Abstract: A computerized system for transacting the purchase and sale of consumer motor fuels between motor fuel merchants and retail consumers through software on a mobile or desktop connected device for periods in the future through the simultaneous execution of multi-party, multi-layered contingent transactions and pricing algorithms to ensure that all inter-related motor fuel merchant transactions are simultaneously transacted upon a retail consumer purchase execution. Motor fuels include refined products such as gasoline and diesel fuel, renewable fuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel), natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), jet fuel and electricity.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing laser contrast on a remote target utilizing an image processor and a laser power controller is provided. An image processor in an imaging device manipulates a laser power controller in a laser system so that a laser beam emitted from a laser system is ultimately synchronized with the imaging device. Firstly, the original laser signal is shifted one time frame relative to the plurality of time frames to create a shifted laser signal. Secondly, the shifted laser signal is subtracted from the original laser signal. Thirdly, the subtracted laser signal is magnified by a frequency band pass filter. The filtered laser signal is added to the original signal to become the finalized laser signal which has better contrast than the original signal.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing laser contrast on a remote target utilizing an image processor and a laser power controller is provided. An image processor in an imaging device manipulates a laser power controller in a laser system so that a laser beam emitted from a laser system is ultimately synchronized with the imaging device. Firstly, the original laser signal is shifted one time frame relative to the plurality of time frames to create a shifted laser signal. Secondly, the shifted laser signal is subtracted from the original laser signal. Thirdly, the subtracted laser signal is magnified by a frequency band pass filter. The filtered laser signal is added to the original signal to become the finalized laser signal which has better contrast than the original signal.

Abstract: A multiple resolution focal plane array, the multiple resolution focal plane array having a plurality of bolometers and a readout integrated circuit connected to the plurality of bolometers, wherein the readout integrated circuit is configured to accumulate signal-induced current collected from each bolometer during an integration interval and then transfer the resultant signal onto output taps for readout. The readout integrated circuit is configured to allow a selection between at least two bolometer configurations, a first configuration where bolometers are combined into pixels comprising N×N series/parallel groupings of bolometers and a second configuration where the bolometers are used individually, forming pixels comprising only a single bolometer.

Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for high resolution thermal imaging in metal casting applications is provided to detect defects and starts with the article under test being subjected to a thermal gradient, followed by infrared images taken thereof. The creation of the thermal gradient results in any defects reacting differently to the thermal gradient application to accentuate the defect in the infrared image. The apparatus for conducting the tests in one embodiment includes a single channel sensor, remote cable, and a laptop controller with real time image processing software. This hardware provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The apparatus enables crisp, clear imagery of various metal casting defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.

Abstract: A nondestructive system and method for high resolution thermal imaging in metal casting applications is provided to detect defects and starts with the article under test being subjected to a thermal gradient, followed by infrared images taken thereof. The creation of the thermal gradient results in any defects reacting differently to the thermal gradient application to accentuate the defect in the infrared image. The apparatus for conducting the tests in one embodiment includes a single channel sensor, remote cable, and a laptop controller with real time image processing software. This hardware provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The apparatus enables crisp, clear imagery of various metal casting defects.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional thermal imaging in medical applications, said apparatus comprising a power supply, user interface controls, focal plane array (FPA), electronics, and optics. It provides two real-time viewable IR channels for binocular vision with a variable focus distance which can be optimized at any distance from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables 3-D vision in the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Potential medical applications are discussed and presented.

Abstract: Medical thermal image processing for vein or other subsurface element detection and related methods is provided. A method for thermal image processing to enhance thermal scene information includes taking an output of an infrared camera and coupling the output to a spatial high pass filter. An output of the spatial high pass filter is then applied to a scene-based noise suppression module.

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution thermal imaging in medical applications has a single channel EMI shielded sensor, remote cable, and laptop controller with real time image processing software. The apparatus provides high resolution, real-time viewable infrared (IR) images with a variable focus distance adjustable from six inches to infinity. The present invention enables crisp, clear imagery of the thermal band for greater awareness of everything within the field of view. Various medical applications which would benefit from high resolution thermal imagery are presented.

