Methods Patents (Class 250/340)
  • Patent number: 8301409
    Abstract: A method includes supplying current to at least one photovoltaic device via a current source and detecting emitted photon radiations from the at least one photovoltaic device via a radiation detector. The method also includes outputting a signal corresponding to the detected emitted photon radiations from the radiation detector to a processor device, and processing the signal corresponding to the detected emitted photon radiations via the processor device to generate one or more two-dimensional photon images. The method further includes analyzing the one or more two-dimensional photon images to determine at least one defect in the at least one photovoltaic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Faisal Razi Ahmad, Oleg Sulima, Kaustubh Ravindra Nagarkar, Ri-an Zhao, James William Bray
  • Publication number: 20120261579
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a target is provided. Several emitted pulses of terahertz radiations are emitted from a phased array (which has several transceivers) in consecutive cycles (typically). These emitted pulses are generally configured to be reflected by a target so as to be received by the phased array within a scan range (which includes a digitization window with several sampling periods). Output signals from each of the transceivers are then combined to generate a combined signal for each cycle. The combined signal in each sampling period within the digitization window for emitted pulses is averaged to generate an averaged signal for each sampling period within the digitization window. These averaged signals are then digitized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Srinath M. Ramaswamy, Vijay B. Rentala, Brian P. Ginsburg, Baher S. Haroun, Eunyoung Seok
  • Publication number: 20120248313
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a material detection system. The system includes a sensor system configured to collect radiation from a region of interest. The collected radiation can include a plurality of frequency bands. The system also includes a processing unit configured to detect a material of interest. The material of interest can be a concealed dielectric material, and the processing unit can be configured to decompose the collected radiation into natural resonance signals to analyze the natural resonance signals to detect an anomaly corresponding to the concealed dielectric material based on wave characteristics of the natural resonance signals. The processing unit could also include processing layers associated with the plurality of frequency bands for detecting and identifying the material of interest based on wave characteristics associated with each of the plurality of frequency bands of the collected radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: MOSTAFA A. KARAM, A. Douglas Meyer, Charles H. Volk, Raj K. Shori, Hector Macias
  • Publication number: 20120235041
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and method to measure the long-wave irradiance of the atmosphere or long-wave source. The apparatus may involve a thermopile, a concentrator and temperature controller. The incoming long-wave irradiance may be reflected from the concentrator to a thermopile receiver located at the bottom of the concentrator to receive the reflected long-wave irradiance. In addition, the thermopile may be thermally connected to a temperature controller to control the device temperature. Through use of the apparatus, the long-wave irradiance of the atmosphere may be calculated from several measurements provided by the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus may provide an international standard of pyrgeometers' calibration that is traceable back to the International System of Units (SI) rather than to a blackbody atmospheric simulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, LLC
    Inventor: Ibrahim Reda
  • Publication number: 20120235042
    Abstract: A system for detecting a flame. The system may discriminate between a detected hot object and flame. The system may be a camera-like structure incorporating an infrared sensor, a lens, and an element that could filter out some of the long-wave infrared radiation. The sensor may receive radiation of a scene which forms images on the sensor. The images may be provided to a processor that incorporates one or more modules to determine whether a flame is present in the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, James Allen Cox, Kwong Au, Christopher Larsen
  • Publication number: 20120229263
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods enhance depth perception, e.g., the depth perception of a human being using an apparatus worn on the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8263937
    Abstract: A method for acquiring an accurate time waveform of terahertz waves includes: acquiring a first time waveform by using a first delay portion with a first difference in length of the optical paths in the second delay portion, using a second delay portion to change the first difference in length of the optical paths to a second difference in length of the optical paths that is different from the first difference in length of the optical paths, acquiring a second time waveform by using the first delay portion with the second difference in length of the optical paths, adjusting the acquired first and second time waveforms in accordance with a predetermined differences in length of the optical paths based on the first and second differences in length of the optical paths, and averaging the first and second time waveforms according to the predetermined difference in length of the optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20120223130
