Patents by Inventor Jennifer M. Alexander

Jennifer M. Alexander 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: 20210201645
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light to and receiving scattered light from one or more nodes and a cover plate having an internal cavity. The cover plate surrounds the one or more nodes such that the one or more nodes are in communication with the internal cavity. A control system is operably coupled to the at least one fiber optic cable so that the scattered light received by the one or more nodes is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the scattered light to evaluate a condition at the one or more nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20210172851
    Abstract: A combined capability sensor includes a first laser source and a second laser source. The first laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in at least one of an infrared spectrum and a visible spectrum and the second laser source is configured to emit light having a wavelength in a blue or ultraviolet spectrum. A director is configured to direct the first and second laser source to a detection zone. A first sensor is configured to detect scattered light originating from the first laser source, thereby detecting a presence of smoke in the detection zone. A second sensor is configured to detect fluoresced light originating from the second laser source, thereby detecting a presence of a biological agent in the detection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Peter R. Harris, Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael T. Gorski
  • Publication number: 20210148873
    Abstract: A hazardous gas detector that includes a housing defining an interior region is provided. Also included is a laser emitting component oriented to emit a laser light away from the housing. Further included is a lens disposed within an aperture defined by the housing, the lens allowing returning infrared light of the laser light to enter the interior region. Yet further included is a mirror disposed within the interior region and oriented to split the returning laser light into a short wave infrared light and a long wave infrared light. Also included is a one-dimensional (1D) camera pixel array disposed within the interior region, the 1D camera imaging a planar region that includes an illuminated portion comprising the short wave infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Jose-Rodrigo Castillo-Garza
  • Patent number: 10957176
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that a signal indicative of scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system. The control system analyzes the signal associated with the node in one or more of a frequency domain, time-frequency domain, time domain, and spatial domain, to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the condition within the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander, Yanzhi Chen, Peter R. Harris, Jie Xi, Alan Matthew Finn, Hui Fang
  • Patent number: 10950108
    Abstract: A method of characterizing an aerosol, the method comprising illuminating aerosol particles located within a measurement volume with a first electromagnetic radiation pulse emitted from a first source and receiving one or more electromagnetic radiation returns that have been scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the first electromagnetic radiation pulse at one or more sensors, illuminating the aerosol particles within the measurement volume with a second electromagnetic radiation pulse emitted from a second source and receiving a one or more electromagnetic radiation returns scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the second electromagnetic radiation pulse at the one or more sensors, determine at least one of intensity based on the one or more electromagnetic radiation returns, and determine an aerosol parameter based on an algorithm and the at least one intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael T. Gorski
  • Patent number: 10950107
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, a plurality of nodes operably connected to the at least one fiber optic cable arranged to measure one or more conditions within the predetermined area, a coupling to connect each node of the plurality of nodes to the at least one fiber optic cable, and a control system operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10943449
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node. An optical enhancement device is operably connected to the fiber harness or to the control system to reduce interference sources transmitted from the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20210055422
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining an effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water particles in a cloud atmosphere based on differences in amplitudes of optical signals backscattered at different backscattering angles. Off-axis backscattering—backscattering at angles other than 180 degrees—is affected by the effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water droplets. Detected amplitudes of optical signals that are backscattered at different angles are used to indicate the effective size, quantity, shape, and type of water particles in the cloud atmosphere. In some embodiments, optical emitters and detectors are configured to measure amplitudes of optical signals backscattered at backscattering angles of both on-axis—180 degrees—and off-axis varieties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Mark Ray, Jennifer M. Alexander, Kaare Josef Anderson, Darren G. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20210043056
    Abstract: A method of characterizing an aerosol, the method comprising illuminating aerosol particles located within a measurement volume with a first electromagnetic radiation pulse emitted from a first source and receiving one or more electromagnetic radiation returns that have been scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the first electromagnetic radiation pulse at one or more sensors, illuminating the aerosol particles within the measurement volume with a second electromagnetic radiation pulse emitted from a second source and receiving a one or more electromagnetic radiation returns scattered by the aerosol particles illuminated by the second electromagnetic radiation pulse at the one or more sensors, determine at least one of intensity based on the one or more electromagnetic radiation returns, and determine an aerosol parameter based on an algorithm and the at least one intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael T. Gorski
  • Patent number: 10871452
    Abstract: A system for detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. At least one of the light sources is configured to emit a respective emission cone having a respective emission cone axis. One or more light sensing devices are configured to receive scattered light. At least one of the one or more light sensing devices defines a respective acceptance cone having a respective acceptance cone axis. The emission cone axis of the emission cone, and/or the acceptance cone axis of the light sensing device is angled toward the other. A processor is operatively connected to the at least one light sensing devices to evaluate the scattered light for the presence of particulates in the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10852202
