Patents by Inventor James E. Gunn

James E. Gunn 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).

  • Deformable mirrors
    Patent number: 7508561
    Abstract: A deformable mirror (DM) embodying the invention includes a reflective layer attached to the front surface of a solid monolithic block of a ceramic material. A plurality of holes is drilled from the back surface with the top end of each hole being terminated a predetermined distance below the front surface. Conductors, functioning as actuators, are inserted into each hole to apply a localized electric field at the top end of the hole. Each one of the electric fields is used to create local deformation of the front surface of the block and the corresponding portion of the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Michael A. Carr, James E. Gunn
  • Deformable mirrors
    Publication number: 20080088902
    Abstract: A deformable mirror (DM) embodying the invention includes a reflective layer attached to the front surface of a solid monolithic block of a ceramic material. A plurality of holes is drilled from the back surface with the top end of each hole being terminated a predetermined distance below the front surface. Conductors, functioning as actuators, are inserted into each hole to apply a localized electric field at the top end of the hole. Each one of the electric fields is used to create local deformation of the front surface of the block and the corresponding portion of the reflective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Carr, James E. Gunn