Patents by Inventor Michael M. Shara

Michael M. Shara 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).

  • Telescope accessory
    Patent number: 7130051
    Abstract: In an embodiment according to the present invention, a coronagraph for detecting reflective bodies external to a light source is provided. A first mirror for directing a beam of light onto an occulting mask is adjusted based on a data from a fiber optic sensor or a second sensor. An occulting mask for separating the beam into a first and second portion directs the first portion onto a fiber optic sensor and the second portion onto a Lyot stop. The occulting mask is adjustable based on data from the second sensor. The Lyot stop separates the second portion of the beam into a third and fourth portion. The Lyot stop also directs the third portion of the beam onto the second sensor and the fourth portion of the beam onto a camera for detecting one or more reflective bodies external to a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: American Museum of Natural History
    Inventors: Ben R. Oppenheimer, Michael M. Shara
  • Telescope accessory
    Publication number: 20040156087
    Abstract: In an embodiment according to the present invention, a coronagraph for detecting reflective bodies external to a light source is provided. A first mirror for directing a beam of light onto an occulting mask is adjusted based on a data from a fiber optic sensor or a second sensor. An occulting mask for separating the beam into a first and second portion directs the first portion onto a fiber optic sensor and the second portion onto a Lyot stop. The occulting mask is adjustable based on data from the second sensor. The Lyot stop separates the second portion of the beam into a third and fourth portion. The Lyot stop also directs the third portion of the beam onto the second sensor and the fourth portion of the beam onto a camera for detecting one or more reflective bodies external to a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: American Museum of Natural History
    Inventors: Ben R. Oppenheimer, Michael M. Shara