Patents by Inventor Gregory A. Carter

Gregory A. Carter 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: 6114683
    Abstract: A portable plant chlorophyll imaging system is described which collects light reflected from a target plant and separates the collected light into two different wavelength bands. These wavelength bands, or channels, are described as having center wavelengths of 700 nm and 840 nm. The light collected in these two channels is processed using synchronized video cameras. A controller provided in the system compares the level of light of video images reflected from a target plant with a reference level of light from a source illuminating the plant. The percent of reflection in the two separate wavelength bands from a target plant are compared to provide a ratio video image which indicates a relative level of plant chlorophyll content and physiological stress. Multiple display modes are described for viewing the video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of Ameria as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce A. Spiering, Gregory A. Carter
  • Patent number: 6020587
    Abstract: A plant chlorophyll content meter is described which collects light reflected from a target plant and separates the collected light into two different wavelength bands. These wavelength bands, or channels, are described as having center wavelengths of 700 nm and 840 nm. The light collected in these two channels are processed using photo detectors and amplifiers. An analog to digital converter is described which provides a digital representation of the level of light collected by the lens and falling within the two channels. A controller provided in the meter device compares the level of light reflected from a target plant with a level of light detected from a light source, such as light reflected by a target having 100% reflectance, or transmitted through a diffusion receptor. The percent of reflection in the two separate wavelength bands from a target plant are compared to provide a ratio which indicates a relative level of plant physiological stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce A. Spiering, Gregory A. Carter