Joseph A Austin

US Patent:

20030013375, Jan 16, 2003

Filed:

May 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/150023

Inventors:

Joseph Austin - Calabasas CA, US

International Classification:

A63H003/06

US Classification:

446/224000

Abstract:

Inflatable figures are able to maintain an upright position without the necessity of external devices such as tethers. There are several ways to cause the inflatables to maintain the upright position. In one example, baffles inside the figure direct air into all areas and controls the air exhaust. In another example, the inflatable is provided with a single air exhaust at the top of the figure. As air travels from the air source, located at the base of the figure to the exhaust, the force of the air traveling through the figure keeps the figure upright. In another example, a tube receives air from the air source and is sewn to the inside of the figure. The tube bends temporarily. When the tube bends, air cannot be exhausted from the tube and the buildup of pressure causes the tube, and therefore the figure, to return to the upright position.

US Patent:

6149495, Nov 21, 2000

Filed:

Mar 15, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/267614

Inventors:

Joseph James Austin - Sherman Oaks CA
Joseph Stanley Austin - Calabasas CA

International Classification:

A63H 3700
A63G 3100
A01D 8710
B65G 6906
B05B 714

US Classification:

446475

Abstract:

A device for propelling confetti or theatrical snow comprising two compartments. One compartment houses a vacuum device having an intake in communication with the other compartment and an exhaust in communication with the exterior of the device. The second compartment holds the confetti or theatrical snow. Only material which is able to be airborne is able to enter the vacuum device and be expelled through the vacuum device. Confetti can be reintroduced into the second compartment without fear of foreign objects mixed with the confetti becoming dangerous projectiles.

US Patent:

44777256, Oct 16, 1984

Filed:

Aug 27, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/297050

Inventors:

Charles K. Asawa - Pacific Palisades CA
Joseph W. Austin - Torrance CA
Michael K. Barnoski - Pacific Palisades CA
Allan R. Jackson - Lawndale CA
Stewart D. Personick - Pacific Palisades CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

G02B 514

US Classification:

250231R

Abstract:

A system for remote measurement of structural forces includes a plurality of microbend transducers mounted along the length of the structure for microbending an optical fiber in response to structural forces, such as stress acting upon an oil or gas pipeline or the like. An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has a light source for launching a pulsed optical signal for passage through the fiber and a photodetector for sensing as a function of time the intensity of backscattered light reflected back through the fiber, wherein this sensed time function is correlated directly with discrete longitudinal positions along the length of the fiber and the structure. When one or more of the microbend transducers is activated to induce a microbend in the fiber in response to localized forces acting upon the structure, a portion of the backscattered light is lost at the microbend. This attenuation in backscattered light intensity is sensed quantitatively and positionally identified by the photodetector. Specific preferred constructions for microbend transducers and system arrangements particularly adapted for detecting structural strain in an oil or gas pipeline are disclosed.

US Patent:

44594771, Jul 10, 1984

Filed:

Aug 27, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/297051

Inventors:

Charles K. Asawa - Pacific Palisades CA
Joseph W. Austin - Torrance CA
Michael K. Barnoski - Pacific Palisades CA
Stewart D. Personick - Pacific Palisades CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

G01L 124

US Classification:

250227

Abstract:

A system for remote measurement of structural forces includes a plurality of microbend transducers mounted along the length of the structure for microbending an optical fiber in response to structural forces, such as stress acting upon an oil or gas pipeline or the like. An optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has a light source for launching a pulsed optical signal for passage through the fiber and a photodetector for sensing as a function of time the intensity of backscattered light reflected back through the fiber, wherein this sensed time function is correlated directly with discrete longitudinal positions along the length of the fiber and the structure. When one or more of the microbend transducers is activated to induce a microbend in the fiber in response to localized forces acting upon the structure, a portion of the backscattered light is lost at the microbend. This attenuation in backscattered light intensity is sensed quantitatively and positionally identified by the photodetector. Specific preferred constructions for microbend transducers and system arrangements particularly adapted for detecting structural strain in an oil or gas pipeline are disclosed.

US Patent:

60796650, Jun 27, 2000

Filed:

Nov 4, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/740887

Inventors:

John Nella - Playa del Rey CA
Joseph W. Austin - Torrance CA
Peter M. Livingston - Palos Verdes Estate CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

F41G 726

US Classification:

244 317

Abstract:

A hyperspectral detection and seeking system for use in air-to-air, air-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles. The hyperspectral detection and seeking system includes a hyperspectral imaging system and a tracking system. Hyperspectral signatures for targets of interest may be either observed directly prior to launch or preloaded into the detection and seeking system. A tracking system provides for tracking of a target matching the preloaded or hyperspectral signature observed prior to launch. The hyperspectral detection and seeking system thus provides relatively higher precision for detecting and seeking targets with hyperspectral signatures. Since such hyperspectral signatures are formed from literally hundreds of spectra, the system is virtually immune to countermeasure since any countermeasures would effectively have to match its own hyperspectral signature over a relatively wide spectral range.