Patents by Inventor Allen M. Waxman
Allen M. Waxman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11686677Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach offering improved detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from locations along the reflector installment. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored. Optical absorption signatures from leaking gas crossing the optical curtain can be used to detect, localize, and obtain quantitative measures characterizing the leak.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Patent number: 11493437Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission from within a site to be monitored. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from a plurality of sampled locations along the reflector installment, for example by imaging multiple sampled locations at a time and/or scanning an instantaneous field of view (ifov) of the optical sensor. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to sampled locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Publication number: 20220099568Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach offering improved detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from locations along the reflector installment. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored. Optical absorption signatures from leaking gas crossing the optical curtain can be used to detect, localize, and obtain quantitative measures characterizing the leak.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Patent number: 11143572Abstract: This invention consists of sensors and algorithms to image, detect, and quantify the presence of hydrocarbon gas (for example from leaks) using a short-wave infrared radiation detector array with multiple spectral filters under natural sunlight or artificial illumination, in combination with the hydrodynamics of turbulent gas jets and buoyant plumes. Multiple embodiments are recited and address detection and quantification of methane gas leaks. Quantification includes gas column densities, gas concentration estimates, total mass, hole size estimates, and estimated emission flux (leak rate) of gas from holes and cracks in pressurized vessels, pipes, components, and general gas infrastructure, and from surface patches (for example due to gas leaks in underground pipes) under the action of buoyancy and wind.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Publication number: 20210223169Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission from within a site to be monitored. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from a plurality of sampled locations along the reflector installment, for example by imaging multiple sampled locations at a time and/or scanning an instantaneous field of view (ifov) of the optical sensor. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to sampled locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Patent number: 10976245Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission from within a site to be monitored. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from a plurality of sampled locations along the reflector installment, for example by imaging multiple sampled locations at a time and/or scanning an instantaneous field of view (ifov) of the optical sensor. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to sampled locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Patent number: 10921243Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks. The imaging technology described herein utilizes a scanning optical sensor in combination with structured and scannable illumination to detect and image spectral signatures produced by absorption of light by leaking gas in a quantitative manner over wide areas, at distance, and in the presence of background such as ambient gas and vapor. Moreover, the specifically structured and scannable illumination source of the systems and methods described herein provides a consistent source of illumination for the scanning optical sensor, allowing imaging to be performed even in the absence of sufficient natural light, such as sunlight. The imaging approaches described herein can, accordingly, be used for a variety of gas leak detection, emissions monitoring, and safety applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Terrence K. Jones, Jason M. Bylsma, Stefan Bokaemper
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Publication number: 20200240906Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas emission from within a site to be monitored. The imaging technology described herein utilizes an optical sensor and broadband illumination in combination with specialized reflector installments mounted about the site. The optical sensor detects light (e.g., reflected) from a plurality of sampled locations along the reflector installment, for example by imaging multiple sampled locations at a time and/or scanning an instantaneous field of view (ifov) of the optical sensor. Lines-of-sight from the optical sensor to sampled locations along the reflector installment sweep out an “optical curtain” partially enclosing and/or forming a boundary near various assets to be monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence K. Jones, Claude V. Robotham
