Patents by Inventor Brian Patrick Stokes

Brian Patrick Stokes 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: 8711345
    Abstract: An annular position detection method provides a plurality of light emitters on a first imaginary circle centered on an axis, the emitters directing individual, well-defined, overlapping light beams to a pair of light detectors positioned on a second imaginary circle centered on that axis. The detectors include pairs of diametrically opposite photosensors producing outputs depending upon the areas thereof exposed to light from the emitters. A light blocker is rotatably mounted on the axis so that the blocker blocks light to different extents of the photosensors depending upon its orientation about the axis. The outputs from all of the photosensors are processed to produce a position signal that varies with the angular position of the blocker and the relative intensities of the emitters are adjusted so that the position signal is substantially linear at all operative angles of the blocker. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nutfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Brian Candiloro, Brian Patrick Stokes, Robert T. Milkowski
  • Patent number: 8680429
    Abstract: Techniques are described for laser-scribing a feature on a surface in relation to a reference feature on that surface, such as a feature created by a previous placement of the laser beam. In particular, using a laser beam focusing and deflection system to direct a laser scribing spot onto a surface through an optical path, an optical detection system provides reliable detection of the position of an existing feature on the surface as viewed through the optical path of the deflection system. Based on feedback provided from the detection system to the deflection system, the position of the laser beam may be modified through the deflection system in relation to the viewed feature to scribe a subsequent feature on the surface which tracks the existing feature in real time. A method of scribing to accomplish the objectives is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Instrument Associates LLC
    Inventors: Brian Patrick Stokes, Robert T. Milkowski, Jr., Carl Brian Candiloro
  • Publication number: 20120293792
    Abstract: An annular position detection method provides a plurality of light emitters on a first imaginary circle centered on an axis, the emitters directing individual, well-defined, overlapping light beams to a pair of light detectors positioned on a second imaginary circle centered on that axis. The detectors include pairs of diametrically opposite photosensors producing outputs depending upon the areas thereof exposed to light from the emitters. A light blocker is rotatably mounted on the axis so that the blocker blocks light to different extents of the photosensors depending upon its orientation about the axis. The outputs from all of the photosensors are processed to produce a position signal that varies with the angular position of the blocker and the relative intensities of the emitters are adjusted so that the position signal is substantially linear at all operative angles of the blocker. Apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Carl Brian Candiloro, Brian Patrick Stokes, Robert T. Milkowski
  • Publication number: 20110108531
    Abstract: Techniques are described for laser-scribing a feature on a surface in relation to a reference feature on that surface, such as a feature created by a previous placement of the laser beam. In particular, using a laser beam focusing and deflection system to direct a laser scribing spot onto a surface through an optical path, an optical detection system provides reliable detection of the position of an existing feature on the surface as viewed through the optical path of the deflection system. Based on feedback provided from the detection system to the deflection system, the position of the laser beam may be modified through the deflection system in relation to the viewed feature to scribe a subsequent feature on the surface which tracks the existing feature in real time. A method of scribing to accomplish the objectives is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Patrick Stokes, Robert T. Milkowski, JR., Carl Brian Candiloro