Patents by Inventor Robert C. Stirbl

Robert C. Stirbl 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: 20110176577
    Abstract: A multi-waveband temperature sensor array, in which each superpixel (e.g., 2×2 pixel cell) operates at a distinct thermal infrared (IR) waveband (e.g. four wavebands) is disclosed. Using an example high spatial resolution, four-band thermal IR band photodetector array, accurate temperature measurements on the surface of an object can be made without prior knowledge of the object emissivity. The multiband photodetector may employ intersubband transition in III-V semiconductor-based quantum layered structures where each photodetector stack absorbs photons within the specified wavelength band while allowing the transmission of photons in other spectral bands, thus efficiently permitting multiband detection. This produces multiple, spectrally resolved images of a scene that are recorded simultaneously in a single snapshot of the FPA. From the multispectral images and calibration information about the system, computational algorithms are used to produce the surface temperature map of a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sumith V. Bandara, Sarath D. Gunapala, John K. Liu, Robert C. Stirbl, Daniel W. Wilson, David Z. Ting
  • Patent number: 7773121
    Abstract: A high resolution CMOS imaging system especially suitable for use in a periscope head. The imaging system includes a sensor head for scene acquisition, and a control apparatus inclusive of distributed processors and software for device-control, data handling, and display. The sensor head encloses a combination of wide field-of-view CMOS imagers and narrow field-of-view CMOS imagers. Each bank of imagers is controlled by a dedicated processing module in order to handle information flow and image analysis of the outputs of the camera system. The imaging system also includes automated or manually controlled display system and software for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) that displays a full 360-degree field of view and allows the user or automated ATR system to select regions for higher resolution inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terrance L. Huntsberger, Robert C. Stirbl, Hrand Aghazarian, Curtis W. Padgett
  • Patent number: 7668603
    Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Nanoco, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C Stirbl, Malcolm L Snead, Jimmy Xu, Ellen S Vitetta, Peter J Wilk
  • Publication number: 20090226520
    Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: NANOCO, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Malcolm L. Snead, Jimmy Xu, Ellen S. Vitetta, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 7133725
    Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wilk Patent Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Malcolm L. Snead, Jimmy Xu, Ellen S. Vitetta, Peter J. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20030171257
    Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Malcolm L. Snead, Jimmy Xu, Ellen S. Vitetta, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 6517484
    Abstract: An ultrasonic medical imaging system comprises a calibration system, a transducer position determination system and an image formation system. The calibration system adjusts the remaining two systems and is part of the overall medical imaging system. A position determination system may discretely determine positions of sensors or sensor arrays considered as rigid bodies, or may continuously determine a shape of a flexible essentially two-dimensional body or mat in which the sensors or sensor arrays are embedded. The position determination system may be internal to a mechanical skeleton or armature joining the transducers or transducer arrays, internal to a two-dimensional body in which the transducers or arrays are embedded, or external to such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wilk Patent Development Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Robert C. Stirbl
  • Patent number: 6195135
    Abstract: A substantially flat television display comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of superluminescent or laser diodes which are mounted to a substrate or carrier for spacing in a planar array. A protective sheet covers the diodes and is connected to the substrate or carrier, while energization componentry is operatively connected to the diodes for energizing the diodes in accordance with an incoming video signal to reproduce an image embodied in the video signal. In a color television or video display, the superluminescent or laser diodes are tuned to different frequency ranges, so as to reproduce the image in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Robert C. Stirbl
  • Patent number: 5920736
    Abstract: Photographic film including a flexible substrate sheet divided on one side into a multiplicity of different picture areas provided with respective layers of photosensitive chemical material having a plurality of different photosensitivities. Thus, each sheet or strip of film is essentially multiple ASA film. Such a film strip is provided with detectible code on a substrate sheet for encoding the photosensitivities of the different picture areas in a readable format. A camera utilizing the film is provided with a magnetic reader for determining film speeds or photosensitivities of the different picture areas on the film. A film transport mechanism is controlled by a microprocessor to move an unexposed picture area of an appropriate ASA to an exposure zone of the camera, either in response to a manually selected ASA or an automatic determination of optimal film speed in accordance with lighting conditions as detected by a light sensor, subject distance, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Shona Brogden, Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5878285
    Abstract: A camera device having photosensitive film, a frame connected to the film for holding the film fixed in a first plane, and a plurality of lenses of several predetermined focusing powers mounted to the frame and disposed in a second plane spaced from and parallel to the plane of the film. A shutter assembly is mounted to the frame for enabling light transmission selectively through the lenses and onto the film. The shutter assembly is actuated by shutter activation componentry mounted to the frame and operatively connected to the shutter assembly. A Fresnel lens and a Fresnel reflector are mounted to the frame and disposed on opposite sides of a light source for providing artificial illumination for the camera. Each lens is assocaited with a respective viewfinder and a respective camera exposure indicator. The camera a designed for storage and transport in a wallet or billfold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Robert C. Stirbl
  • Patent number: 5755217
    Abstract: A method for concentrating solar energy utilizes a pool of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface. Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, for example, via synchronized electromechanical transducers, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool. Incoming solar radiation is differentially reflected from the pool and the reflective surface, upon generation of the standing wave in the fluidic substance, to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location spaced from the pool. At that predetermined location is a solar energy collector for absorbing and storing the solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5734929
