Patents by Inventor William L. Dunn

William L. Dunn 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: 9625590
    Abstract: A neutron detection system may include a neutron detector including a plurality of neutron detection devices, a plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements, wherein each of the neutron moderating elements is disposed between two or more neutron detection devices, the plurality of neutron detection devices and the plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements disposed along a common axis, a control system configured to generate a detector response library, wherein the detector response library includes one or more sets of data indicative of a response of the detector to a known neutron source, receive one or more measured neutron response signals from each of the neutron devices, the one or more measured response signals response to a detected neutron event, and determine one or more characteristics of neutrons emanating from a measured neutron source by comparing the one or more measured neutron response signals to the detector response library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: The Curators of the Univesity of Missouri, Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Steven L. Bellinger, Anthony N. Caruso, Brian Cooper, William L. Dunn, Ryan G. Fronk, Douglas S. McGregor, William H. Miller, Eliot R. Myers, Thomas M. Oakes, Philip B. Ugorowski, John K. Shultis, Timothy J. Sobering, Cory B. Hoshor
  • Patent number: 9081100
    Abstract: A neutron detection system may include a neutron detector including a plurality of neutron detection devices, a plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements, wherein each of the neutron moderating elements is disposed between two or more neutron detection devices, the plurality of neutron detection devices and the plurality of discrete neutron moderating elements disposed along a common axis, a control system configured to generate a detector response library, wherein the detector response library includes one or more sets of data indicative of a response of the detector to a known neutron source, receive one or more measured neutron response signals from each of the neutron devices, the one or more measured response signals response to a detected neutron event, and determine one or more characteristics of neutrons emanating from a measured neutron source by comparing the one or more measured neutron response signals to the detector response library.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: The Curator of the University of Missouri, Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Steven L. Bellinger, Anthony N. Caruso, Brian Cooper, William L. Dunn, Ryan G. Fronk, Douglas S. McGregor, William H. Miller, Eliot R. Myers, Thomas M. Oakes, Philip B. Ugorowski, John K. Shultis, Timothy J. Sobering, Cory B. Hoshor
  • Patent number: 8324588
    Abstract: A detection system and methods are described for determining whether a target contains a selected substance or device such as an explosive device, illegal drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. According to some embodiments, a detection system is comprising a radiation source and one or more detectors. The detection system in this directs radiation from a distance and towards a target suspected to contain a dangerous device or substance. A response is detected from the target. The response is compared to one or more templates that represent known explosives, drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. A score may be generated that corresponds to a similarity between the targeted and known substances. When the score indicates that the target substance is likely to be dangerous or contraband, then an alarm or other indication may be generated in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: William L. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20120037811
    Abstract: A detection system and methods are described for determining whether a target contains a selected substance or device such as an explosive device, illegal drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. According to some embodiments, a detection system is comprising a radiation source and one or more detectors. The detection system in this directs radiation from a distance and towards a target suspected to contain a dangerous device or substance. A response is detected from the target. The response is compared to one or more templates that represent known explosives, drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. A score may be generated that corresponds to a similarity between the targeted and known substances. When the score indicates that the target substance is likely to be dangerous or contraband, then an alarm or other indication may be generated in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: William L. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6157699
    Abstract: X- or .gamma.-radiation is utilized during non-destructive examination of a sample, to detect hidden flaws in a test sample by generating a number referred to as a single figure-of-merit. The figure-of-merit is obtained by comparing the set of responses obtained from radiation emanating from a standard sample with a set of responses obtained from radiation emanating from a test sample. The resulting figure-of-merit is then compared with a reference value as an indicator of the presence of a flaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Scannex, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5755576
    Abstract: An automated timed manual performance (TMP) system which includes a base unit having attached manual dexterity test components. Connected to the base is a reaction sensor which allows determination of the exact time of beginning and ending the manual dexterity task(s). The sensor is also connected to either a personal computer or a direct readout device. The system also optionally includes software to guide an operator through administration of a TMP test, and to display and analyze the results of the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Quantum Research Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Dunn, Hiawatha C. Demby, Michael H. Van Haaren, Abdelfatah M. Yacout, Mark E. Williams