Patents Examined by Darren M. Jiron
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Patent number: 5914490Abstract: A procedure for measuring the components of the coating of paper via infrared measurement, the paper components being determined via a reflection measurement in the middle infrared range, e.g. by measuring the reflection peak using a wavelength of 2-12 .mu.m.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Valmet Automatic, Inc.Inventors: Juha Antero Sumen, Jouni Sakari Tornberg
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Patent number: 5914488Abstract: An infrared transmission window 4 is placed on the front of a light reception part 2 formed on a substrate 1 with a cavity 3 between and is bonded to the substrate 1 in airtight relation on a bond face in the range surrounding the light reception part 2, whereby the transmission window 4 is fixed and the cavity 3 is evacuated of air.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takanori Sone
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Patent number: 5914489Abstract: Apparatus for the optical detection of flames or explosions, having an optical structure to perform continuous optical path monitoring of the optical window receiving the optical radiation, to ensure against the buildup of radiation absorbing or scattering materials. A light source internal to the housing illuminates a straight optically transmissive quartz or sapphire rod that protrudes through the housing beyond the optical window. The protruding tip of the light rod is beveled and metallized on the bevel to provide internal reflection of the light from the source, the angle of the bevel being such that the reflected light on exiting the light rod illuminates the optical window and the optical detector behind it, thereby providing a test for the cleanliness of the optical window. This optical technique for checking the cleanliness of the optical viewing element can be utilized by other optical instruments including imaging arrays, surveillance cameras and weapons.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: General Monitors, IncorporatedInventors: Shankar Baliga, Brett Bleacher
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Patent number: 5912466Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid detection of explosives residue from the deflagration signature thereof. A property inherent to most explosives is their stickiness, resulting in a strong tendency of explosive particulate to contaminate the environment of a bulk explosive. An apparatus for collection of residue particulate, burning the collected particulate, and measurement of the ultraviolet emission produced thereby, is described. The present invention can be utilized for real-time screening of personnel, cars, packages, suspected devices, etc., and provides an inexpensive, portable, and noninvasive means for detecting explosives.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Herbert O. Funsten, David J. McComas
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Patent number: 5905263Abstract: In a depth dose measuring device, a light is outputted from an end surface of a block-type detector (202) formed by tying a plurality of scintillation fibers in a bundle, a spectroscope (204) is used to disperse the light so as to measure an amount of light having a wavelength corresponding to an emission spectrum of the scintillation fibers, a picture measuring device (205) and a picture processing device (206) calculate an emission distribution of only a scintillation light depending upon an emission distribution in which the scintillation light and a Cerenkov light are mixed, and a result is displayed on a display device (207).Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Nishizawa, Kazunori Ikegami, Kunio Madono, Eisaku Teratani, Satoshi Senoo
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Patent number: 5903007Abstract: A multiple detector array is positioned in a satellite orbiting the earth for determining the attitude of the satellite with respect to the earth by detecting the earth's horizon. The multiple array of spaced detectors are mounted on a horizon sensor with a space detector viewing space, a horizon detector, with a field of view straddling the horizon and outer space space, a detector viewing the earth, and a gradient detector viewing the earth. Individual signals from these detectors are amplified and processed such that any gradients between the two earth viewing detectors are used to provide radiance compensation to correct for radiance errors in sensing the true position of the horizon.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: EDO Corporation, Barnes Engineering DivisionInventor: Robert C. Savoca
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Patent number: 5903006Abstract: A liquid concentration detecting apparatus which permits a real-time and high-accuracy detection of concentration of a liquid (particularly an etching or cleaning solution) used in a semiconductor plant, with a simple configuration at a low cost. The liquid concentration detecting apparatus 1 has a cell 2 to which a liquid is supplied, and a projecting section 4 and a receiving section 5 arranged opposite to each other in a direction at right angles to the axial line of the cell. A light of a prescribed wavelength is projected from this projecting section 4 through the liquid in the cell 2 to the receiving section 5, and the concentration of the liquid is determined by detecting the amount of light received by the receiving section.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Norihiro KiuchiInventors: Norihiro Kiuchi, Kunimitsu Tamura, Seiki Tsurudo