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scanning objects and associated substances, where the methods include: (a) using a first electronic device to scan a feature of an object and provide reference information about the object based on the scanned feature, where the feature identifies the object or a substance associated with the object; (b) using a second electronic device to measure electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object and provide sample information about the object based on the measured electromagnetic radiation; and (c) comparing the sample information and the reference information to determine whether the object includes the substance associated with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin J. Knopp, Daryoosh Vakhshoori, Christopher Brown, Gregory Vander Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8247774
    Abstract: A method for adjusting output ratio of an optic sensor includes the following steps: measuring and obtaining a response spectrum of the optic sensor; analyzing optic response ratios of the response spectrum at different wavelengths; designing a ratio of light reception areas of the optic sensor, the design being carried out in accordance with three aspects of “the response spectrum” “a fixed proportional relationship being present between multiplication of the optic response ratio and the light reception area and an output of light current” and “a proportional relationship being present between the light reception area and the output of the light current”; and obtaining light current outputs of identical proportions (such as 1:1:1) or in a desired ratio (meaning any arbitrary ratio other than 1:1:1, such as 1:2:1, 1:2:3, or 3:4:5) in accordance with the design of the previous step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Tyntek Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Long Chou, Ni-Ting Chu
  • Patent number: 8242449
    Abstract: A metering device and a method for reconfiguring the device to satisfy those regulatory agencies that require that a metering device be disassembled in some way prior to allowing any reconfiguration of the device, but do so without breaking or otherwise affecting the environmental sealing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin C. Baker, Steven D. Bragg
  • Publication number: 20120187295
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an improved device for sensing infrared (IR) radiation with upconversion to provide an output of electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength than the incident IR radiation, such as visible light. The device comprises an anode, a hole blocking layer to separate an IR sensing layer from the anode, an organic light emitting layer that is separated from the anode by the IR sensing layer, and a cathode. The hole blocking layer assures that when a potential is applied between the anode and the cathode the organic light emitting layer generates electromagnetic radiation only when the IR sensing layer is irradiated with IR radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicants: NANOHOLDINGS, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: FRANKY SO, Do Young Kim, Dong Woo Song, Galileo Sarasqueta, Bhabendra K. Pradhan
  • Publication number: 20120181432
    Abstract: Systems and methods of compensating analyzer offsets in a dual analyzer gas analysis systems. A flow swapping device when in a first configuration delivers the chamber influent to a first gas analyzer, and the chamber effluent delivered to a second gas analyzer. At any arbitrary time, the configuration of the flow swapping device can be switched wherein chamber influent is delivered to the second gas analyzer, and chamber effluent is delivered to the first gas analyzer. By changing the configuration of the match valve, the gas analyzer initially connected to the chamber effluent is connected to the chamber influent. Conversely, the gas analyzer initially connected to the chamber influent is connected to the chamber effluent enabling a determination of offset error between the analyzers. The various embodiments are approximately two-times faster than known methods for dual analyzer systems; the reduced time translates to an overall faster gas exchange measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Welles
  • Publication number: 20120175522
    Abstract: An improved signage visible by infrared cameras and infrared weapon sights is provided. Particular application is made to the calibration of infrared weapon sights. A method of preparing the signage is disclosed. A method of using the signage for weapon calibration to a desired target is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: THOMAS ROBERT BOYER
  • Publication number: 20120171772
    Abstract: At least one of these or other problems is reduced using a building material that is uniquely identifiable. A method of making an identifiable gypsum-based building product includes selecting a tagging material occurring naturally in a component of the building material and choosing a carrier substance having a high concentration of the tagging material. By selecting an amount of the carrier substance and adding it to the building material, a building product having a unique product characteristic is created. In a second embodiment of the invention, a second tagging material is combined with the first tagging material to create a unique product. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a supplemental amount of the tagging material is added to the gypsum-based composition in addition to the carrier substance. Some tagging materials are useful in a gypsum-based composition to produce a visual confirmation of the presence of the tagging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Salvatore C. Immordino, JR., Brett R. Link, Charles J. Miller, Guy L. Rosenthal, Richard B. Stevens, Lee K. Yeung
