Patents Issued in May 2, 2017
  • Patent number: 9638796
    Abstract: A radar sensor for motor vehicles, having a transmitting antenna in the form of a planar group antenna having multiple antenna elements situated side by side on a shared planar substrate, and having a feed network and a switching device for supplying microwave power to the antenna elements. The antenna elements are situated at equal distances in at least one row; the feed network is designed for supplying the antenna elements with the microwave power having a phase shift which increases at constant increments from one end of the row to the other; and the switching device is designed for controlling the supply of the microwave power to the antenna elements in such a way that, depending on the operating mode, the supply is implemented in a mirror-inverted fashion from opposite ends of the at least one row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Binzer, Christian Waldschmidt, Raphael Hellinger, Dirk Steinbuch
  • Patent number: 9638797
    Abstract: A monitoring device comprising a plurality of emitters and a plurality of receivers is provided. The emitters are capable of being driven to emit waves with directivity. The receivers are correspondingly disposed with respect to the emitters for receiving the waves. The transmitting paths of the waves define a monitoring area. The monitoring device is able to determine the moving trend and the location of the first object in the monitoring area when the specific waves are reflected to and received by the corresponding receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Fu Chen, Shu-Wei Yang, Ta-Sen Wei, Peng-Ta Liu
  • Patent number: 9638798
    Abstract: An imaging transducer (302) includes a plurality of transducer elements (404, 604, 704, 804) arranged with respect to each other in an array along an long axis of the transducer, wherein an effective width of a transducer element of the transducer is equal to or greater than a center-to-center distance between adjacent transducer elements. A method includes acquiring data with an imaging transducer, wherein the transducer includes a plurality of transducer elements arranged with respect to each other in an array along an long axis of the transducer, wherein an effective width of a transducer element of the transducer is equal to or greater than a center-to-center distance between adjacent transducer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: B-K Medical Aps
    Inventors: Henrik Jensen, Svetoslav Ivanov Nikolov
  • Patent number: 9638799
    Abstract: Laser radar systems include a pentaprism configured to scan a measurement beam with respect to a target surface. A focusing optical assembly includes a corner cube that is used to adjust measurement beam focus. Target distance is estimated based on heterodyne frequencies between a return beam and a local oscillator beam. The local oscillator beam is configured to propagate to and from the focusing optical assembly before mixing with the return beam. In some examples, heterodyne frequencies are calibrated with respect to target distance using a Fabry-Perot interferometer having mirrors fixed to a lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Nikon Corporation, Nikon Metrology NV
    Inventors: Eric Peter Goodwin, Daniel G. Smith, Alexander Cooper, Mina A. Rezk, Anthony R. Slotwinski, Thomas M. Hedges
  • Patent number: 9638800
    Abstract: A passive-tracking system is described herein. The system can include a visible-light sensor, a sound transducer, a thermal sensor, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, and a processor. The processor can receive visible-light frames from the visible-light sensor, sound frames from the sound transducer, thermal frames from the thermal sensor, and modulated-light frames from the ToF sensor. The processor, based on data of the visible-light and temperature frames, can also determine that an object is a living being and can provide an X and Y position of the object. The processor, based on data of the sound and positioning frames, can determine a Z position of the object. The X, Y, and Z positions may combine to form a three-dimensional (3D) position of the object. The processor can also passively track the object over time by selectively updating the 3D position of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: 4Sense, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw K Skowronek, Christopher M Wade, Antonio A Ricco
  • Patent number: 9638801
    Abstract: In a system and method for reconstructing a scene, a light source transmits an optical pulse unto the scene, and a set of sensors receive a reflected pulse to acquire sensed signals corresponding to the optical pulse. There is a fixed coded aperture in an optical path between the light source and set of sensors. Then, a processor performs a method to reconstruct the scene as a three-dimensional (3D) depth map using a scene model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc
    Inventors: Petros T. Boufounos, Achuta Kadambi
  • Patent number: 9638802
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection method and a system therefor are provided. The UAV detection method includes receiving a radio signal from air, detecting a global positioning system (GPS) leakage signal of a predetermined frequency from the received radio signal, and determining that a UAV is detected when the GPS leakage signal is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seong Ook Park, Rao Shahid Aziz, Myung Hun Jeong
  • Patent number: 9638803
