Patents by Inventor Craig Aker
Craig Aker 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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Publication number: 20220221398Abstract: Analyte survey systems (100) and related techniques are provided to improve the operation of handheld or unmanned mobile sensor or survey platforms. An analyte survey system includes a logic device (112) configured to communicate with a communication module (164) and a sensor assembly (166) of a modular sensor core (160), where the communication module is configured to establish a wireless communication link with a base station (130) associated with the modular sensor core and/or a mobile sensor platform (110) and the sensor assembly is configured to provide analyte sensor data as the modular sensor core is maneuvered within a survey area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Craig Aker, John Lynch, Matthew Szabo, Clinton M. Wichert, Robert C. Proebstel, Philip Tackett, Markus Erbeldinger
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Patent number: 11249010Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement, operate, and manufacture a chemical detection device. In one embodiment, a device includes a flow path comprising an analyte reporter configured to receive samples passed by the flow path. The device also includes an excitation source configured generate a response from the analyte reporter. The device also includes a detector configured to receive the response from the analyte reporter to determine whether the samples comprise a material of interest. The device also includes a support structure configured to position the flow path relative to the excitation source and the detector, wherein the support structure comprises a carbon filled polymer material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.Inventors: Chris Willis, Craig A. Aker
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Patent number: 11079362Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.Inventors: Craig Aker, Steven Keen, Lara Wald, Mark Fisher
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Publication number: 20200309677Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement, operate, and manufacture a chemical detection device. In one embodiment, a device includes a flow path comprising an analyte reporter configured to receive samples passed by the flow path. The device also includes an excitation source configured generate a response from the analyte reporter. The device also includes a detector configured to receive the response from the analyte reporter to determine whether the samples comprise a material of interest. The device also includes a support structure configured to position the flow path relative to the excitation source and the detector, wherein the support structure comprises a carbon filled polymer material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Chris Willis, Craig A. Aker
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Patent number: 10621888Abstract: Various techniques are provided to permit location agnostic playback of local video files on mobile devices used in the field. For example, such local video files may include recordings of real world human interactions with the mobile device demonstrating a plurality of tasks using the mobile device. The local video files may be used, for example, for in field training of the users without requiring access to communication resources while in the field. In some cases, the local video files may be implemented in a language agnostic manner to permit users to be trained effectively in the field without requiring language translation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.Inventors: Clinton M. Wichert, Patrick Herdman, Craig Aker
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Patent number: 10288832Abstract: Disclosed is an analyte detector with a light blocking assembly. The light blocking assembly includes a light blocking cartridge positioned within the bore of a sampling tip. The light blocking assembly provides fluid communication between the environment and a sensor assembly in an analyte detector while substantially precluding the passage of light.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Willis, Craig Aker
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Publication number: 20190113490Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Craig Aker, Steven Keen, Lara Weld, Mark Fisher
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Patent number: 10261001Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement a desorber of a sensor detector device that permits manual operation and is completely detachable from a main body of the sensor detector device. In one example, a device includes a desorber. The desorber includes an inlet comprising a fluid path configured to receive samples vaporized from sample media. The desorber also includes a cap configured to slide toward the inlet in response to a manual actuation of the cap performed by a user to transition the desorber from an open position to a closed position. The desorber further includes a heater configured to slide with the cap toward the inlet in response to the user actuation and vaporize the samples while the desorber is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: FLIR DETECTION, INC.Inventors: Chris Willis, Matthew Szabo, Craig Aker
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Patent number: 9921385Abstract: An optical barrel assembly includes a barrel having an inner bottom surface and an inner lateral surface extending from the inner bottom surface, the inner bottom and lateral surfaces defining a cylindrical housing, and a first element surrounded by the inner lateral surface of the barrel, wherein an outer perimeter of the first element has a different shape than a perimeter defined by the cylindrical housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Christopher Willis, Craig Aker, Todd Rixman, Jeremy Huddleston, David Keller, Paul Greco
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Publication number: 20170234789Abstract: Disclosed is an analyte detector with a light blocking assembly. The light blocking assembly includes a light blocking cartridge positioned within the bore of a sampling tip. The light blocking assembly provides fluid communication between the environment and a sensor assembly in an analyte detector while substantially precluding the passage of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Christopher Willis, Craig Aker
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Publication number: 20170115193Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement a desorber of a sensor detector device that permits manual operation and is completely detachable from a main body of the sensor detector device. In one example, a device includes a desorber. The desorber includes an inlet comprising a fluid path configured to receive samples vaporized from sample media. The desorber also includes a cap configured to slide toward the inlet in response to a manual actuation of the cap performed by a user to transition the desorber from an open position to a closed position. The desorber further includes a heater configured to slide with the cap toward the inlet in response to the user actuation and vaporize the samples while the desorber is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Craig Willis, Matthew Szabo, Craig Aker
