Light Conductor Patents (Class 250/227.11)
  • Patent number: 9562793
    Abstract: An illumination portion for an optical encoder is disclosed. The optical encoder comprises the illumination portion, a scale grating extending along a measuring axis direction and arranged to receive light from the illumination portion, and a detector configuration arranged to receive light from the scale grating. The illumination portion comprises an addressable light source array. The addressable light source array comprises individual sources arranged along the measuring axis direction. The addressable light source array is configured to provide at least a first addressable set and a second addressable set of the individual sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Brynn Kristen Hickman MacCoy, Casey Edward Emtman
  • Patent number: 9557017
    Abstract: A light emitting diode module is produced using at least one LED and at least two selectable components that form a light mixing chamber. First and second selectable components have first and second types of wavelength converting materials with different wavelength converting characteristics. The first and second wavelength converting characteristics alter the spectral power distribution of the light produced by the LED to produce light with a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point. Moreover, a set of LED modules may be produced such that each LED module has the same color point within a predetermined tolerance. The LED module may be produced by pre-measuring the wavelength converting characteristics of the different components selecting components with wavelength converting characteristics that convert the spectral power distribution of the LED to a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Peter K. Tseng, Christopher R. Reed
  • Patent number: 9557347
    Abstract: A scanning probe microscope comprising a probe that is mechanically responsive to a driving force. A signal generator provides a drive signal to an actuator that generates the driving force, the drive signal being such as to cause the actuator to move the probe repeatedly towards and away from a sample. A detection system is arranged to output a height signal indicative of a path difference between light reflected from the probe and a height reference beam. Image processing apparatus is arranged to use the height signal to form an image of the sample. Signal processing apparatus is arranged to monitor the probe as the probe approaches a sample and to detect a surface position at which the probe interacts with the sample. In response to detection of the surface position, the signal processing apparatus prompts the signal generator to modify the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: INFINITESIMA LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Humphris
  • Patent number: 9547163
    Abstract: We present a method for parallel axial imaging, or z-microscopy, utilizing an array of tilted micro mirrors arranged along the axial direction. Image signals emitted from different axial positions can be orthogonally reflected by the corresponding micro mirrors and spatially separated for parallel detection, essentially converting the more challenging axial imaging to a lateral imaging problem. Each micro mirror also provides optical sectioning capability due to its finite dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhiwen Liu, Chuan Yang, Kebin Shi, Mingda Zhou, Siyang Zheng, Shizhuo Yin
  • Patent number: 9536129
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting fingerprints is provided having first and second substrates, a two-dimensional array of sensing elements formed on the first substrate, and a plurality of thin-film transistors or TFTs for controlling the sensing elements at pixel locations along the array. Each of the sensing elements detects one of electrical signals (e.g., capacitance, resistance, or impedance), temperature, or light via one of the first or second substrates representative of one or more fingerprints. The top of the second substrate or the bottom of the first substrate may provide a platen upon which one or more fingers can be disposed. The sensor may be utilized in a fingerprint scanner having one or more processors driving sensing elements or reading from sensing elements analog signals representative of one or more fingerprints, and generating an image representative of the one or more fingerprints from the analog signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CROSS MATCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John F. Carver, Daniel H. Raguin
  • Patent number: 9521615
    Abstract: A method in a first network node (215) for handling transport network data traffic in a first base station (201) is provided. The first base station (201) comprises a transport network transmission equipment (205) and the transport network transmission equipment (205) is a part of a transport network. When the first base station (201) is in a sleep mode, the first network node (215) determines (306, 801) that the transport network transmission equipment (205) should be bypassed by activating a relay (209) comprised in the first base station (201) such that data traffic from a second network node (217) is transmitted via the relay (209) to a third network node (220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Lars Westberg, Ralf Bergqvist, Erik Friman, Johan Rune
  • Patent number: 9500632
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (100) for the detection and/or quantitative analysis of hydrogen, intended for monitoring an installation (1). Said device (100) comprises a first measuring optical fiber (10) intended to equip the installation (1), and an optical system (20) optically connected to the first measuring optical fiber (10) and adapted to measure the variation in at least one parameter of the first measuring optical fiber (10). The optical system (20) is adapted to measure the parameter along the first optical fiber (10) according to the principle of Brillouin measurement. The invention also concerns a method using such a device (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: AGENCE NATIONALE POUR LA GESTION DES DECHETS RADIOACTIFS
