Photocells; Circuits And Apparatus Patents (Class 250/200)
  • Publication number: 20140110581
    Abstract: A photosensor device includes a plurality of first well structures, a light shielding layer, and a plurality of second well structures. The first well structures are disposed in a substrate. The light shielding layer disposed is on the substrate; it covers a portion of the first well structures and exposes the rest portion of the first well structures. The covered first well structures are adjacent to the exposed first well structures exposed. The exposed first well structures generate a first photocurrent according to incident light. The second well structures generate a second photocurrent according to incident light. A total surface area of the second well structures is substantially equal to a total surface area of the exposed first well structures. A method for determining the incident light is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: En-Feng Hsu, Chin-Poh Pang
  • Publication number: 20140110588
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses, in one arrangement, a single crystalline iodide scintillator material having a composition of the formula AM1-xEuxI3, A3M1-xEuxI5 and AM2(1-x)Eu2xI5, wherein A consists essentially of any alkali metal element (such as Li, Na K, Rb, Cs) or any combination thereof, M consists essentially of Sr, Ca, Ba or any combination thereof, and 0?x?1. In another arrangement, the above single crystalline iodide scintillator material can be made by first synthesizing a compound of the above composition and then forming a single crystal from the synthesized compound by, for example, the Vertical Gradient Freeze method. Applications of the iodide scintillator materials include radiation detectors and their use in medical and security imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Kan Yang, Mariya Zhuravleva, Charles L. Melcher, Piotr Szupryczynski
  • Publication number: 20140107942
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems and methods for detecting chiral properties of materials and separating materials based on their chiral properties. A chiral vector is constructed from anisotropy properties of a polarization-dependent output signal from a sample. Different types of molecules from the sample can be differentiated based on a magnitude of the chiral vector. Chiral properties of the sample can be detected based on an angle of the chiral vector. The output signal can be a fluorescent emission from the sample and can be used to detect chiral properties of a substantially opaque sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: University of Calcutta
    Inventors: Anjan Kr. Dasgupta, Sarita Roy
  • Patent number: 8699811
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a two-dimensional detector having a plurality of cells wherein each cell is configured to detect energy or signal passing through an object. The imaging system includes a computer programmed to acquire imaging data for the plurality of cells, identify a cell to be corrected, based on the imaging data, interpolate Ix and Iy for the identified cell based on neighbor cells, and calculate local gradients gx and gy between the identified cell and its neighbor cells based on the interpolation. The computer is further programmed to calculate weighting factors wx and wy based on the local gradients, calculate a corrected final value I(0,0) for the identified cell, and correct the identified cell with the corrected final value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Baojun Li, Jiang Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140097354
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an image of a gemstone under evaluation which is coded according to angular ranges in its angular spectrum across a broad range of tilts, this allows for scintillation of a gemstone to be demonstrated based on a singular coded image of the gemstone. Scintillation information is thus presented in a single image, or as a plurality of images showing fire scintillation, flash scintillation, and other scintillation related criteria as a series of static images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY
    Inventor: Jason Quick
  • Publication number: 20140098359
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring a treatment of a patient, preferably for monitoring hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis, the method comprising the steps of irradiating a sample of a dialysis liquid used in the treatment with irradiation light of at least a first irradiation wavelength, detecting light emitted by the irradiated sample in at least a first detection wavelength, the detection wavelength being different from the first irradiation wavelength, and determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the sample on the basis of the detected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Malte Gross, Pascal Kopperschmidt, Andreas Malerhofer, Alfred Gagel
  • Patent number: 8692198
    Abstract: A monolithic sensor for detecting infrared and visible light according to an example includes a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer coupled to the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer includes a device surface opposite the semiconductor substrate. A visible light photodiode is formed at the device surface. An infrared photodiode is also formed at the device surface and in proximity to the visible light photodiode. A textured region is coupled to the infrared photodiode and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SiOnyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jutao Jiang, Jeffrey McKee, Martin U. Pralle
  • Publication number: 20140092378
