Patents by Inventor Michael R. Descour
Michael R. Descour 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).
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Patent number: 8859190Abstract: Novel photo-writable and thermally switchable polymeric materials exhibit a refractive index change of ?n?1.0 when exposed to UV light or heat. For example, lithography can be used to convert a non-conjugated precursor polymer to a conjugated polymer having a higher index-of-refraction. Further, two-photon lithography can be used to pattern high-spatial frequency structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Shawn M. Dirk, Ross Stefan Johnson, Robert Boye, Michael R. Descour, William C. Sweatt, David R. Wheeler, Bryan James Kaehr
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Patent number: 7864380Abstract: In a scanning microscope, slides are fed automatically from a magazine to the imaging system. Each slide is labeled in some fashion with information for selecting the appropriate modality of operation of the scanner for that slide and the modality is implemented automatically. The information is preferably tied to and defined by a laboratory information system (LIS). For example, the instructions may regard the type of microscopy (i.e., trans- or epi-illumination), multi-spectral imaging with particular spectral bands combined with a particular set of z-positions, alternative filters, settings for the numerical aperture of the condenser, alternative detector operation for different resolutions, and alternative post-scan analyses of the data, as deemed optimal for the scan. The label may also contain the slide's identity, a pathologist's name, desired post-scan handling protocol, etc. The preferred array microscope to carry out the invention is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: DMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Descour, Artur G. Olszak, Andrew Lowe
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Patent number: 7755841Abstract: A liquid lens includes a segmented electrode that allows the simultaneous application of different potentials across the lens's meniscus to obtain a predetermined aberration correction condition and to adjust focal length as necessary to conform to the topography of the object being scanned. The lens also includes a gas plenum interfacing with one of the liquids of the lens to allow for volume changes in the lens cell due to temperature variations. This combination of features produces a liquid-lens cell capable of maintaining substantially constant transverse magnification and diffraction-limited image quality over a useful range of focal length. As such, the lens is particularly suitable for incorporation in an array of micro-objectives used in a scanning microscope.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Dmetrix, Inc.Inventors: Todd R. Christenson, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Artur G. Olszak
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Publication number: 20080297911Abstract: A liquid lens includes a segmented electrode that allows the simultaneous application of different potentials across the lens's meniscus to obtain a predetermined aberration correction condition and to adjust focal length as necessary to conform to the topography of the object being scanned. The lens also includes a gas plenum interfacing with one of the liquids of the lens to allow for volume changes in the lens cell due to temperature variations. This combination of features produces a liquid-lens cell capable of maintaining substantially constant transverse magnification and diffraction-limited image quality over a useful range of focal length. As such, the lens is particularly suitable for incorporation in an array of micro-objectives used in a scanning microscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: DMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Todd C. Christenson, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Artur G. Olszak
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Patent number: 7184610Abstract: An array of microscopes and a method of imaging an object with the array of microscopes. The array includes a plurality of optical elements being individually disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective sections of an object, and includes a plurality of image sensors corresponding to respective optical elements and configured to capture corresponding representations of the respective sections of the object. The method includes imaging respective sections of an object with a plurality of optical elements and capturing corresponding representations of sections of the object from a plurality of image sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of ArizonaInventors: Ronald S. Weinstein, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Peter H. Bartels, Roland V. Shack
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Patent number: 7130115Abstract: A multi-mode scanning imaging system. The system includes a plurality of sets of optical elements and a scanning mechanism. Each set is disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective portions of an object. A scanning mechanism produces relative translation between the sets and the object so as to scan the object. Sets of image sensors corresponding to the sets of optical elements are adapted to capture image data representative of the respective portions of the object. A mode implementation system coordinates the image data according to one or more desired modes of operation of the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Dhetrix, Inc.Inventors: Artur G. Olszak, Chen Liang, Michael R. Descour
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Patent number: 7116437Abstract: A multi-axis imaging system and method wherein a plurality of optical elements are arranged to produce in image space thereof respective images of respective regions in object space thereof, and a plurality of image sensing elements corresponding to respective optical elements are disposed in image space of the image sensing elements to capture images of the respective regions. At least one baffle is positioned along an optical pathway of at least one of the optical elements to block light from outside the field of view of the one of the optical elements from reaching a corresponding image sensing element.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: DMetrix Inc.Inventors: Ronald S. Weinstein, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Peter H. Bartels, Roland V. Shack
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Patent number: 7061584Abstract: A multi-axis projection imaging system. Such a system includes a plurality of objectives defining respective object fields of view and corresponding image fields of view. An object is adapted for controllably illuminating the object fields of view with light that varies spatially in one or more selected characteristics, for creating respective images within the image fields of view.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: DMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Arthur G. Olszak, Michael R. Descour
