Patents Examined by Kara E. Geisel
  • Patent number: 10481070
    Abstract: Sample monitoring and flow control systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring of airborne particulates. A system may include a particle collection filter. The system also includes a fluid moving device for moving a sample through the particle collection filter. Further, the system includes a light source configured to direct irradiating light towards the particle collection filter. The system also includes a light detector positioned to receive the irradiating light passing through the particle collection filter and configured to generate a signal representative of an amount of the received light. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive the signal and to control the fluid moving device based on the amount of the received light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Anthony Clint Clayton, Howard Jerome Walls, David S. Ensor, Andrei Yurievich Khlystov
  • Patent number: 10473541
    Abstract: A device and system for detecting dynamic strain. The device comprises a longitudinally extending carrier and an optical fiber embedded along an outer surface of a length of the carrier. The optical fiber comprises at least one pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) tuned to reflect substantially identical wavelengths. The system comprises the device and an interrogator comprising a laser source and a photodetector. The interrogator is configured to perform interferometry by shining laser light along the optical fiber and detecting light reflected by the FBGs. The interrogator outputs dynamic strain measurements based on interferometry performed on the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hifi Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: John Hull, Seyed Ehsan Jalilian
  • Patent number: 10473522
    Abstract: A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MKS TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mark Watson, Shane Buller, Keith Carron
  • Patent number: 10473524
    Abstract: An optical spectrometer may include an optical filter including a plurality of filter layers formed on a base substrate. The filter layers may include a perovskite material and at least two filter layers among the plurality of filter layers may include perovskite materials having different composition ratios from each other. The filter layers may show respective band-gap characteristics in different optical wavelength ranges from each other, in an optical absorption spectrum and/or an optical transmission spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weonkyu Koh, Junghyun Park
  • Patent number: 10466184
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing image data for constructing an image of at least a region of a target object, comprising the steps of simultaneously recording, at a detector, a plurality of separable diffraction patterns formed by a respective portion of radiation scattered by the target object; and providing the image data via an iterative process responsive to the detected intensity of radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: PHASE FOCUS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Maiden
  • Patent number: 10458844
    Abstract: A spectrometer-equipped lighting device detects substances in an environment around the device. A fiber detector is optically coupled to receive light from a light source. The fiber detector has a bare area from which emanates an evanescent wave of light surrounding an exterior of the fiber detector to interact with the environment in which the fiber detector is exposed. The spectrometer, optically coupled to an opposite end of the fiber detector, detects the light output and in response, generates signals representative of the spectral power distribution of the light of the evanescent wave that has interacted with the surrounding environment. A controller analyzes the spectrometer generated signals and initiates action based on the analysis of the generated signals or outputs a report indicating an environmental condition detected by the spectrometer-equipped device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10442228
    Abstract: A printer that incorporates a spectrometry device includes a spectroscope, a distance measurer, and a spectrometry unit. The spectroscope includes a wavelength-selective interference filter on which light from a position of measurement in a medium is incident. The distance measurer measures the distance between the position of measurement and the spectroscope, and the spectrometry unit performs spectrometry at the position of measurement by using the spectroscope and correct a measured value obtained by the spectrometry based on the measured distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tsugio Gomi
  • Patent number: 10436639
    Abstract: A spectrometer (100) and an optical input portion (32) thereof are disclosed. The optical input portion (32) comprises an assembly structure (322), and the assembly structure (322) is formed at a hole wall (321) of a through hole (3211) of the optical input portion (32). A light (L1) is incident into a dispersing element (2) of the spectrometer (100) along an optical path (13) after passing through the through hole (3211), and is dispersed by the dispersing element (2). The assembly structure (322) is used to be detachably assembled with an optical element (200). When the optical element (200) is assembled with the assembly structure (322), an optical axis of the optical element (200) is linked to the optical path (13). As a result, the light (L1) passing through the optical element (200) is incident to the dispersing element (2) along the optical axis and the optical path (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: OTO PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventors: Meng-Hua Wang, Kuei Wu Chang, Chang Cheng Chou, Chien-Hsiang Hung, Jan Liang Yeh
  • Patent number: 10424543
    Abstract: A method of forming an overlay mark includes disposing a first feature of a plurality of first alignment segments extending along a first direction in a first layer, disposing a second feature of a plurality of second alignment segments extending along a second direction in a second layer over the first layer, and forming a third feature of a plurality of third alignment segments extending along the first direction and a plurality of fourth alignment segments extending along the second direction in a third layer over the second layer. In a plan view, each first alignment segment of the first alignment segments is adjacent to a corresponding third alignment segment of the third alignment segments along the first direction, and each second alignment segment of the second alignment segments is adjacent to a corresponding fourth alignment segment of the fourth alignment segments along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Yu Chen, Ming-Feng Shieh, Ching-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 10422743
    Abstract: A lightpipe is coupled to a spectrometer based on a laterally variable optical filter. The lightpipe may be used for both guiding the illuminating light towards a sample and collecting light reflected or emitted by the sample upon illumination, for spectral measurements at a distance from the sample afforded by the lightpipe. The lightpipe may include a slab of homogeneous transparent material for unconstrained bidirectional propagation of light in bulk of the material. The lightpipe may be solid, hollow, or sectioned for separated guiding of the illuminating and the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten
  • Patent number: 10416578
    Abstract: A method for pre-aligning a substrate includes the steps of: 1) providing a substrate having a plurality of marks are arranged circumferentially on a surface thereof, wherein each of the plurality of marks consists of at least one first stripe extending in a first direction and at least one second stripe extending in a first direction; 2) aligning a center of the substrate with a given point on a substrate carrier stage; 3) illuminating a mark selected from the plurality of marks on the surface of the substrate with light and obtaining an image of the selected mark; 4) processing the image to obtain first projection data corresponding to the first direction and second projection data corresponding to the second direction; 5) identifying a set of first peak values corresponding to the at least one first stripe of the selected mark from the first projection data and a set of second peak values corresponding to the at least one second stripe of the selected mark from the second projection data; 6) selecting firs
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI MICRO ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT (GROUP) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiwen Zhou, Weiwang Sun, Cuixia Tian, Jiaozeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 10413995
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: IPG PHOTONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Paul J. L. Webster
  • Patent number: 10408935
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein address these and other issues by providing for an optical tag that uses an optical assembly with beam splitters to allow for simultaneous detection and retro-modulation, as well as the use of a camera to facilitate alignment of the optical tag with a laser interrogator. Additional components may be used to allow for a large aperture to be used, to help maximize light received by the optical tag and minimize diffraction of retro-modulated light, which can significantly increase distances at which the optical tag can operate. Moreover, a beam splitter may further be used to balance the light directed toward an optical sensor and a retro-modulator, to help achieve optimal results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Maryfield, Michael Roes, Richard Trissel
  • Patent number: 10408607
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking whether a table is at tilt is provided, which is capable of checking whether a table is at tilt from an initially-set position or not even during an operation of an inspecting apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus for checking whether a table is at tilt, which is for use in a camera module inspecting apparatus is provided, in which the camera module inspecting apparatus includes a fixing part; a plurality of test zones provided above the fixing part; a table movable to sequentially guide a camera module sequentially to the respective test zones; and a chart respectively provided in one or more of the test zones among the plurality of test zones, and the table tilt checking apparatus includes a first position mark marked on the table and a first mark photographer provided on the fixing part, facing toward the first position mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ISMEDIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Won Kim, Yong Woo Han
  • Patent number: 10408760
    Abstract: A Raman spectrum detecting method and electronic device are disclosed. In one aspect, an example method includes detecting and obtaining a first Raman spectrum signal of a package. A second Raman spectrum signal of the object is detected and obtained with the package. The first Raman spectrum signal is successively subtracting from the second Raman spectrum signal to obtain a series of third Raman spectrum signals with package interference eliminated. Information entropies of the third and first Raman spectrum signals are calculated and compared with information entropy of the first Raman spectrum signal. Information entropies of third Raman spectrum signals greater than the first Raman spectrum signal are set into an information entropy sequence to be selected, and a minimum information entropy from the sequence is selected. The third Raman spectrum signal corresponding to the minimum information entropy is used as an optimized Raman spectrum signal with package interference eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Hongqiu Wang, Wei Gou
  • Patent number: 10410896
    Abstract: A device for determining alignment errors of structures which are present on, or which have been applied to a substrate, comprising a substrate holder for accommodating the substrate with the structures and detection means for detecting X-Y positions of first markings on the substrate and/or second markings on the structures by moving the substrate or the detection means in a first coordinate system, wherein in a second coordinate system which is independent of the first coordinate system X?-Y? structure positions for the structures are given whose respective distance from the X-Y positions of the first markings and/or second markings can be determined by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EV Group E. Thallner GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Wagenleitner
  • Patent number: 10408740
    Abstract: A sensing system identifies Huanglongbing (HLB) symptoms in leaves of citrus trees in real time and differentiates them from nutrient deficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: The State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Agricultural Research Organization, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eran Raveh, Won Suk Lee, Alireza Pourreza, Reza John Ehsani
  • Patent number: 10401289
    Abstract: A fluorescence image analyzer, analyzing method, and pretreatment evaluation method capable of determining with high accuracy whether a sample is positive or negative are provided. A pretreatment part 20 performs pretreatment including a step of labeling a target site with a fluorescent dye to prepare a sample 20a. A fluorescence image analyzer 10 measures and analyzes the sample 20a. The fluorescent image analyzer 10 includes light sources 121 to 124 to irradiate light on the sample 20a, imaging part 154 to capture the fluorescent light given off from the sample 20a irradiated by light, and processing part 11 for processing the fluorescence image captured by the imaging part 154.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 10393725
    Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CELLOMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Richik Niloy Ghosh, Dirk John VandenBerg, III, Keith Rao Heffley, Monica Jo Tomaszewski, Jeffrey Robert Haskins
  • Patent number: 10393885
    Abstract: Resonant meta-material structures are defined by metallic, dielectric or other materials that form nanoshells or nanomeshes that can be situated proximate to ionizing-radiation-sensitive layers so as to provide ionizing-radiation-dose-dependent optical properties. Such meta-material structures can also define aligned or periodic, semi-random, or other arrangements of nanostructures that are coupled to or include stressed layers. Detection of optical radiation from such structures is used to determine gamma radiation dose or to detect a disturbance of the nanostructure indicating tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Kyle J. Alvine, Bruce E. Bernacki