    Abstract: A method and a system for reducing time to first fix (TTFF) in a satellite navigation receiver generate a navigation data structure including three sub-frames. A first sub-frame and a second sub-frame accommodate selective ephemeris data. The third sub-frame accommodates a text message including almanac data optionally, ionospheric data, coordinated universal time (UTC) data, textual data optionally, and any combination thereof. A signal generation system (SGS) in the system selectively groups the almanac data, the ionospheric data, and the UTC data, and selectively transmits the navigation data with the almanac data or free of the almanac data in the navigation data structure to the satellite navigation receiver. The signal generation system also staggers the navigation data in each sub-frame into a first portion and a second portion for parallelly transmitting the navigation data over a first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency in reduced time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Accord Software & Systems Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Vyasaraj Guru Rao, Sashidharan Maa, Ge'rard Lachapelle
  • Patent number: 9638804
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transmitting pseudolite system messages, the method including: pseudolite sends pseudolite node parameters of the pseudolite to which a positioning system messages broadcast channel belongs, and pseudolite node parameters of the pseudolite adjacent or nearby to the pseudolite to which the positioning system messages broadcast channel belongs, in the configured positioning system messages broadcast channel. A method for transmitting indication message of the positioning system messages broadcast channel is also disclosed in the present invention, the method including: a wireless access point sends an indication message of the positioning system messages broadcast channel of the pseudolite to a radio positioning terminal in its service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xinxi Diao, Yiqing Cao, Zhifeng Ma, Linhui Wei, Qun Li
  • Patent number: 9638805
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a satellite navigation receiver. The satellite navigation receiver has a receiver unit and a transmitter or a controller. The receiver unit is configured to receive and process a satellite navigation signal from a satellite navigation system at the certain time, to obtain a received signal, the received signal having a first component in a digital form, wherein the first component in the digital form is encrypted. The transmitter is configured to transmit the first component in the digital form together with an identification of a user of the satellite navigation receiver at the certain time. The controller is configured to store the first component in the digital form on a non-volatile storage medium in association with other data representing an information from a location, at which the satellite navigation receiver was located at the certain time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V
    Inventors: Alexander Ruegamer, Manuel Stahl, Guenter Rohmer
  • Patent number: 9638806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting ambiguities in a satellite signal for the GPS tracking of vessels, which includes: a GNSS receiving unit obtaining a vessel position using a plurality of satellites; a vessel position calculating unit calculating a second vessel position from a first vessel position after a specific amount of time elapses using dead-reckoning; a distance calculating unit calculating prediction distances between each of the satellites and the vessel and an error monitoring unit comparing the calculated prediction distances between the satellites and the vessel, and pseudoranges between the satellites and the GNSS receiving unit at the second vessel position, and monitoring for the occurrence of errors at the satellites on the basis of the existence of an increase in errors at each of the satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Woo Seong Shim, Deuk Jae Cho
  • Patent number: 9638807
    Abstract: A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided. A spectral filter may be used in conjunction with the GOS scintillating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Ronda, Herbert Schreinemacher, Guenter Zeitler, Norbert Conrads, Simha Levene
  • Patent number: 9638808
    Abstract: A radiation detector that allows accurate discrimination of generating positions of fluorescence in a height direction generated in scintillation counter crystals. Specifically, the radiation detector includes scintillation counter crystals whose faces are rough surfaces. This allows suppression of unexpected partial reflection of fluorescence between adjacent scintillation counter crystals, leading to ideal spread of the fluorescence generated in a scintillator. Consequently, a radiation detector that allows accurate discrimination of the generating positions of fluorescence is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromichi Tonami, Tomoaki Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9638809
    Abstract: A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a first detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting neutrons; a gamma ray shielding material disposed adjacent to the first detection medium; a second detection medium including one of a doped metal halide, an elpasolite, and a high Z semiconductor scintillator crystal operable for detecting gamma rays; a neutron shielding material disposed adjacent to the second detection medium; and a photodetector coupled to the second detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays; wherein the first detection medium and the second detection medium do not overlap in an orthogonal plane to a radiation flux. Optionally, the first detection medium includes a 6LiInSe2 crystal. Optionally, the second detection medium includes a SrI2(Eu) scintillation crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, Fisk University
    Inventors: Ashley C. Stowe, Arnold Burger, Pijush Bhattacharya, Yevgeniy Tupitsyn
  • Patent number: 9638810
