Patents by Inventor Frank Allen Birdsong, JR.

Frank Allen Birdsong, JR. 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: 9503660
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for simultaneous real and Fourier plane imaging. In one example, an imaging system includes at least one optical element configured to receive and focus incident electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, a first detector positioned at an image plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a first image of the viewed scene, and a second detector positioned at a Fourier plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a second image of the viewed scene, the first and second detectors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and produce the first and second images, respectively. The system may additionally include an optical component, such as a beamsplitter, for example, configured to divide and direct the incident electromagnetic radiation to the first and second detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9165963
    Abstract: A non-retro-reflective imaging system and methods in which tilted image plane imaging is combined with selective Fourier filtering to substantially eliminate retro-reflection from the system. In certain examples, tilted image plane imaging is achieved using sliced source imaging. Through rotation of the image plane, the majority of incident light is reflected off-axis, rather than being retro-reflected. The Fourier filter is used to block incoming light from a particular angle that would otherwise be normally incident on the rotated image plane and retro-reflected. One example of a non-retro-reflective imaging system includes an optical element that focuses electromagnetic radiation onto a tilted image plane, an imaging sensor co-aligned with the tilted image plane, and a Fourier filter positioned in a Fourier plane of the optical element, a position of the Fourier filter in the Fourier plane determined by the tilt angle of the tilted image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150146050
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for simultaneous real and Fourier plane imaging. In one example, an imaging system includes at least one optical element configured to receive and focus incident electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, a first detector positioned at an image plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a first image of the viewed scene, and a second detector positioned at a Fourier plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a second image of the viewed scene, the first and second detectors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and produce the first and second images, respectively. The system may additionally include an optical component, such as a beamsplitter, for example, configured to divide and direct the incident electromagnetic radiation to the first and second detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, JR.
  • Patent number: 9018575
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for covert detection of an interrogating device. In one example a method includes receiving an interrogation beam at an optical system, imaging a scene including a source of the interrogation beam without retro-reflecting the interrogation beam to produce an image, and analyzing the image to determine an approximate location of the source within the scene. In some examples, a threat detection sensor is used to further analyze the interrogation beam to determine information about the interrogating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150028188
    Abstract: A non-retro-reflective imaging system and methods in which tilted image plane imaging is combined with selective Fourier filtering to substantially eliminate retro-reflection from the system. In certain examples, tilted image plane imaging is achieved using sliced source imaging. Through rotation of the image plane, the majority of incident light is reflected off-axis, rather than being retro-reflected. The Fourier filter is used to block incoming light from a particular angle that would otherwise be normally incident on the rotated image plane and retro-reflected. One example of a non-retro-reflective imaging system includes an optical element that focuses electromagnetic radiation onto a tilted image plane, an imaging sensor co-aligned with the tilted image plane, and a Fourier filter positioned in a Fourier plane of the optical element, a position of the Fourier filter in the Fourier plane determined by the tilt angle of the tilted image plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140166854
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for covert detection of an interrogating device. In one example a method includes receiving an interrogation beam at an optical system, imaging a scene including a source of the interrogation beam without retro-reflecting the interrogation beam to produce an image, and analyzing the image to determine an approximate location of the source within the scene. In some examples, a threat detection sensor is used to further analyze the interrogation beam to determine information about the interrogating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Kowalevicz, Frank Allen Birdsong, JR.