Patents by Inventor Heather Brooke

Heather Brooke 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: 9744068
    Abstract: A foldable, expandable, disposable receptacle, capable of collecting excreta without spilling, and containing it in a secure and sanitary fashion until disposal. The receptacle is slim, form-fitting and contoured, allowing the user to stand upright while urinating. The receptacle allows for modest undressing and prevents contact with any surface other than the floor. A receptacle of lightweight, pliable construction providing easy storage and one-handed manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Tara Haven Chrysakis, Heather Brooke Stamas
  • Publication number: 20150000027
    Abstract: A foldable, lightweight, expandable, discreet, disposable receptacle, capable of collecting excreta without spilling, and containing it in a secure and sanitary fashion until disposal. An embodiment of the present invention allows a person to quickly urinate when there are no restrooms nearby, or to avoid contacting unsanitary surfaces in public restrooms. The slim, form-fitting and contoured design allows the user to stand upright while urinating, thereby preventing contact with unsanitary surfaces, while ensuring containment of bodily fluids being discharged. An embodiment of the present invention allows for modest undressing and prevents all persons involved from touching any surface other than the floor on which they stand. The lightweight, pliable construction allows for easy storage and one-handed manipulation and employment, facilitating control when used with a child and avoidance of contact with unclean surfaces or items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Halyn Lee Hughes, Heather Brooke Stamas
  • Patent number: 8823802
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample is disclosed. At least a portion of the sample is illuminated with modulated light from a light source, such as an infrared light source. Infrared energy from the sample is monitored with an infrared detector as the sample is being illuminated with the modulated light. The AC response of the infrared energy is analyzed to determine at least one of emission data or reflection data about the sample. The emission data or the reflection data can be used to enhance chemical contrast between varying substances on the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Michael Myrick, Heather Brooke, Megan Baranowski, Jessica McCutcheon, Stephen Morgan
  • Publication number: 20130140462
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface are provided. The method can include directing a modulated light beam (e.g., having a wavelength of about 3 to about 20 ?m) from a light source to a beam expander such that the beam expander widens the diameter of the light beam into an expanded beam. The expanded beam can then be directed onto the surface to form an illuminated area. A specular reflection can then be detected from the illuminated area on the surface in each light cycle, and the presence of the substance on the surface can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michael L. Myrick, Megan R. Pearl, Heather Brooke, Stephen L. Morgan, Jessica N. McCutcheon
  • Publication number: 20130140463
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of an inconsistency in or on a surface are generally provided. The method can include directing a modulated light beam (e.g., having a wavelength of about 3 ?m to about 20 ?m) from a light source to a mirror. The mirror then directs a reflected light beam onto the surface (e.g., directly onto the surface or indirectly onto the surface via a additional mirror(s)). The mirror is controlled to scan the reflected light beam across the surface. A specular reflection from the surface can then be detected in each light cycle, and the presence of the inconsistency on the surface can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michael L. Myrick, Megan R. Pearl, Heather Brooke, Stephen L. Morgan, Jessica N. McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 8212213
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting the spectral detectivity of a thermal detector is described. The method includes coating the light sensitive portion of a thermal detector with a first material to reduce the response of the detector. The first material is coated with a second material that is thermally thin and has spectral absorption characteristics. The second material is coated with a third material that is thermally thick, whereby the spectral absorbance of the second material as filtered by the third material primarily determines the thermal conversion of the thermal detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Myrick, Heather Brooke, Stephen L. Morgan, Megan R. Pearl
  • Publication number: 20110090342
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample is disclosed. At least a portion of the sample is illuminated with modulated light from a light source, such as an infrared light source. Infrared energy from the sample is monitored with an infrared detector as the sample is being illuminated with the modulated light. The AC response of the infrared energy is analyzed to determine at least one of emission data or reflection data about the sample. The emission data or the reflection data can be used to enhance chemical contrast between varying substances on the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Michael Myrick, Heather Brooke, Megan Baranowski, Jessica McCutcheon, Stephen Morgan
  • Publication number: 20090250613
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting the spectral detectivity of a thermal detector is described. The method includes coating the light sensitive portion of a thermal detector with a first material to reduce the response of the detector. The first material is coated with a second material that is thermally thin and has spectral absorption characteristics. The second material is coated with a third material that is thermally thick, whereby the spectral absorbance of the second material as filtered by the third material primarily determines the thermal conversion of the thermal detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Michael L. Myrick, Heather Brooke, Stephen L. Morgan