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Patent number: 5903008Abstract: An emission tomographic system for imaging an object of interest is described. The system, in one form, includes a gantry and a patient table. A detector including a collimator is secured to the gantry, and a computer is coupled to the gantry and to the detector to detect and control the position of the detector relative to the table. The system is configured to determine a transmission measurement and generate a scatter fraction utilizing the transmission measurement. A dual energy window data acquisition algorithm then determines non-scatter photons in a primary energy window utilizing the scatter fraction.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jianying Li
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Patent number: 5898184Abstract: An arrangement for detecting an image on a phosphorescent foil has two light conductors which lead to a common photomultiplier. The light conductors are spaced from one another by a small gap which allows a laser beam to pass between the conductors and excite the foil. The light conductors have flat end faces for the admission of light into the conductors, and the end faces are directed towards the foil as well as the gap. The end faces make an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with the foil. The light conductors are designed so that the greater part of impinging radiation is admitted into and travels the length of a conductor only when the path of the radiation and a normal to the respective end face define an angle which is equal to or less than the acceptance angle of the conductor. Each end face has an edge remote from the gap, and a location at which the laser beam impinges the foil defines a plane with a location on either edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AGInventors: Werner Stahl, Peter Schwelle, Detlef Brautmeier
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Patent number: 5895920Abstract: A device for detecting fluorescence generated in a sample medium in a cuvette tube irradiated with light for analysis purposes. The device includes a main element comprising a light source, an optical element mounted on the cuvette tube in optical contact therewith, and a photodetector. The light source is placed on the outside of the cuvette tube so as to send light into the tube in a direction essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The refractive index of the optical element is essentially the same as the refractive index of the wall of the cuvette tube. The photodetector functions to detect fluorescence light which falls on the detector after having passed in the cuvette tube via the optical element.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: Leon Carlsson
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Patent number: 5895921Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the presence of fecal or ingesta matter contaminants on a poultry or meat item. The poultry or meat is conveyed in front of a UV light transmitter/receiver where UV light is directed onto the poultry or meat item and subsequently light is gathered from the poultry or meat. The gathered light is then compared to a threshold, above which indicates contaminants. If contaminants are present, the controller can generate a signal and/or send the contaminated items to a wash station.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of ArkansasInventors: Amy Waldroup, John Kirby
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Patent number: 5894125Abstract: A THz imaging system with the emitter region of the THz generator designed so that the sample to be analyzed is placed in the near field of the generator allows radiation to impact the sample without intervening optics.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Igal M. Brener, Martin C. Nuss
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Patent number: 5892230Abstract: A scintillating fiducial pattern, and methods of fabricating and using same, on a substrate or a resist/substrate composite, where the scintillating fiducial pattern is used in a spatial referencing scheme. The invention includes the use of a scintillating fiducial pattern as alignment or reference marks on a resist/substrate composite, into which a pattern or feature is to be defined. The invention includes the use of a scintillating fiducial in a mask alignment scheme. The invention includes the use of a scintillating fiducial grid or grating in conjunction with an energy beam locating method, or spatial-phase-locked electron-beam lithography. Spatial referencing to the scintillating fiducial grid, or grating, may be implemented with a delay-locked loop, which locks the phase of a signal from the scintillating grid, or grating, to the phase of a known signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: James G. Goodberlet, Henry I. Smith
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Patent number: 5886359Abstract: An x-ray detector, detection assembly, and method of using the detector and detection assembly. The detector is used with an x-ray source and has a converter including a mass of prompt emitting radiographic phosphor particles and a photoconductive binder. The mass of particles is dispersed and embedded in the binder. The phosphor absorbs x-rays emitted by the source and emits longer wavelength actinic radiation responsive to the x-rays. The photoconductive binder absorbs the actinic radiation and produces electron-hole pairs responsive to the actinic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Joseph F. Bringley, David Paul Trauernicht, David Steven Weiss