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for exciting particles, and more specifically relates to analyzers or sorters for exciting fluorescently labeled particles with a multimode diode laser and the optics for making high resolution determinations from the multimode diode laser beam excitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: XY, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald Francis Perrault
  • Patent number: 8687099
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: a pixel unit including a pixel disposed in a plane and a driving unit. The pixel includes an accumulating section configured to detect a physical quantity, and accumulate a charge corresponding to the physical quantity, a transfer section configured to transfer the charge from the accumulating section, a converting section configured to convert the charge into a voltage, an output section configured to output a signal of the voltage converted by the converting section, a reset section configured to reset the potential of the converting section, and a connecting section connected to the converting section. The driving unit is configured to transfer a signal for giving an instruction to transfer the charge, and a connecting signal for controlling connection and non-connection. The driving unit makes the charge transferred in a state of the converting sections being connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Publication number: 20140084133
    Abstract: A system and method for device identification includes a receiver adapted to detect an electromagnetic radiation interference signal emitted by a device and a microprocessor operatively connected to the receiver. The microprocessor may identify at least one device characteristic parameter of the electromagnetic radiation signal. The system includes memory for storing at least one constant or predicted future characteristic value associated with the device and the microprocessor may compare the detected characteristic parameter to the at least one constant or predicted future characteristic value to identify and recognize the device that emitted the electromagnetic radiation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent Bell N.V.
    Inventors: Walter Weigmann, Wolfgang Templ
  • Patent number: 8680391
    Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises a pair of concentric reflectors having a spindle toroid geometry for focusing the collected solar radiation into a ring-shaped focal area, as opposed to the “point” or “line” focus of prior art configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each reflector is formed of a plurality of curved petals that are disposed in a contiguous, keystone arrangement that requires no additional fixturing to hold the petals in place. Such an arrangement reduces the weight, complexity and cost of the final solar concentrator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cewa Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stewart Fangman, Michael E. Fangman, John Matthew Fangman, Sudhakar Neti, Arati Shah-Yukich
  • Publication number: 20140063502
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to image intensifier tube designs for field curvature aberration correction and ion damage reduction. In some embodiments, electrodes defining an acceleration path from a photocathode to a scintillating screen are configured to provide higher acceleration for off-axis electrons along at least a portion of the acceleration path. Off-axis electrons and on-axis electrons are accordingly focused on the scintillating screen with substantial uniformity to prevent or reduce field curvature aberration. In some embodiments, the electrodes are configured to generate a repulsive electric field near the scintillating screen to prevent secondary electrons emitted or deflected by the scintillating screen from flowing towards the photocathode and forming damaging ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Ximan Jiang, Qing Li, Stephen Biellak
  • Publication number: 20140060104
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The storage area is scanned and monitored for the presence of biological activity within designated zones. Once biological activity is identified, ultraviolet radiation is directed to sterilize and disinfect designated zones within the storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shur, Maxim Shatalov, Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Saulius Smetona, Alexander Dobrinsky, Remigijus Gaska
  • Publication number: 20140060094
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area at target wavelengths and/or target intensities. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a storage life preservation operating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylene decomposition operating configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shur, Maxim Shatalov, Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Saulius Smetona, Alexander Dobrinsky, Remigijus Gaska
  • Publication number: 20140061505
    Abstract: Squarylium dyes with improved design flexibility via functionalization thereof thereby yielding desirable photophysical, solubility, thermal stability, and/or light stability properties, for example. The resulting dyes are useful in optical filters and as fluorescent indicators, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Exciton, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Steppel, Larry E. Knaak, Paul A. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20140060095
    Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. Items located within the area and/or one or more conditions of the area are monitored over a period of time. Based on the monitoring, ultraviolet radiation sources are controlled by adjusting a direction, an intensity, a pattern, and/or a spectral power of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet radiation source. Adjustments to the ultraviolet radiation source(s) can correspond to one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a storage life preservation operating configuration, a disinfection operating configuration, and an ethylene decomposition operating configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Shur, Maxim Shatalov, Timothy James Bettles, Yuri Bilenko, Saulius Smetona, Alexander Dobrinsky, Remigijus Gaska