  • Publication number: 20120168627
    Abstract: Methods and systems may include a system including a first passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a first edge and a second passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a second edge that is substantially parallel to the first edge. The first and second edges can define a virtual beam. The system may also include logic to receive signals from the first and second passive motion sensors and determine a gait velocity and level of activity based on the signals from the first and second passive motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: William C. DeLeeuw
  • Publication number: 20120168628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for determining the adsorption of a gas at materials. It is the object of the invention to propose possibilities for the determining of the surface properties of materials in which statements can be obtained and very small sample volumes can be examined with sufficient measurement precision, with a reduced technical plant effort and with a reduced time effort. In the invention, a sample of a material is acted on by a gas or gas mixture within a chamber which is not transparent for electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range between 150 nm and 25 ?m. The gas or at least a gas included in a gas mixture is adsorbed at the surface of the sample and in this respect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sample as a consequence of the adsorption is detected by at least one optical detector which is sensitive at least in a range of the wavelength range between 150 nm and 25 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Kaskel, Phillip Wollmann, Matthias Leistner
  • Publication number: 20120161008
    Abstract: A radiation detector including a substrate; a first inclined thin film disposed on a first main surface of the substrate, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a second inclined thin film disposed on a second main surface of the substrate opposite to the first main surface, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a first electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the first inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the first inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the first main surface; and a second electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the second inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the second inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the second main surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei TAKAHASHI, Tsutomu Kanno
  • Patent number: 8207500
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, having a detection element; and at least one electrode; the detection element and the at least one electrode forming a variable capacitor, and a change in the capacitance of the capacitor being caused by the detected electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Guenther, Nicolaus Ulbrich, Volker Materna
  • Publication number: 20120153157
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a multi-spectral pyrometry system configured to receive a broad wavelength band radiation signal from a turbine component, to split the broad wavelength band radiation signal into multiple narrow wavelength band radiation signals, to determine emissivity of the turbine component based on the narrow wavelength band radiation signals, and to detect spall on a surface of the turbine component based on the emissivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jordi Estevadeordal, Guanghua Wang, Lucy Joelle Summerville, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan
  • Publication number: 20120152638
    Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michel F. Sultan, David K. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20120153160
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a use and a method for the detection of petroleum hydrocarbon in a sample. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the sample to infrared (IR) radiation, and detecting an IR signal in the range of 1360 cm?1 to 2090 cm?1 and/or 2650 cm?1 to 3000 cm?1 and/or 3700 cm?1 to 4400 cm?1. In a particular application, the invention provides a method for the detection of petroleum hydrocarbon in an environmental sample such as soil, silt, sediment, rock, mineral or waste sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Forrester, Michael John McLaughlin, Leslie Joseph Janik
  • Publication number: 20120126120
    Abstract: A method and device for evaluating a solar cell each of which makes it possible to easily evaluate a defect of a solar cell especially in such a manner that an internal cause defect and an external cause defect are distinguished from each other. The device includes: electric current passing means for passing, in a forward direction, an electric current through a solar cell element constituting the solar cell; light emission detecting means for detecting, out of light emitted from the solar cell element due to the electric current passed by the electric current passing means, light in a first range of wavelengths from 800 nm to 1300 nm and light in a second range of wavelengths from 1400 nm to 1800 nm; and judging means for distinguishing between an internal cause defect and an external cause defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Takashi Fuyuki, Ayumi Tani