    Abstract: A detector array (112) includes at least one detector pixel (306) with a cavity (400) that defines a three dimensional volume. A surface of the cavity includes at least two photosensitive regions and a non-photosensitive region there between, defining at least two sub-pixels (306i, 3062) which detect light photons traversing within the three dimensional cavity and produce respective signals indicative thereof. The detector array further includes a scintillator (302), including a first sub-portion that is located in the cavity and which emits the light photons in response to absorbing x-ray photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Marc Anthony Chappo, Randall Peter Luhta
  • Patent number: 9638811
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting gamma radiation, such as a gamma camera, including a source of gamma rays, at least one plate P1 of a fast scintillator, the time thereof for rising to the light peak being less than 1 ns, said plate comprising a diffusing entry surface and a polished exit surface, having a thickness of no less than 10 mm, being provided with photodetectors and microelectronics for dedicated reading, characterized in that the microelectronics are of the ASIC type, in that the detector is segmented, and in that on said plate P1, each segment of said detector is capable of measuring a first trigger T1 such that a time resolution is lower than 100 ps; the detector can measure a space and time distribution of the first adjacent photons emitted by an event on the detectors for a time of more than 100 ps and no longer than the time for rising to the light peak of the scintillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Alain Iltis
  • Patent number: 9638812
    Abstract: A reconstruction apparatus (9) reconstructs a PET image. A first detector (3) generates first detection events and detection times assigned to the first detection events and a second detector (6) generates second detection events and detection times assigned to the second detection events. A timing window determination unit (11) provides a first-second timing window by providing a first-second upper threshold based on the position of the second detector relative to the first detector and a detection event pairs generation unit (12) generates first-second detection event pairs based on the provided first-second timing window. The first-second detection event pairs are used for reconstructing the PET image. The first-second timing window depends on the position of the second detector leads to an improved generation of first-second detection event pairs, which in turn can lead to an improved PET image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Sven Prevrhal, Michael Grass, Eberhard Sebastian Hansis
  • Patent number: 9638813
    Abstract: A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a 6LiInSe2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, Fisk University, University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ashley Stowe, Arnold Burger, Eric Lukosi
  • Patent number: 9638814
    Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation detection unit in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices configured to convert radiation into electric charges are arranged and a communication unit configured to output image data formed from electric charges read out from the photoelectric conversion devices includes a setting unit configured to perform setting for connecting the communication unit wirelessly to an external apparatus, by executing processing based on a plurality of setting methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadahiko Iijima
  • Patent number: 9638816
    Abstract: A technique includes receiving sensor data; sorting the data into a gather representation that corresponds to a plurality of shots of an energy source; and determining a signal cone based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the gather representation. The technique includes processing the sensor data in a processor-based machine to attenuate noise to generate data representing a signal based at least in part on the determined signal cone and the gather representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Susanne Rentsch-Smith, Ali Ozbek, Wouter Gerrit Brouwer, Jason Gardner
  • Patent number: 9638817
    Abstract: Buoy for marine surveys. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are a buoy including an elongated main body and a mast system coupled to the elongated main body. The mast system includes: a forward mast; an aft mast; a spanning portion coupled between a distal end of the forward mast and a distal end of the aft mast; and an aperture defined at least in part by the main body, forward mast, aft mast, and spanning portion. The buoy is configured to float in water such that the water level intersects the forward mast and aft mast, the elongated body is submerged, and the spanning portion resides above the water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Einar Nielsen, Karl Petter Elvestad
  • Patent number: 9638818
    Abstract: A technique is designed to facilitate obtaining of acoustic data. The technique comprises traversing a tool through a subterranean formation from a first depth to subsequent depths. The tool receives a seismic signal during predetermined time windows. The seismic signal is generated by a seismic source which is activated at varying times relative to the predetermined time windows based on the depth of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Kelsall, Mathieu Will, Philip Neville Armstrong, Philippe Lesaffre
  • Patent number: 9638819
    Abstract: A modular resistivity sensor disposable in a drillstring having a drill bit on a distal end for drilling a wellbore in a formation, includes a sensor body having a longitudinal axis radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the drillstring, one or more transmitting coil antennas disposed along a length of the sensor body, one or more receiving coil antennas disposed along a length of the sensor body, and a calibrating device configured to calibrate signals generated from the receiving coil antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Well Resolutions Technology
