Patents Examined by Shawn Decenzo
  • Patent number: 10874062
    Abstract: First beam source radiates a near infrared reference beam of 905 nm, in which light tends not to be absorbed in water toward a leaf of a plant. Second beam source radiates a near infrared measuring beam of 1550 nm, in which light tends to be absorbed in water toward the leaf of the plant. Threshold level setter/water content index detector calculates a water content index of one leaf as a total sum ? Ln(I905/I1550) of the reflection intensity ratio. Controller displays a graph representing a total sum of water content of the leaf and a pixel average value as a time-transition of the water content contained in the plant from the start of the measurement period on a UI screen of a monitor. Viewed from the first and second beam sources, a white reference substrate covering a back surface of the leaf is disposed on the leaf of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujiyama, Yuuji Terashima
  • Patent number: 10871395
    Abstract: A system which may be used to increase the number of available spectrum bands in an inspection system is provided. The system may include an illumination source configured to emit broadband illumination. The system may also include a filter assembly including two or more filter units. The two or more filter units may include two or more filters with one or more varying filtering characteristics. The system may also include two or more motors configured to selectively actuate selected filters of the filter units into the beam of illumination. Using the system, the number of available spectrum bands to be used in an inspection system may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: KLA Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Nesbitt, Jagadeesh Kumar, David C. Oram
  • Patent number: 10859488
    Abstract: A sample holder includes a slide, containing a depression in a surface of the slide. A cover slip is fixed to the slide over the depression so as to define a sample chamber, while leaving a loading area of the depression uncovered, so that a liquid sample deposited in the loading area is drawn into the sample chamber by capillary action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: MES MEDICAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Ben Shoshan, Lior Shriki, Marcia Deutsch
  • Patent number: 10855053
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) in which the MEMS mirror is bonded to the active region. This allows for a separate electrostatic cavity that is outside the laser's optical resonant cavity. Moreover, the use of this cavity configuration allows the MEMS mirror to be tuned by pulling the mirror away from the active region. This reduces the risk of snap down. Moreover, since the MEMS mirror is now bonded to the active region, much wider latitude is available in the technologies that are used to fabricate the MEMS mirror. This is preferably deployed as a swept source in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Mark E. Kuznetsov, Walid A. Atia, Bartley C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10852137
    Abstract: A waveguide optical gyroscope includes a multilayer waveguide rotation sensor fabricated on a substrate. The multilayer waveguide rotation sensor includes one or more overlaying non-intersecting, spiraling coils that are vertically separated to reduce or eliminate optical cross coupling. The waveguides are optically coupled by a vertical waveguide and are optically coupled to the other components of the optical gyroscope, including a light source and detector, which may be integrated or fabricated on the substrate. A lithium niobate phase modulator chip may be disposed on the substrate and optically coupled to the waveguides in the multilayer waveguide rotation sensor. The multilayer waveguide rotation sensor enables a small cross section for the guiding channels thereby achieving a high coil density in a small volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Gener8, LLC
    Inventors: William K. Bischel, Lothar A. Reichertz
  • Patent number: 10845316
    Abstract: An installation (2) for optically inspecting containers (3) includes a support table (7) for containers, which table has a slide plate (8) on which the bottom of a container stands. The slide plate (8) includes a portion (18) that is movable under the action of an actuator (19) to move the movable portion (18) between a transfer position in which the movable portion is flush with the table, and an inspection position in which the movable portion (18) is set back relative to the slide plate (8). A light source (14) and a light sensor (15) are positioned so that, in the inspection position of the movable portion, the sensor can receive a light beam propagating in an inspection volume (V) in which there is situated at least a portion of the bottom (4) of the container spaced apart from the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TIAMA
    Inventor: Antonio Pinto
  • Patent number: 10823614
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a variable sized aperture for an imaging device includes a first plate having a first plurality of plate apertures extending therethrough and a second plate having a second plurality of plate apertures extending therethrough. A first motor is operably connected to the first plate and a second motor is operably connected to the second plate. The first and second motors are configured to move the first plate and the second plate with respect to one another so as to align any of the first plurality of plate apertures with any of the second plurality of plate apertures to define a plurality of light beam apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC
    Inventor: John Magie Coffin
  • Patent number: 10825666