Abstract: Medical thermal image processing for vein or other subsurface element detection and related methods is provided. A method for thermal image processing to enhance thermal scene information includes taking an output of an infrared camera and coupling the output to a spatial high pass filter. An output of the spatial high pass filter is then applied to a scene-based noise suppression module.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an image is presented. The system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a fusion processor. The first camera has a small field-of-view (FOV) and an optical line of sight (LOS). The second camera has a large FOV that is larger than the small FOV and the second camera has an optical LOS. The first camera and second camera are mounted so that the optical LOS of the first camera is parallel to the optical LOS of the second camera. The fusion processor fuses a second image captured by the second camera with a first image captured by the first camera. The fused image has better resolution in a fused portion of the fused image than in unfused portion of the fused image.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a lens, a detector array (e.g., focal plane array), a signal processing module and a shutter, wherein the shutter is positioned in front of the lens (between the lens and the scene being imaged). This front lens shutter mount configuration allows offset correction to compensate for internal radiant flux and other deficiencies associated with conventional systems.

Abstract: A tray for ball grid array integrated circuits includes a storage pocket with a transverse structure. The transverse structure carries a plurality of columnar structures at spaced positions on and extending normally from the surface of the transverse structure. Each columnar support structure includes parallel columns that terminate in coplanar free ends that engage the terminal surface of one ball grid array integrated circuit to support it in a terminals down position within the storage pocket.

Abstract: A tray for storage and transportation of multiple pin grid array (PGA) and K6 integrated circuit components, each having a planar housing and plurality of terminal pins arranged in spaced rows. The tray has a framework for supporting upstanding ribs that interfit between adjacent integrated circuit components. Each upstanding rib lies along an axis in one of two sets of intersecting axes and aligns with and fits between certain spaced rows to position the terminal pin in precise alignment with the tray. The rib axes are intersecting and oblique to the general tray orientation.

Abstract: A tray for storage and transportation of multiple staggered integrated circuit components, each having a planar housing and plurality of terminal pins arranged in spaced rows. The tray has a framework for supporting upstanding ribs that interfit between adjacent integrated circuit components. Each upstanding rib lies along an axis in one of two sets of intersecting axes and aligns with and fits between certain spaced rows to position the terminal pin in precise alignment with the tray. The rib axes are intersecting and oblique to the general tray orientation. Positioning fingers provide initial positioning to align the terminal pins and ribs. Pedestals define a support plane and support the integrated circuit with the terminal pins spaced from a base plate.

Abstract: A tray for storage and transportation of multiple pin grid array (PGA) integrated circuit components each having a planar housing and plurality of terminal pins arranged in spaced rows. The tray has a framework for supporting upstanding ribs that engage the integrated circuit component. Each upstanding rib lies along an axis in one of two sets of intersecting axes and aligns with and fits between certain spaced rows to support the bottom of the component.

Abstract: A thermal shunt apparatus directs heat flux transmitted through electrical signal leads from a focal plane array (FPA) to a relatively isothermal top surface of a TE cooler. The FPA mounts with a first thermally conductive attachment to a thermal spreader plate that is highly thermally conductive. The thermal spreader plate is mounted to the top surface of the TE cooler by a second thermally conductive attachment. The combination of the relatively isothermal surfaces, the FPA thermal spreader and the TE cooler top plate, separated by the thermally conductive interface, maintains a relatively constant temperature difference between the electrical leads connected between the thermal shunt and the FPA edge. The constant temperature difference provides for constant heat flux between these points and a constant temperature gradient across the surface of the FPA.

Abstract: A tray for storage and transportation of multiple pin grid array (PGA) integrated circuit components each having a planar housing and plurality of terminal pins arranged in spaced rows. The tray has a framework for supporting upstanding ribs that engage the integrated circuit component. Each upstanding rib lies along an axis in one of two sets of intersecting axes and aligns with and fits between certain spaced rows to support the bottom of the component.

Abstract: A tray for the storage and transportation of multiple ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit components in either of two component orientations. The tray has a lattice framework that defines discrete storage pocket areas. First inwardly facing tabs on the framework define a first support plane for engaging a component is a first orientation of the tray and component. Second inwardly facing tabs on the framework define a second support plane for engaging the component in the second orientation of the tray and component. The framework includes oppositely directed central and corner extensions that stabilize the component in the housing plane in either orientation and a registration structure for allowing the plural trays to be stacked for transport in either orientation.