Patents by Inventor R. Gregory Downing

R. Gregory Downing 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).

  • Patent number: 11733409
    Abstract: A neutron imaging system includes a neutron generator, a flight tube, a stage, a neutron imaging module, and a neutron shield. The flight tube enables neutrons from the neutron generator to enter the flight tube through an input opening and exit through an output opening. The stage supports a sample object to receive neutrons that pass through the entire length of the flight tube and the output opening. The neutron imaging module has a neutron-sensitive component that receives neutrons that pass through the sample object and generates neutron detection signals. The neutron shield surrounds at least a portion of the flight tube and the neutron imaging module to block at least a portion of stray neutrons that travel toward the neutron-sensitive component of the neutron imaging module, in which the stray neutrons do not enter the flight tube through the input opening of the flight tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Photonis Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian White, W. Bruce Feller, R. Gregory Downing
  • Publication number: 20220342097
    Abstract: A neutron imaging system includes a neutron generator, a flight tube, a stage, a neutron imaging module, and a neutron shield. The neutron generator is configured to provide neutrons. The flight tube has an input opening, an output opening, and a flight tube wall extending from the input opening to the output opening. The flight tube is positioned relative to the neutron generator to enable neutrons from the neutron generator to enter the flight tube through the input opening and exit the flight tube through the output opening. The stage is configured to support a sample object at a position to receive neutrons that pass through the entire length of the flight tube and then pass through the output opening of the flight tube. The neutron imaging module has a neutron-sensitive component that is sensitive to neutrons and configured to receive neutrons that pass through the sample object and generate neutron detection signals that can be used to generate an image or video of the sample object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Brian White, W. Bruce Feller, R. Gregory Downing
  • Patent number: 11327185
    Abstract: A neutron imaging system includes a neutron generator, a flight tube, a stage, a neutron imaging module, and a neutron shield. The flight tube enables neutrons from the neutron generator to enter the flight tube through an input opening and exit through an output opening. The stage supports a sample object to receive neutrons that pass through the entire length of the flight tube and the output opening. The neutron imaging module has a neutron-sensitive component that receives neutrons that pass through the sample object and generates neutron detection signals. The neutron shield surrounds at least a portion of the flight tube and the neutron imaging module to block at least a portion of stray neutrons that travel toward the neutron-sensitive component of the neutron imaging module, in which the stray neutrons do not enter the flight tube through the input opening of the flight tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Photonis Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian White, W. Bruce Feller, R. Gregory Downing
  • Publication number: 20220028571
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that includes at least one functional semiconductor element; and static electric field source(s) associated with the at least one functional semiconductor element, the static electric field source(s) comprising at least one electret component and having a heterogeneous charge distribution. Also disclosed herein is a device includes a functional semiconductor element; a static electric field source comprising at least one electret element, the static electric field source imparting a static electric field to the functional semiconductor element; and at least one nuclear radiation source for continuously imparting nuclear beta radiation to the at least one electret element and/or the functional semiconductor element. Use of at least a radioactive beta source for replenishing charge in an electret, as well as use of at least a radioactive beta source for simultaneously replenishing charge in an electret and modifying charge mobility of a semiconductor material, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: AwareAbility Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: R Gregory Downing
  • Publication number: 20200309973
    Abstract: A neutron imaging system includes a neutron generator, a flight tube, a stage, a neutron imaging module, and a neutron shield. The neutron generator is configured to provide neutrons. The flight tube has an input opening, an output opening, and a flight tube wall extending from the input opening to the output opening. The flight tube is positioned relative to the neutron generator to enable neutrons from the neutron generator to enter the flight tube through the input opening and exit the flight tube through the output opening. The stage is configured to support a sample object at a position to receive neutrons that pass through the entire length of the flight tube and then pass through the output opening of the flight tube. The neutron imaging module has a neutron-sensitive component that is sensitive to neutrons and configured to receive neutrons that pass through the sample object and generate neutron detection signals that can be used to generate an image or video of the sample object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Brian White, W. Bruce Feller, R. Gregory Downing
  • Patent number: 8884237