    Abstract: Photographic film comprises a flexible substrate sheet divided on one side into a multiplicity of different picture areas provided with respective layers of photosensitive chemical material having a plurality of different photosensitivities. Thus, each sheet or strip of film is essentially multiple ASA film. Such a film strip is provided with detectible code on a substrate sheet for encoding the photosensitivities of the different picture areas in a readable format. A camera utilizing the film is provided with a magnetic reader for determining film speeds or photosensitivities of the different picture areas on the film. A film transport mechanism is controlled by a microprocessor to move an unexposed picture area of an appropriate ASA to an exposure zone of the camera, either in response to a manually selected ASA or an automatic determination of optimal film speed in accordance with lighting conditions as detected by a light sensor, subject distance, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: Shona Brogden, Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5694620
    Abstract: A camera device comprises a photosensitive film, a frame connected to the film for holding the film fixed in a plane, a plurality of lenses having respective focal lengths, and a plurality of spring loaded brackets equal in number to the lenses. The brackets removably mount respective lenses to the frame and are dimensioned for holding the lenses at respective focal positions relative to the film. Releasable locking elements equal in number to the lenses are attached to the frame in operative engagement with respective brackets for holding the brackets in collapsed pre-usage configurations in opposition to spring forces tending to expand the brackets and position the lenses at the respective focal positions. A plurality of shutters equal in number to the lenses are mounted to the frame for enabling light transmission selectively from the lenses onto the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Robert C. Stirbl
  • Patent number: 5593549
    Abstract: In a method for concentrating solar energy waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5507291
    Abstract: In a method for remotely determining information relating to a person's emotional state, an waveform energy having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined intensity is generated and wirelessly transmitted towards a remotely located subject. Waveform energy emitted from the subject is detected and automatically analyzed to derive information relating to the individual's emotional state. Physiological or physical parameters of blood pressure, pulse rate, pupil size, respiration rate and perspiration level are measured and compared with reference values to provide information utilizable in evaluating interviewee's responses or possibly criminal intent in security sensitive areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5482041
    Abstract: In a medical diagnostic method a patient is supported in a predetermined position and microwave energy is focused on a predetermined target region in the patient to produce a burst of photoluminescence. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from organic cellular material at the focal point or the microwave radiation is automatically detected. In a subsequent step, a spectral output of the organic cellular material is automatically determined from electromagnetic radiation received from the radiation focal point through the patient during the step of detecting. In addition, a diagnosis of the excited cellular material is automatically implemented based on the results of the spectral analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Robert C. Stirbl
  • Patent number: 5447147
    Abstract: A method for concentrating solar energy utilizes a pool of a homogenous fluidic substance disposed over a reflective surface. Mechanical energy is controllably imparted to the pool, for example, via synchronized electromechanical transducers, to generate a standing wave of the fluidic substance in the pool. Incoming solar radiation is differentially reflected from the pool and the reflective surface, upon generation of the standing wave in the fluidic substance, to concentrate the incoming solar radiation at a predetermined location spaced from the pool. At that predetermined location is a solar energy collector for absorbing and storing the solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5415156
    Abstract: A police or military method utilizes a laser source for emitting, along a preselected path, radiation having a wavelength absorbable by at least one type of atmospheric molecule. Radiation directing components such as lenses or deformable mirror segments are disposed in the transmission path for directing the laser radiation from the source to a predetermined target region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. Control componentry is operatively connected to the directing components for controlling the operation thereof to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined atmospheric target region to produce in that region a predetermined refractive index pattern such as an atmospheric Fresnel lens for concentrating incoming solar radiation on a preselected military or police target such as a tank, a submarine or ship, a missile silo, a munitions factories, or an armament stores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5395070
    Abstract: A solar energy concentrator assembly comprises flexible polymeric sheet which carries an integral optical element in the form of a Fresnel lens for concentrating a substantial amount of incoming solar radiation on a desired location on the earth's surface. Lofting elements such as propeller driven wings is attached to the sheet for providing aerodynamic lift thereto to maintain the optical element a predetermined distance above the surface of the earth. The propulsion system is powered electrically with energy derived from sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5269288
    Abstract: A system for collecting solar radiation includes a laser source for emitting, along a preselected path, radiation having a wavelength absorbable by at least one type of atmospheric molecule. Radiation directing components such as lenses or deformable mirror segments are disposed in the transmission path for directing the laser radiation from the source to a predetermined target region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. Control componentry is operatively connected to the directing components for controlling the operation thereof to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined target region of the atmosphere to produce in that region a predetermined refractive index pattern such as an atmospheric Fresnel lens for concentrating incoming solar radiation on a solar energy collector. The control componentry is operatively connected to the laser source for timing the emission of radiation therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk