Patents by Inventor Brian J. Kross
Brian J. Kross 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: 11041795Abstract: A reflective laser-based particle detector for detecting contamination particles moving through a vacuum. Laser light is directed through a vacuum access window in the containment vessel and toward a reflective surface on an inner surface opposite the window. A photonic detector is positioned to monitor reflected laser from the opposite inner surface inside the vessel and is capable of detecting perturbations of the reflected light. The system makes use of optical interferometry techniques embodied as a photonic integrated circuit to detect the particles. The reflective laser-based system can be placed entirely outside the vacuum thereby avoiding the need for breaking the vacuum environment to check for accumulation of contaminant particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Wenze Xi, Rongli Geng, Carl Zorn, Brian J. Kross, Andrew G. Weisenberger, Jack McKisson, John McKisson
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Publication number: 20210116348Abstract: A reflective laser-based particle detector for detecting contamination particles moving through a vacuum. Laser light is directed through a vacuum access window in the containment vessel and toward a reflective surface on an inner surface opposite the window. A photonic detector is positioned to monitor reflected laser from the opposite inner surface inside the vessel and is capable of detecting perturbations of the reflected light. The system makes use of optical interferometry techniques embodied as a photonic integrated circuit to detect the particles. The reflective laser-based system can be placed entirely outside the vacuum thereby avoiding the need for breaking the vacuum environment to check for accumulation of contaminant particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2019Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Wenze Xi, Rongli Geng, Carl Zorn, Brian J. Kross, Andrew G. Weisenberger, Jack McKisson, John McKisson
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Patent number: 9711251Abstract: A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Seung Joon Lee, Brian J. Kross, John E. McKisson
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Patent number: 9618630Abstract: A radiation detection system comprising a detection grid of wavelength shifting fibers with a volume of scintillating material at the intersecting points of the fibers. Light detectors, preferably Silicon Photomultipliers, are positioned at the ends of the fibers. The position of radiation is determined from data obtained from the detection grid. The system is easily scalable, customizable, and also suitable for use in soil and underground applications. An alternate embodiment employs a fiber grid sheet or layer which is comprised of multiple fibers secured to one another within the same plane. This embodiment further includes shielding in order to prevent radiation cross-talk within the grid layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLCInventors: Brian J. Kross, Andrew Weisenberger, Carl Zorn, Wenze Xi
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Publication number: 20170059719Abstract: A radiation detection system comprising a detection grid of wavelength shifting fibers with a volume of scintillating material at the intersecting points of the fibers. Light detectors, preferably Silicon Photomultipliers, are positioned at the ends of the fibers. The position of radiation is determined from data obtained from the detection grid. The system is easily scalable, customizable, and also suitable for use in soil and underground applications. An alternate embodiment employs a fiber grid sheet or layer which is comprised of multiple fibers secured to one another within the same plane. This embodiment further includes shielding in order to prevent radiation cross-talk within the grid layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Brian J. Kross, Andrew Weisenberger, Carl Zorn, Wenze Xi
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Publication number: 20170040077Abstract: A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2015Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Seung Joon Lee, Brian J. Kross, John E. McKisson
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Patent number: 8217359Abstract: A self-aligning collimator for a radiation imaging device that is secured and aligned through the use of a plurality of small magnets. The collimator allows for the rapid exchange, removal, or addition of collimators for the radiation imaging device without the need for tools. The accompanying method discloses the use of magnets and accompanying magnetic fields to align and secure collimators in a radiation imaging assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLCInventors: Brian J. Kross, John McKisson, Aleksandr Stolin, Andrew G. Weisenberger, Carl Zorn
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Patent number: 5799124Abstract: The present invention comprises an illumination system for specialized decorative lighting including a light source, a flexible plastic tube sheath for distributing the light to a remote location, a transparent liquid core filling the tube that has an index of refraction greater than that of the plastic tube and an arrangement where light coupled from the light source is caused to leak from the liquid light guide at desired locations for the purposes of specialized lighting, such as underwater illumination in swimming pools.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Southeastern Univ. Research Assn., Inc.Inventors: Carl J. Zorn, Brian J. Kross, Stanislaw Majewski, Randolph F. Wojcik
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Patent number: 5684908Abstract: A liquid light guide system for ultraviolet light is disclosed that has a light shaping arrangement for the emitted light, a stable liquid core and sheath and reliable and effective end closures.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Southeastern Univ. Research Assn., Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Kross, Stanislaw Majewski, Carl J. Zorn, Lukasz A. Majewski
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Patent number: 5568532Abstract: An optimized examination system and method based on the Reverse Geometry X-Ray.RTM. (RGX.RTM.) radiography technique are presented. The examination system comprises a radiation source, at least one flexible, miniature radiation detector probe positioned in appropriate proximity to the object to be examined and to the radiation source with the object located between the source and the probe, a photodetector device attachable to an end of the miniature radiation probe, and a control unit integrated with a display device connected to the photodetector device. The miniature radiation detector probe comprises a scintillation element, a flexible light guide having a first end optically coupled to the scintillation element and having a second end attachable to the photodetector device, and an opaque, environmentally-resistant sheath surrounding the flexible light guide. The probe may be portable and insertable, or may be fixed in place within the object to be examined.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Southeastern Universities Research Association, Inc.Inventors: Stanislaw Majewski, Brian J. Kross, Carl J. Zorn, Lukasz A. Majewski
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Patent number: 5319203Abstract: An improved scintillator material comprising cerium fluoride is disclosed. Cerium fluoride has been found to provide a balance of good stopping power, high light yield and short decay constant that is superior to known scintillator materials such as thallium-doped sodium iodide, barium fluoride and bismuth germanate. As a result, cerium fluoride is favorably suited for use as a scintillator material in positron emission tomography.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Universities Research Association, Inc.Inventors: David F. Anderson, Brian J. Kross
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Patent number: 5134293Abstract: An improved scintillator material comprising cerium fluoride is disclosed. Cerium fluoride has been found to provide a balance of good stopping power, high light yield and short decay constant that is superior to known scintillator materials such as thallium-doped sodium iodide, barium fluoride and bismuth germanate. As a result, cerium fluoride is favorably suited for use as a scintillator material in positron emission tomography.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1988Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: Universities Research Association, Inc.Inventors: David F. Anderson, Brian J. Kross