Patents Examined by Michael P. Stafira
  • Patent number: 11674905
    Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of fluorescence image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond placed on a flat stage. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image from the table side of the gemstone by passing ultraviolet (UV) light between 10 nm and 400 nm to the gemstone and capturing the excited fluorescence image for analysis through a dichroic beam splitter. In some examples, the cutoff is 300 nm. The dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for the camera to focus on the same interface of the stage and gemstone over and over for ease of use and without moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (GIA)
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Wuyi Wang
  • Patent number: 11673166
    Abstract: A seed imaging system for imaging seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes a first camera mounted relative to the seed transfer station and configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. A second camera is mounted relative to the seed transfer station and is configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. The second camera has an imaging modality different from an imaging modality of the first camera. First and second cameras may be disposed above and below the seed transfer stations, such as a transparent belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Borrowman, Govind Chaudhary, Hsin-Chen Chen, Jeffrey L. Kohne, Johnny J. Kotyk, Louis M. Pompe van Meerdevoort, Randall K. Rader, Brad D. White, Chi Zhang
  • Patent number: 11674907
    Abstract: A method and device recognize and analyze surface defects in three-dimensional objects having a reflective surface, in particular motor vehicle bodies. In which method the surface defects are identified by the evaluation of an image, recorded by a camera in the form of a raster image of pixels, of an illumination pattern projected by a first illumination device onto a part of the reflective surface using a two-dimensional raster coordinate system. The surface defects are identified exclusively using two-dimensional image information with the aid of image processing algorithms without the need for “environmental parameters”, and complex geometric calculations can be omitted. The solution is fast and robust and can be carried out using differently configured first illumination devices, which makes it suitable for mobile applications, for example as a hand-held module. It is also made possible for the method to be optimized by a “deep learning” strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Dhruv Kasavala, Sarma Aryasomayajula
  • Patent number: 11668559
    Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus performs an optical axis adjustment with respect to a reference surface and obtains high measurement accuracy. In an outer surface of a box-shaped light receiving housing, reference surfaces which become a reference at the time of placing the light receiving housing. In the light receiving housing, the light receiving side telecentric lens is mounted. An imaging element holder holding a two-dimensional imaging element is provided on an inner surface opposite to an introducing opening of the light receiving housing, and the two-dimensional imaging element is mounted in a manner of being capable of adjusting its position and posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Minamigawa, Yusuke Suemura, Hideto Takei
  • Patent number: 11668567
    Abstract: A surveying instrument includes a distance measuring unit which irradiates an object with the distance measuring light and measures a distance to the object based on the reflected distance measuring light from the object, wherein the distance measuring unit includes a distance measuring light projecting module configured to project the distance measuring light and a distance measuring light receiving module configured to receive the reflected distance measuring light, the distance measuring light receiving module includes a dichroic prism and a light receiving module, and the dichroic prism is configured in such a manner that the reflected distance measuring light is internally reflected in the dichroic prism at least three times and then received by the light receiving module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventor: Taichi Yuasa
  • Patent number: 11662195
    Abstract: A correction value measurement method includes, measuring a position of a reference sphere, calculating a relative position of the reference sphere with respect to a sensing position from the position of the reference sphere, a length of the position measurement sensor, and a length of the reference tool. The method further includes acquiring a reference tool position as a distal end position of the reference tool using, calculating a length direction correction value of the position measurement sensor from the reference tool position, the position of the reference sphere, the relative position, and a length of the reference tool, and measuring the position of the reference sphere to calculate a radial direction correction value of the position measurement sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Reiji Kanbe
  • Patent number: 11661845
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis system includes an optical sensor comprising, which includes a light source configured to emit light comprising a plurality of wavelengths, a light detector, and an optical tip through which at least a portion of the light travels and returns to the detector, wherein the incident angle of the light causes total internal reflection within the optical tip. The system further includes a piezoelectric helm resonator that generates a resonance response in response to an applied current, and an electromagnetic spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction. The light may be reflected in the optical tip at one or more reflection points, and each reflection point may generate an evanescent wave in a medium surrounding the optical tip. The light may be internally reflected in the optical tip at a plurality of reflection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sandip Maity, Otto Fanini, Dwight Swett, Rocco DiFoggio, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Jana Mohamed Aljindan
  • Patent number: 11650156
