Patents Assigned to The University of Alabama in Huntsville
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Patent number: 10353124Abstract: A reflection optical filter has an ultra-thin semi-transparent layer and a thin layer of semiconductor (or dielectric) layer deposited onto a metal film surface at a certain thickness corresponding to a wavelength of light to be filtered from incoming light. Critical coupling of light to the optical cavity formed by the semi-transparent layer and semiconductor (or dielectric) layer on metal surface results in near perfect absorption of the light at one wavelength and strong absorption in the wavelength region near the peak absorption wavelength. Incoming lights of other wavelengths are mostly reflected by the device so the spectral content of incident light is changed. By controlling the thickness of the semiconductor (or dielectric) layer and/or other factors, such as the extent to which the semiconductor layer is annealed or changing the type of metal beneath the semiconductor (or dielectric) layer, the peak absorption wavelength of the light absorbed in the device can be precisely controlled.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Junpeng Guo
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Patent number: 10317324Abstract: A specimen testing system has holders that hold a specimen for testing. The holders brace the specimen so that a load may be applied. A load applicator applies a load to the specimen at a location that is between the holders bracing the specimen. A user may adjust the load applicator until it applies the desired load to the specimen. If desired, a user may apply rotation to a specimen while it is experiencing a load by using a specimen rotation system. The user may continue to adjust the load applied to the specimen or continue to rotate the specimen during loading until the specimen fails.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Kalob Ownby, Mark Creel, Jordan Fulmer, Matt Fulmer, Michael Henry, Dung Tuan Le, Melissa Lee, Derek Odom, Russ Walton, Jeffrey Evans
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Patent number: 10319272Abstract: A sensor of a brightness limiting system of a vehicle may sense light from light sources around the vehicle and provide a light measurement signal. The light measurement signal may include information about brightness levels and positions of light sources relative to a window of the vehicle. A brightness controller may monitor the light source measurement signal and perform comparisons of brightness levels from the light measurement signal with brightness thresholds. The brightness controller may determine that a brightness level of a light source exceeds a brightness threshold and may provide a brightness control signal to a brightness control layer positioned adjacent to the window of the vehicle. The brightness control layer may receive the brightness control signal and limit the brightness level of light based on the brightness threshold at a brightness control area of the brightness control layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Jason Wade Carter
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Patent number: 10304458Abstract: A system and method for summarizing video feeds correlated to identified speakers. A transcriber system includes multiple types of reasoning logic for identifying specific speakers contained in the video feed. Each type of reasoning logic is stored in memory and may be combined and configurable to provide an aggregated speaker identification result useful for full or summarized transcription before transmission across a network for display on a network-accessible device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Daniel Newton Woo
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Patent number: 10260171Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of low thermal conductivity endless filament yarns with a compact, homogeneous structural morphology. The presently disclosed methods utilize safe and recyclable ionic liquids to produce carbon fiber precursors from cellulose. The fibers are produced by the carbonization of cellulose carbon fiber precursors. The precursor fiber filaments have an increased tear resistance with simultaneously sufficient elongation, a round or crenulated cross-section, and homogeneous fiber morphology. The filament yarns exhibit performance characteristics similar to those produced from traditional viscose rayon. The resulting fibers are especially suited for aerospace applications in composite materials used at the limits of high temperatures, for instance in structures found in rocket nozzles or atmospheric reentry heat shields on spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, For and on behalf of The University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: William Felix Kaukler
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Patent number: 10191076Abstract: A flow of air induces vibration of a tip of an airflow sensor. A cantilever coupled to the tip vibrates as the tip is displaced, and a piezoelectric element associated with the cantilever generates an electrical signal in response to mechanical stress or strain induced by vibration of the cantilever. A control element that is in communication with the piezoelectric element of the cantilever receives the electrical signal and derives at least one parameter indicative of the flow of air sensed by the sensor. The control element communicates or otherwise transmits an output signal that is indicative of the parameter to an output device to display sensor data to a user as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Gang Wang, Felix Ewere
