Patents by Inventor Michael J. Birnkrant

Michael J. Birnkrant 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: 20210231619
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detection system (20) includes a detector (22) that has a chamber (24), a pulsed light source (26), piezoelectric tuning forks (28), and a photosensor (30). The chamber has an inlet and an outlet for flow of an analyte. The pulsed light source is adjacent the chamber and is operable to emit a light beam along a path through the chamber. The tuning forks are arranged along the path, and each of the tuning forks is operable to emit first sensor signals. The photosensor is arranged along the path and is operable to emit second sensor signals. A controller (38) is connected to receive the first and second sensor signals. The controller is configured to determine whether a target species is present in the analyte based on the first sensor signals and determine whether the target species is present in the analyte based on the second sensor signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris, Marcin Piech, Arthur Blanc, Jose-Rodrigo Castillo-Garza
  • Publication number: 20210223164
    Abstract: A screening system includes a modulated light source, a wavelength-shifting filter, and a photosensor. The light source is operable to emit light into a screening region through which people or objects move. The photosensor is adjacent the screening region and is operable to emit sensor signals from scattered light received through the wavelength-shifting filter from interaction of the light with the people or objects in the screening region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Matthew FINN, Srinivas RAVELA, Michael J. BIRNKRANT
  • Patent number: 11067457
    Abstract: A method of monitoring smoke, fire, and temperature conditions includes transmitting light through a first fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable terminating at a node disposed to monitor a smoke or fire condition at one or more predetermined areas, transmitting light along a second fiber optic cable, the second fiber optic cable arranged to monitor a temperature condition at one or more predetermined areas, receiving scattered light from the first fiber optic cable and/or the second fiber optic cable at a control system, and analyzing the scattered light to determine at least one of the presence and magnitude of smoke, fire and/or a temperature condition along the fiber harness or at the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Stefan Coreth, Kenneth Bell, Jennifer M. Alexander, Peter R. Harris, Antonio M. Vincitore
  • Publication number: 20210208078
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber optic cable including a first core for transmitting light to the ambient atmosphere adjacent a node and a second core for receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere adjacent the node. A discrimination assembly operably coupled to the first and second cores includes at least one focusing element and at least one optical enhancement device. The at least one optical enhancement device separates the scattered light received from the ambient atmosphere into a plurality of wavelengths. A control system operably coupled to the fiber optic cable receives the scattered light received from the ambient atmosphere. The scattered light received from the ambient atmosphere has a higher frequency than the light transmitted to the ambient atmosphere and only the scattered light having a desired wavelength is transmitted to the control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventor: Michael J. Birnkrant
  • Publication number: 20210209918
    Abstract: A system for locating a detection system within a predetermined area includes a fiber optic harness defining at least one node in communication with the predetermined area. Light is received at the at least one node. At least one emitter is arranged in communication with the at least one node. A control system is operably coupled to the at least one emitter and the at least one node to determine a physical location of the at least one node relative to the predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Alan Matthew Finn, Jennifer M. Alexander, David L. Lincoln
  • Publication number: 20210208068
    Abstract: An example SPR detection system includes a first prism having a first surface adjacent to a first metal layer exposed to a sample gas, and a second prism having a second surface adjacent to a second metal layer exposed to a reference gas. At least one light source is configured to provide respective beams to the first and second surfaces, where each of the beams causes SPR of a respective one of the metal layers. At least one photodetector is configured to measure a reflection property of reflections of the respective beams from the metal layers during the SPR. A controller is configured to determine whether a target gas is present in the sample gas based on a known composition of the reference gas and at least one of an electrical property of the first and second metal layers during the SPR and the reflection property of the metal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: David L. Lincoln, Michael J. Birnkrant, Jose-Rodrigo Castillo-Garza, Marcin Piech, Catherine Thibaud, Michael J. Giering, Kishore K. Reddy, Vivek Venugopalan
  • Publication number: 20210199553
    Abstract: According to another embodiment, a method of detecting the occurrence of a condition using a detection system located within a predetermined area includes transmitting light from at least one node of a plurality of nodes into an ambient atmosphere adjacent the at least one node, receiving scattered light from the ambient atmosphere at the at least one node, communicating the received scattered light to a control system operably coupled to the at least one node, analyzing the scattered light at the control system to determine a condition of the ambient atmosphere adjacent each at least one node, and adjusting a sensitivity of the at least one node of the plurality of nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Jie Xi, Michael J. Birnkrant, Alan Matthew Finn, Jennifer M. Alexander, David L. Lincoln, Jun Hou