  • Publication number: 20140061506
    Abstract: A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device may be provided to accurately detect a specific substance even in the case in which a well member is used and achieving a simpler structure and a lower manufacturing cost, and a fluorescence detection method using the surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Kaya
  • Publication number: 20140054442
    Abstract: A photodetector includes an anode that is transparent or partially transparent to light, a cathode and an active layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. The active layer includes a nanocomposite material that has a polymer blended with nanoparticles or organic electron trapping particles. The photodetector has a low dark current when not illuminated by light and has a high conductivity when illuminated by light, in which the light passes the anode and is absorbed by the active layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Jinsong Huang, Fawen Guo
  • Publication number: 20140048679
    Abstract: A light sensor including a photo transistor is provided. A gate of the photo transistor receives a gate driving signal. The photo transistor senses a light source based on the gate driving signal to generate a light current signal. The photo transistor includes a metal-oxide active layer. The gate driving signal has a first voltage level during a trap period and has a second voltage level during a read period. The first voltage level is higher than the second voltage level. The gate driving signal of the photo transistor introduces a mechanism to rapidly eliminate excess carriers. Accordingly, the photo transistor has a rapid response while maintaining good light responsibility. Furthermore, a method for driving the foregoing photo transistor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: E INK HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Tsung Chen, Ted-Hong Shinn, Chuang-Chuang Tsai, Wen-Chung Tang, Chih-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8648947
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus including a detector comprising a detecting unit and a reading circuit, the detecting unit including pixels, each of which including a conversion element, the reading circuit which includes a connecting unit that is electrically connected to a signal wire transferring an electric signal and that electrically connects the signal wire to a node, and which performs a reading operation to output the electric signal from the pixel. A control unit controls an operation of the reading circuit, and a sensing unit senses the end of radiation irradiation based on an output of the reading circuit, which is acquired during the period of an accumulation operation of the detector. The control unit starts establishing the electrical connection between the signal wire and the node through the connecting unit based on the sensed irradiation end, and retains the electrical connection until the start of the reading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sho Sato, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Katsuro Takenaka, Atsushi Iwashita
  • Patent number: 8643574
    Abstract: To determine a deterioration and maintain a high-quality image without unevenness of brightness by performing a precise correction, a detection scanning line for selecting a pixel which detects a deterioration of a pixel, a detection line for informing the outside of the display area of the property of a pixel selected for detecting the deterioration, a deterioration determination means for determining a deterioration amount based on a voltage corresponding to a current detected by the detection line, and a deterioration correction means (computation circuit) for reflecting the determination result of the deterioration determination means in image data supplied to the pixel, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Display Inc., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhide Miyamoto, Tohru Kohno, Masato Ishii, Naruhiko Kasai, Hajime Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8643592
    Abstract: A light sensing circuit capable of enhancing a reliability by lowering a dependency on a temperature change without using a resistor, a backlight control apparatus having the same, and an LCD device having the same. The light sensing circuit includes a first MOS-transistor; and a second MOS-transistor serially connected to the first MOS-transistor between a first power terminal and a ground terminal, in which a second power terminal is connected to each gate terminal of the first MOS-transistor and the second MOS-transistor, and an optical amount detecting terminal is connected to a common connection point between a drain terminal of the first MOS-transistor and a source terminal of the second MOS-transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Won Yoon, Su-Hwan Moon
  • Publication number: 20140029715
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided that minimize the effects of dark-current pulses. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided where a first pixel is struck (i.e., a primary pixel). Pixels struck within a fixed time frame after the primary pixel is struck are referred to as secondary pixels. After a short fixed time frame has expired, the number of primary and secondary pixels is added. If the count exceeds a threshold, the primary pixel was activated by the first (or early) photon from a true gamma event. If the threshold is not met then it is likely the primary pixel generated a dark pulse that should be ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Hansen, Michael E. Casey, Stefan B. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20140017839