  • Publication number: 20120126122
    Abstract: A terahertz generation system that emits pulsed THz radiation and incorporates a rapidly oscillating, high voltage bias across electrodes insulated from a photoconductive material. The system includes an ultrafast optical pulse source configured to generate an optical pulse having a duration between about ten picoseconds and ten femtoseconds, the pulse further having a repetition rate of about one megahertz or higher. The system further includes a photoconductor configured to receive the optical pulse from the ultrafast optical pulse source and to generate a terahertz frequency pulse, the photoconductor having insulated electrodes. The system still further includes a radio frequency generator configured to apply an electric field to the photoconductor via the insulated electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Cundiff, Jared Wahlstrand, Haipeng Zhang, Soobong Choi
  • Publication number: 20120119090
    Abstract: There is provided a readout integrated circuit for an infrared signal that is able to operate at low power and reduce a pixel pitch without the use of a skimming capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HYNIX SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventors: Dong Heon HA, Sang Ho LEE
  • Patent number: 8174693
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a spectrometer includes wide field-of-view (WFOV) optics providing a first light path to a WFOV spectrometer, and narrow field-of-view (NFOV) optics providing a second light path to a NFOV spectrometer. A de-focusing optic is selectively positioned in the first or second light paths. A scan controller selectively controls the WFOV or NFOV optics to scan a celestial body. A processor is configured to calibrate the de-focusing optic, while the WFOV optics scan the celestial body. First, the WFOV optics scan the celestial body without the de-focusing optic positioned in the first light path. Second, the WFOV optics scan the celestial body with the de-focusing optic positioned in the first light path. Next, the processor calibrates the NFOV spectrometer, while the NFOV optics and the de-focusing optic scan the celestial body. After the NFOV spectrometer is calibrated, the NFOV spectrometer may be used to measure the albedo of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120104256
    Abstract: Value documents or other articles having authentication features, authentication apparatuses, and methods of authentication are provided that relate to the use of taggants that absorb radiation from an illumination source and emit radiation in a manner that has a maximum intensity occurring a duration of time after the illumination source has been switched off. The taggants include a crystalline composition comprising a host crystal lattice doped with a first rare earth active ion, and in some examples a second rare earth active ion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William Ross Rapoport, Carsten Lau, James Kane
  • Publication number: 20120104257
    Abstract: An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitted LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received the infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Chen Weigen
  • Publication number: 20120105376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for auto angle setting of an infrared sensor module having a light emitting unit and a sensor unit arranged at least two corners of a display panel, includes the steps of selecting a peak detection mode or a slope detection mode; in the peak detection mode, setting a pixel of in the sensor unit which senses a light quantity as a reference point corresponding to a corner other infrared sensor module is arranged at; in the slope detection mode, analyzing the light quantities of a start pixel block and an end pixel block in the sensor unit and setting a pixel which forms a greatest slope as a start point or an end point; and setting an effective angle of view in the sensor unit with reference to the reference point, the start point, and the end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun PARK, Byung-Chun Yu, Shi-Cheol Song, Suk-Won Choi
  • Publication number: 20120097850
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for improving the performance of systems for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Embodiments of the systems and methods include the fabrication and use of coupling tapers to provide efficient transfer of THz radiation between a photomixer and a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode. A representative system comprises of a photomixer to convert high-frequency components of an optical pump signal into corresponding electrical THz frequencies, a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode, and a matching taper that effectively converts the highly localized currents generated by the photomixer to the mode supported by the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas E. Darcie, Hamid Pahlevaninezhad
  • Patent number: 8148691
