Patents by Inventor Joseph N. Mitchell
Joseph N. Mitchell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11118873Abstract: A dazzling system has at least one strobe illuminator and multiple imaging optics, which may be of various types. All strobe illuminators are synchronized to each other and the imaging optics are synchronized to all strobe illuminators. The imaging optics may be in-phase or out-of-phase. Various embodiments are possible depending on the application, but in all applications the strobe illuminator(s) disrupt the vision of unauthorized persons while allowing users of the system to view a scenario.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Andrew R. Moore, Omar D. Medjaouri, Joseph N. Mitchell, Trent Marshall Hejazi
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Publication number: 20200326163Abstract: A dazzling system has at least one strobe illuminator and multiple imaging optics, which may be of various types. All strobe illuminators are synchronized to each other and the imaging optics are synchronized to all strobe illuminators. The imaging optics may be in-phase or out-of-phase. Various embodiments are possible depending on the application, but in all applications the strobe illuminator(s) disrupt the vision of unauthorized persons while allowing users of the system to view a scenario.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Andrew R. Moore, Omar D. Medjaouri, Joseph N. Mitchell, Trent Marshall Hejazi
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Patent number: 8780179Abstract: A robot vision system provides images to a remote robot viewing station, using a single long wave infrared camera on-board the robot. An optical system, also on-board the robot, has mirrors that divide the camera's field of view so that the camera receives a stereoscopic image pair. An image processing unit at the viewing station receives image data from the camera and processes the image data to provide a stereoscopic image.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Joseph N. Mitchell, Andrew R. Moore
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Patent number: 8593644Abstract: A white light optical profilometer having a measurement head that is separated from the base unit by means of a fiber optic bundle. The measurement head contains a Michelson objective, whose reference path is folded so that the measurement head may be compact. The measurement head also contains a tilting mirror, which directs light from the surface of interest to the objective, and may be adjusted to allow the measurement head to scan complex surfaces. The base unit contains the other elements of the profilometer, such as an image detector and illuminator.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Dorel Marius Necsoiu, Joseph N. Mitchell, Jason O. Burkholder, William T. Gressick
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Patent number: 8564653Abstract: A fingerprint reader for acquiring a fingerprint image has a platen with a micro prism sheet on its underside. An arrangement of fold mirrors is used to receive light from the platen and fold the optical path twice before reaching the imagers. The reader has multiple imagers, each imager having at least an imaging lens and an image sensor. Each imager is configured so that the image plane of the image sensor is tilted relative to the optical axis of the imaging lens, such that keystone distortion in the fingerprint image is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Joseph N. Mitchell, Michael J. McFadden
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Publication number: 20120287239Abstract: A robot vision system provides images to a remote robot viewing station, using a single long wave infrared camera on-board the robot. An optical system, also on-board the robot, has mirrors that divide the camera's field of view so that the camera receives a stereoscopic image pair. An image processing unit at the viewing station receives image data from the camera and processes the image data to provide a stereoscopic image.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Joseph N. Mitchell, Andrew R. Moore
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Publication number: 20120147356Abstract: A white light optical profilometer having a measurement head that is separated from the base unit by means of a fiber optic bundle. The measurement head contains a Michelson objective, whose reference path is folded so that the measurement head may be compact. The measurement head also contains a tilting mirror, which directs light from the surface of interest to the objective, and may be adjusted to allow the measurement head to scan complex surfaces. The base unit contains the other elements of the profilometer, such as an image detector and illuminator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Dorel Marius Necsoiu, Joseph N. Mitchell, Jason O. Burkholder, William T. Gressick
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Publication number: 20120092474Abstract: A fingerprint reader for acquiring a fingerprint image has a platen with a micro prism sheet on its underside. An arrangement of fold mirrors is used to receive light from the platen and fold the optical path twice before reaching the imagers. The reader has multiple imagers, each imager having at least an imaging lens and an image sensor. Each imager is configured so that the image plane of the image sensor is tilted relative to the optical axis of the imaging lens, such that keystone distortion in the fingerprint image is corrected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Joseph N. Mitchell, Michael J. McFadden
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Patent number: 7952706Abstract: The invention provides unitary optics modules that integrate several light management functions for performing optical spectroscopy, such as Raman spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy systems that include one or more of the unitary optics modules. Methods of using the modules and systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Prescient Medical, Inc.Inventors: Jian Ling, Joseph N. Mitchell, Michael E. Sullivan, James F. Brennan, III, Mark R. Heistand, Jon Nazemi, William Fraker
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Publication number: 20090231578Abstract: The invention provides unitary optics modules that integrate several light management functions for performing optical spectroscopy, such as Raman spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy systems that include one or more of the unitary optics modules. Methods of using the modules and systems are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Jian Ling, Joseph N. Mitchell, Michael E. Sullivan, James F. Brennan, III, Mark R. Heistand, Jon Nazemi, William Fraker
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Patent number: 7382471Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
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Patent number: 7061628Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
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Patent number: 7002079Abstract: A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and connected with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is positioned within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway or diffuse through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Electric Power Research InstituteInventors: Joseph N. Mitchell, Spring M. Haby, Dennis S. Rushforth, Mark E. Van Dyke, Henry W. Oviatt, Jr., Andrew J. Philips, Ralph H. Hill, Jr., Mary C. Marshall
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Patent number: 6930254Abstract: A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and fitted with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics correlating to those of water, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is placed within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Electric Power Research InstituteInventors: Andrew J. Philips, Ralph H. Hill, Jr., Mary C. Marshall, Joseph N. Mitchell, Stephen J. Hudak, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030007159Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
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Patent number: 5551419Abstract: The invention relates to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory therapy apparatus for treatment of apnea, hypopnea and other sleep disorders, and particularly to a control for the CPAP apparatus. A blower is connected through a hose and a mask, such as a nasal mask or a nasal cannula, to the patient's respiratory airway. An air flow sensor and an air pressure sensor are located at the blower end of the hose. Optionally, a vent valve also may be located at the blower end of the hose. The sensor outputs are used to estimate the air pressure at the mask and the air flow sensor output is used to determine the gross air flow to the hose, the patient air flow and the occurrence of patient snoring. The air flow sensor output also is used to generate a square wave breathing signal. The breathing signal may be used by a microprocessor to control the optional vent valve to establish different levels in the applied pressure during inspiration and expiration.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: DeVilbiss Health Care, Inc.Inventors: James P. Froehlich, Joseph N. Mitchell, Stephen M. Jones
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Patent number: 5503146Abstract: The invention relates to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory therapy apparatus for treatment of apnea, hypopnea and other sleep disorders, and particularly to a standby control for automatically operating an air blower in CPAP apparatus. A blower is connected through a hose and a mask, such as a nasal mask or a nasal cannula, to the patient's respiratory airway. Initially, the blower is in a standby mode in which it is either turned off or, preferably, operated at a low speed. When a patient starts breathing through the mask, the blower is automatically switched to an operating mode. In the operating mode, the blower may be controlled to initially supply a low air pressure to the mask which either is increased after a sufficient time delay to allow the patient to fall asleep or is increased in response to the detection of a respiratory event such as apnea or hypopnea.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1994Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignee: DeVilbiss Health Care, Inc.Inventors: James P. Froehlich, Joseph N. Mitchell, Stephen M. Jones