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first polygonal channel extending between the electrodes, the first channel having a first side having a center, and a second polygonal channel extending between the electrodes, the second channel having a second side contacting the first side, the second side having a center, wherein the center of the first side and the center of the second side are non-collinear in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first side, and wherein the first and second channels do not have square cross sections perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, Bruce Feller
  • Patent number: 8221181
    Abstract: An electron multiplier can be fabricated by depositing an electron emissive material on a reticulated substrate, and forming the reticulated substrate into the electron multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Publication number: 20110244753
    Abstract: An electron multiplier can be fabricated by depositing an electron emissive material on a reticulated substrate, and forming the reticulated substrate into the electron multiplier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Patent number: 7990032
    Abstract: An electron multiplier can be fabricated by depositing an electron emissive material on a reticulated substrate, and forming the reticulated substrate into the electron multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Publication number: 20110006206
    Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, an apparatus, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first polygonal channel extending between the electrodes, the first channel having a first side having a center, and a second polygonal channel extending between the electrodes, the second channel having a second side contacting the first side, the second side having a center, wherein the center of the first side and the center of the second side are non-collinear in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first side, and wherein the first and second channels do not have square cross sections perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, Bruce Feller
  • Publication number: 20090179542
    Abstract: An electron multiplier can be fabricated by depositing an electron emissive material on a reticulated substrate, and forming the reticulated substrate into the electron multiplier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Patent number: 7508131
    Abstract: Electron multipliers, radiation detectors, and methods of making the multipliers and detectors are described. In some embodiments an electron multiplier has a structure including a plurality of interconnected fibers having electron-emissive surfaces, the fibers having a width to thickness aspect ratio greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Patent number: 7394187
    Abstract: An electron multiplier includes a plate having a plurality of interconnected particles, e.g., fibers, having electron-emissive surfaces. The particles may include a neutron-sensitive and/or neutron reactive material, such as 6Li, 10B, 155Gd, 157Gd,—and/or hydrogenous compounds, in excess of their natural abundance. The particles may include an X-ray sensitive and/or X-ray reactive material, such as Pb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Brian White, Paul L. White, R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller
  • Patent number: 7333701
    Abstract: An apparatus including a microchannel plate having a structure that defines multiple microchannels. The structure includes multiple claddings that form the walls of the microchannels, each of the claddings including a semiconducting layer. The claddings are surrounded by a glass having a lower percentage of materials having atomic numbers higher than 34 as compared to the cladding. The glass has a higher percentage of neutron absorbing material than the cladding, the neutron absorbing material capable of capturing neutrons in reactions that result in secondary electron emissions in the microchannels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Bruce Feller, Paul L. White, P. Brian White, R. Gregory Downing
  • Patent number: 7233007
    Abstract: Radiation detectors, such as neutron detectors, and methods of detecting radiation, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller
  • Patent number: 7183701
    Abstract: Electron multipliers, radiation detectors, and methods of making the multipliers and detectors are described. In some embodiments an electron multiplier has a structure including a plurality of interconnected fibers having electron-emissive surfaces, the fibers having a width to thickness aspect ratio greater than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Publication number: 20040256967
    Abstract: Electron multipliers, radiation detectors, and methods of making the multipliers and detectors are described. In some embodiments an electron multiplier has a structure including a plurality of interconnected fibers having electron-emissive surfaces, the fibers having a width to thickness aspect ratio greater than one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Patent number: 6828714
    Abstract: An electron multiplier includes a plate having a plurality of interconnected particles, e.g., fibers, having electron-emissive surfaces. The particles may include a neutron-sensitive and/or neutron reactive material, such as 6Li, 10B, 155Gd, 157Gd, —and/or hydrogenous compounds, in excess of their natural abundance. The particles may include an X-ray sensitive and/or X-ray reactive material, such as Pb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, Paul L. White, P. Brian White
  • Publication number: 20030205956
    Abstract: An electron multiplier includes a plate having a plurality of interconnected particles, e.g., fibers, having electron-emissive surfaces. The particles may include a neutron-sensitive and/or neutron reactive material, such as 6Li, 10B, 155Gd, 157Gd,—and/or hydrogenous compounds, in excess of their natural abundance. The particles may include an X-ray sensitive and/or X-ray reactive material, such as Pb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: R. Gregory Downing, W. Bruce Feller, Paul L. White, P. Brian White