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a dual-beam NDIR gas sensor for detecting water vapor by obtaining a variant sensor components domain (“G0”) when there is no water vapor gas in the sample chamber, obtaining a physics measurement domain (“G”) for a set of known concentrations of the water vapor gas in the sample chamber, the known concentrations being measurable quantities exceeding zero, using G to calculate a G0i from a known concentration of water vapor in the sample chamber for each of multiple master calibration curves, and then selecting the master calibration curve with the lowest difference between its G0i and the G0 of the NDIR gas sensor as the calibration curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jacob Y Wong
  • Publication number: 20120074322
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting both ambient light and proximity to an object. This detection is performed by a double-layered photodiode array and corresponding circuitry such that ambient light and proximity detection are enabled by a plurality of integrated photodiodes. In various embodiments of the invention, ambient light is sensed using a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes such that a spectral response is created that is approximately equal to the visible light spectrum. Proximity detection is realized using an integrated photodiode, positioned below the first and second sets of photodiodes, that detects infrared light and generates a response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: David Skurnik
  • Publication number: 20120074324
    Abstract: System flow path designs that minimize the impact of gas diffusion sources and sinks. By reducing the magnitude of parasitic sources and sinks, lower rates of photosynthesis and transpiration can be more accurately measured, e.g., without the need for extensive empirical compensation. According to one aspect, a sensor head for use in a gas exchange analysis system includes a sample chamber defining a measurement volume for analysis of a sample, the sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet, and a flow splitting mechanism located proximal to the sample chamber, the mechanism configured to split a gas flow received at an input port from a remote source to a first output port and to a second output port, wherein the first output port is coupled with the inlet of the sample chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Genty, Mark A. Johnson, Robert D. Eckles
  • Publication number: 20120074323
    Abstract: A THz frequency range antenna is provided which comprises: a semiconductor film (3) having a surface adapted to exhibit surface plasmons in the THz frequency range. The surface of the semiconductor film (3) is structured with an antenna structure (4) arranged to support localized surface plasmon resonances in the THz frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jaime Gomez rivas, Vincenzo Giannini, Audrey Anne-Marie Berrier, Stefan Alexander Maier, Marion Matters-Kammerer, Lorenzo Tripodi
  • Publication number: 20120068071
    Abstract: Fluorescent composites of surfactant-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared by exposing suspensions of surfactant-wrapped carbon nanotubes to tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) vapor. Sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) were the surfactants. No loss in emission intensity was observed when the suspension of DOC-wrapped SWNTs were exposed to the TMOS vapors, but about a 50% decrease in the emission signal was observed from the SUS-wrapped SWNTs nanotubes. The decrease in emission was minimal by buffering the SDS/SWNT suspension prior to forming the composite. Fluorescent xerogels were prepared by adding glycerol to the SWNT suspensions prior to TMOS vapor exposure, followed by drying the gels. Fluorescent aerogels were prepared by replacing water in the gels with methanol and then exposing them to supercritical fluid drying conditions. The aerogels can be used for gas sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Dattelbaum, Gautam Gupta, Juan G. Duque, Stephen K. Doorn, Christopher E. Hamilton, Kimberly A. DeFriend Obrey
  • Publication number: 20120062410
    Abstract: A seeker/receiver system for a moving body, such as for guiding the moving body to a target, includes an optics/receiver portion that tilts as a unit relative to other parts of the moving body. The optics/receiver portion includes a window which may be used to enclose and protect one or both of a pair of receivers or detectors, such as a laser energy detector or receiver, and an infrared energy detector or receiver. By moving the window and the receivers as a unit a set positional relationship is maintained between all of the elements of the optics/receiver portion. This simplifies the optics by obviating the need for all aspects of the window to present the same properties to energy detectors that tilt relative to it. The optics/receiver portion may be tilted using a tilt mechanism such as a gimbal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Byron B. Taylor, Thomas J. Wetherell, Brian S. Scott, Ronald L. Roncone
  • Publication number: 20120056091
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting ambient light with reduced sensitivity to infrared sources. An electronic device may include an infrared sensor, an ambient light sensor, a decoder, and a processor. The infrared sensor may detect an intensity of infrared light. The ambient light sensor may be configured to detect incident light and to generate an electronic signal indicative of an intensity of visible light. The decoder may be configured to receive the intensity of infrared light and to generate an intensity of decoded infrared light. The processor, which may be coupled to the decoder and the ambient light sensor, may be configured to substitute an alternate electronic signal for the electronic signal if the intensity of infrared light exceeds a threshold amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Peter H. Mahowald
