Patents by Inventor Michael Farrier

Michael Farrier 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: 7616231
    Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. Subtraction of output signals from the amplifier circuits, preferably after gain compensation, can be used to detect moving objects in the scene where the integration times for the two circuits are not the same, e.g., are staggered in time or have a different period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Patent number: 7551059
    Abstract: A hybrid image sensor includes an infrared detector array and a CMOS readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The CMOS ROIC is coupled to at least one detector of the IR detector array, e.g., via indium bump bonding. Each pixel of the CMOS ROIC includes a first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals from the IR detector. Each pixel also includes a second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals from the IR detector (or from a second IR detector). A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Patent number: 7518645
    Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Goodrich Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Publication number: 20060181627
    Abstract: A hybrid image sensor includes an infrared detector array and a CMOS readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The CMOS ROIC is coupled to at least one detector of the IR detector array, e.g., via indium bump bonding. Each pixel of the CMOS ROIC includes a first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals from the IR detector. Each pixel also includes a second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit which is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals from the IR detector (or from a second IR detector). A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: Recon/Optical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Publication number: 20060146159
    Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. A first output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the first circuit to a first output multiplexer. A second output select circuit is provided for directing the output of the second circuit to a second output multiplexer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: Recon/Optical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Publication number: 20060146161
    Abstract: A CMOS imaging array includes a plurality of individual pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel is constructed the same and includes a photodetector (e.g., photodiode) receiving incident light and generating an output. A first, relatively lower gain, wide dynamic range amplifier circuit is provided responsive to the output of the photodetector. The first circuit is optimized for a linear response to high light level input signals. A second, relatively higher gain, lower dynamic range amplifier circuit is also provided which is responsive to the output of the photodetector. The second circuit is optimized to provide a high signal to noise ratio for low light level input signals. Subtraction of output signals from the amplifier circuits, preferably after gain compensation, can be used to detect moving objects in the scene where the integration times for the two circuits are not the same, e.g., are staggered in time or have a different period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: Recon/Optical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Farrier
  • Publication number: 20050132666
    Abstract: By providing two endless loop belt drive assemblies forming a belt driven sealing section, a highly efficient and effective automatic, universally applicable, container closing system has been achieved which is capable of securely lockingly engaging both locking lug/receiving well containers and perimeter seal containers. In the present invention, the two cooperating endless loop belt drive systems are mounted in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with each other and are positioned for simultaneously closing and securely engaging the entire locking elements formed on the flanges of one side of the container. In addition, the spaced distance between the two belt drive assemblies is adjustable, as well as the position of the spaced distance relative to a conveyor. In this way, all containers are to be closed by this system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Dyke, Thomas Lynch, Michael Farrier
  • Patent number: 6345645
    Abstract: A water distribution valve, ideally suited for distributing water from a recirculating pump of a swimming pool to selective outlet lines, is designed with a main housing in the form of an outer cylindrical section. This main housing has outlet ports located through the peripheral surface thereof at equal angular spaced intervals. These outlet openings are located in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the main housing. A fluid distribution member, in the form of a T-shaped body, is rotatably mounted inside the main housing member. The base or stem of the T is connected with a water inlet; and one arm of the T has a fluid delivery opening in it for delivering water from the inlet through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignees: Caretaker Systems, Inc., S.A.I.C.
    Inventors: Michael Kenna, Jon Ward, Michael Farrier, Steven Wallace