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Patent number: 5886354Abstract: A single sheet photostimulable phosphor screen, wherein the screen contains in consecutive order (1) a support, (2) a continuous phosphor-containing layer, and permanently and contiguously united therewith (3) a grid structured phosphor-containing layer containing a phosphor different from the phosphor contained in the continuous phosphor-containing layer (2), the grid structured layer.(3) containing parallel rows of phosphor-containing stripes, and the different phosphors have a different X-ray absorption capacity with respect to different energy levels of X-ray radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: AFGA-Gevaert, N.V.Inventor: Paul Leblans
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Patent number: 5886348Abstract: An infrared gas analyzer for measuring low concentrations of a target gas, on the order of parts per million, in a sample gas is comprised of a gas sampling chamber, an infrared light source, and a power source for energizing the light source. A plurality of filters is provided to transmit infrared radiation at certain wavelengths. The wavelengths are chosen such that the effects of unwanted gases (such as water and carbon dioxide) can be removed from the final output signal. A plurality of infrared detectors are responsive to the filters for producing a plurality of electrical signals. A circuit is provided for combining the plurality of electrical signals to produce an output signal representative of the concentration of the target gas independently of other gases in the sample gas. A method of measuring low concentrations of a target gas is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: American Intell-Sensors CorporationInventors: Harold S. Lessure, Satoru Simizu, Louis J. Denes, Alberto M. Guzman
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Patent number: 5880473Abstract: Techniques for acquiring and analyzing M-FISH images in a manner that allows for proper image registration; and techniques for combining a plurality of registered images to provide labeled images. Epi-illumination embodiments use multiple filter cubes for different subsets of the entire set of desired dyes. The registration problem is addressed by configuring the different multiband cubes so that pairs of cubes have a common dye for which they are configured. Accordingly, a first set of images generated with a first cube includes an image that corresponds to (contains the same features as) one of the images in a second set of images generated with a second cube. This allows the first set of images to be precisely and accurately aligned with the second set of images. A method for generating a labeled image typically includes a normalization of the pixel intensities within each image, followed by a transformation to ratio images.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Applied Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Jacques Ginestet
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Patent number: 5877499Abstract: A composite Fresnel lens useful in an infrared passive detection system includes an array of Fresnel lens segments having a given vertical centerline and a curvature of a given radius. The Fresnel lens segments fall in first and second groups. Each Fresnel lens segment in the first group has a long detection range and a width less than one-third of the diameter of an original whole Fresnel lens from which the segment was taken. Also, each lens segment of the first group has a geometrical center located horizontally from the vertical centerline of the array along the curvature of the array through a circumferential distance less than one-fourth of the radius of curvature of the array. Each Fresnel lens segment in the second group has a short detection range less than the long detection range by a predetermined amount and a width less than one-third of the diameter of an original whole Fresnel lens from which the segment was taken.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Hubbell IncorporationInventor: John R. Baldwin
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Patent number: 5874742Abstract: A counterfeit detection viewer apparatus for detecting security markings in paper currency, which includes a housing having a detection opening on the bottom thereof for receiving the paper currency to be inspected and a viewing opening on the top thereof for inspecting the paper currency. A UV light fixture is mounted in the housing and has a UV fluorescent lamp for projecting UV light rays toward the detection opening and the paper currency to be inspected. The UV light fixture includes a reflector to reflect the UV light rays toward the detection opening and the paper currency, and a switch for activating the UV fluorescent lamp prior to inspecting the paper currency through the viewing opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Inventor: Camille Romano
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Patent number: 5874744Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for receiving and reproducing radiographic information from an anisotropic storage phosphor screen including an auto-collimating photostimulable phosphor layer of a material selected from the group consisting of europium activated barium fluorobromide, europium activated potassium chloride, indium activated potassium bromide or indium activated rubidium iodide, which absorbs impinging ionizing radiation emanating from or passing through an object to be imaged, a collimated or focused interrogating beam of photons directed parallel to the columnar structure of the screen to stimulate the trapped electrons within the storage phosphor to release the energy stored therein as luminescent photons, an opto-electro-mechanical assembly to achieve a raster scan of the interrogating beam over the area of the phosphor screen, a detector for converting the luminescent photons into electrical signals, and a computer to record and/or display the intensity versus positional informatType: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.Inventors: Claude A. Goodman, Daniel N. Wildermuth