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring the presence of one or more conditions in a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light. The at least one fiber optic cable defines a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. The node is arranged such that light scattered by an atmosphere adjacent the node is received by at least one core of the fiber optic cable. A control system operably connected to the fiber harness includes a light source for transmitting light to the node and a light sensitive device configured to receive scattered light associated with the node. The control system analyzes more than one signal corresponding to more than one wavelength of the scattered light associated with the node to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Kenneth Bell, Stefan Coreth, Peter R. Harris, Antonio M. Vincitore, Jennifer M. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10852233
    Abstract: A system for particulate detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. The system includes at least two light sensing devices configured to receive scattered light. Respective sensing portions of the three two sensing devices share a common centerline axis. A processor is operatively connected to the two light sensing devices and is configured to evaluate the scattered light for presence of particulates in the monitored space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20200193790
    Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes switching the system from a normal mode for sensing smoke to a high sensitivity mode for sensing airborne particles, such that in the high sensitivity mode the detection system is configured to discriminate between particles of diameters less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers. Transmitting light from one or more light sources of the detection system into a monitored space, and detecting scattered light at one or more light sensing devices of the detection system. The detection of scattered light is indicative of one or more indoor air quality conditions in the monitored space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Publication number: 20200193786
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node. An optical enhancement device is operably connected to the fiber harness or to the control system to reduce interference sources transmitted from the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10677714
    Abstract: A covered chamberless particulate detector includes a chamberless detector configured to produce a signal when particulate sensing events occur; one or more optical emitters disposed on the chamberless detector, configured to emit one or more emitting cones of light; one or more optical sensors disposed on the chamberless detector, defining one or more receiving cones; and a protective cover on the chamberless detector defining an inside region and an outside region. Each of the one or more optical sensors is configured to detect occurrence of particulate sensing events. The protective cover includes a material having one or more optical properties of transmission, reflection, and absorption; and at least of these optical properties has a bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10665075
    Abstract: A system for monitoring smoke and/or temperature of an electronic device includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable terminating at a node. The node is located to measure one or more conditions at the electronic device, and a control system operably connected to the fiber harness. The control system includes a light source configured to transmit light through the fiber harness, a light sensitive device configured to receive scattered light associated with the node, and a control unit configured to analyze the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node of one or more conditions at the electronic device, wherein the control unit is further configured to transmit a signal in response to the one or more conditions, wherein the one or more conditions are one or more of smoke, fire, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Stefan Coreth, Kenneth Bell, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris, Antonio M. Vincitore
  • Publication number: 20190383729
    Abstract: A covered chamberless particulate detector includes a chamberless detector configured to produce a signal when particulate sensing events occur; one or more optical emitters disposed on the chamberless detector, configured to emit one or more emitting cones of light; one or more optical sensors disposed on the chamberless detector, defining one or more receiving cones; and a protective cover on the chamberless detector defining an inside region and an outside region. Each of the one or more optical sensors is configured to detect occurrence of particulate sensing events. The protective cover includes a material having one or more optical properties of transmission, reflection, and absorption; and at least of these optical properties has a bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20190340907
    Abstract: An integrated detection and suppression system includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light defining at least one node arranged to measure one or more conditions. A light source is operably connected to the fiber harness to transmit light along the fiber harness to the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions. At least one suppressant outlet is associated with at least one node and is operably connected to the control system configured to initiate a response for the delivery of a volume of suppressant through a suppressant outlet associated with a particular node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris, Jennifer M. Alexander, Anis Zribi, Barry Stahl, Abhay Nadgir, John Andres
  • Publication number: 20190293556
    Abstract: A covered chamberless particulate detector includes a chamberless detector configured to produce a signal when particulate sensing events occurs, one or more optical emitters configured to emit one or more emitting cones of light, one or more optical sensors defining one or more receiving cones and configured to detect occurrence of particulate sensing events, and a protective cover defining an inside region and an outside region. Each of the one or more emitting cones of light is configured to overlap with each of the one or more receiving cones, thereby creating one or more sensing volumes which may be in the inside region, the outside region, or both regions. The protective cover can be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque, and can include apertures. The optical emitters and detectors can use one or more wavelengths, allowing discrimination of various airborne particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Michael J. Birnkrant, Kenneth Bell, Peter R. Harris, Jennifer M. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20190293555
    Abstract: A detection system (20) for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area (21) includes a fiber harness (30) having at least one fiber optic cable (28) for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node (34) arranged to measure one or more conditions within the predetermined area. A control system (50) is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the light transmitted from the node by comparing multiple wavelengths of scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, David L. Lincoln, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris