Patents by Inventor Stephen I. Shefsky

Stephen I. Shefsky 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).

  • Patent number: 11187664
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for identifying compounds using spectra generated by X-rays at two different voltage levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Pietro Caria, Michael E. Dugas, Gregory M. Tully, Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Publication number: 20210010957
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for identifying compounds using spectra generated by X-rays at two different voltage levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Pietro Caria, Michael E. Dugas, Gregory M. Tully, Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Patent number: 8515009
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for identifying counterfeit gold jewelry and other counterfeit gold items. Techniques include determining—using a non-destructive mechanism—whether an item of interest (such as an article represented as true gold) is solid gold or a gold-plated object. Techniques include using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to differentiate true gold from gold plating. The XRF analyzer can distinguish between gold plating and bulk gold material by comparing a ratio of L-alpha and L-beta x-ray lines of gold. The analyzer measures a ratio of intensities of characteristic L-lines of gold using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. When implemented using an XRF analyzer, the system nondestructively determines whether a test object is made of solid gold/gold alloy or has gold plating only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Niton Analyzers LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Piorek, Stephen I. Shefsky, Michael E. Dugas
  • Publication number: 20130202083
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for identifying counterfeit gold jewelry and other counterfeit gold items. Techniques include determining—using a non-destructive mechanism—whether an item of interest (such as an article represented as true gold) is solid gold or a gold-plated object. Techniques include using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer to differentiate true gold from gold plating. The XRF analyzer can distinguish between gold plating and bulk gold material by comparing a ratio of L-alpha and L-beta x-ray lines of gold. The analyzer measures a ratio of intensities of characteristic L-lines of gold using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. When implemented using an XRF analyzer, the system nondestructively determines whether a test object is made of solid gold/gold alloy or has gold plating only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Stanislaw Piorek, Stephen I. Shefsky, Michael E. Dugas
  • Patent number: 7899153
    Abstract: A method for classifying a sample based upon a complete spectral analysis. The sample is illuminated with penetrating radiation and an initial complete spectral analysis is performed based on spectral resolution of resonant fluorescence lines emitted at the surface, or within the volume, of the sample. If the initial complete spectral analysis yields the composition of the sample to within acceptable limits, analysis values are output to the user. Otherwise, further analysis, informed by the results if the initial complete spectral analysis, is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo Niton Analyzers LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Dugas, Lee Grodzins, Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Publication number: 20100310041
    Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence instrument in which x-rays are directed from a source onto a sample by a focusing element. Fluorescence from the sample is detected by an x-ray detector disposed entirely within a volume “interior” to the focusing element, as defined in the description of the invention. A second focusing element may collect emission by the sample and direct it monochromatically, over a large opening angle, onto the x-ray detector. Methods for applying the instrument, particularly for the quantification of sulfur and other contaminating elements in lubricants and fuel are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: William L. Adams, Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Patent number: 7623614
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting objects utilizes a fan beam or flood beam to illuminate the inspected region of the object. A modulator, which may take the form of a movable mask, dynamically encodes the beam so that each segment of the inspected region receives varying amounts of radiation according to a predetermined temporal sequence. The resultant signal produced by a backscatter detector or optional transmission detector receiving radiation from the object is decoded to recover spatial information so that an image of the inspected region may be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thermo Niton Analyzers LLC
    Inventor: Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Publication number: 20090262889
    Abstract: A method for classifying a sample based upon a complete spectral analysis. The sample is illuminated with penetrating radiation and an initial complete spectral analysis is performed based on spectral resolution of resonant fluorescence lines emitted at the surface, or within the volume, of the sample. If the initial complete spectral analysis yields the composition of the sample to within acceptable limits, analysis values are output to the user. Otherwise, further analysis, informed by the results if the initial complete spectral analysis, is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. DUGAS, Lee Grodzins, Stephen I. Shefsky
  • Publication number: 20080095298
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting objects utilizes a fan beam or flood beam to illuminate the inspected region of the object. A modulator, which may take the form of a movable mask, dynamically encodes the beam so that each segment of the inspected region receives varying amounts of radiation according to a predetermined temporal sequence. The resultant signal produced by a backscatter detector or optional transmission detector receiving radiation from the object is decoded to recover spatial information so that an image of the inspected region may be constructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: STEPHEN I. SHEFSKY