Patents by Inventor Gerhard O. Sauermann

Gerhard O. Sauermann 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: 6753529
    Abstract: A microwave-enhanced infrared thermography technique for detecting buried objects exploits varying phase shifts experienced by different-frequency microwave signals reflected from objects back toward the surface, the phase shifts resulting in different interference patterns and therefore different temperature distribution patterns near the surface. Respective infrared images of an area are captured prior to microwave heating, after a first heating with a first frequency, and after heating with a second frequency different from the first. Pairs of the images are subtracted to form temperature rise images showing patterns of temperature rise in the two cycles, and the temperature rise images are subtracted to form a difference image which is analyzed to identify characteristics indicating the presence of buried objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Charles A. DiMarzio, Carey M. Rappaport, Taner Oktar, Gerhard O. Sauermann
  • Publication number: 20030010919
    Abstract: A microwave-enhanced infrared thermography technique for detecting buried objects exploits varying phase shifts experienced by different-frequency microwave signals reflected from objects back toward the surface, the phase shifts resulting in different interference patterns and therefore different temperature distribution patterns near the surface. Respective infrared images of an area are captured prior to microwave heating, after a first heating with a first frequency, and after heating with a second frequency different from the first. Pairs of the images are subtracted to form temperature rise images showing patterns of temperature rise in the two cycles, and the temperature rise images are subtracted to form a difference image which is analyzed to identify characteristics indicating the presence of buried objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Charles A. DiMarzio, Carey M. Rappaport, Taner Oktar, Gerhard O. Sauermann
  • Patent number: 4170025
    Abstract: A low contrast measurement apparatus for electronically measuring video signal modulation under low contrast scene conditions. The measurement apparatus utilizes a low contrast periodic optical bar chart in conjunction with a filter-integrator processor to measure very low contrast ratios.The filter-integrator processor contains a filter which is tuned to the corresponding fundamental frequency of the bar chart, thereby reducing the noise bandwidth and consequently improving the signal-to-noise ratio. The filtered signal is integrated over one whole picture frame which results in an improved signal to noise ratio. The integrated output of the filtered video signal constitutes a linearly increasing ramp with a period equal to the frame time and whose height is proportional to the amplitude of the periodic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1979
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Fred G. Benkley, Gerhard O. Sauermann
  • Patent number: 4099050
    Abstract: A transponder illuminated by broadband optical radiation which is reflected back towards the illuminator by means of corner reflectors. In front of the corner reflectors are placed a plurality of narrow band filters which define the communication channels. The return signal will consist of the activation of a number of discrete channels corresponding to the number of filters used. The system is not restricted to the visible spectrum permitting infrared and ultraviolet radiation to be used to provide a covert communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1970
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Gerhard O. Sauermann