Patents by Inventor Jamu Alford

Jamu Alford 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).

  • Publication number: 20200350106
    Abstract: A magnetic field generator includes a plurality of conductive windings comprising a first conductive winding arranged in a first plane and a second conductive winding arranged in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The plurality of conductive windings are configured to generate, when supplied with a drive current, a first component of a compensation magnetic field. The first component of the compensation magnetic field is configured to actively shield a magnetic field sensing region located between the first conductive winding and the second conductive winding from ambient background magnetic fields along a first axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Michael Henninger, Dakota Blue Decker, Stephen Garber, Jeffery Kang Gormley, Scott Michael Homan, Teague Lasser, Micah Ledbetter, Jerry Leung, Hooman Mohseni, Ethan Pratt, Scott Jeremy Seidman, Benjamin Siepser
  • Publication number: 20200309873
    Abstract: An array of optically pumped magnetometers includes a vapor cell arrangement having a wafer defining one or more cavities and alkali metal atoms disposed in the cavities to provide an alkali metal vapor; an array of light sources, each of the light sources arranged to illuminate a different portion of the one or more cavities of the vapor cell arrangement with light; at least one mirror arranged to reflect the light from the array of light sources after the light passes through the one or more cavities of the vapor cell arrangement; and an array of detectors to receive light reflected by the at least one mirror, wherein each of the detectors is arranged to receive light originating from one of the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Micah Ledbetter, Hooman Mohseni, Jamu Alford, Ethan Pratt, Daniel Sobek
  • Publication number: 20200256929
    Abstract: One embodiment is a magnetic field measurement system that includes at least one magnetometer having a vapor cell, a light source to direct light through the vapor cell, and a detector to receive light directed through the vapor cell; at least one magnetic field generator disposed adjacent the vapor cell; and a feedback circuit coupled to the at least one magnetic field generator and the detector of the at least one magnetometer. The feedback circuit includes at least one feedback loop that includes a first low pass filter with a first cutoff frequency. The feedback circuit is configured to compensate for magnetic field variations having a frequency lower than the first cutoff frequency. The first low pass filter rejects magnetic field variations having a frequency higher than the first cutoff frequency and provides the rejected magnetic field variations for measurement as an output of the feedback circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Micah Ledbetter, Ricardo Jiménez-Martinez, Ethan Pratt, Hooman Mohseni, Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20200241094
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system for measurement of weak magnetic field signals or a wearable assembly includes at least one magnetometer and a shield disposed around the magnetometer. The shield includes a first portion configured for positioning between the at least one magnetometer and a source of the weak magnetic field signals. The first portion is made of an amplitude-selective magnetic shield (ASMS) that preferentially passes magnetic fields having a magnetic field amplitude below a threshold (for example, 500 nT or less) and shields magnetic fields having a larger magnetic field amplitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventor: Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20200209328
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system that includes at least one magnetometer; at least one magnetic field generator; a processor coupled to the at least one magnetometer and the at least one magnetic field generator and configured to: measure an ambient background magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a first mode selected from a scalar mode or a vector mode; generate, in response to the measurement of the ambient background magnetic field, a compensation field using the at least one magnetic field generator; and measure a target magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a spin exchange relaxation free (SERF) mode which is different from the first mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Ricardo Jiménez-Martinez
  • Patent number: 10663548
    Abstract: A method for contrast agent enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a target sample, comprising generating a magnetic field shift in a polarizing magnetic field during a relaxation portion of an MRI pulse sequence and thereafter acquiring an MR image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Blaine Chronik, Timothy Scholl
  • Patent number: 10627460
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system that includes at least one magnetometer; at least one magnetic field generator; a processor coupled to the at least one magnetometer and the at least one magnetic field generator and configured to: measure an ambient background magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a first mode selected from a scalar mode or a vector mode; generate, in response to the measurement of the ambient background magnetic field, a compensation field using the at least one magnetic field generator; and measure a target magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a spin exchange relaxation free (SERF) mode which is different from the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HI LLC
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Ricardo Jiménez-Martinez
  • Publication number: 20200072916
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system that includes at least one magnetometer; at least one magnetic field generator; a processor coupled to the at least one magnetometer and the at least one magnetic field generator and configured to: measure an ambient background magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a first mode selected from a scalar mode or a vector mode; generate, in response to the measurement of the ambient background magnetic field, a compensation field using the at least one magnetic field generator; and measure a target magnetic field using at least one of the at least one magnetometer in a spin exchange relaxation free (SERF) mode which is different from the first mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Ricardo Jiménez-Martinez
  • Publication number: 20200060542
    Abstract: An optical measurement system comprising an optical source configured for delivering sample light in an anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure, an optical detector configured for detecting the physiological-encoded signal light, and a processor configured for acquiring a TOF profile derived from the physiological-encoded signal light, the initial TOF profile having an initial contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between a plurality of states of a physiological activity in the anatomical structure. The processor is further configured for applying one or more weighting functions to the initial TOF profile to generate a weighted TOF profile having a subsequent CNR greater than the initial CNR between the plurality of states of the physiological activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Adam Marblestone, Ivo Vellekoop, Daniel Sobek, Michael Henninger, Brian Robinson, Yuecheng Shen, Roarke Horstmeyer
  • Publication number: 20200057116
    Abstract: A magnetometer can include a single, integrated, unitary structure that has a gas cell defining a cavity having a vapor or vaporizable material disposed therein, a collimating element coupled to the gas cell and configured for collimating light directed toward the gas cell, and a lens element coupled the gas cell and configured for redirecting at least a portion of light that has passed through the gas cell. Additionally or alternatively, a gas cell of a magnetometer may be made of sapphire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony Zorzos, Jamu Alford, Ricardo Jimenez-Martinez
  • Publication number: 20200057115
