Patents by Inventor Brandon W. Blackburn

Brandon W. Blackburn 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).

  • Patent number: 9330882
    Abstract: A particle beam detector is disclosed. The particle beam detector can include a particle beam receiving portion configured to convert particle beam energy to heat, and a plurality of temperature measuring devices disposed about the particle beam receiving portion. A location of a particle beam on the particle beam receiving portion can be determined by a temperature difference between at least two of the plurality of temperature measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Bruce Chignola, Timothy M. Norcott, Brandon W. Blackburn, Paul F. Martin, Kenneth A. Levenson
  • Publication number: 20160035536
    Abstract: A particle beam detector is disclosed. The particle beam detector can include a particle beam receiving portion configured to convert particle beam energy to heat, and a plurality of temperature measuring devices disposed about the particle beam receiving portion. A location of a particle beam on the particle beam receiving portion can be determined by a temperature difference between at least two of the plurality of temperature measuring devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce Chignola, Timothy M. Norcott, Brandon W. Blackburn, Paul F. Martin, Kenneth A. Levenson
  • Patent number: 9046619
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture images of fluorescence generated by ionizing radiation and determine a position of a beam of ionizing radiation generating the fluorescence from the captured images. In one embodiment, the fluorescence is the result of ionization and recombination of nitrogen in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: Raytheon Company, U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, David L. Chichester, Scott M. Watson, James T. Johnson, Mathew T. Kinlaw
  • Patent number: 8716670
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a detector system to detect gamma and neutron radiation. In one embodiment, a detector comprises a tank to hold a liquid, a plurality of tubes adjacent the tank to detect neutrons, and a plurality of photon detectors to detect Cherenkov light generated by gamma radiation in the liquid. The tank is configured to contain the liquid so that the liquid generates the Cherenkov light and moderates the neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Michael V. Hynes, Anthony G. Galaitsis, Bernard Harris, Erik D. Johnson, Bruce William Chignola
  • Patent number: 8658978
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a radiation monitor. In one embodiment, a radiator monitor comprises a housing, a detector material having an adjustable density in the housing, an optical coupler adjacent the detector material to receive Cherenkov energy generated in the detector material, a photodetector coupled to the optical coupler, and a processing module coupled to the photodetector to determine whether a detection threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Kevin Perry
  • Patent number: 8625744
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, devices, systems, and/or methods for real-time detection of a concealed or camouflaged explosive device (e.g., EFPs and IEDs) from a safe stand-off distance. Apparatus, system and/or methods of the disclosure may also be operable to identify and/or spatially locate and/or detect an explosive device. An apparatus or system may comprise an x-ray generator that generates high-energy x-rays and/or electrons operable to contact and activate a metal comprised in an explosive device from a stand-off distance; and a detector operable to detect activation of the metal. Identifying an explosive device may comprise detecting characteristic radiation signatures emitted by metals specific to an EFP, an IED or a landmine. Apparatus and systems of the disclosure may be mounted on vehicles and methods of the disclosure may be performed while moving in the vehicle and from a safe stand-off distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: U.S. Department of Energy, Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Alan W. Hunt, David L. Chichester
  • Publication number: 20130168566
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a detector system to detect gamma and neutron radiation. In one embodiment, a detector comprises a tank to hold a liquid, a plurality of tubes adjacent the tank to detect neutrons, and a plurality of photon detectors to detect Cherenkov light generated by gamma radiation in the liquid. The tank is configured to contain the liquid so that the liquid generates the Cherenkov light and moderates the neutrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Michael V. Hynes, Anthony G. Galaitsis, Bernard Harris, Erik D. Johnson, Bruce William Chignola
  • Publication number: 20130168556
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a radiation monitor. In one embodiment, a radiator monitor comprises a housing, a detector material having an adjustable density in the housing, an optical coupler adjacent the detector material to receive Cherenkov energy generated in the detector material, a photodetector coupled to the optical coupler, and a processing module coupled to the photodetector to determine whether a detection threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Kevin Perry
  • Publication number: 20130153773
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture images of fluorescence generated by ionizing radiation and determine a position of a beam of ionizing radiation generating the fluorescence from the captured images. In one embodiment, the fluorescence is the result of ionization and recombination of nitrogen in air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, David L. Chichester, Scott M. Watson, James T. Johnson, Mathew T. Kinlaw
  • Patent number: 7978805
    Abstract: A neutron source includes a low atomic number element target that is bombarded by incident energetic particles to provide a neutron flux. The source receives a controlled flow of liquid gallium that cools the target. The energetic particles may be for example protons or deuterons and the target is housed in a moderator/reflector assembly. Advantageously, the liquid gallium provides improved heat transfer, smaller flow rates and reduced stress on the target in comparison to prior art liquid coolants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Brandon W. Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20110121979
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, devices, systems, and/or methods for real-time detection of a concealed or camouflaged explosive device (e.g., EFPs and IEDs) from a safe stand-off distance. Apparatus, system and/or methods of the disclosure may also be operable to identify and/or spatially locate and/or detect an explosive device. An apparatus or system may comprise an x-ray generator that generates high-energy x-rays and/or electrons operable to contact and activate a metal comprised in an explosive device from a stand-off distance; and a detector operable to detect activation of the metal. Identifying an explosive device may comprise detecting characteristic radiation signatures emitted by metals specific to an EFP, an IED or a landmine. Apparatus and systems of the disclosure may be mounted on vehicles and methods of the disclosure may be performed while moving in the vehicle and from a safe stand-off distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Brandon W. Blackburn, Alan W. Hunt, David L. Chichester