Patents by Inventor Geoffrey A Cranch

Geoffrey A Cranch 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: 11290212
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for calculating time delays by a Wasserstein approach are provided. A plurality of signals are recorded by a plurality of sensors (three or more), respectively, and received at a controller. The plurality of signals recorded by the plurality of sensors are generated in response to a signal emitted by a source. The plurality of signals are converted into a plurality of probability density functions. A cumulative distribution transform for each of the plurality of probability density functions is calculated. A time delay for each unique pair of the plurality of sensors is calculated by minimizing a Wasserstein distance between two cumulative distribution transforms corresponding to the unique pair of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Meredith N. Hutchinson, Jonathan M. Nichols, Gustavo K. Rohde, Nicole Menkart, Geoffrey A. Cranch
  • Publication number: 20210281361
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for calculating time delays by a Wasserstein approach are provided. A plurality of signals are recorded by a plurality of sensors (three or more), respectively, and received at a controller. The plurality of signals recorded by the plurality of sensors are generated in response to a signal emitted by a source. The plurality of signals are converted into a plurality of probability density functions. A cumulative distribution transform for each of the plurality of probability density functions is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Meredith N. Hutchinson, Jonathan M. Nichols, Gustavo K. Rohde, Nicole Menkart, Geoffrey A. Cranch
  • Patent number: 10495610
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a structure for stresses or cracks. A single mode optical fiber is adhered to a structure. The single mode optical fiber includes a first optical cavity. The first optical cavity includes two fiber Bragg gratings with a distance therebetween. The first optical cavity includes a resonance. A frequency shift of the resonance of the first optical cavity is measured with a frequency discriminator. An acoustic emission from the structure is detected based on the frequency shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Cranch
  • Publication number: 20190049412
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a structure for stresses or cracks. A single mode optical fiber is adhered to a structure. The single mode optical fiber includes a first optical cavity. The first optical cavity includes two fiber Bragg gratings with a distance therebetween. The first optical cavity includes a resonance. A frequency shift of the resonance of the first optical cavity is measured with a frequency discriminator. An acoustic emission from the structure is detected based on the frequency shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Cranch
  • Patent number: 10018646
    Abstract: A fiber optic pressure and mass velocity sensor for measuring a shock wave pressure in a solid media includes an optical fiber having a means for measuring a change in an optical path length (OPL) of the fiber when positioned in the solid media caused by the shock wave altering the physical length of the fiber and the refractive index of the fiber. The means for measuring the change in the OPL is coupled at one end to a laser and at its second end to a means for detecting the change in OPL. The sensor has a high operating bandwidth (>>10 MHz), is sufficiently rigid to withstand the force of the shock wave, has a sensitivity that can also be tailored for the application, and is immune to electromagnetic interference. Measurement can be made on materials under extreme strain conditions, and the sensor can also provide characterization of protective materials such as bullet/blast proof materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Jacob Grun
  • Patent number: 9513432
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid support and a first cantilever including a first optical fiber and a first rigid ribbon. The first optical fiber and the first ribbon, together include a first neutral surface. The first optical fiber is connected to the rigid support. The first optical fiber includes at least one first wave-guiding core running parallel to the first neutral surface. Each of the at least one first wave-guiding core includes at least one first reflector. The first rigid ribbon is affixed to the first optical fiber and to said first rigid support. The apparatus further includes a first membrane surrounding the first cantilever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Clay K. Kirkendall
  • Publication number: 20150323558
    Abstract: A fiber optic pressure and mass velocity sensor for measuring a shock wave pressure in a solid media includes an optical fiber having a means for measuring a change in an optical path length (OPL) of the fiber when positioned in the solid media caused by the shock wave altering the physical length of the fiber and the refractive index of the fiber. The means for measuring the change in the OPL is coupled at one end to a laser and at its second end to a means for detecting the change in OPL. The sensor has a high operating bandwidth (>>10 MHz), is sufficiently rigid to withstand the force of the shock wave, has a sensitivity that can also be tailored for the application, and is immune to electromagnetic interference. Measurement can be made on materials under extreme strain conditions, and the sensor can also provide characterization of protective materials such as bullet/blast proof materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Jacob Grun
  • Patent number: 9116304
    Abstract: A planar or cylindrical, cantilever-type apparatus including a rigid support. The apparatus further includes a first optical fiber connected to the rigid support, the first optical fiber including a first neutral axis and at least one first wave-guiding core running parallel to the first neutral axis and located at a distance from the first neutral axis, each of the at least one first wave-guiding core including at least one first reflector. The apparatus further includes a first membrane surrounding the first optical fiber; and a first liquid inside the first membrane and surrounding the first optical fiber, the first liquid including a Reynolds number less than one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Clay K. Kirkendall
  • Publication number: 20150233739
