle scope in order to at least partially compensate for the distance and/or the environmental variable(s). In another example, the adjustment calculator receives data relating to properties of ammunition that may affect the trajectory of the ammunition.

US Patent:

20080163504, Jul 10, 2008

Filed:

Jan 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/620631

Inventors:

John E. Smith - Mission Viejo CA, US
John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US
Brian Tingey - Fountain Valley CA, US
John Hoot - San Clemente CA, US
Kenneth Baun - Trabuco Canyon CA, US

International Classification:

G01C 17/34

US Classification:

33268

Abstract:

A sighting device may be used to identify and/or locate remote celestial and/or terrestrial objects. The device may include one or more gravity sensors and one or more magnetic sensors that are used to determine the direction in which the device is aimed. Once the aiming direction is determined, a device control system may be used to access an object database and determine a likely candidate object on or near the aiming direction. The device may include capability to output audiovisual information related to the object. The device may be configured to provide audiovisual commands that direct the user to point the device toward a desired or target location, thereby allowing the user to locate objects with unknown positions. The device may be used as a control system for telescopes and other optical devices.

US Patent:

20080168492, Jul 10, 2008

Filed:

Mar 26, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/691442

Inventors:

Kenneth Baun - Trabuco Canyon CA, US
John LaBelle - Long Beach CA, US
Brian Tingey - Fountain Valley CA, US
John Hoot - San Clemente CA, US
Steve Szczuka - Chino Hills CA, US
Jeff Rucker - Del Mar CA, US

International Classification:

H04N 9/475

US Classification:

725 37, 348E05009

Abstract:

In a preferred embodiment, a control unit is provided for controlling a motorized telescope system and displaying video content or media. The video media may include positional data that directs the motorized telescope system to observe a predetermined celestial object or location at a predetermined time during media playback. In this respect, the control unit is especially suitable for providing, for example, guided video tours of the sky, instructional videos supplemented by real world viewing, games, and video calibration instructions for the motorized telescope system.

US Patent:

44208111, Dec 13, 1983

Filed:

Feb 5, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/231727

Inventors:

Matthew G. Tarnay - Pasadena CA
John T. LaBelle - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Price-Pfister Brass Mfg. Co. - Pacoima CA

International Classification:

G06F 1546

US Classification:

364510

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for selecting, displaying and automatically controlling water flow rates and temperatures at the outlets of devices used in plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, or lavatories; the apparatus includes a temperature sensor at the water output, a control panel for selecting desired output water temperatures and flow rates, a comparator for comparing the selected temperature to the output temperature, and for generating signals to control separate hot and cold water valves to achieve and automatically maintain, within limits, any desired combination of flow rate and temperature. In one embodiment the comparator is embodied in a microprocessor which receives a digital signal representative of the actual water temperature, and generates a modified signal to adjust hot and cold water flow to the output means until the actual output temperature matches the selected temperature within a small error range while maintaining flow rate at a constant level.