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Patent number: 10436710Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapidly detecting, localizing, imaging, and quantifying leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases. Scanning sensors, scan patterns, and data processing algorithms enable monitoring a site to rapidly detect, localize, image, and quantify amounts and rates of hydrocarbon leaks. Multispectral short-wave infrared detectors sense non-thermal infrared radiation from natural solar or artificial illumination sources by differential absorption spectroscopy. A multispectral sensor is scanned to envelop an area of interest, detect the presence and location of a leak, and raster scan the area around the leak to create an image of the leak. The resulting absorption image related to differential spectral optical depth is color mapped to render the degree of gas absorption across the scene. Analysis of this optical depth image, with factors including known inline pressures and/or surface wind speed measurements, enable estimation of the leak rate, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Publication number: 20190277753Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks. The imaging technology described herein utilizes a scanning optical sensor in combination with structured and scannable illumination to detect and image spectral signatures produced by absorption of light by leaking gas in a quantitative manner over wide areas, at distance, and in the presence of background such as ambient gas and vapor. Moreover, the specifically structured and scannable illumination source of the systems and methods described herein provides a consistent source of illumination for the scanning optical sensor, allowing imaging to be performed even in the absence of sufficient natural light, such as sunlight. The imaging approaches described herein can, accordingly, be used for a variety of gas leak detection, emissions monitoring, and safety applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Terrence K. Jones, Jason M. Bylsma, Stefan Bokaemper
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Patent number: 10371627Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks. The imaging technology described herein utilizes a scanning optical sensor in combination with structured and scannable illumination to detect and image spectral signatures produced by absorption of light by leaking gas in a quantitative manner over wide areas, at distance, and in the presence of background such as ambient gas and vapor. Moreover, the specifically structured and scannable illumination source of the systems and methods described herein provides a consistent source of illumination for the scanning optical sensor, allowing imaging to be performed even in the absence of sufficient natural light, such as sunlight. The imaging approaches described herein can, accordingly, be used for a variety of gas leak detection, emissions monitoring, and safety applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Terrence K. Jones, Jason M. Bylsma, Stefan Bokaemper
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Publication number: 20190195725Abstract: This invention consists of sensors and algorithms to image, detect, and quantify the presence of hydrocarbon gas (for example from leaks) using a short-wave infrared radiation detector array with multiple spectral filters under natural sunlight or artificial illumination, in combination with the hydrodynamics of turbulent gas jets and buoyant plumes. Multiple embodiments are recited and address detection and quantification of methane gas leaks. Quantification includes gas column densities, gas concentration estimates, total mass, hole size estimates, and estimated emission flux (leak rate) of gas from holes and cracks in pressurized vessels, pipes, components, and general gas infrastructure, and from surface patches (for example due to gas leaks in underground pipes) under the action of buoyancy and wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Publication number: 20190145891Abstract: Presented herein are systems and methods directed to a multispectral absorption-based imaging approach that provides for rapid and accurate detection, localization, and quantification of gas leaks. The imaging technology described herein utilizes a scanning optical sensor in combination with structured and scannable illumination to detect and image spectral signatures produced by absorption of light by leaking gas in a quantitative manner over wide areas, at distance, and in the presence of background such as ambient gas and vapor. Moreover, the specifically structured and scannable illumination source of the systems and methods described herein provides a consistent source of illumination for the scanning optical sensor, allowing imaging to be performed even in the absence of sufficient natural light, such as sunlight. The imaging approaches described herein can, accordingly, be used for a variety of gas leak detection, emissions monitoring, and safety applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Terrence K. Jones, Jason M. Bylsma, Stefan Bokaemper
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Publication number: 20190137390Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapidly detecting, localizing, imaging, and quantifying leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases. Scanning sensors, scan patterns, and data processing algorithms enable monitoring a site to rapidly detect, localize, image, and quantify amounts and rates of hydrocarbon leaks. Multispectral short-wave infrared detectors sense non-thermal infrared radiation from natural solar or artificial illumination sources by differential absorption spectroscopy. A multispectral sensor is scanned to envelop an area of interest, detect the presence and location of a leak, and raster scan the area around the leak to create an image of the leak. The resulting absorption image related to differential spectral optical depth is color mapped to render the degree of gas absorption across the scene. Analysis of this optical depth image, with factors including known inline pressures and/or surface wind speed measurements, enable estimation of the leak rate, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Patent number: 10197470Abstract: This invention consists of sensors and algorithms to image, detect, and quantify the presence of hydrocarbon gas (for example from leaks) using a short-wave infrared radiation detector array with multiple spectral filters under natural sunlight or artificial illumination, in combination with the hydrodynamics of turbulent gas jets and buoyant plumes. Multiple embodiments are recited and address detection and quantification of methane gas leaks. Quantification includes gas column densities, gas concentration estimates, total mass, hole size estimates, and estimated emission flux (leak rate) of gas from holes and cracks in pressurized vessels, pipes, components, and general gas infrastructure, and from surface patches (for example due to gas leaks in underground pipes) under the action of buoyancy and wind.