    Abstract: Provided is a plasma monitoring apparatus including an objective lens configured to collect light that is emitted from plasma and passes through an optical window of a chamber, a beam splitter configured to divide the light collected by the objective lens into first light and second light, a first optical system and a second optical system that are provided on a first optical path of the first light and a second optical path of the second light, respectively, the first optical system and the second optical system having different focal lengths such that focal points of the first optical system and the second optical system are set at different regions in the plasma, and a light detector configured to detect the first light that has passed through the first optical system and the second light that has passed through the second optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyeong-Hun Kim, Jeong-Il Mun, Hyung-Joo Lee, Jong-Woo Sun, Dong-Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 10823615
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a hyperspectral imaging apparatus. The hyperspectral imaging apparatus includes a micro-lens array having a plurality of micro-lenses; and a filter array having a plurality of tunable filters. Each of the plurality of tunable filters is optically coupled to a respective micro-lens of the plurality of micro-lenses. Each micro-lens and the corresponding coupled tunable filter are configured to generate a spectrally filtered image of a scene, such that the micro-lens array and the filter array generate a plurality of spectrally filtered images of the scene for receiving by a plurality of areas of an image sensor. Each of the plurality of tunable filters is tunable to transmit a selected wavelength within a respective spectral band, wherein the spectral bands of the plurality of tunable filters are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Zi En Ooi, Jie Zhang, Siew Lay Lim
  • Patent number: 10816476
    Abstract: A process of analyzing a sample by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) includes providing a sample having a sample surface within a vacuum chamber, performing a Raman spectroscopic analysis on a plurality of selected areas of the sample surface within the vacuum chamber to map an area of the sample surface comprising the selected areas, the Raman spectroscopic analysis including identifying one or more face in one or more of the selected areas of the sample surface, and performing an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of one or more selected areas of the sample surface containing at least one chemical and/or structural feature identified by the Raman spectroscopic analysis, wherein the duration of the XPS analysis of a given selected area of the sample surface is longer than the duration of the Raman spectroscopic analysis of that given selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: VG SYSTEMS LIMITED, THERMO ELECTRON SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Sion Nunney, Christopher Kenneth Glenister, Matthew Wayne Meyer, Noah Hibbard
  • Patent number: 10806234
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for analyzing hair and/or predicting an outcome of hair-coloring treatment. disclosed is method of predicting a result of a hair-color-modifying treatment on a sample of hair, the method comprising: a. for each given region of a plurality of distinct regions, respectively measuring a region-specific spectrum of respective material of the hair-sample respectively disposed within the given region; and b. computing first and second predicted post-treatment spectra respectively from first and second initial spectra by respectively predicting a transformation of the first and second initial spectra following subjecting the sample of hair to the hair-color-modifying treatment, the first and second initial spectra being distinct and (i) derived from the plurality of measured region-specific spectra and/or (ii) corresponding to first and second of the measured region-specific spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: COLORIGHT LTD.
    Inventors: Efraim Miklatzky, Daniel Mandelik, Gilad Davara, Eliyahu Benny, Oded Livneh, Tal Marcu, Thierry Wasserman
  • Patent number: 10809626
    Abstract: A vector partially coherent source (VPCS) generator includes a laser that emits coherent light; an interferometer consisting of polarizing beam splitters (PBSs) to split the laser light into its vertical and horizontal polarization components;] first and second spatial light modulators (SLMs) that respectively control the vertical and horizontal polarization components; and a control system communicatively coupled to the first and second SLMs to adjust beam shape and coherence without physically moving or removing optical elements in the interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Milo W. Hyde, IV, Santasri R. Bose-Pillai
  • Patent number: 10799099
    Abstract: Provided are an optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus and a method for using the same, whereby an image can be acquired in which the effect of unnecessary matter near a sample is reduced. An optical interference tomographic image generating apparatus is provided with an OCT control device for performing image processing for vertically inverting an image generated from a detection signal in the case of a setting whereby a reference mirror is disposed so that the optical path length of a reference optical path matches the optical path length of a sample optical path having as a reference position a position at a greater depth along the optical axis of a sample than a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The Yoshida Dental Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kakuma
  • Patent number: 10786925
    Abstract: A sawing inspection system to measure dimensions of a cant that has been cut into pieces is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a window, an image sensor, a first mirror, and a second mirror. The first mirror includes a concave parabolic reflective surface and a focal point, and the second mirror includes a flat, reflective surface. The focal point is where parallel rays of light that enter the housing through the window and reflect off of the concave parabolic reflective surface intersect. The second mirror is positioned to reflect toward the focal point the parallel rays of light reflected by the first mirror. The image sensor is located at the focal point. At least one of the first mirror, the second mirror, and the image sensor is movable relative to the others to remove parallax error from the measurement of the pieces of the cant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: OnSize Inc.
