Patents by Inventor Darrick L. Niccum

Darrick L. Niccum 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: 10088425
    Abstract: A LIBS measurement system is described herein that provides an orifice, aperture or opening in a substantially V-shaped chute or sleeve that allows access to the material to be analyzed from the underside of the chute. The laser beam is aimed through the hole and return light (signal) is collected through the hole by a photodetector assembly. A diverter device, which is located at an output end of the chute, diverts certain particles away from the chute upon receipt of an actuation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: TSI, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven G. Buckley, Darrick L. Niccum
  • Publication number: 20170205354
    Abstract: A LIBS measurement system is described herein that provides an orifice, aperture or opening in a substantially V-shaped chute or sleeve that allows access to the material to be analyzed from the underside of the chute. The laser beam is aimed through the hole and return light (signal) is collected through the hole by a photodetector assembly. A diverter device, which is located at an output end of the chute, diverts certain particles away from the chute upon receipt of an actuation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Steven G. BUCKLEY, Darrick L. NICCUM
  • Patent number: 9557216
    Abstract: A laser-based spectroscopy system that combines a distance/proximity standoff sensor, a high-repetition rate laser spectroscopy system, and software with a decision-making algorithm embedded in a processing unit which in combination performs selective firing of the laser when the target object is within an interrogation zone. In a related embodiment, the system provides selective sorting of spectroscopic signals based on information from the standoff signal and from information contained in the spectral signals themselves. The laser emission can be actively controlled while keeping the laser firing, thereby preserving the thermal stability and hence the power of the laser; and the standoff sensor information and the spectral information can be combined to determine the proper relative weighting or importance of each piece of spectral information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TSI, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven G. Buckley, Kenneth R. Farmer, Darrick L. Niccum
  • Publication number: 20160178434
    Abstract: A laser-based spectroscopy system that combines a distance/proximity standoff sensor, a high-repetition rate laser spectroscopy system, and software with a decision-making algorithm embedded in a processing unit which in combination performs selective firing of the laser when the target object is within an interrogation zone. In a related embodiment, the system provides selective sorting of spectroscopic signals based on information from the standoff signal and from information contained in the spectral signals themselves. The laser emission can be actively controlled while keeping the laser firing, thereby preserving the thermal stability and hence the power of the laser; and the standoff sensor information and the spectral information can be combined to determine the proper relative weighting or importance of each piece of spectral information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Steven G. Buckley, Kenneth R. Farmer, Darrick L. Niccum