    Abstract: An optoelectronic device as well as its methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optoelectronic device includes a first optoelectronic material that is inhomogeneously strained. A first charge carrier collector and a second charge carrier collector are each in electrical communication with the first optoelectronic material and are adapted to collect charge carriers from the first optoelectronic material. In another embodiment, a method of photocatalyzing a reaction includes using a strained optoelectronic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Peking University
    Inventors: Ju Li, Xiaofeng Qian, Ji Feng
  • Publication number: 20140008514
    Abstract: An imaging device includes phase difference detection pixels. The imaging device receives an image formed by an optical system and includes a plurality of pixels that are two-dimensionally arranged. Each of the plurality of pixels include a micro lens; a photoelectric conversion unit positioned below the micro lens; and an optical aperture disposed between the micro lens and the photoelectric conversion unit and that is eccentric with respect to an optical axis of the micro lens, wherein the plurality of pixels of the imaging device output a signal for obtaining phase difference. The imaging device performs phase difference detection on the entire surface of a captured image without addition of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masataka Hamada
  • Publication number: 20130341528
    Abstract: A fluorescent material includes a silica matrix, and a fluorescent dye compound covalently bonded to the silica matrix. The fluorescent dye compound may have first and second absorption wavelengths and an emission wavelength. A method for producing a photoswitchable fluorescent material includes combining silane monomers and fluorescent silane dyes, and initiating a polymerization reaction between the silane monomers and the photoswitchable fluorescent silane dyes, thereby creating photoswitchable fluorescent dye compounds covalently bonded to a silica matrix. The authenticity of a product may be verified according to a method in which a fluorescent material is present in or on a product, and the material is tested for fluorescence at first and second absorption wavelengths, the presence of structural characteristics, or both. The fluorescent material may exhibit on/off functionality through the use of the fluorescent material at different absorption wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jason T. Wertz
  • Publication number: 20130327957
    Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Harold E. Ayliffe
  • Publication number: 20130321814
    Abstract: A screening module configured to screen at least a portion of a biological sample disposed on an analysis surface is provided. The screening module comprises a laser source a scanning unit comprising one or more scanning devices, wherein the scanning devices are configured to rotate in an oscillatory scanning motion about an axis of rotation to scan the analysis surface in at least one direction, wherein the scanning unit is physically coupled to the laser source, and a detection unit comprising one or more detection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Chun Cheryl Zhan, Juntao Wu, Robert John Filkins, Peter William Lorraine
  • Patent number: 8592672
    Abstract: A foldable solar energy collector has a base and a panel body. The base has an elevatable telescopic shaft mounted thereon. The panel body has a bottom board and multiple side panels pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the bottom board. Two foldable panels are respectively and pivotally mounted on two edges of each side panel. A link assembly is pivotally mounted between the panel body and the telescopic shaft and has multiple inside and outside links pivotally connected to each other. One end of each inside link away from a corresponding outside link is pivotally mounted on the telescopic shaft. One end of each outside link away from a corresponding inside link is pivotally mounted between adjacent two of the foldable panels. When the telescopic shaft is elevated, the link assembly is pulled to drive the panel body to unfold or fold, rendering convenience in operation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Leadinway Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Chu
  • Patent number: 8587709
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed charge-transfer photodiode encompassing a first conductivity type semiconductor layer (20) serving as a charge-generation region; and a second conductivity type surface-buried region (21a) serving as a charge-transfer region of charges generated by the charge-generation region, wherein a specified direction in the surface-buried region (21a) provided along a plane parallel to a surface of the semiconductor layer (20) is assigned as a charge-transfer direction of the charges, and at least one of a variation of widths of the surface-buried region (21a) measured in an orthogonal direction to the charge-transfer direction and a variation of impurity concentration distributions of the surface-buried region (21a), which are measured along the charge-transfer direction, is determined such that an electric field distribution in the charge-transfer direction is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Shizuoka University
    Inventors: Shoji Kawahito, Hiroaki Takeshita
  • Patent number: 8581572
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing photovoltaic cells wherein an array of light sources are provided. The light sources can have a collimating lens. In addition, one or more feedback circuits can be provided which monitor and maintain one or more of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alpha-Omega Power Technologies, Ltd. Co.