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Patent number: 10190976Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapidly detecting, localizing, imaging, and quantifying leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases. Scanning sensors, scan patterns, and data processing algorithms enable monitoring a site to rapidly detect, localize, image, and quantify amounts and rates of hydrocarbon leaks. Multispectral short-wave infrared detectors sense non-thermal infrared radiation from natural solar or artificial illumination sources by differential absorption spectroscopy. A multispectral sensor is scanned to envelop an area of interest, detect the presence and location of a leak, and raster scan the area around the leak to create an image of the leak. The resulting absorption image related to differential spectral optical depth is color mapped to render the degree of gas absorption across the scene. Analysis of this optical depth image, with factors including known inline pressures and/or surface wind speed measurements, enable estimation of the leak rate, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: MultiSensor Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Publication number: 20180266944Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapidly detecting, localizing, imaging, and quantifying leaks of natural gas and other hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases. Scanning sensors, scan patterns, and data processing algorithms enable monitoring a site to rapidly detect, localize, image, and quantify amounts and rates of hydrocarbon leaks. Multispectral short-wave infrared detectors sense non-thermal infrared radiation from natural solar or artificial illumination sources by differential absorption spectroscopy. A multispectral sensor is scanned to envelop an area of interest, detect the presence and location of a leak, and raster scan the area around the leak to create an image of the leak. The resulting absorption image related to differential spectral optical depth is color mapped to render the degree of gas absorption across the scene. Analysis of this optical depth image, with factors including known inline pressures and/or surface wind speed measurements, enable estimation of the leak rate, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Publication number: 20170336281Abstract: This invention consists of sensors and algorithms to image, detect, and quantify the presence of hydrocarbon gas (for example from leaks) using a short-wave infrared radiation detector array with multiple spectral filters under natural sunlight or artificial illumination, in combination with the hydrodynamics of turbulent gas jets and buoyant plumes. Multiple embodiments are recited and address detection and quantification of methane gas leaks. Quantification includes gas column densities, gas concentration estimates, total mass, hole size estimates, and estimated emission flux (leak rate) of gas from holes and cracks in pressurized vessels, pipes, components, and general gas infrastructure, and from surface patches (for example due to gas leaks in underground pipes) under the action of buoyancy and wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Allen M. Waxman, Jason M. Bylsma, Allan Vaitses
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Patent number: 5909244Abstract: An imaging system is provided for imaging a scene to produce a sequence of image frames of the scene at a frame rate, R, of at least about 25 image frames per second. The system includes an optical input port, a charge-coupled imaging device, an analog signal processor, and an analog-to-digital processor (A/D). The A/D digitizes the amplified pixel signal to produce a digital image signal formatted as a sequence of image frames each of a plurality of digital pixel values and having a dynamic range of digital pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, B, where B is greater than 8. A digital image processor is provided for processing digital pixel values in the sequence of image frames to produce an output image frame sequence at the frame rate, R, representative of the imaged scene, with a latency of no more than about 1/R and a dynamic range of image frame pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, D, where D is less than B.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Allen M. Waxman, Alan N. Gove, David A. Fay, James E. Carrick
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Patent number: 5880777Abstract: An imaging system is provided for imaging a scene to produce a sequence of image frames of the scene at a frame rate, R, of at least about 25 image frames per second. The system includes an optical input port, a charge-coupled imaging device, an analog signal processor, and an analog-to-digital processor (A/D). The A/D digitizes the amplified pixel signal to produce a digital image signal formatted as a sequence of image frames each of a plurality of digital pixel values and having a dynamic range of digital pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, B, where B is greater than 8. A digital image processor is provided for processing digital pixel values in the sequence of image frames to produce an output image frame sequence at the frame rate, R, representative of the imaged scene, with a latency of no more than about 1/R and a dynamic range of image frame pixel values represented by a number of digital bits, D, where D is less than B.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Eugene D. Savoye, Allen M. Waxman, Robert K. Reich, Barry E. Burke, James A. Gregory, William H. McGonagle, Andrew H. Loomis, Bernard B. Kosicki, Robert W. Mountain, Alan N. Gove, David A. Fay, James E. Carrick