  • 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: 20210174658
    Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a plurality of nodes arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is in communication with the at least one fiber optic cable such that scattered light and a time of flight record is transmitted from the at least one fiber optic cable to the control system. The control system includes a detection algorithm operable to identify a portion of the scattered light associated with each of the plurality of nodes and indicate a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at each of the plurality of nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Peter R. Harris
  • 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: 20210165925
    Abstract: A method of optimizing the layout of a smoke detection system in a space includes obtaining requirements for the smoke detection system, accessing a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of the space, integrating the requirements and the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of the space in a fiber deployment algorithm, determining a layout of smoke detection system components based on the fiber deployment algorithm, and installing the smoke detection system in the space according to the determined layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, Jie Xi
  • Publication number: 20210166541
    Abstract: A method of measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes receiving at a control system a signal including scattered light and time of flight information associated with a plurality of nodes of a detection system, parsing the time of flight information into zones of the detection system, identifying one or more features within the scattered light signal, and analyzing the one or more features within the scattered light signal to determine a presence of the one or more conditions within the predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Jie Xi, Michael J. Birnkrant, Junyang Lin, Jun Hou, Peter R. Harris, Tianyuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20210156800
    Abstract: A multi-point detection system includes one or more light sources, one or more light sensors, and a controller. The light sources are configured to emit an array of collimated light beams, and the light sensors define an array of lines of view. Each of the lines of view intersect different ones of the collimated light beams at respective detection nodes. The light sensors are operable to emit sensor signals responsive to received scattered light from interaction of the collimated light beams with an analyte at the detection nodes. The controller is connected to receive the sensor signals and configured to determine from the scattered light whether the analyte contains a contaminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Alan Matthew Finn, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • 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: 11011034
    Abstract: An evacuation controller, an evacuation control system, and a mobile communication terminal. The evacuation controller includes: a local control unit capable of storing or acquiring evacuation path information to or from a cloud via a mobile communication terminal, wherein the evacuation path information is configured at least based on a layout of a building and a location of a danger occurred in the building. According to the evacuation controller and the evacuation control system, exchange of evacuation path information between the local control unit and a remote provider service system is realized through exchange between the mobile communication terminal and the cloud; or by configuring evacuation path information directly in the local control unit, the local control unit can clearly and timely learn about the local evacuation path information and can evacuate people based on the local evacuation path information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhen Jia, Danqing Sha, Zhengang Zhu, Guichun Zhou, Timothy C. Wagner, Michael J. Birnkrant
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20210072419
    Abstract: An example screening system includes a plurality of detectors about a screening area. Each detector includes a sensor configured to detect information from one or more objects moving along a path from an entrance to an exit of the screening area. The plurality of detectors include a first detector configured to detect information from a first location of the path, and a second detector configured to detect information from a second location of the path. The second detector is configured to adapt its functionality based on a finding of the first detector for a given one of the one or more objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, 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
  • Patent number: 10937294
    Abstract: A chamberless indoor air quality monitor system includes a detector body. A resistive heater is operatively connected to the detector body. An active temperature sensor operatively connected to the resistive heater and operatively connected to an outer surface of the detector body configured to take an active temperature measurement. A method for measuring temperature in a chamberless indoor air quality monitor system includes generating an active temperature measurement with an active temperature sensor operatively connected to an outer surface of the detector body. The method includes heating the active temperature sensor with a resistive heater operatively connected to the detector body. The method includes comparing the active temperature measurements to one another to generate a corrected active temperature measurement based on a temperature difference over time between one or more of the active temperature measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Birnkrant, David L. Lincoln