    Inventor: William Ray Cravey
  • Patent number: 8581209
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microcapsules that include a shell material and a core material. The core material of the microcapsules contains an environmentally sensitive luminescent colorant which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics capable of changing upon exposure to a given environment, and a luminescent standard which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics do not change upon exposure to said given environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James D Oxley, Jenny J. Finkbiner, Nitin Nitin
  • Patent number: 8575877
    Abstract: A solar-powered automated system for the operation of drapery, roller blinds, and similar window coverings. The solar panel (102), or photovoltaic source provides the sole power to drive common types of window drapery and blinds in a compact system having a solar panel (photovoltaic source), actuator (104) and head rail (120). The solar panel (102) is to be mounted onto the frame of a window or elsewhere to collect sufficient light. A connecting cable links the solar panel (102) to the actuator (104) to draw electrical power from the solar panel. The actuator is attached to the head-rail (120) to provide the required driving force. The actuator (104) includes the control circuit boards, a single rechargeable battery (110), an electric motor (106) and output mechanism. An RF remote control receiver (116) is built inside the actuator (104). A low voltage control port (114) allows the actuator (104) to be accessible by a control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: BTX Holdings, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alex Liu
  • Publication number: 20130284884
    Abstract: A position-sensitive radiation counting detector includes a first and a second substrate. A gas is contained within the gap between the substrates. A photocathode layer is coupled to the first substrate and faces the second substrate. A first electrode is coupled to the second substrate and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the first electrode. A first impedance is coupled to the first electrode and a power supply is coupled to at least one electrode. A first discharge event detector is coupled to one of the electrodes for detecting a gas discharge event in the electrode. The radiation counting detector further includes a plurality of pixels, each capable of outputting a gas discharge counting event pulse upon interaction with radiation received from the photocathode. Each gas discharge pulse is counted as having an approximately equal value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Peter S. FRIEDMAN
  • Patent number: 8563930
    Abstract: A system and method for producing modulated electrical signals. The system uses a variable resistor having a photoconductive wide bandgap semiconductor material construction whose conduction response to changes in amplitude of incident radiation is substantially linear throughout a non-saturation region to enable operation in non-avalanche mode. The system also includes a modulated radiation source, such as a modulated laser, for producing amplitude-modulated radiation with which to direct upon the variable resistor and modulate its conduction response. A voltage source and an output port, are both operably connected to the variable resistor so that an electrical signal may be produced at the output port by way of the variable resistor, either generated by activation of the variable resistor or propagating through the variable resistor. In this manner, the electrical signal is modulated by the variable resistor so as to have a waveform substantially similar to the amplitude-modulated radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: John Richardson Harris, George J. Caporaso, Stephen E. Sampayan
  • Publication number: 20130270457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent dye-incorporated silica material. A fluorescent dye is covalently bonded to a silica matrix. The invention also provides for a method for verifying the authenticity of a product, wherein the fluorescent silica material is present in or on a product, and the material is tested for fluorescence or structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jason T. Wertz
  • Patent number: 8558152
    Abstract: A semi-active laser (SAL) sensing system is thus provided that uses a lens concentrator system to pass received reflected laser light from an aperture to a detector. The lens concentrator system facilitates the use of SAL systems with different laser designator wavelengths to improve the performance of the SAL system. In one embodiment, the lens concentrator system is formed from polymer having substantial optical clarity for radiation having wavelengths between approximately 1.5 and approximately 1.65 ?m. For example, the lens concentrator system may be formed from amorphous fluoropolymer. The lens concentrator system formed from amorphous fluoropolymer facilitates the use SAL designators using different wavelengths than those in past SAL sensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Ronald L. Roncone
  • Patent number: 8558103
