Patents by Inventor Darius VUNCK

Darius VUNCK 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: 10969338
    Abstract: A method and system for interrogating a target for one or more chemical species of interest using Raman microscopy and spectroscopy. A feature includes the ability to precisely electro-mechanically move and orient a Raman microscope relative to the target with multiple degrees of freedom of movement, including targets with 3-D form factors. This promotes effective detection of minute quantities of chemical species of interest. It also allows effective detection of minute quantities whether the target is static or moving. The method and system can include enhancements. Examples include alternative imaging spectrometers, alternative Raman microscope optical set-ups, and alternative focusing techniques. Others include control of the excitation energy and user controls and options to allow highly adjustable, flexible, and effective detection for a variety of detection applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Darius Vunck, Robert Douglas Waterbury, Timothy Molner, Ed Dottery, Hunter Hardy, Ryan Robins, Thuyan Conghuyentonnu
  • Patent number: 10965091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel stand-off distance chemical detector system such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Instead of a conventional lasing medium, a Pr:YAG or Pr:BYF based UV laser is used which can be advantageously implemented in Raman spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Waterbury, Darius Vunck, Robert Dean Babnick, Timothy Molner, Hunter Hardy, Ed Dottery, Robert McKinney, David Welford
  • Patent number: 10663404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly portable, highly flexible standard of distance chemical detector such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Aspects of the invention include techniques for portability compactness and ways to diminish influence of fluorescence on Raman spectroscopy. Additional features can include a compact imaging spectrometer, a wirelessly connected smart device for user interface, and an auto-focus/range finder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dean Babnick, Darius Vunck, Robert Douglas Waterbury, Timothy Molner, Ed Dottery
  • Publication number: 20190109431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel stand-off distance chemical detector system such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Instead of a conventional lasing medium, a Pr:YAG or Pr:BYF based UV laser is used which can be advantageously implemented in Raman spectroscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Waterbury, Darius Vunck, Robert Dean Babnick, Timothy Molner, Hunter Hardy, Ed Dottery, Robert McKinney, David Welford
  • Patent number: 9157801
    Abstract: A system comprises a processing system, a laser system, a telescope system, a detector system and optical systems operatively arranged such that the laser system may be capable of outputting multiple wavelengths to a common telescope system, and the detector system is capable of receiving signatures from the same telescope system, under the control of a control system. The processor system processes signals received from the detector system to determine substances identified by known signatures. For example, a plurality of detectors in the detector system each receive a range of wavelengths of the signatures received by the telescope system. For example, a variable beam diverger and variable beam expander operatively control expansion and divergence of the output the laser system. For example, a beam reducer and lenslet array may operatively transmit signatures via optical fiber bundle to one or more of the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Dottery, Kenneth Pohl, Darius Vunck, Robert Waterbury, Frank Vilardi
  • Patent number: 8724097
    Abstract: A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Randall Pohl, Alan Ray Ford, Robert Douglas Waterbury, Darius Vunck, Edwin L. Dottery
  • Publication number: 20130293882
    Abstract: A system comprises a processing system, a laser system, a telescope system, a detector system and optical systems operatively arranged such that the laser system may be capable of outputting multiple wavelengths to a common telescope system, and the detector system is capable of receiving signatures from the same telescope system, under the control of a control system. The processor system processes signals received from the detector system to determine substances identified by known signatures. For example, a plurality of detectors in the detector system each receive a range of wavelengths of the signatures received by the telescope system. For example, a variable beam diverger and variable beam expander operatively control expansion and divergence of the output the laser system. For example, a beam reducer and lenslet array may operatively transmit signatures via optical fiber bundle to one or more of the detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Dottery, Kennth Pohl, Darius Vunck, Robert Waterbury, Frank Vilardi
  • Publication number: 20130128261
    Abstract: A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Alakai Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Randall POHL, Alan Ray FORD, Robert Douglas WATERBURY, Darius VUNCK, Edwin L. DOTTERY