Patents by Inventor Benjamin F. Catching
Benjamin F. Catching 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: 12281978Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2022Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
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Patent number: 12135239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 11542596Abstract: A coating system may include a coating chamber; a substrate holder to move a substrate along a motion path; and a sensor device in the coating chamber, wherein the sensor device is configured to move along the motion path, and wherein the sensor device is to perform a spectral measurement on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Markus K. Tilsch, Benjamin F. Catching
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Patent number: 11442004Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
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Publication number: 20220146308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 11237049Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Publication number: 20200309680Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
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Patent number: 10753793Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 10718663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 10690590Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
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Patent number: 10481100Abstract: Increasing the precision of process monitoring may be improved if the sensors take the form of traveling probes riding along with the flowing materials in the manufacturing process rather than sample only when the process moves passed the sensors fixed location. The probe includes an outer housing hermetically sealed from the flowing materials, and a light source for transmitting light through a window in the housing onto the flowing materials. A spatially variable optical filter (SVF) captures light returning from the flowing materials, and separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals for transmission to a detector array, which provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Curtis R. Hruska, Paula Smith, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 10422743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten
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Patent number: 10222325Abstract: A portable spectrometer device includes an illumination source for directing at a sample, and a tapered light pipe (TLP) for capturing light interacting with the sample at a first focal ratio and for delivering the light at a second focal ratio lower than the first focal ratio. A linearly variable filter (LVF) separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals; and a detector array, including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels disposed to receive at least a portion of a plurality of the constituent wavelength signals provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength. Preferably, the TLP is lensed at one end, and recessed in a protective boot with stepped inner walls. The gap between the TLP and LVF is minimized to further enhance resolution and robustness.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Charles A. Hulse, Brett J. Bryars, Marc K. Von Gunten, Christopher G. Pederson, Nada A. O'Brien, Jerry Zieba, Benjamin F. Catching
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Patent number: 10190910Abstract: An optical filter is disclosed including two laterally variable bandpass filters stacked at a fixed distance from each other, so that the upstream filter functions as a spatial filter for the downstream filter. This happens because an oblique beam transmitted by the upstream filter is displaced laterally when impinging on the downstream filter. The lateral displacement causes 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paula Smith
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Patent number: 10048127Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Paula Smith, Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Paul G. Coombs
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Publication number: 20180156723Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Curtis R. HRUSKA, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten
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Patent number: 9945790Abstract: Increasing the precision of process monitoring may be improved if the sensors take the form of travelling probes riding along with the flowing materials in the manufacturing process rather than sample only when the process moves passed the sensors fixed location. The probe includes an outer housing hermetically sealed from the flowing materials, and a light source for transmitting light through a window in the housing onto the flowing materials. A spatially variable optical filter (SVF) captures light returning from the flowing materials, and separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals for transmission to a detector array, which provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Curtis R. Hruska, Paula Smith, Paul G. Coombs
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Patent number: 9885655Abstract: 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 separate guiding of the illuminating and the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Viavi Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten
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Publication number: 20170284930Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Curtis R. HRUSKA, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
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Patent number: 9671330Abstract: A portable spectrometer device includes an illumination source for directing at a sample, and a tapered light pipe (TLP) for capturing light interacting with the sample at a first focal ratio and for delivering the light at a second focal ratio lower than the first focal ratio. A linearly variable filter (LVF) separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals; and a detector array, including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels disposed to receive at least a portion of a plurality of the constituent wavelength signals provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength. Preferably, the TLP is lensed at one end, and recessed in a protective boot with stepped inner walls. The gap between the TLP and LVF is minimized to further enhance resolution and robustness.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Viavi Solutions Inc.Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Charles A. Hulse, Brett J. Bryars, Marc K. Von Gunten, Christopher G. Pederson, Nada A. O'Brien, Jerry Zieba, Benjamin F. Catching