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Patent number: 10162091Abstract: An optical filter has a layer of silicon film deposited onto a metallic substrate surface at a silicon film thickness corresponding to a wavelength of light to be filtered from incoming light. The critical coupling of light to the optical cavity formed by the silicon film on metal surface results in a strong and near perfect absorption of the light at a resonance wavelength and strong absorption in the wavelength region near the peak absorption wavelength. Other wavelengths of the incoming wave are reflected by the device so the spectral content of light is changed. By controlling the thickness of the silicon film and/or other factors, such as the extent to which the silicon film is annealed or the type of metal beneath the silicon film, the wavelength of the light absorbed by the silicon film can be precisely controlled.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Junpeng Guo, Seyed Sadreddin Mirshafieyan
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Patent number: 10162651Abstract: A computer system may track the user's eye gaze on a display device over time using an eye tracker. When the computer system detects a risk associated with a graphical object and determines that the user's gaze is close to the graphical object, it may display a warning message indicating the risk. The computer system may display the warning message at a location that corresponds to the graphical object associated with the risk. Furthermore, when the computer system detects a risk and determines that the user's gaze is not at the graphical object that needs the user's immediate attention, it may display a warning message near the user's current gaze to notify the user. If desired, the warning message may be hidden based on the user's gaze, such as when the user moves his gaze away from the detected risk.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Feng Zhu, Mini Zeng, Sandra Carpenter
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Patent number: 10117380Abstract: A cutting blade for use in a lawnmower or other cutting device has a contoured leading edge profile that forms a series of protrusions and contoured notches. Each contoured notch has a surface that is smooth and contoured such that air is funneled through the contoured notch by the adjacent protrusions, thereby causing the air to form vortices at the surface of the blade. The formation of the vortices helps the airflow to adhere to the blade surface rather than separate from it, thereby creating a more laminar streamlined flow that merges with air flowing over the opposite side of the blade at the trailing edge. By preventing the airflow from separating from the blade surface over a substantial portion of the blade, turbulence is significantly reduced. Thus, noise generated by the blade is significantly reduced as well. In addition, the blade experiences less drag, and the performance of the blade and lawnmower is generally increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: William Kaukler, Wayne Thompson
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Patent number: 10071023Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining whether and/or when a patient is taking his or her medication and, when appropriate, providing reminders and/or alerts to the patient to improve adherence to a medication regimen. In some embodiments, a medication container is provided that includes a capacitance sensor for sensing the contents of the medication container (e.g., pill count or quantity of liquid medication). The capacitance sensor may include interleaved or interdigitated electrodes oriented vertically, horizontally, or angularly (e.g., diagonally) relative to an axis of the medication container. Reminders and/or alerts to the patient may be triggered based at least in part on the contents of the medication container, when a cap of the container was last opened and/or closed, the location of the medication container, and/or the container's surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignees: AdhereTech Inc., The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Alabama, For And On Behalf Of The University Of Alabama In HuntsvilleInventors: Joshua Stein, John Langhauser, Michael Morena, Emil Jovanov
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Patent number: 9994791Abstract: Methods for the extraction of intracellular contents from biomass, in particular from algae, are described. The pH level of the algae cell culture is modified and mixed with a surfactant or a combination of surfactants. The algal culture may be subjected to low pressurization using air, inert gas or a gas mixture. Separation of the lipid contents from the treated algae culture is accomplished with an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. The algal debris may be collected at the bottom of the aqueous phase while the biomass is concentrated in the solvent layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Chen Zhang, James E. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 9978885Abstract: A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) device is provided with a SiPM matrix fabricated on a substrate, a bias power supply connected to the SiPM matrix, and a compensation circuit coupled to the bias power supply. The bias power supply provides a bias voltage to the SiPM matrix. The compensation circuit can adjust the bias voltage applied to the SiPM matrix in response to temperature changes at the substrate. The compensation circuit includes a resistor fabricated on the substrate with the SiPM matrix. The resistor can have a resistance that varies in response to temperature changes at the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Evgeny N. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 9954124Abstract: A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) device is provided with a SiPM matrix and a temperature compensation circuit fabricated on a substrate. The temperature compensation circuit can include a temperature sensor, a bias adjustment circuit and a current source. The current source can provide a current to the temperature sensor and the temperature sensor can provide a temperature dependent signal to the bias adjustment circuit. The bias adjustment circuit can adjust a bias voltage provided to the SiPM matrix in response to the signal from the temperature sensor in order to maintain a predefined overvoltage value at the SiPM matrix.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Evgeny N. Kuznetsov