  • Publication number: 20120049069
    Abstract: A sensor switch includes an infrared sensor, and a control unit coupled to the infrared sensor and configured to receive a signal corresponding to an object detected by the infrared sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to enable an ON state of a device under control of the sensor switch for a period of time depending on a duration and a strength of the signal from the infrared sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: WENZHOU MTLC ELECTRIC APPLIANCES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lidong Ni, Chongguang Zhang, Wei Gao
  • Publication number: 20120052601
    Abstract: Analysis of chemical and physical characteristics of polymer species and etch residues caused in critical plasma-assisted etch processes for patterning material layers in semiconductor devices may be accomplished by removing at least a portion of these species on the basis of a probing material layer, which may be lifted-off from the patterned surface. The probing material layer may substantially suppress a chemical modification of the species of interest and may thus allow the examination of the initial status of these species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Dmytro Chumakov, Petra Hetzer, Matthias Schaller
  • Publication number: 20120037805
    Abstract: A device for detecting infrared radiation comprising an array of bolometers for detecting radiation; and in order to read each bolometer, a signal shaping circuitry comprising: a circuitry capable of biasing the bolometer at a predetermined voltage in order to make current flow therethrough; a circuitry capable of generating a common-mode current; and a circuitry capable of integrating the difference between the current that flows through the bolometer and the common-mode current. According to the invention, the device comprises a circuitry capable of injecting current into each bolometer in order to shift its resistance by a predetermined quantity that depends on its offset, current injection being performed prior to readout biasing of the bolometer and the shift being performed according to the direction in which the bolometer's resistance varies as a function of temperature. In addition, correction circuitry is capable of shifting the resistances of bolometers towards a common value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Ulis
    Inventors: Benoit DUPONT, Michel Vilain
  • Publication number: 20120034525
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode active material that provides an improved capacity density. Specifically disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium ion battery with a layered structure represented by Lix(NiyM1-y)Oz (wherein M represents at least one element selected from a group consisting of Mn, Co, Mg, Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, Cu, and Zr; x is in the range from 0.9 to 1.2; y is in the range from 0.3 to 0.95; and z is in the range from 1.8 to 2.4), wherein, when a value obtained by dividing an average of peak intensities observed between 1420 and 1450 cm?1 and between 1470 and 1500 cm?1 by the maximum intensity of a peak appearing between 520 and 620 cm?1 in an infrared absorption spectrum obtained by FT-IR is represented by A, A satisfies the following relational formula: 0.20y?0.05?A?0.53y?0.06.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirohito Satoh, Yoshio Kajiya, Ryuichi Nagase
  • Publication number: 20120032081
    Abstract: A terahertz-wave generating device including an optical waveguide containing an electrooptic crystal includes: first and second optical waveguides through which first and second light beams respectively propagate; a propagation portion through which a first terahertz wave propagates, the first terahertz wave being generated from the second optical waveguide in a direction different from a direction of the second light beam; and a delay portion arranged at incidence sides of the first and second light beams and configured to delay the first light beam relative to the second light beam. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide are arranged with the propagation portion interposed therebetween. A first equiphase surface of the first terahertz wave is substantially aligned with a second equiphase surface of a second terahertz wave generated from the first optical waveguide in a direction different from a direction of the first light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20120025082
    Abstract: A photodetector is formed from a body of semiconductor material substantially surrounded by dielectric surfaces. A passivation process is applied to at least one surface to reduce the rate of carrier generation and recombination on that surface. Photocurrent is read out from at least one electrical contact, which is formed on a doped region whose surface lies entirely on a passivated surface. Unwanted leakage current from un-passivated surfaces is reduced through one of the following methods: (a) The un-passivated surface is separated from the photo-collecting contact by at least two junctions; (b) The un-passivated surface is doped to a very high level, at least equal to the conduction band or valence band density of states of the semiconductor; (c) An accumulation or inversion layer is formed on the un-passivated surface by the application of an electric field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Infrared Newco, Inc.