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a solar cell device, and method for forming the solar cell device by integrating a switch component into a solar cell element. The solar cell element can include a solar cell, a solar cell array and/or a solar cell panel. The integrated solar cell element can be used for a solar sensor, while the solar sensor can also use discrete switches for each solar cell area of the sensor. Exemplary embodiments also provide a connection system for the solar cell elements and a method for super-connecting the solar cell elements to provide a desired connection path or a desired power output through switch settings. The disclosed connection systems and methods can allow for by-passing underperforming solar cell elements from a plurality of solar cell elements. In embodiments, the solar cell element can be extended to include a battery or a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Gaul
  • Patent number: 8558205
    Abstract: Presented is a light detection device including a first detecting portion detecting fluorescence from a first detection position on a conveyor path, a second detecting portion detecting afterglow from a second detection position on the conveyor path, a lighting portion applying excitation light over a range including the first detection position but not the second detection position, a first reference member including fluorescent material emitting fluorescence and emitting reference light toward the first detecting portion, a second reference member emitting reference light toward the second detecting portion, the reference light not influencing a result of detection by the second detecting portion, and a correction controller correcting a detection result by the first detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the first detecting portion and correcting a detection result by the second detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the second detecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Seiji Ikari, Junji Miura
  • Publication number: 20130256529
    Abstract: A material may include a medium and carbon nanotubes dispersed in the medium. Fluorescent moieties may be attached to functional groups on a first quantity of the carbon nanotubes. The fluorescent moieties may be in a concentration in the material sufficient to make the material fluoresce in the presence of radiation. The fluorescent moieties may have an emission wavelength that is in or below the visible spectrum. The carbon nanotubes may be dispersed in the medium in a concentration sufficient to make the material electrically conductive at or above the material's electrical percolation threshold. Any suitable product may include the material. Methods for verifying the authenticity of the product may include detecting emissive radiation, testing electrical conductivity, and determining the presence of a structural characteristic of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Jason T. Wertz
  • Publication number: 20130256503
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing image data for constructing an image of a region of a target object (40) comprising providing incident radiation from a radiation source at a target object (40);detecting, by at least one detector (50), a portion of radiation scattered by the target object; and providing image data via an iterative process responsive to the detected radiation (340), wherein said iterative process comprises estimating a wave front of scattered radiation at a plane of the detector, updating a portion of the wave front based on the detected radiation, leaving a portion of the estimated wave front substantially unchanged, setting a portion of the wave front, corresponding to a portion of radiation scattered by the target object and not detected by the detector, to one or more values, and providing image data based upon the updated wave front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Maiden
  • Patent number: 8519325
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrally selective planar optical radiation concentrator, in which different spectral components of solar energy can be collected for different applications such as heat, illumination and electricity. The optical radiation concentrator has two basic components, an angle selective optical filter and a light redistribution reflector for collecting, trapping and concentrating radiant energy. It further comprises a light deflecting component and a fluorescent wavelength shifter to improve acceptance angle and concentration efficiency respectively. The planar optical radiation concentrator exhibits the potential for light weight, high concentration ratio and efficiency, and the ability for passive tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Jingfeng Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130214177
    Abstract: A method includes calibrating color bleed factors of optical detector channels of a sample processing apparatus through processing a color bleed calibration substance which includes a plurality of different size fragments replicated from different groups of DNA loci, wherein fragments in a same group are labeled with a same fluorescent dye, and fragments in different groups are labeled with different fluorescent dyes having different emission spectra, wherein the different size fragments are processed during different acquisition times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ching Ming Lai
  • Publication number: 20130214120