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Patent number: 9938024Abstract: An object redirection system may generate a high-resolution three-dimensional map of a surface of a target. Based on the map, the system may identify locations on the target's surface and direct energetic pulses toward the target at the locations. The system may continuously update the map of the target and continue emitting pulses at the target with reference to the map in order to achieve a desired velocity of the target within a desired timeframe.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Richard Fork
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Patent number: 9804251Abstract: A fiber optic directional sensor has a substantially hemispherical dome surface and a substantially flat surface. The sensor is formed from a plurality of optical fibers fused to one another, and each optical fiber extends from the dome surface to the flat surface. One end of each optical fiber is substantially perpendicular to the sensor's dome surface, and the opposite end of the fiber is substantially perpendicular to the sensor's flat surface such that an end face of the fiber is substantially tangent to the dome surface, and another end face of the fiber is substantially tangent to the flat surface. The sensor further includes an optical element which expands the field of view of the sensor and chromatically controls the incoming light. Using the sensor, light from projectiles, such as missiles, bullets, and other weaponry, can be detected, and the locations of the projectiles can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: Patrick John Reardon
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Patent number: 9722566Abstract: A high-Q factor resonator includes a solenoid having an embedded capacitor assembled in a machinable high-frequency dielectric printed circuit board (“PCB”), or other substrate. The solenoid comprises a plurality of surface conductors positioned on upper and lower surfaces of the PCB. The solenoid further comprises a plurality of conductive vias extending through the PCB between the surface conductors, and at least two aligned vias are separated by a capacitive gap. A liquid crystal dielectric is embedded within the capacitive gap in order to control the capacitance. Accordingly, a tunable capacitive filter is achieved by changing the dielectric permittivity of the liquid crystal. In one example, a nematic liquid crystal is sealed in the capacitive gap and has its permittivity changed with a low frequency bias to tune the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: John D. Williams, Robert Lindquist
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Patent number: 9707535Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for the chemical synthesis of micro-quantities of oligonucleotides or other chemical molecules. The system includes a reusable glass micro-reactor containing a paramagnetic solid support, a magnet, an electronic drive controller and an optical spectroscopy system capable of driving a plurality individual reactors. The system utilizes the electroosmotic movement of reactants through microfluidic channels. Spectrophotometric monitoring of the reaction products allows for the real-time determination of synthesis yield.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Lance Amate Larka, John D. Williams, Randy Gaillard
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Patent number: 9706949Abstract: A system and method for automatically quantifying mobility of a person performing a mobility diagnostic procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, the system measures a posture change test procedure with integrated inertial, location, and navigation type sensors found in a mobile computing device worn by a patient during the posture change test procedure, such as a timed-up-and-go (TUG) procedure. The measurements captured during the posture change inform a health care provider about the mobility of a patient. For example, a determination about the likelihood of the patient experiencing a fall can be assessed from measurable parameters produced from the inertial, location, and navigation-type sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Emil Jovanov, Aleksander Milenkovic, Mladen Milosevic
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Patent number: 9695525Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of low thermal conductivity endless filament yarns with a compact, homogeneous structural morphology. The presently disclosed methods utilize safe and recyclable ionic liquids (IL) to produce carbon fiber precursors from cellulose. The fibers are produced by the carbonization of cellulose carbon fiber precursors. The precursor fiber filaments have an increased tear resistance with simultaneously sufficient elongation, a round or crenulated cross-section, and homogeneous fiber morphology. The filament yarns exhibit performance characteristics similar to those produced from traditional viscous rayon. The resulting fibers are especially suited for aerospace applications in composite materials used at the limits of high temperatures, for instance in structures found in rocket nozzles or atmospheric reentry heat shields on spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventor: William Felix Kaukler
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Patent number: 9481840Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include one-step synthesis to prepare a hypergolic green Fuel (HGF) propellant from 2-Hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) via a “one-step synthesis method”. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fully nitrated HGF and partially nitrated HGF and formulations containing Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate (HEHN) and acetone, where the HEHN is produced independently.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE, OGDEN ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: James E. Smith, Jr., Gregory E. Ogden, Clinton J. Brown, Paul M. Frisby, Sahar A. Torabzadeh