    Inventors: Conor S. Rafferty, Clifford A. King
  • Patent number: 8097853
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a front-end circuit receiving a current from a photodiode receiving a signal light and ambient light have been disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the front-end circuit accommodates a photo diode current, generated by a signal light from an infrared LED diode in presence of a current generated by ambient light for a rain-sensing system. The circuit invented has a high dynamic range comprising a programmable transresistance amplifier, a switched capacitor programmable gain amplifier and a switched capacitor fourth-order oversampled sigma-delta A/D converter including an optimized digital filter. Furthermore coarse and fine IDACs are used to successively subtract a current generated by ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Cang Ji, Julian Tyrrell
  • Publication number: 20120006989
    Abstract: Infrared (IR) temperature measurement and stabilization systems, and methods related thereto are provided. The innovation actively stabilizes temperatures of objects in proximity and within the path between an infrared (IR) sensor and target object. A temperature monitor and controller are employed to regulate power to resistive temperature devices (RTDs) thereby regulating current (and power) to the RTDs. As a result, temperatures of IR visible objects can be actively stabilized for changes, for example, changes in ambient temperatures, resulting in efficient and accurate temperature readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CVG MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert A. Maston
  • Publication number: 20120001073
    Abstract: An Infra Red detector system and method is disclosed that implements a digital coordinate generator onto a 2D focal plane array infrared detector. The method used in this form of the invention by the IR detector system, generates X-Y coordinate data for pixels containing detected target data. Advantageously, it reduces subsequent signal post processing required to generate the same data using numerical processing techniques in software and the latency that this introduces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: SELEX GALILEO LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Michael Thorne
  • Publication number: 20110315881
    Abstract: An Infra Red (IR) camera and method of operating the same is disclosed. The camera includes a detector having an infrared focal plane array (IRFPA). The camera is operated in such a fashion, implemented in software, to maximise the detector operating temperature under varying scene temperature and atmospheric conditions in order to achieve a predetermined and adequate level of sensitivity and operability from the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Selex Galileo Limited
    Inventors: Peter Knowles, Jeremy Crouch
  • Publication number: 20110315879
    Abstract: An Infra Red detector system and method are disclosed for a SAR ADC capable of operation at low power and for use on a Focal Plane Array FPA) detector. High power consumption makes known converter approaches unattractive for use on Focal Plane Array (FPA) detectors that are to be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Many such ADCs are used on a FPA detector (e.g., up to one ADC per column of the imaging array) to digitise image data for the whole array at standard frame rates. Increased power makes cooling difficult to achieve or unattractive at system level. An exemplary system as disclosed can use an adaptive approach to set the comparator gain and settling time depending on the dynamics of the input signal, thereby achieving specified performance whilst reducing overall power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Chalk, Peter Thorne
  • Publication number: 20110315880
    Abstract: A TeraMOS sensor based on a CMOS-SOI-MEMS transistor, thermally isolated by the MEMS post-processing, designed specifically for the detection of THz radiation which may be directly integrated with the CMOS-SOI readout circuitry, in order to achieve a breakthrough in performance and cost. The TeraMOS sensor provides a low-cost, high performance THz passive or active imaging system (roughly in the range of 0.5-1.5 THz) by combining several leading technologies: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-Silicon on Insulator (SOI), Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and photonics. An array of TeraMOS sensors, integrated with readout circuitry and driving and supporting circuitry provides a monolithic focal plane array or imager. This imager is designed in a commercial CMOS-SOI Fab and the MEMS micromachining is provided as post-processing step in order to reduce cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Yael Nemirovsky
  • Publication number: 20110304515
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radiation sensor comprises a first pixel and a second pixel. The first pixel comprises a first plurality of antenna elements, a first photodetector, and one or more first feed lines coupling the first plurality of antenna elements to the first photodetector. The second pixel comprises a second plurality of antenna elements, a second photodetector, and one or more second feed lines coupling the second plurality of antenna elements to the second photodetector. The second pixel is an off-axis pixel. Signals feeding each of the second plurality of antenna elements are varied such that an effective radiation pattern of the second plurality of antenna elements is reinforced in a desired direction and suppressed in an undesired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William H. Wellman, Michael A. Gritz
  • Publication number: 20110303848
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring parameters, such as moisture content or basis weight, of a fibrous web, e.g. paper or non-wovens, comprises optical elements and a wavelength selection device for selectively directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation comprising wavelengths in at least the mid infrared (MIR) spectral range through the web; an element, such as a beam stop, arranged in the path of electromagnetic radiation emerging from the web, for separating directly transmitted from scattered electromagnetic radiation; a collector for collecting the scattered radiation; and at least one detector for detecting the scattered radiation collected by the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: NDC Infrared Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Philip Coleman Jones, Antony Douglas Hartell