Patents by Inventor Robert Timothy Kester

Robert Timothy Kester 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).

  • Publication number: 20240151700
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe an infrared (IR) imaging system for detecting a gas. The imaging system can include an optical filter that selectively passes light having a wavelength in a range of 1585 nm to 1595 nm while attenuating light at wavelengths above 1600 nm and below 1580 nm. The system can include an optical detector array sensitive to light having a wavelength of 1590 that is positioned rear of the optical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Timothy KESTER, Nathan Adrian HAGEN
  • Publication number: 20240094118
    Abstract: An instrument and method for analyzing a gas leak. The instrument can obtain a time series of spectra from a scene. The instrument can compare spectra from different times to determine a property of a gas cloud within the scene. The instrument can estimate the column density of the gas cloud at one or more locations within the scene. The instrument can estimate the total quantity of gas in the cloud. The instrument can estimate the amount of gas which has left the field of view of the instrument. The instrument can also estimate the amount of gas in the cloud which has dropped below the sensitivity limit of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen, Ryan Mallery
  • Publication number: 20240098214
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays. One of the at least two detector arrays comprises a cooled mid-wavelength infra-red FPA. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Timothy KESTER, Nathan Adrian HAGEN
  • Patent number: 11933723
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mallery, Ohad Israel Balila, Robert Timothy Kester
  • Patent number: 11917321
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 11879775
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Rebellion Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 11867564
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Rebellion Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Publication number: 20240003807
    Abstract: A spectral imaging system configured to obtain spectral measurements in a plurality of spectral regions is described herein. The spectral imaging system comprises at least one optical detecting unit having a spectral response corresponding to a plurality of absorption peaks of a target chemical species. In an embodiment, the optical detecting unit may comprise an optical detector array, and one or more optical filters configured to selectively pass light in a spectral range, wherein a convolution of the responsivity of the optical detector array and the transmission spectrum of the one or more optical filters has a first peak in mid-wave infrared spectral region between 3-4 microns corresponding to a first absorption peak of methane and a second peak in a long-wave infrared spectral region between 6-8 microns corresponding to a second absorption peak of methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Timothy KESTER, Ohad Israel BALILA
  • Patent number: 11846619
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe an infrared (IR) imaging system for detecting a gas. The imaging system can include an optical filter that selectively passes light having a wavelength in a range of 1585 nm to 1595 nm while attenuating light at wavelengths above 1600 nm and below 1580 nm. The system can include an optical detector array sensitive to light having a wavelength of 1590 that is positioned rear of the optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Publication number: 20230358673
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ryan MALLERY, Ohad Israel BALILA, Robert Timothy KESTER
  • Patent number: 11805221
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays. One of the at least two detector arrays comprises a cooled mid-wavelength infra-red FPA. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 11796454
    Abstract: An instrument and method for analyzing a gas leak. The instrument can obtain a time series of spectra from a scene. The instrument can compare spectra from different times to determine a property of a gas cloud within the scene. The instrument can estimate the column density of the gas cloud at one or more locations within the scene. The instrument can estimate the total quantity of gas in the cloud. The instrument can estimate the amount of gas which has left the field of view of the instrument. The instrument can also estimate the amount of gas in the cloud which has dropped below the sensitivity limit of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen, Ryan Mallery
  • Patent number: 11733158
    Abstract: A spectral imaging system configured to obtain spectral measurements in a plurality of spectral regions is described herein. The spectral imaging system comprises at least one optical detecting unit having a spectral response corresponding to a plurality of absorption peaks of a target chemical species. In an embodiment, the optical detecting unit may comprise an optical detector array, and one or more optical filters configured to selectively pass light in a spectral range, wherein a convolution of the responsivity of the optical detector array and the transmission spectrum of the one or more optical filters has a first peak in mid-wave infrared spectral region between 3-4 microns corresponding to a first absorption peak of methane and a second peak in a long-wave infrared spectral region between 6-8 microns corresponding to a second absorption peak of methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Ohad Israel Balila
  • Publication number: 20230243743
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Ryan MALLERY, Ohad Israel BALILA, Robert Timothy KESTER
  • Patent number: 11698339
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mallery, Ohad Israel Balila, Robert Timothy Kester
  • Patent number: 11674896
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mallery, Ohad Israel Balila, Robert Timothy Kester
  • Patent number: 11624705
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: REBELLION PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Mallery, Ohad Israel Balila, Robert Timothy Kester
  • Publication number: 20230003640
    Abstract: An instrument and method for analyzing a gas leak. The instrument can obtain a time series of spectra from a scene. The instrument can compare spectra from different times to determine a property of a gas cloud within the scene. The instrument can estimate the column density of the gas cloud at one or more locations within the scene. The instrument can estimate the total quantity of gas in the cloud. The instrument can estimate the amount of gas which has left the field of view of the instrument. The instrument can also estimate the amount of gas in the cloud which has dropped below the sensitivity limit of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen, Ryan Mallery
  • Publication number: 20220381639
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a petrochemical installation is disclosed. The system can include an optical imaging system comprising an array of optical detectors. The system can comprise processing electronics configured to process image data detected by the optical imaging system. The processing electronics can be configured to detect a target species based at least in part on the processed image data. The processing electronics can further be configured to, based on a detected amount of the target species, transmit an alarm notification to an external computing device over a communications network indicating that the target species has been detected at the petrochemical installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Margarita Sergeyevna Odintsova
  • Publication number: 20220326147
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including a focal plane array (FPA) unit behind an optical window. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. One or more of the optical channels may be used in detecting objects on or near the optical window, to avoid false detections of said target species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan MALLERY, Ohad Israel BALILA, Robert Timothy KESTER