    Inventors: Tsili Wang, Borislav J. Tchakarov
  • Patent number: 9638820
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detector assembly, a positioning unit, and interface circuitry. The detector assembly includes an array of multiple magnetic field detectors. The positioning unit is configured to fix the detector assembly at one or more known positions relative to a location pad, which generates magnetic fields for performing position measurements on an intra-body magnetic field detector using a positioning system. The interface circuitry is configured to output electrical signals that are produced by the magnetic field detectors of the detector assembly when the detector assembly is fixed at the known positions, so as to calibrate the position measurements performed by the positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Vadim Gliner
  • Patent number: 9638821
    Abstract: A method for mapping and monitoring of hydraulic fracture includes capturing, using an array of sensors, a first magnetic image of a well pay zone. A second magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a well bore is padded with a fluid. A background is established based on the first and the second magnetic images. A third magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a doped proppant is injected into a stage. The third image is processed to subtract the background and to obtain information regarding distribution of the fluid and the proppant in the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9638822
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9638823
    Abstract: A metal sensor includes a primary coil arranged in a first plane, a first compensation coil arranged in a second plane, a second compensation coil arranged in a third plane, and a magnetic field sensor arranged in a fourth plane. The first plane, the second plane, the third plane and the fourth plane are oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to a common z-direction in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Albrecht, Tobias Zibold
  • Patent number: 9638824
    Abstract: Buried object locators including an omnidirectional antenna array and a quad gradient array are disclosed. A locator display may include information associated with a buried object based on both omnidirectional antenna array signals and quad gradient antenna array signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Ray Merewether, Michael J. Martin, Ryan B. Levin
  • Patent number: 9638825
    Abstract: A metal sensor includes a primary coil, a compensation coil, a first additional coil, and a magnetic field sensor. The first additional coil is configured to be excited without the primary coil and the compensation coil being excited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Hahl, Tobias Zibold
  • Patent number: 9638826
    Abstract: This invention relates to devices and processes for geophysical prospecting, subsurface fluid monitoring and, more particular, to the use of interferometric techniques using Control Source Electromagnetic (“CSEM”) and Magnetoturelic (“MT”) signals to create images of sub-surface structures and fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Deep Imaging Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James Sokolowsky, Robert Payton, Trevor Pugh, Alexander Kalish, Mark Hickey
  • Patent number: 9638827
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly used for a field operation is disclosed herein. The bottom hole assembly can include at least one directional antenna disposed on an outer surface of a first tubing pipe of a tubing string, where the at least one directional antenna receives a first electric current from at least one power source, where the first electric current generates a first magnetic field that radiates from the at least one directional antenna into a formation. The bottom hole assembly can also include at least one receiver disposed on a second tubing pipe of the tubing string, where the at least one receiver receives the first magnetic field returning from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC, CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: David Wesley Reagor, Doan Ngoc Nguyen, Stephen Paul Ashworth
  • Patent number: 9638828
    Abstract: Method and system is described for marine surveying. The method involves operations for exploring and developing hydrocarbons with one or more unmanned vehicles. The unmanned vehicles are used to perform marine surveying and to obtain one or more samples that may be used to identify chemical, hydrocarbon and/or biologic information, which may be used for environmental monitoring of bodies of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Louise Levien, Amelia C. Robinson, Robert J. Pottorf, William E. Bond, Aaron B. Regberg, A Lucie N'Guessan, Kevin T. Corbett, Scott C. Hornbostel, William P. Meurer
  • Patent number: 9638829
    Abstract: An autonomous and controllable system of sensors and methods for using such a system of sensors are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Faranak Davoodi, Farhooman Davoudi
  • Patent number: 9638830
    Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling operations. The method includes providing an earth model of a volume having a well, obtaining petrotechnical data about the volume while drilling the well, comparing the petrotechnical data with the earth model, updating the earth model with the petrotechnical data based on the comparison, and modifying a drilling plan of the well using the updated earth model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joerg H. Meyer, Annabelle Kania, Mark Egan, Andrew Hawthorn
  • Patent number: 9638831