    Abstract: Techniques are described for reducing the number of angles needed in structured illumination imaging of biological samples through the use of patterned flowcells, where nanowells of the patterned flowcells are arranged in, e.g., a square array, or an asymmetrical array. Accordingly, the number of images needed to resolve details of the biological samples is reduced. Techniques are also described for combining structured illumination imaging with line scanning using the patterned flowcells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignees: ILLUMINA, INC., ILLUMINA CAMBRIDGE LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Mark Skinner, Geraint Wyn Evans, Stanley S. Hong
  • Patent number: 11647691
    Abstract: Crop is routed past a sample window on an agricultural combine harvester. Light it is impinged on the crop from an illumination source and reflected radiation is directed to a sensor. The output of the sensor is indicative of various constituents in the harvested crop. The illumination source is controlled based on the temperature proximate the crop sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terence D. Pickett, Joseph J. Ellerbach, Michael A. Kool
  • Patent number: 11644424
    Abstract: An interferometric method and apparatus for the non-invasive assessment of oocyte maturity and competency. The method includes placing an oocyte in a sample holder to provide a biological target; generating a near infrared light; using a beam splitter to split the near infrared light into a signal light portion and a reference light portion; projecting the signal light portion onto the biological target; collecting reflected and back scattered light from the signal light portion projected onto the biological target with a detector; collecting at least a portion of the reference light portion with the detector; generating interferometric image data based upon the collected signal and reference light; and assessing the maturity of the oocyte based upon the interferometric data while maintaining the viability of the oocyte. When the oocyte is part of a cumulus-oocyte complex, the assessment is accomplished without removing cumulus cells from the cumulus-oocyte complex while maintaining viability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Waverly Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Ran An, Gayatri Narayanan, Travis A. Morgan, Theodore R. Schenberg
  • Patent number: 11639892
    Abstract: Systems and methods for skewed basis set fitting may include obtaining measured absorption data indicative of an amount of absorption of light by a sample gas at each of multiple frequencies, determining an absorption dependent cavity time constant indicative of a skew to the measured absorption data caused by light reflections within a cavity in which the sample gas is contained, obtaining reference absorption data including basis sets indicative of reference amounts of light absorbed by each of multiple gases at each of the multiple frequencies, skewing the reference absorption data based on the absorption dependent cavity time constant to generate skewed reference absorption data, and fitting the measured absorption data to the skewed reference absorption data to identify an amount of at least one constituent gas within the sample gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: J. Brian Leen, Kyle Owen, John Savee, Dmitry Skvortsov, Paul Hansen, Raphael Desbiens
  • Patent number: 11635372
    Abstract: A process for detecting the sensitivity of one or more polymers and/or of one or more mixtures of polymers to a compound, including the steps of exposing a plurality of individualized micro-deposits including the polymer(s) and/or the mixture(s) of polymers to the compound, and detecting, by interferometry, a variation in appearance of an assembly of micro-deposits exposed to the compound and/or a variation in the dimensions and/or refractive index of at least one of the micro-deposits exposed to the compound, linked to an interaction between the polymer(s) and/or the mixture(s) of polymers and the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignees: Universite De Lille, Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, Institut National De La Recherche Agronomique, Institute National Des Sciences Appliquees De Toulouse
    Inventors: Vincent Senez, Alexis Vlandas, Sebastien Lamant, Bernard Cathala, Celine Moreau, Gabrielle Veronese, Sophie Bozonnet, Elisabeth Laville, Megane Cleret
  • Patent number: 11635374
    Abstract: An optical testing device for use in testing an optical measuring instrument provides incident light from a light source to an incident object and receives reflected light due to reflection of the incident light at the incident object. The optical testing device includes an incident light receiving section that receives incident light, and a light signal providing section. The light signal providing section provides a light signal to the incident object after a predetermined delay time since the incident light receiving section has received the incident light. A reflected light signal due to reflection of the light signal at the incident object is provided to the optical measuring instrument. The delay time is approximately equal to the time between emission of the incident light from the light source and reception of the reflected light by the optical measuring instrument in the case of actually using the optical measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sugawara, Shin Masuda, Takao Sakurai, Hidenobu Matsumura, Takao Seki
  • Patent number: 11630064
    Abstract: A sample observation device includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a sample with planar light, a scanning unit that scans the sample in one direction with respect to an irradiation surface of the planar light, an image formation unit that forms images of fluorescent light and scattered light from the sample, an imaging unit that outputs first image data based on a light image of the fluorescent light and second image data based on a light image of the scattered light, an image processing unit that generates a fluorescent light image on the basis of a plurality of pieces of first image data and generates a scattered light image on the basis of a plurality of pieces of second image data, and an analysis unit that specifies an area in which there is the sample in the fluorescent light image on the basis of the scattered light image, and sets an analysis area in the fluorescent light image on the basis of the area in which there is the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Norikazu Sugiyama, Masanori Matsubara, Satoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11624710
