Patents Examined by David Porta
  • Device and method for reading an imaging plate
    Patent number: 10139497
    Abstract: A device configured to read an exposed imaging plate, comprises a light-source that generates read-out light. A deflection unit directs the read-out light in a scanning movement over the imaging plate. The deflection unit comprises a micromirror that deflects impinging read-out light towards the imaging plate. The micromirror swivels about a first swivel axis and about a different second swivel axis. The micromirror oscillates with a first frequency about the first swivel axis and simultaneously with a different second frequency about the second swivel axis. A detector unit detects fluorescent light which is emitted from the imaging plate at locations where the read-out light impinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dürr Dental AG
    Inventors: Bernd Philipps, Michael Weber, Alexander Hack
  • Multiple band short wave infrared mosaic array filter
    Patent number: 10139531
    Abstract: A camera system includes a mosaic optical color filter array, which includes a plurality of repeating unit cells that enforce spectral consistency and spatial uniformity. Each repeating unit cell of the plurality of repeating unit cells satisfies a minimum focal-plane array perimeter criterion and a minimum perimeter to area ratio criterion. The spatial arrangement of bands within the repeating unit cell minimizes inter-band correlation between nearest neighbors. The camera system further includes as short-wave infrared detector optically coupled to the mosaic optical color filter array. Optionally, the mosaic optical color filter array includes at least five spectral bands. The plurality of repeating unit cells includes the at least five spectral bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael K. Yetzbacher, Michael Wilson
  • Boron coated straws for neutron detection with pie-shaped cross-section
    Patent number: 10139501
    Abstract: A boron coated straw detector for use in a neutron detection system is disclosed comprising a boron coated straw having at least one boron-coated septum radially oriented and extending a pre-determined distance towards the center of the straw. Preferably, the straw comprises a plurality of septa comprising a rigid surface, coated on both sides with a boron composition. Preferably, the septa run the length of the straw detector from one end of the straw to the other. The area coated on the septa adds to the area coated on the arc segments offering a significant benefit in sensitivity of the neutron detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Lacy
  • Detecting an allergic reaction from nasal temperatures
    Patent number: 10136852
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for personalized detection of an allergic reaction of a user. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on the nose (THN) of a user. The computer generates feature values based on THN and utilizes a model to detect an allergic reaction of the user based on the feature values. The model is trained based on previous THN of the user taken during different days. Some embodiments may utilize additional thermal cameras that take thermal measurements of other regions on the face, which may be utilized by the computer to generate additional feature values that are used to detect the allergic reaction. In some cases, detection of the allergic reaction may occur following a rise in nasal temperature, even before the user becomes aware of the allergic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Drift chamber connection methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 10141152
    Abstract: Chamber connection methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, a signal wire is attached to a drift chamber by feeding a signal wire through an end of the drift chamber; feeding the signal wire through the dielectric tube; extending the dielectric tube outwardly from the drift chamber end; and at a location on the outside of the drift chamber end, setting the extending dielectric tube and signal wire together to thereby fit the signal wire to the drift chamber end and gas seal the dielectric tube end. In some other embodiments, the drift chamber is a muon drift tube. In some embodiments, drift tube end cap assemblies with and without gas ports are provided for attaching the signal wire to the drift tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Ian Brockwell
  • Detecting physiological responses while taking into account consumption of confounding substances
    Patent number: 10130261
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting a physiological response based on thermal measurements while accounting for consumption of a confounding substance such as a medication, alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine. In one embodiment, a system includes a computer and an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a region of interest (THROI) on a user's face. The computer receives an indication indicative of the user consuming a confounding substance that affects THROI, and detects the physiological response while the consumed confounding substance affects THROI. The detection is based on THROI, the indication and a model. Optionally, the model was trained on: a first set of THROI taken while the confounding substance affected THROI, and a second set of THROI taken while the confounding substance did not affect THROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Mobile robot having reflector
    Patent number: 10131056
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot having a reflector including: a reflector detachably provided at a side of a front surface of a body of the mobile robot; and an infrared sensor including: an infrared transmitter emitting infrared light to the reflector and an obstacle; and an infrared receiver receiving both the infrared light reflected from a line on a floor after being reflected from a wing of the reflector and the infrared light reflected from the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAEON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Se-young Jung, Jin-hyun Kim, Suk bum Kang
  • Device for optically determining the concentration of alcohol and carbohydrates in a liquid sample
    Patent number: 10132787
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for optically determining a concentration of alcohol and carbohydrates in a liquid sample. The device includes at least a first and a second light source arranged for exposing the liquid sample in a wavelength range between 750 nm and 1000 nm, a spectrometer arranged to determine a first and a second light intensity by measuring the light from the first and the second light source, a processing unit which is connected to the spectrometer and which is arranged to determine an absorption value of the liquid sample from a comparison of the first and the second light intensity with a reference value. In certain aspects, the device may further include a processing unit that calculates concentrations of alcohol and/or carbohydrates and at least two polarization filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Haffmans B.V.