    Abstract: A light source support apparatus includes: a base member; a first support member supporting the base member rotatably about a first axis; first and second arm members connected respectively to opposite ends of the base member and extending in a direction parallel to the first axis; and a pair of second support members disposed at respective positions, which are opposite to each other, of the first and second arm members for supporting a sample light source. The pair of second support members is configured to be able to rotate the supported sample light source about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. At least one of the first and second arm members is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130187026
    Abstract: A monitoring device of a machine tool is provided. The monitoring device includes a detection device that is configured to detect the presence of a type of material in a machine tool region. The monitoring device also includes a hand marking unit, which has a marking element. The marking element is specifically adjusted to be detected by the detection device to enable marking a hand of an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Jackisch, Tobias Seemann
  • Patent number: 8482524
    Abstract: An input device for an electronic device is disclosed comprising a source of light (2) emitting a light beam in a first direction, a reflecting member (4) for reflecting said light beam, means for allowing tilting of the reflecting member (4) around at least one axis transverse to said first direction, at least one detector (6, 7, 8, 9) detecting the reflected light beam and outputting an electric signal corresponding to light intensity of the detected light beam in a second direction, in which the light beam is reflected, and an electronic circuit deriving a position signal from the at least one electric signal. Said means for allowing tilting of the reflecting member (4) comprise a first bearing (12) having at least one convex surface and at least one concave surface cooperating with each other in a sliding relationship thus enabling said tilting of said reflecting member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics Asia PTE. Ltd.
    Inventor: Benjamin Reinecke
  • Patent number: 8482646
    Abstract: An image sensing device comprises a pixel array, and a peripheral circuit, a column selecting circuit, and a readout, wherein each pixel includes a photodiode, a floating diffusion, a transfer PMOS transistor to the floating diffusion, an amplifier PMOS transistor, and a reset PMOS transistor, the amplifier PMOS transistor has a gate which is formed by an n-type conductive pattern, and is isolated by a first element isolation region and an n-type impurity region which covers at least a lower portion of the first element isolation region, and each PMOS transistor included in the column selecting circuit has a gate which is formed by a p-type conductive pattern and is isolated by a second element isolation region, and an n-type impurity concentration in a region adjacent to a lower portion of the second element isolation region is lower than that in the n-type impurity region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Watanabe, Mineo Shimotsusa, Takeshi Ichikawa, Hajime Ikeda, Yasuhiro Sekine, Akira Ohtani, Takeshi Kojima
  • Publication number: 20130172195
    Abstract: Optical detectors and associated systems and methods are generally described. In certain embodiments, the optical detectors comprise nanowire-based single-photon detectors, including those with advantageous geometric configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Francesco Bellei, Karl K. Berggren, Eric Dauler, Xiaolong Hu, Francesco Marsili, Faraz Najafi
  • Publication number: 20130168572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely detecting, locating, and identifying chemicals and chemical compounds through optically opaque materials. Electromagnetic radiation in the Terahertz range emitted from an antenna array is modulated to excite target molecules. The apparatus then stops the excitation energy and the molecules emit an electromagnetic signature detectable by the device at standoff distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: RICHARD GRAZIANO
  • Publication number: 20130153786
    Abstract: A sample processing apparatus (102) includes a reference carrier region (106) that supports a reference carrier (108), which includes one or more reference substances that emit radiation with unique and known spectral characteristics in response to being irradiated with radiation having a wavelength in a predetermined range of interest. The sample processing apparatus further includes a carrier receiving region (110) configured to alternatively receive a sample carrier (104) or the reference carrier for processing by the apparatus. The sample processing apparatus further includes an optical component (114, 116, 118) that emits radiation, having a wavelength in a predetermined range of interest, that irradiates the carrier in the carrier receiving region, and that detects the radiation emitted from the carrier. The apparatus moves the reference carrier from the reference carrier region to the carrier receiving region for processing by the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ANALOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gilbert W. McKenna