Patents by Inventor Brian J E Smith

Brian J E Smith 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).

  • Spectroscopic probe
    Patent number: 6809813
    Abstract: A spectroscopic probe includes a monolithic block (10) of transparent material and GRIN lenses (20, 22, 24). Light for illuminating a sample is delivered by an optical fiber (31), and light scattered by the sample is output by an optical fiber (33). The block (10) has opposing angled faces (12A, 12B), coated with a dichroic filter coating and a reflective coating respectively. A method for making blocks (10) is also disclosed, in which the coatings are first provided on a large sheet, and blocks (10) are then cut from the sheet using angled cuts. Since the coated block reduces the number of components required, the probe can be miniaturized, e.g. for use in an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Brian J E Smith
  • Spectroscopic probe
    Publication number: 20020159055
    Abstract: A spectroscopic probe includes a monolithic block (10) of transparent material and GRIN lenses (20,22,24). Light for illuminating a sample is delivered by an optical fiber (31), and light scattered by the sample is output by an optical fiber (33). The block (10) has opposing angled faces (12A, 12B), coated with a dichroic filter coating and a reflective coating respectively. A method for making blocks (10) is also disclosed in which the coatings are first provided on a large sheet, and blocks (10) are then cut from the sheet using angled cuts. Since the coated block reduces the number of components required, the probe can be miniaturized, e.g. for use in an endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Brian J E Smith
  • Mounting for optical components
    Patent number: 6322223
    Abstract: A mounting for optical components, e.g. in spectroscopic apparatus, has a rotatable baseplate 10, on which a plurality of quadrant-shaped mounting plates 12 can be kinematically located. Each mounting plate 12 carries respective optical components, which can be brought into and out of an optical path by rotation of the base plate 10. One or more of the mounting plates 12 carries both a housing 14 for components such as filters 20,22 and also a beam steering mirror 24 on a bracket 16. A gap is provided between the housing 14 and the mirror 24, so that the light beam 30 in the optical path can pass unhindered through the gap when this mounting plate is in an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Brian J E Smith, Roger M Badland