    Inventors: Geert Hubert Willem Levels, Emile Thomas Martinus Johannes Martynowicz
  • Laser optical coupling for nanoparticles detection
    Patent number: 10133048
    Abstract: This patent application pertains to the optical laser microscopy field and proposes a simplified yet specific optical laser coupling method. The proposed method allows for a sensible reduction in size and complexity of laser based microscopes and related applications, especially in the area of nano particles detection and optical biosensing. Particularly the optical laser coupling proposed method can detect optical signals generated from sub-diffractive nanoparticles located in liquid solution on a standard glass coverslip. Thanks to the small size of the required components and to the usage of standard air-lens objective, without the presence of oil or special prism, this method can be easily embedded into a small, lightweight and portable device, which can properly operate even in absence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NTP NANO TECH PROJECTS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Adolfo Carloni
  • Method and apparatus for determining a density of fluorescent markers in a sample
    Patent number: 10132753
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a measure of a density of markers in a sample, and an apparatus arranged for performing said method. In particular said method comprising the steps of: irradiating an illumination region of the sample with light, wherein the markers present in the illumination region of the sample emit fluorescence light in response to the irradiation with light, detecting an intensity of the fluorescence light from a detection region of the sample, comprising at least a part of said the illumination region, irradiating an area within said detection region of the sample with a focused charged particle beam to deposit a dose of charged particles in said area, and determining a measure of the density of markers in said area using a change of the detected intensity of the fluorescence light as a function of the deposited dose of charged particles in said area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DELMIC B.V.
    Inventors: Jacob Pieter Hoogenboom, Pieter Kruit
  • Method for manufacturing three-dimensional structure, method for manufacturing scintillator panel, three-dimensional structure, and scintillator panel
    Patent number: 10132937
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, a method for manufacturing a scintillator panel, a three-dimensional structure, and a scintillator panel that enable the type and thickness of a substrate of the scintillator panel to be selected freely. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional structure, by which a three-dimensional structure is obtained by forming a glass pattern on a base member and then separating the glass pattern from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tanino, Tsubasa Hamano, Nobuyasu Fujioka
  • Calculating respiratory parameters from thermal measurements
    Patent number: 10130308
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for calculating respiratory parameters based on thermal measurements. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a computer. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THROI) of a user, and THROI are indicative of the exhale stream. Optionally, CAM is located above the user's upper lip and less than 15 cm from the user's face, and CAM does not occlude any of the user's mouth and nostrils. The computer generates feature values based on THROI and utilizes a model to calculate a respiratory parameter based on the feature values. The model was trained based on previous THROI of the user taken during different days. Optionally, the respiratory parameter is indicative of the user's breathing rate. Optionally, the computer detects whether the user breathed primarily through the mouth or through the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • System and method for detecting spall within a turbine engine
    Patent number: 10132688
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a multi-spectral pyrometry system configured to receive a broad wavelength band radiation signal from a turbine component, to split the broad wavelength band radiation signal into multiple narrow wavelength band radiation signals, to determine emissivity of the turbine component based on the narrow wavelength band radiation signals, and to detect spall on a surface of the turbine component based on the emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jordi Estevadeordal, Guanghua Wang, Lucy Joelle Summerville, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan
  • Neurofeedback eyeglasses
    Patent number: 10130299