    Inventor: Earl M. Barker
  • Patent number: 10788413
    Abstract: Method for distinguishing between red blood cells and white blood cells. The method includes obliquely illuminating the blood sample with light from at least two rotational angles and analyzing light side scattered from cells in the sample to provide accurate discrimination of white blood cell types based on the anisotropy of red blood cell side scatter as compared to more isotropic white blood cell side scatter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jason Michael Tucker-Schwartz, Shivang R. Dave
  • Patent number: 10772506
    Abstract: An apparatus for dental confocal imaging comprises an illumination module for generating an array of light beams, an optics system for confocal focusing of the array of light beams and a probe head with a light-guiding part having an entrance face and an exit face. The illumination module, the optics system and the probe head are arranged such that the array of light beams from the illumination module passes through the optics system, enters the light-guiding part via the entrance face and exits the light-guiding part via the exit face. The optics system is configured such that, after having passed through the optics system, the outermost marginal rays of the outermost light beams with respect to the optical axis of the optics system are parallel or divergent to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yossef Atiya, Tal Verker, Nir Makmel
  • Patent number: 10760896
    Abstract: An ellipsometer includes a light source, a polarizer, an asymmetric wavelength retarder, an analyzer and an optical detection component. The light source is configured to provide a light beam having multiple wavelengths incident to a sample. The polarizer is disposed between the light source and the sample, and configured to polarize the light beam. The asymmetric wavelength retarder is configured to provide a varied retardation effect on the light beam varied by wavelength. The analyzer is configured to analyze a polarization state of the light beam reflected by the sample. The optical detection component is configured to detect the light beam from the analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Feng Yuan Hsu, Chi-Ming Yang, Ching-Hsiang Hsu, Chyi Shyuan Chern
  • Patent number: 10753793
    Abstract: An optical assembly is disclosed including two laterally variable bandpass optical filters stacked at a fixed distance from each other, so that the upstream filter functions as a spatial filter for the downstream filter. The lateral displacement may cause a suppression of the oblique beam when transmission passbands at impinging locations of the oblique beam onto the upstream and downstream filters do not overlap. A photodetector array may be disposed downstream of the downstream filter. The optical assembly may be coupled via a variety of optical conduits or optical fibers for spectroscopic measurements of a flowing sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
  • Patent number: 10743776
    Abstract: A system for measuring the blood loss comprises a measuring device that determines a hemoglobin concentration of fluid within a container utilizing a light source and a light detector. The container receives blood and other fluids from a patient during a medical procedure. Light from the light source is passed through the blood and other fluids in the container and is detected by the light detector. Based upon a magnitude of light detected, a hemoglobin concentration of the fluid in the container can be determined. A volume-measuring device determines the volume of blood and fluid in the container. Knowing the hemoglobin concentration and volume of fluid in the container, the volume of patient blood loss in the container can be determined. The blood loss measuring device in combination with infusion systems maintains a real-blood volume status so that proper infusion of blood, crystalloid and/or colloid solutions occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MAJELCO MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alfred Akerman, Stephen W. Allison, Matthew B. Scudiere, Michael R. Cates, David L. Beshears, Lara M. Brewer Cates, Adan James Akerman, Annette MacIntyre
  • Patent number: 10743749
    Abstract: A catheter system includes an electronic console; a catheter having a proximal end attachable to the console and a distal end configured to house therein an optical probe; an optical fiber configured to transmit from the console to the optical probe excitation radiation of a first wavelength, and configured to return to the console an optical response signal having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength; a detector configured to detect intensity of the optical response signal; and a processor configured to determine, based on the detected intensity of the optical response signal, whether the catheter is properly connected to the console. The optical response signal is generated within the optical fiber itself in response to transmitting the excitation radiation therethrough. The optical response signal is an auto-fluorescence signal and/or Raman scattering signal generated from the optical fiber itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Canon U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Yamada