Patents by Inventor Edward J. Sommer
Edward J. Sommer 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: 20120148018Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: SPECTRAMET, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Patent number: 8144831Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Publication number: 20110222654Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Spectrament, LLC.Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Patent number: 7978814Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20110116596Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: SPECTRAMET, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Patent number: 7848484Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Publication number: 20100264070Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or to more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: SPECTRAMET, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley, Richard E. Hill, Robert H. Parrish, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20100219109Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, JR.
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Patent number: 7763820Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley, Richard E. Hill, Robert H. Parrish, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20100111252Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Patent number: 7616733Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20090261024Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: SPECTRAMET, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Patent number: 7564943Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley
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Patent number: 7558370Abstract: An article sensing and tracking system and computer system integrated and connected to present on a monitor screen, or screens, visual x-ray and photographic images of articles that are being passed through a scanner and visual indication of the physical location of the displayed articles within the system, enabling security personnel viewing a monitor screen to accurately track and maintain custody of the articles, until cleared, through examination of x-ray data and other information relating to the articles.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Richard E. Hill
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Publication number: 20080279329Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20080260096Abstract: An article sensing and tracking system and computer system integrated and connected to present on a monitor screen, or screens, visual x-ray and photographic images of articles that are being passed through a scanner and visual indication of the physical location of the displayed articles within the system, enabling security personnel viewing a monitor screen to accurately track and maintain custody of the articles, until cleared, through examination of x-ray data and other information relating to the articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, Richard E. Hill
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Patent number: 7286634Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for screening articles such as baggage, utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of objects within the article to be further examined. Baggage is electromagnetically scanned while traveling on a conveyer and an electronic image is taken of each article and stored in a computer. The present system utilizes a plurality of visual display devices, each with an examiner, which are likely located remotely of the screening operation. Each examination continues independently of the scanning such that there is no interruption in the flow of articles should an examiner detect an object of interest and worthy of further examination, either by screen or by physical examination.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Select Technologies, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Richard E. Hill, Charles E. Roos
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Patent number: 7244941Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening articles utilizing a plurality of operators, with each operator utilizing an interactive display to identify and electronically mark objects within an article to be further examined. An operator positioned at an interactive display views electronic images of an article to be screened after it has been conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the series either directly or through a computer to the interactive display. The operator selects objects within the article displayed on the screen for further examination using the interactive feature of the display thereby registering the objects selected within the computer. The computer then provides sequential information identifying actions to be taken and information and data to be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr.
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Patent number: 7099433Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Charles E. Roos, David B. Spencer
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Patent number: RE40394Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Robert H. Parrish, James R. Russell