    Abstract: Thermal measurements of the forehead can be indicative of brain activity, and as such, may be useful for conducting brain-related treatments, such as neurofeedback. In one embodiment, a system for conducting a neurofeedback session includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) and a user interface. CAM takes thermal measurements of a region on the forehead (THF) of a user, and is located below the middle of the region. The user interface provides, based on THF, the neurofeedback session for the user. Optionally, a computer controls the neurofeedback session by providing the user feedback via the user interface. The computer may generate the feedback based on the similarity between a current THF pattern and a previous THF pattern of the user taken while the user was in a target state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Gil Thieberger, Ari M Frank
  • Integrated nuclear sensor
    Patent number: 10132938
    Abstract: An integrated nuclear sensor includes a scintillator connected directly to the photocathode of a photomultiplier tube. The scintillator may be thermally fused to the photocathode. The scintillator can be supported within a scintillator housing by a potting layer that is formed from an elastomer. The scintillator can include a reflector or a reflective coating applied to the outside surface of the scintillator. The reflective coating can be a vapor deposition coating applied to the scintillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Helene Climent, Amin Radi
  • Determining an optical density linear dynamic range for an optical spectrometer
    Patent number: 10132958
    Abstract: A technique includes acquiring dry condition and wet measurements using an optical spectrometer for a plurality of lamp intensities. The technique includes determining candidate maximum optical densities as a function of the lamp intensities based at least in part on a reference measurement that is acquired by the spectrometer, the reference measurement and does not vary with respect to the lamp intensities. The technique includes determining an optical density linear dynamic range based at least in part on the candidate maximum optical densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuehua Chen, Cong Wang
  • Method and device for detecting flatness of a fluorescent wheel in a laser light source
    Patent number: 10132751
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a method for detecting flatness of a fluorescent wheel in a laser light source, comprising: acquiring, during the rotation of a fluorescent wheel, a spot of laser light emitted by a laser reflected from a substrate of the fluorescent wheel; determining an inner diameter of the spot; and determining flatness of the fluorescent wheel according to the inner diameter of the spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: HISENSE CO., LTD., HISENSE USA CORPORATION, HISENSE INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fei Zhao, Xianrong Liu
  • Compensation circuit for an x-ray detector
    Patent number: 10136075
    Abstract: A pixel circuit includes a voltage compensation circuit connected to a body terminal of the pixel's switching TFT to compensate for a decreasing threshold voltage drift of the TFT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Ravi K. Mruthyunjaya
  • Depth sensing using structured illumination
    Patent number: 10136120
    Abstract: A mobile or portable device comprises an illuminating arrangement comprising a light source, and an amplitude splitting interferometer configured to form an interferogram of light emitted by the light source. The illuminating arrangement is configured to illuminate a target region lying at a distance of at least 10 cm from the device by the interferogram, thereby projecting a structured light pattern onto the target region. The device further comprises an image sensor configured to capture at least one digital image frame of the target region illuminated by the interferogram, and a processing unit configured to obtain image data of the at least one digital image frame, and determine depth of at least one object location in the target region relative to a reference location on the basis of the obtained image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Samuli Wallius, Mikko Juhola
  • Spectral analysis with spectrum deconvolution
    Patent number: 10126154
    Abstract: A method for inferring incident count rates of electromagnetic energy at a detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting electromagnetic radiation through a fluid and receiving a portion of the electromagnetic radiation at a detector. The method also includes measuring the energy spectrum of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector and using the measured energy spectrum and a physical model of detector response to electromagnetic radiation to infer incident count rates for discrete energy levels of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Damien Chazal, Massimiliano Fiore