Patents by Inventor Kimberlee Jane Kearfott

Kimberlee Jane Kearfott 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: 20220373708
    Abstract: An image reconstruction algorithm system for hazardous source mapping. The algorithm system can be used to automate and optimize the search path of a movable vehicle (such as a UAV), equipped with detection capability. The algorithm allows the vehicle to localize hazardous sources in multiple scenarios effectively. Hazard mapping is formulated as an inverse problem and solved either with a deconvolution or a reconstruction algorithm, according to the problem complexity. The algorithms can use the Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) and the least square regression algorithm, respectively. However, alternative algorithms can be used as set forth herein. The source mapping algorithms are able to provide a quantitative estimation of the hazard source magnitude. A non-negative version of the least square algorithm is used to reconstruct the map at each step of the navigation algorithm of the vehicle. The navigation algorithm correctly located single and multiples simulated hazardous sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberlee Jane KEARFOTT, Tairan LIU
  • Publication number: 20130020508
    Abstract: A method of determining the radiation type and energy distribution of a radiation source that outputs radiation. The method including providing a plurality of detector materials and exposing the plurality of detector materials to the radiation. Each of the plurality of detector materials stores a signal in response to being exposed to the radiation. The signals are representative of the radiation. The plurality of detector materials is stimulated to output the signals as measured signals. These measured signals are used to determine the radiation type and energy distribution of the radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: KIMBERLEE JANE KEARFOTT
  • Patent number: 7855375
    Abstract: A method of determining the radiation type and energy distribution of a radiation source that outputs radiation. The method including providing a plurality of detector materials and exposing the plurality of detector materials to the radiation. Each of the plurality of detector materials stores a signal in response to being exposed to the radiation. The signals are representative of the radiation. The plurality of detector materials is stimulated to output the signals as measured signals. These measured signals are used to determine the radiation type and energy distribution of the radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University Of Michigan
    Inventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
  • Publication number: 20090101825
    Abstract: A method of determining the radiation type and energy distribution of a radiation source that outputs radiation. The method including providing a plurality of detector materials and exposing the plurality of detector materials to the radiation. Each of the plurality of detector materials stores a signal in response to being exposed to the radiation. The signals are representative of the radiation. The plurality of detector materials is stimulated to output the signals as measured signals. These measured signals are used to determine the radiation type and energy distribution of the radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
  • Publication number: 20090001286
    Abstract: A method of determining the radiation type and energy distribution of a radiation source that outputs radiation. The method including providing a plurality of detector materials and exposing the plurality of detector materials to the radiation. Each of the plurality of detector materials stores a signal in response to being exposed to the radiation. The signals are representative of the radiation. The plurality of detector materials is stimulated to output the signals as measured signals. These measured signals are used to determine the radiation type and energy distribution of the radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
  • Patent number: 7405409
    Abstract: A neutron elastic scattering detector device for non-invasively detecting the presence of at least one predetermined element of an object of interest. The detector device comprises a neutron source that simultaneously outputs, at a creation time, a neutron in a first direction and an associated baseline particle in a second direction. The first direction is opposite of the second direction. The neutron can impinge upon the predetermined element of the object of interest and scatter therefrom in a third direction. A baseline particle detector system detects the baseline particle and outputs a baseline signal characteristic thereof. A neutron detector system detects the neutron and outputs a scattering signal in characteristic thereof. The processing unit analyzes the baseline signal and the scattering signal to determine the presence of the predetermined element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
  • Publication number: 20080156997
    Abstract: A neutron elastic scattering detector device for non-invasively detecting the presence of at least one predetermined element of an object of interest. The detector device comprises a neutron source that simultaneously outputs, at a creation time, a neutron in a first direction and an associated baseline particle in a second direction. The first direction is opposite of the second direction. The neutron can impinge upon the predetermined element of the object of interest and scatter therefrom in a third direction. A baseline particle detector system detects the baseline particle and outputs a baseline signal characteristic thereof. A neutron detector system detects the neutron and outputs a scattering signal in characteristic thereof. The processing unit analyzes the baseline signal and the scattering signal to determine the presence of the predetermined element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Kimberlee Jane Kearfott