    Inventors: Johan Bertrand, Sylvie Delphine-Lesoille, Xavier Pheron
  • Patent number: 9494750
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems related to optical connector assemblies are described. In some embodiments, the connector assemblies may include an optical assembly, having an optical interconnect and an optical module, to be coupled with a host electrical connector. The connector assembly may further include springs, disposed on the optical interconnect or the host electrical connector, to facilitate a coupling of the optical interconnect with the optical module. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simon S. Lee, Brian H. Kim, Jennie Lou H. De Quinto
  • Patent number: 9493806
    Abstract: Biosensors and methods of producing biosensors for use in detecting one or more analytes in a solution are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Reardon
  • Patent number: 9470791
    Abstract: A light guide member for an object detection apparatus is devised. The object detection apparatus includes a light source unit, and a detection unit for detecting an object adhered on a surface of a light translucent member based on change of light quantity of reflection light received from the light translucent member. The light guide member includes an incident face where the light exiting from the light source unit enters; a detection face where the exiting light exits to a rear face of the light translucent member and the reflection light reflected from the light translucent member enters; an exiting face where the reflection light exits to the detection unit; and a light guiding portion through which the exiting light and the reflection light proceed. The detection face has curvature corresponding to curvature of the light translucent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9455784
    Abstract: Wireless infrastructures have hardware and cable components capable of mobile, rapid deployment and recovery. The wireless infrastructures can be transported to a deployment site and remote units deployed to individual coverage areas. A communications path is established between head end equipment and the remote units to provide wireless communications to the coverage areas. When the deployment has ended, the infrastructure can be recovered and transported from the deployment site for use at another deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications Wireless Ltd
    Inventors: William Patrick Cune, Jason Elliott Greene, Mohamed Lamin Toure'
  • Patent number: 9448166
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a physical property of a malt beverage sample. The method includes measuring a refractive index of the malt beverage sample. The method further includes determining a temperature-compensated measured refractive index by temperature correcting the measured refractive index relative to a predetermined reference temperature. The temperature correcting is specific to the total dissolved solids of the malt beverage sample. The method also includes converting the temperature-compensated measured refractive index to a unit of measurement. The unit of measurement relates to a physical property of the malt beverage sample. Apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Mercury Iron and Steel Co.
    Inventor: Michael D. Rainer
  • Patent number: 9450699
    Abstract: An optical drop device includes: a clock extractor configured to extract a clock signal from a multi-channel optical signal that includes a plurality of optical signals having different optical frequencies; a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal that is synchronized with the clock signal; an optical inverse Fourier transform unit configured to transform the multi-channel optical signal into a time division multiplexing optical signal by using an inverse Fourier transform; and an optical switch configured to drop an optical signal that exists in a time slot to which the pulse signal is applied, from the time division multiplexing optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kato, Shigeki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9429416
    Abstract: An accessory for an articulated head of a tridimensional coordinate measuring machine, machine tool or programmable manipulator. The invention includes a light source that is applicable adjacent to the measure probe in order to light selectively the measure point. The accessory can include an image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: TESA SA
    Inventors: Milan Kocic, Houssem Ben Salem, Emilio Casanova
  • Patent number: 9410843
    Abstract: Described herein is a nanowire array, comprising a substrate, a plurality of fluorescent nanowires extending essentially perpendicularly from the substrate and a reflective layer disposed on the substrate in areas between the fluorescent nanowires; wherein the fluorescent nanowires are operable to fluoresce at a wavelength of a collective mode of the nanowire array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ZENA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Munib Wober
  • Patent number: 9389443
    Abstract: A device according to an embodiment includes: a simulated skin portion being located near a photoelectric pulse wave sensor to simulate a blood flow of the skin; a reflectance changing unit located on an opposite side of the simulated skin portion to the photoelectric pulse wave sensor, the reflectance changing unit changing, in time series, reflectance of light emitted from the light-emitting unit of the photoelectric pulse wave sensor and passing through the simulated skin portion; a reflectance change control unit that transmits a reflectance control signal to the reflectance changing unit to control changes in reflectance of the reflectance changing unit; and a synchronization signal output unit that outputs a signal in sync with the reflectance control signal to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Junya Takakura, Kanako Nakayama, Sawa Fuke, Takuji Suzuki, Yasunobu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 9366550
    Abstract: An optical encoder includes a light projecting portion, a light receiving portion, and a scale arranged between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion. The scale includes a light guiding portion which allows light to transmit therethrough and has a light guiding function of guiding at least a part of the light projected by the light projecting portion in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction thereof through the light guiding portion. The light receiving portion receives the light guided by the scale and relatively moves with respect to the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryo Tojo, Eiji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9366752
    Abstract: A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. Optical structures may be interposed between the proximity sensor and the window in the display cover layer. The optical structures may include a first portion such as a convex lens that is configured to collimate light from the light source so that the light propagates along a surface normal to the display cover layer. The optical structures may also include a second portion such as a prism structure for deflecting uncollimated light away from the propagation axis of the collimated light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ruh
  • Patent number: 9335247
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical crosstalk reduction in particle processing (e.g., cytometry including flow cytometry using microfluidic based sorters, drop formation based sorters, and/or cell purification) systems and methods in order to improve performance. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to assemblies, systems and methods for minimizing optical crosstalk during the analyzing, sorting, and/or processing (e.g., purifying, measuring, isolating, detecting, monitoring and/or enriching) of particles (e.g., cells, microscopic particles, etc.). The exemplary systems and methods for crosstalk reduction in particle processing systems (e.g., cell purification systems) may be particularly useful in the area of cellular medicine or the like. The systems and methods may be modular and used singly or in combination to optimize cell purification based on the crosstalk environment and specific requirements of the operator and/or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald Francis Perrault, Jr., Emanuel Tito Mendes Machado, Blair D. Morad
  • Patent number: 9335217
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor for detecting electromagnetic waves in a particular frequency range is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the MEMS sensor comprises a bottom substrate layer; a first electrode layer over the substrate layer; a pyroelectric layer over the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer over the pyroelectric layer; wherein a top electrode layer is patterned with a periodic structure that has a periodicity less than or equal to target infrared wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Albert Pisano, David Horsley, Kansho Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9329333
    Abstract: An irradiation device increasing the lighting depth and facilitating the assembling is provided. A transparent bar-shaped light guide having LEDs disposed near ends thereof includes a first prism group and a first reflector, and, a second prism group and a reflector which are provided so as to extend in a lengthwise direction and which diffuse and reflect light. The light guide includes a first light outgoing area emitting reflected light as primary light Lm, and a second light outgoing area emitting reflected light as secondary light Ls. The first light outgoing area includes a plane portion forming a flat surface. A plane mirror reflects the secondary light Ls in a direction overlapping the primary light Lm in a read area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Fujiuchi, Toshiaki Shoji, Nobutaka Kobayashi, Akio Masuda
  • Patent number: 9329334
    Abstract: A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Maida, Jr., Alan D. Kersey
  • Patent number: 9285829
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a window having a pattern formed to recognize a user's touch input, a key region formed on one surface of the window, and a key body assembly disposed on the other surface of the window to be laminated on the key region, and the key body assembly has one surface equipped with at least one recess member or protrusion member and the other surface equipped with a key body coupled to a light guide film, whereby the mobile terminal can have a distinguished attraction and a quality-enhanced appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Byungduck Park
  • Patent number: 9277082
    Abstract: Provided is an image reading apparatus that can inhibit occurrence of a bright spot line image due to microstructures of a light guide. An image reading apparatus satisfies: 45????????/n (0????max); and 45?????? (??max???0), where ? is an angle (deg.) between a surface of original and a reflecting surface of a microstructure reflection surface of a light guide, ? is a half angle of view (deg.) of an imaging forming lens, ?max (?max>0) is a maximum value (deg.) of the half angle of view of the imaging forming lens on an LED light source side with respect to a reading optical axis of the imaging lens, ??max is a maximum value (deg.) of the half angle of view of the imaging lens on a side opposite to the LED light source with respect to the reading optical axis, n is a refractive index of the light guide, and ?=sin?1(1/n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Sugiyama, Narumasa Ito
  • Patent number: 9239142
    Abstract: A light fixture and method for producing downward-propagating illumination that includes an edge-lit lightguide illuminated from its perimeter. The lightguide has a light extractor, such as a dot pattern on its bottom surface, which extracts a portion of the light from inside the lightguide and directs it to a diffuser. The fixture also includes a downlight, arranged above the lightguide and producing a downlight beam downward. The downlight beam transmits from the top face through the bottom face of the lightguide and emerges from the bottom face of the lightguide as a directional beam. The downlight beam has a downlight beam footprint. The light extractor has a light extractor area that excludes the downlight beam footprint, and the diffuser has a diffuser area that also excludes the downlight beam footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Quilici, Ernest Davey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9238565
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sheet processing method of a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of processing modes includes taking in sheets one by one from a bundle of the sheets in which a batch card having identification information, and the sheets as mediums to be inspected are piled, conveying the sheet which has been taken in, discriminating a kind of the batch card, switching the processing mode of the sheet processing apparatus based on the kind of the batch card which has been discriminated, discriminating and counting the sheets subsequent to the batch card, storing a count result of the sheets in correlation with the identification information, and sorting the sheet into a stacker based on a discrimination result of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Morimasa Miyashita
  • Patent number: 9223418
    Abstract: In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Derek Leslie Knee
  • Patent number: 9217821
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a body portion, and a plurality of unit shaped elements defining a light exit surface and arranged on one-side surface of the body portion side by side in an arrangement direction intersecting a light guide direction. Each unit shaped element extends in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction. A light exit surface angle ?a, which is the angle of the contour of each unit shaped element with respect to the one-side surface, is more than 10° and not more than 30° in a zone of the contour of each unit shaped element, the width of the zone along the arrangement direction being not less than 35% and not more than 70% of the full width of the unit shaped element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Goto, Hiroshi Sekiguchi, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9212796
    Abstract: An optical system and method provides at least one, and preferably an array of relatively small, high brightness light sources with a surrounding surface that exhibits brightness, thereby reducing the contrast between the high brightness produced by the light sources and the brightness of their surrounding surfaces. The optical system includes a light waveguide structure that captures a portion of the light from the individual high-brightness light sources, and then re-emits the source light to create brightness in the light sources' surrounding surfaces. The optical system is particularly adapted for use with LEDs, but could be used with other high brightness light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Y. Y. Ngai
  • Patent number: 9210287
    Abstract: An illuminator, a scanner module and an image scanning apparatus are provided. The scanner module includes an illuminator that includes a light source, a light guide extending in a main scanning direction to change a direction of the light from the light source, a guide holder recessed with a light guide mounting portion in which the light guide is mounted, and at least one supporting protrusion protruding from an entrance of the light guide mounting portion into the light guide mounting portion to support the light guide received in the light guide mounting portion. As the light guide is supported by the supporting protrusion formed at the entrance of the light guide mounting portion, it is possible to reduce deformation of the light guide and/or to prevent the light guide from being falling out of the light guide mounting portion when subjected to, e.g., a shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gyung Mo Tahk, Hyun Surk Kim, Kyung Rok Kim, Dong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 9182533
    Abstract: A light guide plate structure includes a light guide plate, a first medium layer, a micro structure, a second medium layer, and a reflection layer. The light guide plate has a light exit surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light exit surface. The first medium layer is formed on the light exit surface. The micro structure is formed on the bottom surface for redirecting light inside the light guide plate to emit from the light exit surface. The second medium layer is formed on the micro structure. The refractive index of the first medium layer and the refractive index of the second medium layer are less than the refractive index of the light guide plate but greater than the refractive index of air. The reflection layer is formed on the second medium layer for reflecting light inside the light guide plate to emit from the light exit surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Yao, Hsin-Cheng Ho, Yen-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 9164220
    Abstract: Light directing film (100) is disclosed. The light directing film includes a structured major surface (110) that includes a plurality of microstructures (150) extending along a first direction (142) and a plurality of elevated portions (160) disposed on the plurality of microstructures. The number density of the elevated portions across the light directing film is D. Each elevated portion includes a leading edge (162) and a trailing edge (164) along the first direction. The light directing film can be divided into a plurality of same size and shape grid cells that form a continuous two-dimensional grid. The area of each grid cell is approximately 1/D. Each of at least 70% of the grid cells includes a single leading edge (162) of an elevated portion (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan V. Hunt, Robert M. Emmons, Corey D. Balts
  • Patent number: 9097986
    Abstract: A substrate conveyance device that conveys a substrate having been exposed with a pattern image via a projection optical system and a liquid, the substrate conveyance device comprising: a liquid detector that detects the liquid adhering on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: NIKON CORPORATION, MIYAGI NIKON PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohta, Takashi Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 9069061
    Abstract: LIDAR systems and methods are provided. More particularly, a distributed focal plane assembly is provided in which light collected by optical fibers is delivered to detectors on a separate substrate. Moreover, signals from detectors can be stored in analog memory on a different substrate from the detectors. Alternatively, light may be imaged onto detectors on one substrate and stored in analog memory on a different substrate. The detectors can be provided in a linear or one-dimensional array. A laser source can comprise a multiplexed laser source which provides a sequence of pulses separated in time and having different directions of propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Alex Harwit
  • Patent number: 9063617
    Abstract: An interactive display system that may be implemented to provide an electronic whiteboard that enables users to input information to the system by engaging a display with one or more objects. The system may present an image via the display that reflects the inputs received from the user. For example, the display may be dynamically updated to mimic inputs made to a whiteboard by the user via one or more pens and/or an eraser. The interactive display system may implement an underlayer embedded within the display to guide electromagnetic radiation that emanates from an object engaged with the display to one or more detectors by total internal reflection. Due at least in part to the efficiency of the underlayer in guiding the electromagnetic radiation to the detectors, the interactive display system may enhance the speed and/or accuracy of the interpretation of the inputs made by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: FlatFrog Laboratories AB
    Inventors: Jonas Ove Philip Eliasson, Niels Agersnap Larsen, Jens Bastue, Jens Wagenblast Stubbe Østergaard
  • Patent number: 9041408
    Abstract: A system for measuring properties of a surface under test with surface waves includes a surface wave network including a dielectric substrate, a reactive grid of a plurality of metallic patches on a first surface of the dielectric substrate, a plurality of electronic nodes on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and a ground plane on a second surface of the dielectric substrate permeable to RF fields of the surface waves, and a controller configured for causing a respective one of the electronic nodes to transmit at least one surface wave and configured for collecting data for signals received by at least one other of the plurality of electronic nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gregoire, Joseph S. Colburn
  • Publication number: 20150138823
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure provides for a light duct sensor that can monitor an average light flux through light duct useful for architectural lighting. The present disclosure provides for a system that allows a minimally obtrusive sampling of the light in a duct. It samples a small fraction of a cross sectional area of a light duct that is distributed across potentially the entire cross sectional area, without creating a significant disturbance to the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas R. Corrigan, Patrick R. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20150136959
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical circuit-type reformulated fuel detecting sensor device. The optical circuit-type reformulated fuel detecting sensor device includes: an optical source part generating optical signals having a single wavelength; a sensor part receiving the optical signals generated by the optical source part and outputting a reference optical signal and a sensed signal; a first photo-detector receiving the reference optical signal and outputting a reference optical output signal; a second photo-detector receiving the sensed signal and outputting a sensed optical output signal; an operation controlling part receiving the reference optical output signal and the sensed optical output signal and determining characteristics of fuel; and an output part receiving and outputting a result of the operation controlling part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin-Hwa RYU, Kyu-Ha BAEK, Lee-Mi DO, Kang-Bok LEE
  • Patent number: 9035231
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring load-related parameters of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may generally include a plurality of reflective targets positioned within the rotor blade. Each reflective target may include a unique visual identifier. In addition, the system may include a light source configured to illuminate the reflective targets and a sensor configured to detect light reflected from the reflective targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Danian Zheng, Hua Xia, Thomas Ernst Dinjus
  • Publication number: 20150129752