    Abstract: Probabilistic forecasts of the expected power production of renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, are generally provided with a degree of uncertainty. The expected power production for a fleet can be projected as a time series of power production estimates over a time period ahead of the current time. The uncertainty of each power production estimate can be combined with the costs and risks associated with power generation forecasting errors, and displayed or visually graphed as a single, deterministic result to assist power grid operators (or planners) in deciding whether to rely on the renewable power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CLEAN POWER RESEARCH, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 9638832
    Abstract: An optical lens includes a lens, at least one light absorbing layer, and at least one optical membrane. The lens has a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The at least one light absorbing layer and the at least one optical membrane are disposed on the lens, located in the peripheral region and expose the central region. Each optical membranes includes at least one first layer and at least one second layer. Refraction index of the at least one second layer is lower than refraction index of the at least one first layer. The at least one first layer and the at least one second layer are stacked alternatively, and at least one of extinction coefficients of the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer within a wavelength range of visible light is larger than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guo-Jin Su
  • Patent number: 9638833
    Abstract: A device for UV curing a coating or printed ink on a workpiece such as an optical fiber comprises at least two UV light sources equally spaced around a central axis, each UV light source comprising a reflector and a cylindrical lens, and the UV curing device configured to receive a workpiece along the central axis. The reflectors are configured to substantially reduce the emitting angle of light from the UV light sources, thereby directing the light substantially through the cylindrical lenses, the cylindrical lenses focusing the light intensely along a surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Phoseon Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Childers
  • Patent number: 9638834
    Abstract: A composition includes: a continuous liquid phase including an acrylic monomer and an epoxy monomer; and a dispersed nanoparticulate including ZrO2 modified with an acrylic silane; and wherein the composition is transparent to visible light when coated on a lens. In addition, a method including the steps of: mixing an acrylic silane and a methanol-based ZrO2 sol to create a methanol-based silane-modified ZrO2 sol; then mixing at least an acrylic monomer, an epoxy monomer, and the methanol-based silane-modified ZrO2 sol to obtain the composition. The composition can be adapted for coating and curing onto another substrate, such as an ophthalmic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE), SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peiqi Jiang, Liyi Shi, Dengsong Zhang, Tingting Yan, Hongrui Li, Jian Zhao
  • Patent number: 9638835
    Abstract: An asymmetric aberration correcting lens is described. In one or more implementations, a lens includes multiple lens elements that are configured to focus an image from an imaging component. The multiple lens elements include an optical lens element that is configured to redirect the image so that the image passes through the lens. Further, the multiple lens elements include an asymmetric element configured to correct asymmetric aberration caused by the imaging component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Liying Chen
  • Patent number: 9638836
    Abstract: A lens includes a material spanning an area and providing an inside reflective three-dimensional (3D) surface. The reflective 3D surface is defined by a plurality of reflective optical elements including a first reflective optical element and at least a second reflective optical element that each include a sub-element set including a center sub-element (CS) and a plurality of neighboring sub-elements. The plurality of reflective optical elements each have their own non-overlapping optical center axis; and a cylindrically bent spherical surface. The cylindrically bent spherical surface is defined by the neighboring sub-elements in each reflective optical element being located at different 3D points so that the reflective optical elements relative to at least one neighboring reflective optical element provides different values of spherical curvature and different values of cylindrical axis orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Harrison, David A. Smith, Carmen M. Grama
  • Patent number: 9638837
    Abstract: A compact low-cost imaging lens which provides high brightness with an F-value of 2.5 or less and a wide field of view and corrects aberrations properly, meeting the demand for low-profile design. The imaging lens elements are arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: an aperture stop; a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex surface on each of the object and image sides; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens with positive refractive power having a convex surface on each of the object and image sides; a fourth lens with negative refractive power; and a fifth lens with negative refractive power as a double-sided aspheric lens. The imaging lens satisfies a conditional expression (1) below: 1.5<f3/f<5.0??(1) where f: focal length of the overall optical system of the imaging lens f3: focal length of the third lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KANTATSU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 9638838