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid support and a first cantilever including a first optical fiber and a first rigid ribbon. The first optical fiber and the first ribbon, together include a first neutral surface. The first optical fiber is connected to the rigid support. The first optical fiber includes at least one first wave-guiding core running parallel to the first neutral surface. Each of the at least one first wave-guiding core includes at least one first reflector. The first rigid ribbon is affixed to the first optical fiber and to said first rigid support. The apparatus further includes a first membrane surrounding the first cantilever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Clay K. Kirkendall
  • Patent number: 8705902
    Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Optasense Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey A Cranch
  • Patent number: 8666203
    Abstract: An optical fiber sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Optasense Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey A Cranch
  • Publication number: 20130272645
    Abstract: A planar or cylindrical, cantilever-type apparatus including a rigid support. The apparatus further includes a first optical fiber connected to the rigid support, the first optical fiber including a first neutral axis and at least one first wave-guiding core running parallel to the first neutral axis and located at a distance from the first neutral axis, each of the at least one first wave-guiding core including at least one first reflector. The apparatus further includes a first membrane surrounding the first optical fiber; and a first liquid inside the first membrane and surrounding the first optical fiber, the first liquid including a Reynolds number less than one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Clay K. Kirkendall
  • Patent number: 8369660
    Abstract: An optical fiber sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey A Cranch
  • Publication number: 20120301072
    Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Cranch
  • Publication number: 20120293806
    Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: QinetiQ Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. CRANCH
  • Patent number: 8144315
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing the complex coupling coefficient of a multilayered periodic structure either during or after inscription is described. This apparatus is capable of continuously measuring the complex reflectivity at single or multiple wavelengths to a resolution limited by Rayleigh scattering in the waveguide section where the structure is inscribed. The apparatus is also capable of rejecting undesired signals associated with stray reflections in the system and unwanted environmentally induced change in optical path lengths during the inscription procedure. The complex coupling coefficient of the multilayered periodic structure can be derived from the measured complex reflectivity and can reveal errors present in the structure. The complex coupling coefficient can also be used to derive an error signal to enable implementation of a closed loop inscription system capable of inscribing error free multilayer structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Gordon M. H. Flockhart
  • Publication number: 20100271623
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing the complex coupling coefficient of a multilayered periodic structure either during or after inscription is described. This apparatus is capable of continuously measuring the complex reflectivity at single or multiple wavelengths to a resolution limited by Rayleigh scattering in the waveguide section where the structure is inscribed. The apparatus is also capable of rejecting undesired signals associated with stray reflections in the system and unwanted environmentally induced change in optical path lengths during the inscription procedure. The complex coupling coefficient of the multilayered periodic structure can be derived from the measured complex reflectivity and can reveal errors present in the structure. The complex coupling coefficient can also be used to derive an error signal to enable implementation of a closed loop inscription system capable of inscribing error free multilayer structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Gordon M.H. Flockhart
  • Publication number: 20090102474
    Abstract: The device includes two supports and a primary conductive strip. The primary conductive strip includes a neutral surface, a first side, and a second side. The primary conductive strip is connected one of directly and indirectly on the first side to the two supports such that the primary conductive strip is constrained in two dimensions and movable in one dimension. The device also includes a primary distributed feedback fiber laser. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser includes a fiber axis. The primary distributed feedback fiber laser is connected to the primary conductive strip along one of the first side and the second side such that there is a positive distance between the neutral surface of the primary conductive strip and the fiber axis of the primary distributed feedback fiber laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: The Government of the United States as represented by U.S. Navy
    Inventors: GEOFFREY A. CRANCH, Gordon M.H. Flockhart
  • Patent number: 7324714
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a multicore fiber including three cores. The three cores include two pairs of cores, each pair of cores lying in a plane. The planes of the two pairs of cores are non-coplanar. The multicore fiber includes a rosette, the rosette including three coplanar interferometers. Each interferometer of the three interferometers are located in a respective core of the three cores. Each interferometer includes a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflectors of the rosette are coplanar. The second reflectors of the rosette are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Cranch, Gordon M. H. Flockhart
  • Publication number: 20050174887
    Abstract: Attached to a cable having a central strength member is an optical sensor assembly. The sensor assembly comprises a coupler and an optical fibre coil. The coupler is attached to the central member of the cable at a position where outer layers of the cable been removed. A first terminal of the coupler is connected to an optical fibre traveling along the cable in a fibre conduit external to the central strength member. A second terminal of the coupler is connected to a first end of the coil and a third terminal of the coupler is connected to an optical fibre a mirrored end. The coil is supported about a tubular mandrel, which mandrel fits over the cable. The other end of the coil is attached to the fibre in the cable. The mandrel is located about the cable at a position covering the coupler and the part of the cable where the outer layers are removed. The whole assembly is covered with a waterproof layer sealing it to the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Inventors: Philip Nash, Jonathan Westhall, Geoffrey Cranch, Michael Henshaw, John Churchill