Patents by Inventor Steven J. Ouderkirk

Steven J. Ouderkirk 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).

  • Scanning confocal microscope with objective lens position tracking
    Patent number: 6181474
    Abstract: A calibration device which has at least two targets. Each target has at least one surface exhibiting areas of optical contrast, and each surface has a general plane of orientation. The targets are oriented such that a general plane of orientation of one target is inclined at an angle relative to the general plane of orientation of a surface of the second target which has areas of optical contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kovex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Ouderkirk, Alan Blair, Matthew C. Boettner
  • Scanning confocal microscope with oscillating objective lens
    Patent number: 5880465
    Abstract: A confocal microscope is based on a low mass objective that is driven in one or more axis, with at least one of the axes being driven by a low mass device to provide mechanical scanning of the objective. The scanning mechanism has a low resonance so as to allow the scan length, rate, and range to be easily varied. Control of the objective's position can be either open or closed-loop servoed. The position of the objective can be determined in open-loop systems by calibration, by an internal reference signal coupled with a timing system, or via a means for an absolute or relative determination of the objective's position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kovex Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew C. Boettner, Steven J. Ouderkirk