    Abstract: A lens having microstructures has a first face and a second face. The first face has an optical portion at a central portion thereof. An optical mechanism portion is defined around the optical portion. The optical mechanism portion is formed with at least one recessed microstructure whose bottom has a matte surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: NEWMAX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Fu Fan, Ho-Ming Chang, Tsung-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 9638839
    Abstract: An optical zoom probe is disclosed. The optical zoom probe includes: at least one liquid lens having a focus which is configured to be adjusted according to a flow of a fluid through a flow path; and a barrel provided to form the flow path and including a narrowed first end part including a first opening through which an image is captured, the at least one liquid lens being provided inside the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-sung Lee, Woon-bae Kim, Seung-wan Lee, Jong-hyeon Chang, Min-seog Choi
  • Patent number: 9638840
    Abstract: A light diffusion member includes a light transmissive substrate, a plurality of light diffusion sections formed on one surface of the substrate, a light shielding layer formed in a region other than formation regions of the light diffusion sections on the one surface of the substrate, and light scattering bodies. The light diffusion sections have a light emitting end surface on the substrate side and a light incident end surface having an area greater than an area of the light emitting end surface on a side opposite to the substrate side. A height from the light incident end surface to the light emitting end surface of each of the light diffusion sections is greater than a thickness of the light shielding layer. The light scattering bodies are disposed further on a light emitting side than the light diffusion sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Emi Yamamoto, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Toru Kanno
  • Patent number: 9638841
    Abstract: Embodiments for optical diffusion devices are provided. In one example, an optical diffusion device comprises a first optical element including a first diffusing surface, a second optical element including a second diffusing surface, and an adhesive layer optically coupling the first diffusing surface to the second diffusing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Liying Chen, Karlton David Powell
  • Patent number: 9638842
    Abstract: Provided are reflective thin film constructions including a reduced number of layers, which provides for increased solar-weighted hemispherical reflectance and durability. Reflective films include those comprising an ultraviolet absorbing abrasion resistant coating over a metal layer. Also provided are ultraviolet absorbing abrasion resistant coatings and methods for optimizing the ultraviolet absorption of an abrasion resistant coating. Reflective films disclosed herein are useful for solar reflecting, solar collecting, and solar concentrating applications, such as for the generation of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SKYFUEL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Jorgensen, Randall C. Gee, David White
  • Patent number: 9638843
    Abstract: A reflector array optical device has a plurality of dihedral corner reflector array optical elements which are disposed side by side on the same plane. Each of the dihedral corner reflector array optical elements has a substrate and a plurality of dihedral corner reflectors which each have at least two orthogonal side faces perpendicular to the principal surface of the substrate and orthogonal to each other, and which are formed on the substrate so that the orientations of the interior angles of the orthogonal side faces are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD., NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kunihiko Katano, Takashi Sugiyama, Yuki Kitamura, Satoshi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 9638844
    Abstract: A spectral filter includes an assembly of filtering cells. Each cell has a same nanostructured pattern and a preferential direction of the pattern. This preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately radially with respect to a single point of the spectral filter. Alternatively, this preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately ortho-radially with respect to the single point of the spectral filter. The single point may be a center point. Alternatively, the single point may correspond to an optical axis of a lens element associated with the spectral filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Romain Girard Desprolet, Sandrine Lhostis, Salim Boutami
  • Patent number: 9638845
    Abstract: A UV mask and a fabrication method thereof. The UV mask fabrication method includes: forming a UV shielding layer on a coverage area of a base substrate by using a color filter layer mask plate and a black matrix mask plate; or forming a UV shielding layer on the base substrate by using the color filter layer mask plate. In this way, the cost spent in manufacturing a display device by using a special mask plate (mask) to fabricate the UV mask is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Hun Song
  • Patent number: 9638846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for multi-spectral dual balanced imaging is provided. The apparatus includes: (a) a first member operable to produce from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) a second member operable to produce from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths. The method involves: (a) producing from incident light a first band having first band wavelengths and a second band; and (b) producing from the second band a third band having wavelengths shorter than the first band wavelengths, excluding the first band wavelengths and having wavelengths longer than the first band wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Power Diagnostic Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Parsons