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Publication number: 20170092152Abstract: Various techniques are provided to permit location agnostic playback of local video files on mobile devices used in the field. For example, such local video files may include recordings of real world human interactions with the mobile device demonstrating a plurality of tasks using the mobile device. The local video files may be used, for example, for in field training of the users without requiring access to communication resources while in the field. In some cases, the local video files may be implemented in a language agnostic manner to permit users to be trained effectively in the field without requiring language translation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Clinton M. Wichert, Patrick Herdman, Craig Aker
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Publication number: 20160246027Abstract: An optical barrel assembly includes a barrel having an inner bottom surface and an inner lateral surface extending from the inner bottom surface, the inner bottom and lateral surfaces defining a cylindrical housing, and a first element surrounded by the inner lateral surface of the barrel, wherein an outer perimeter of the first element has a different shape than a perimeter defined by the cylindrical housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: August 25, 2016Applicant: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Christopher WILLIS, Craig AKER, Todd RIXMAN, Jeremy HUDDLESTON, David KELLER, Paul GRECO
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Patent number: 8323576Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Craig A. Aker, Colin J. Cumming, Mark E. Fisher, Michael J. Fox, Marcus J. laGrone, Dennis K. Reust, Mark G. Rockley, Eric S. Towers
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Patent number: 7970554Abstract: A system for providing secure access to mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger associated with the concrete mass and having at least one sensor adapted to measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate sensor data indicative of the physical properties of the concrete mass. The logger also has a microprocessor adapted to receive the sensor data and calculate mechanical data associated with the concrete mass and an outbound data transfer device. The system includes a reader adapted to receive the mechanical data associated with the concrete mass from the outbound data transfer device of the logger. Lastly, the system includes a computer receiving the mechanical data from the reader and distributing the mechanical data to one or more users via the Internet, a world-wide network of information sharing computers, or using the world-wide web.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Engius, LLCInventors: Michael J. Fox, Craig A. Aker, Matthew Dock, Steven M. Trost
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Publication number: 20100324835Abstract: A system for providing secure access to mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger associated with the concrete mass and having at least one sensor adapted to measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate sensor data indicative of the physical properties of the concrete mass. The logger also has a microprocessor adapted to receive the sensor data and calculate mechanical data associated with the concrete mass and an outbound data transfer device. The system includes a reader adapted to receive the mechanical data associated with the concrete mass from the outbound data transfer device of the logger. Lastly, the system includes a computer receiving the mechanical data from the reader and distributing the mechanical data to one or more users via the Internet, a world-wide network of information sharing computers, or using the world-wide web.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Fox, Craig A. Aker, Matthew Dock, Steven M. Trost
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Patent number: 7668666Abstract: A method for transmitting data generated by a logger within a concrete mass and for displaying mechanical data to a device for outside the concrete mass. The method includes the step of sensing, processing, and recording the mechanical data generated by the logger within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is protected from alteration while the mechanical data is within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is transferred to an external device with a first protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is transferred to a computer with a second protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is decoded in the computer and displayed on a user interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Fox, Craig A. Aker, Matthew Dock, Steven M. Trost
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Patent number: 7419636Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.Inventors: Craig A. Aker, Colin J. Cumming, Mark E. Fisher, Michael J. Fox, Marcus J. IaGrone, Dennis K. Reust, Mark G. Rockley, Eric S. Towers
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Publication number: 20080046197Abstract: A method for transmitting data generated by a logger within a concrete mass and for displaying mechanical data to a device for outside the concrete mass. The method includes the step of sensing, processing, and recording the mechanical data generated by the logger within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is protected from alteration while the mechanical data is within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is transferred to an external device with a first protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is transferred to a computer with a second protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is decoded in the computer and displayed on a user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Michael Fox, Craig Aker, Matthew Dock, Steven Trost
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Patent number: 7286944Abstract: A system for providing reliable, unalterable mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger, a second memory device and an outbound data transfer device. The logger is provided with one or more sensors, a microprocessor and a first memory device. The one or more sensors measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate data associated with the physical properties. The microprocessor receives the data from the sensor and calculates maturity data and mechanical strength data. The first memory device stores the mechanical strength data within the concrete mass in an unalterable form. The second memory device is located outside the concrete mass. The outbound data transfer device transfers the mechanical strength data from the first memory device to the second memory device.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Fox, Craig A. Aker, Matthew Dock, Steven M. Trost