    Abstract: An optical inspection system for detecting sub-micron features on a sample component. The system may have a controller, a camera responsive to the controller for capturing images, an objective lens able to capture submicron scale features on the sample component, and a pulsed light source. The pulsed light source may be used to generate light pulses. The camera may be controlled to acquire images, using the objective lens, only while the pulsed light source is providing light pulses illuminating a portion of the sample component. Relative movement between the sample component and the objective lens is provided to enable at least one of a desired subportion or an entirety of the sample component to be scanned with the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jae Hyuck Yoo, Eyal Feigenbaum, Manyalibo Joseph Matthews
  • Patent number: 11619486
    Abstract: A borescope includes an electronic image capture unit having two image capture sensors as a borescope lens at an end of a shaft that is designed for being inserted into a borescope opening, a position and alignment of the image capture sensors in relation to one another being suitable for ascertaining three-dimension (3D) information using triangulation; and a pattern projector configured to project a pattern into a common recording region of the image capture sensors. The pattern projector includes: a fundamentally optically imaging light-guide bundle, which is made up of statistically distributed optical fibers having differing transmittances, to whose input surface a light source is coupled and whose output surface is aligned with the region captured by the image capture sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Jan Oke Peters, Michael Thies, Sören Wedow, Ronald Blöcher, Oliver Neumann, Tarek Mostafa, Werner Neddermeyer, Sönke Bahr, Sven Rasche
  • Patent number: 11619582
    Abstract: A retroreflectometer for non-contact measurements of optical characteristics of retroreflective materials from a range of distances includes a light source for emitting a light beam; a first moving mirror assembly for scanning the light beam; a collimating lens for collimating the scanning light on an illumination spot on the surface of the DUT; an imaging lens for receiving a reflected scanning light comprised of the collimated scanning light reflected from the surface of the DUT; a second moving mirror assembly for controlling a predetermined observation angle, wherein the first moving mirror assembly and the second moving mirror assembly moved in synchronization to maintain concentricity of the illumination spot on the surface of the DUT; a light collector for collecting the reflected light from the second moving mirror assembly; a processor including a memory for determining the optical characteristics of the surface of the DUT responsive to the collected reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GAMMA SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventors: Eric John Nelson, Victor Fedoriouk
  • Patent number: 11614440
    Abstract: Provided are specific cell-fractionating and -capturing methods which can fractionate and capture, respectively, specific cells (e.g., many types of cancer cells, including cancer cells not expressing EpCAM, or peripheral blood stem cells). Included is a method for fractionating specific cells present in blood or biological fluid, the method including fractionating the blood or biological fluid by centrifugation to collect the specific cells in the blood or biological fluid, the centrifugation being carried out using a container having a low protein adsorbing layer at least partially formed on the inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignees: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD., YAMAGATA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Minagawa, Masaru Tanaka, Haruka Emura, Kazuki Suto
  • Patent number: 11609178
    Abstract: An apparatus for analysing a liquid sample comprising particles, comprises: a first chamber (12) and a second chamber (14), and an optical path between the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14), wherein: the first chamber (12) is a sample chamber comprising: a sample space for receiving the sample; a light input (24) for input of light into the first chamber (12) for interaction with the sample; and an exit aperture (26) arranged for scattered and/or reflected light to pass from the first chamber via the optical path to the second chamber (14); the second chamber (14) is a detection chamber comprising: an input aperture (28) for receiving light from the optical path; and a detector (25) for detecting, or a detector aperture for receiving, light to be detected; wherein the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14) provide at least one light integrating volume, and wherein the first chamber (12) is configured such that in operation the liquid sample is present in the first chamber (12) and isolate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
    Inventors: Stephen H. Gillespie, Robert J. H. Hammond
  • Patent number: 11604345
    Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes a light source, a modulator configured to modulate light irradiated from the light source to a target object, an imaging device configured to generate image data by capturing one or more images of the target object, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to drive the modulator by a first modulation signal, the first modulation signal being for irradiating a first pattern, drive the modulator by a second modulation signal, the second signal being for irradiating a second pattern, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are irradiated alternately, modulate reflected light from the target object, the reflected light from the target object being detected at a lock-in detector, and generate an image composed of image data from the reflected light of the plurality of localized illuminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD., LINOPTX, LLC
    Inventors: Lin Pang, Tomofumi Yamamuro