Patents by Inventor George N. Gibson
George N. Gibson 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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Patent number: 11845070Abstract: Plasmonically-enhanced catalytic surfaces and accompanying optics are described herein. These elements facilitate efficient coupling of light energy into a photocatalytic system by way of a surface plasmon. Various compatible optical configurations are presented, with an emphasis on the broadband coupling of light into a single plasmon mode. In an example embodiment, dispersive optics are used to direct polychromatic light onto a grating-embossed SPR-active surface. Dispersive optics allow resonance to be achieved at a wide range of incident wavelengths. Energy then transfers from the excited plasmon to an adjacent photocatalyst. The plasmon mode thus acts as a “funnel” of broadband light energy to the catalytic materials. High-efficiency incoupling and outcoupling from the plasmon mode suggest overall enhancement of catalytic activity, and broad applicability is anticipated due to the inherent flexibility of the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Ciencia, Inc.Inventors: William D. Page, George N. Gibson, Stephen B. Cronin, Arturo O. Pilar, Ernest F. Guignon
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Publication number: 20210146347Abstract: Plasmonically-enhanced catalytic surfaces and accompanying optics are described herein. These elements facilitate efficient coupling of light energy into a photocatalytic system by way of a surface plasmon. Various compatible optical configurations are presented, with an emphasis on the broadband coupling of light into a single plasmon mode. In an example embodiment, dispersive optics are used to direct polychromatic light onto a grating-embossed SPR-active surface. Dispersive optics allow resonance to be achieved at a wide range of incident wavelengths. Energy then transfers from the excited plasmon to an adjacent photocatalyst. The plasmon mode thus acts as a “funnel” of broadband light energy to the catalytic materials. High-efficiency incoupling and outcoupling from the plasmon mode suggest overall enhancement of catalytic activity, and broad applicability is anticipated due to the inherent flexibility of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2018Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: William D. Page, George N. Gibson, Stephen B. Cronin, Arturo O. Pilar, Ernest F. Guignon
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Patent number: 9535005Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Ciencia, Inc.Inventors: William Page, George N. Gibson, Ernest F. Guignon
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Publication number: 20160313247Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: William Page, George N. Gibson, Ernest F. Guignon
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Patent number: 9383312Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Ciencia, Inc.Inventors: William Page, George N. Gibson, Ernest F. Guignon
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Publication number: 20150124254Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and/or surface plasmon coupled emission on an electro-optic grating-coupled sensor surface is described herein. The sensor chip achieves SPR through a grating-coupled approach, with variations in the local dielectric constant at regions of interest (ROI) at the sensor surface detected as a function of the intensity of light reflecting from these ROI. Unlike other grating-based approaches, the metal surface is sufficiently thin that resonant conditions are sensitive to dielectric constant changes both above and below the metal surface (like the Kretschmann configuration). Dielectric constant shifts that occur as mass accumulates on the surface can be returned to reference intensities by applying voltage across the underlying electro-optic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: William Page, George N. Gibson, Ernest F. Guignon
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Patent number: 8526001Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance on a sensor surface has a polarized light source optically connected to the sensor surface by a plurality of optical elements, including in one embodiment an optical telescope that transfers light from a rotatable reflecting surface to the sensor surface. Selective positioning of a cylindrical lens into a first position within the path of light transforms collimated light to a rectangular wedge that is incident upon the sensor surface at numerous angles. In another embodiment, the light source is operated as a laser to excite fluorescence on the sensor surface and the fluorescence is selectively directed to a detector by appropriate optical elements positioned in specific configurations.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Ciencia, Inc.Inventors: George N. Gibson, Ernest F. Guignon, Michael T. Reilly
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Patent number: 8368897Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance on a sensor surface has a polarized light source optically connected to the sensor surface by a plurality of optical elements, including in one embodiment an optical telescope that transfers light from a rotatable reflecting surface to the sensor surface. Selective positioning of a cylindrical lens into a first position within the path of light transforms collimated light to a rectangular wedge that is incident upon the sensor surface at numerous angles. In another embodiment, the light source is operated as a laser to excite fluorescence on the sensor surface and the fluorescence is selectively directed to a detector by appropriate optical elements positioned in specific configurations.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ciencia, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Reilly, Ernest F. Guignon, George N. Gibson
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Publication number: 20100078575Abstract: An instrument for measuring and analyzing surface plasmon resonance on a sensor surface has a polarized light source optically connected to the sensor surface by a plurality of optical elements, including in one embodiment an optical telescope that transfers light from a rotatable reflecting surface to the sensor surface. Selective positioning of a cylindrical lens into a first position within the path of light transforms collimated light to a rectangular wedge that is incident upon the sensor surface at numerous angles. In another embodiment, the light source is operated as a laser to excite fluorescence on the sensor surface and the fluorescence is selectively directed to a detector by appropriate optical elements positioned in specific configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Michael T. Reilly, Ernest F. Guignon, George N. Gibson
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Patent number: 6416177Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus for mounting and retaining a protective film that shields the surface of protective lens from vision-impairing accumulations of dust, mud, or other opaque materials. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a film retaining apparatus for use with a goggle with a renewable protective surface that offers increased film interchangeability. In one embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of spool for retaining the protective film having a spool end that is adapted to engage a film advancing mechanism in a first group of goggles, and an opposing spool end adapted to engage a film advancing mechanism in a second group of goggles. In another embodiment, the spool ends are removably coupled to a center cylindrical spool portion that retains the film to advantageously permit various engagement configurations to be used.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Smith Sport Optics, Inc.Inventor: George N. Gibson