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Publication number: 20040101210Abstract: An array of microscopes and a method of imaging an object with the array of microscopes. The array includes a plurality of optical elements being individually disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective sections of an object, and includes a plurality of image sensors corresponding to respective optical elements and configured to capture corresponding representations of the respective sections of the object. The method includes imaging respective sections of an object with a plurality of optical elements and capturing corresponding representations of sections of the object from a plurality of image sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicants: The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, DMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Ronald S. Weinstein, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Peter H. Bartels, Roland V. Shack
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Publication number: 20040076345Abstract: A method for referencing image data. Preferred methods include methods for linking, characterizing, searching, and navigating the image data, as aids to reviewing the image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Artur G. Olszak, Michael R. Descour, James Goodall
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Publication number: 20040057094Abstract: A multi-mode scanning imaging system. The system includes a plurality of sets of optical elements and a scanning mechanism. Each set is disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective portions of an object. A scanning mechanism produces relative translation between the sets and the object so as to scan the object. Sets of image sensors corresponding to the sets of optical elements are adapted to capture image data representative of the respective portions of the object. A mode implementation system coordinates the image data according to one or more desired modes of operation of the imaging system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Artur G. Olszak, Chen Liang, Michael R. Descour
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Publication number: 20040057120Abstract: A multi-axis projection imaging system. Such a system includes a plurality of objectives defining respective object fields of view and corresponding image fields of view. An object is adapted for controllably illuminating the object fields of view with light that varies spatially in one or more selected characteristics, for creating respective images within the image fields of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Arthur G. Olszak, Michael R. Descour
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Publication number: 20030067680Abstract: A multi-axis imaging system and method wherein a plurality of optical elements are arranged to produce in image space thereof respective images of respective regions in object space thereof, and a plurality of image sensing elements corresponding to respective optical elements are disposed in image space of the image sensing elements to capture images of the respective regions. At least one baffle is positioned along an optical pathway of at least one of the optical elements to block light from outside the field of view of the one of the optical elements from reaching a corresponding image sensing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Applicant: THE ARIZ BD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF AZInventors: Ronald S. Weinstein, Michael R. Descour, Chen Liang, Peter H. Bartels, Roland V. Shack
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Patent number: 6504943Abstract: A programmable optical filter for use in multispectral and hyperspectral imaging. The filter splits the light collected by an optical telescope into two channels for each of the pixels in a row in a scanned image, one channel to handle the positive elements of a spectral basis filter and one for the negative elements of the spectral basis filter. Each channel for each pixel disperses its light into n spectral bins, with the light in each bin being attenuated in accordance with the value of the associated positive or negative element of the spectral basis vector. The spectral basis vector is constructed so that its positive elements emphasize the presence of a target and its negative elements emphasize the presence of the constituents of the background of the imaged scene. The attenuated light in the channels is re-imaged onto separate detectors for each pixel and then the signals from the detectors are combined to give an indication of the presence or not of the target in each pixel of the scanned scene.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: William C. Sweatt, Stephen M. Gentry, Clinton A. Boye, Carter L. Grotbeck, Brian R. Stallard, Michael R. Descour
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Patent number: 6370422Abstract: An apparatus and methods for fiber optic confocal imaging systems. A plurality of fibers are in communication with a scan system that controllably deflects incident radiation into the fibers in a raster pattern. An index matching agent reduces specular reflections from the fibers.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Colin L. Smithpeter, Brett S. Bowman, Michael R. Descour
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Patent number: 5929985Abstract: A multispectral imaging probe delivers a range of wavelengths of excitation light to a target and collects a range of expressed light wavelengths. The multispectral imaging probe is adapted for mobile use and use in confined spaces, and is sealed against the effects of hostile environments. The multispectral imaging probe comprises a housing that defines a sealed volume that is substantially sealed from the surrounding environment. A beam splitting device mounts within the sealed volume. Excitation light is directed to the beam splitting device, which directs the excitation light to a target. Expressed light from the target reaches the beam splitting device along a path coaxial with the path traveled by the excitation light from the beam splitting device to the target. The beam splitting device directs expressed light to a collection subsystem for delivery to a detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: David R. Sandison, Mark R. Platzbecker, Michael R. Descour, David L. Armour, Marcus J. Craig, Rebecca Richards-Kortum
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Patent number: 5920399Abstract: A multispectral imaging method and apparatus adapted for use in determining material properties, especially properties characteristic of abnormal non-dermal cells. A target is illuminated with a narrow band light beam. The target expresses light in response to the excitation. The expressed light is collected and the target's response at specific response wavelengths to specific excitation wavelengths is measured. From the measured multispectral response the target's properties can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: David R. Sandison, Mark R. Platzbecker, Timothy D. Vargo, Randal R. Lockhart, Michael R. Descour, Rebecca Richards-Kortum