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system includes at least one magnetometer; and at least one flux concentrator made of a high magnetic permeability material and configured to receive magnetic field signals from a source, to concentrate the magnetic field signals or reorient the magnetic field signals in a preselected direction, and to direct the concentrated or reoriented magnetic field signals toward at least one of the at least one magnetometer. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the flux concentrator, the system can include a passive shield made of the high magnetic permeability material. The system may also include active shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Ricardo Jiménez-Martínez, Jamu Alford, Michael Henninger
  • Publication number: 20200025844
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system includes an array of magnetometers; at least one magnetic field generator configured to generate a compensation field across the array of magnetometers; and a controller coupled to the magnetometers and the at least one magnetic field generator and configured for adjusting a dynamic range and sensitivity of the array by adjusting a spatial variation of the compensation field to alter which of the magnetometers of the array operate in a measurement mode. Another magnetic field measurement system utilizes at least one magnetometer instead of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Ricardo Jiménez-Martinez
  • Publication number: 20190391213
    Abstract: A magnetic field measurement system includes an array of magnetometers; at least one magnetic field generator with each of the at least one magnetic field generator configured to generate a first magnetic field at one or more of the magnetometers, wherein the generated first magnetic field combines with the ambient magnetic field to produce a directional magnetic field at the one or more of the magnetometers, where a magnitude and direction of the directional magnetic field is selectable using the at least one magnetic field generator; and a controller coupled to the magnetometers and the at least one magnetic field generator, the controller including a processor configured for receiving signals from the magnetometers, observing or measuring a magnetic field from the received signals, and controlling the at least one magnetic field generator to generate the first magnetic field and select the direction of the directional magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20190336007
    Abstract: An optical source sweeps a source light over an optical wavelength range. An interferometer splits the source light into sample light and reference light, delivers the sample light into an anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure, and combines the signal light and the reference light into an interference light pattern having an array of spatial components and a plurality of oscillation frequency components. An optical detector array detects intensity values of the array of spatial components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Haowen Ruan, Adam Marblestone, Roarke Horstmeyer, Yuecheng Shen, Haojiang Zhou, Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20190336005
    Abstract: An optical measurement system comprises an optical source assembly configured for intensity modulating sample light at multiple frequencies within a frequency range, and delivering the intensity modulated sample light along an optical path of an anatomical structure during a single measurement period, such that the intensity modulated sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in signal light that exits the anatomical structure. The optical measurement system further comprises an optical detection assembly configured for detecting the signal light over the frequency range within the measurement period. The optical measurement system further comprises a processor configured for analyzing the detected signal light, and, based on this analysis, determining an occurrence and spatial depth of a physiological event in the anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Roarke Horstmeyer, Adam Marblestone
  • Publication number: 20190336057
    Abstract: In a non-invasive optical detection system and method, sample light is delivered into a scattering medium. A first portion of the sample light passing through a volume of interest exits the scattering medium as signal light, and a second portion of the sample light passing through a volume of non-interest exits the scattering medium as background light that is combined with the signal light to create a sample light pattern. Reference light is combined with the sample light pattern to create an interference light pattern having a holographic beat component. Ultrasound is emitted into the volume of non-interest in a manner that decorrelates the background light of the sample light pattern from the holographic beat component. The holographic beat component is detected during the measurement period. An optical parameter of the volume of interest is determined based on the detected holographic beat component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Ashutosh Chaturvedi, Adam Marblestone
  • Publication number: 20190336001
    Abstract: A non-invasive optical measurement system comprises an optical source for generating source light, and an interferometer for splitting the source light into sample light and reference light, delivering the sample light into an anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure, and combining the signal light and the reference light into at least three phase-modulated interference light patterns. The optical path lengths of the respective source light and sample light match within a coherence length of the source light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Haojiang Zhou, Roarke Horstmeyer, Haowen Ruan, Yuecheng Shen, Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20190336060
    Abstract: An optical measurement system comprises an optical source configured for generating source light having an optical wavelength spectrum. The optical measurement system compises an interferometer configured for splitting the source light into sample light and reference light. The interferometer is further configured for delivering the sample light into an anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure. The interferometer is further configured for combining the signal light and the reference light into interference light having the optical wavelength spectrum encoded with depths of the anatomical structure. The optical measurement system further comprises a dispersive spectrometer configured for generating an optical wavelength spectrum-intensity profile from the interference light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Yuecheng Shen, Haowen Ruan, Roarke Horstmeyer, Haojiang Zhou, Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20190336006
    Abstract: A non-invasive optical measurement system comprises a two-dimensional array of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) mechanically coupled to each other. Each PIC is configured for emitting sample light into an anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure. Each PIC is further configured for detecting the signal light. The non-invasive optical measurement system further comprises processing circuitry configured for analyzing the detected signal light from each of the PICs, and based on this analysis, determining an occurrence and a three-dimensional spatial location of the physiological event in the anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Roarke Horstmeyer, Haojiang Zhou, Haowen Ruan, Yuecheng Shen, Jamu Alford
  • Publication number: 20190313912
    Abstract: A non-invasive optical detection system and method are provided. Sample light is delivered into a target volume of interest, whereby the sample light is scattered by the target volume of interest, resulting in a sample light pattern that exits the anatomical structure. Reference light is combined with the sample light pattern to generate at least one interference light pattern, each of which may have a time varying interference component that integrates to a first value in the absence of the physiological event, and that integrates to a second greater value in the presence of the physiological event. Intensities of spatial components of each interference light pattern are detected during a measurement period. A function of the detected spatial component intensities of the interference light pattern(s) is analyzed, and a presence of the physiological event in the target volume of interest is determined based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: HI LLC
    Inventors: Jamu Alford, Adam Marblestone