    Abstract: A silicon photonic photodetector structure, a method for fabricating the silicon photonic photodetector structure and a method for operating a silicon photonic photodetector device that results from the photonic photodetector structure each use a strip waveguide optically coupled with a polysilicon material photodetector layer that may be contiguous with a semiconductor material slab to which is located and formed a pair of electrical contacts separated by the polysilicon material photodetector layer. Alternatively, the pair of electrical contacts may be located and formed upon separated locations of the polysilicon photodetector layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michal Lipson, Kyle Preston
  • Publication number: 20150129751
    Abstract: A distributed sensing apparatus and system including one or more optical fibers disposed in a channel on the surface of a central member. A layer of film adhesive is disposed between the central member and a sheath. The film adhesive is circumferentially wrapped around the central member prior to arranging the sheath around the central member. The film adhesive is then cured and expanded to firmly attach the optical fiber to the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul F. Wysocki, Christopher H. Lambert, Carl W. Stoesz
  • Patent number: 9029782
    Abstract: A chemical sensor is provided. The sensor includes at least one lightguiding element having an optical core. The lightguiding element comprises a layer of graphene situated in sufficient proximity to the core to exhibit evanescent wave absorption of optical energy in at least one optical mode guided in the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: LGS Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Ashok J. Maliakal, Brijesh Vyas, Hugo Safar
  • Publication number: 20150115146
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to transmit energy to a nanofiber sampling coil and/or a nanofiber reference coil. Further activity may include receiving the energy as modified by evanescent interaction with a sampled material located proximate to the sampling coil and/or as modified by propagation through the reference coil, and comparing the energy modified by evanescent interaction with the energy modified by propagation through the reference coil to determine a spectroscopic property of the sampled material. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of nanofibers and fluorescence induced by evanescent radiation to conduct spectroscopic analysis, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 9018561
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a high power broad band elongated thin beam laser annealing light source, which may comprise a gas discharge seed laser oscillator having a resonance cavity, providing a seed laser output pulse; a gas discharge amplifier laser amplifying the seed laser output pulse to provide an amplified seed laser pulse output; a divergence correcting multi-optical element optical assembly intermediate the seed laser and the amplifier laser. The divergence correcting optical assembly may adjust the size and/or shape of the seed laser output pulse within a discharge region of the amplifier laser in order to adjust an output parameter of the amplified seed laser pulse output. The divergence correcting optical assembly may comprise a telescope with an adjustable focus. The adjustable telescope may comprise an active feedback-controlled actuator based upon a sensed parameter of the amplified seed laser output from the amplifier laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Cymer, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L Sandstrom, Daniel J. W. Brown, Thomas Hoffmann, Jason D Robinson, Craig W Unick
  • Patent number: 9006643
    Abstract: A photoelectric converter includes a circuit board, a laser diode, a plurality of optical sensors mounted on the circuit board, a transmission body, and a first lens set, a second lens set, and a plurality of optical fibers mounted on the transmission body. The transmission body defines a reflection groove and a plurality of optical signal splitting holes. A first sidewall of the reflection groove is inclined relative to the transmission direction of the optical signals. A bottom surface of each optical signal splitting hole is inclined relative to the first sidewall and to the second surface. The optical signals transmitted by the first lens set are reflected by the first sidewall. Most of the reflected optical signals are transmitted to the optical fibers via the second lens set, and a small remaining portion of optical signals are reflected by the bottom surface to the optical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I-Thun Lin
  • Patent number: 9007227
    Abstract: An optical interrogator system including a broad spectrum light source capable of emitting light having a spectral width spanning at least approximately 20 nm, and at least one optical sensor coupled to the broad spectrum light source by at least one multimode optical fiber, wherein the at least one multimode optical fiber is configured to support a plurality of propagation modes, and a method of using the same are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Carralero, Ty A. Larsen, Priya D. Maratukulam
  • Patent number: 9000355
    Abstract: A monitor-light-emitting device and multiple light-emitting devices are mounted on a board, and a light-guiding member is disposed in front of these devices. Monitor light emitted from the monitor-light-emitting device is directly supplied to a light receiving device. Part of light emitted from the multiple light-emitting devices is incident on the light-guiding member and is used as reference light. The reference light is received by the light receiving device. Reflected detection light that has been reflected off a target object located in front of the optical sensor is transmitted through the light-guiding member and is received by the light receiving device. A condenser is disposed in front of the light receiving device and the reference light or the reflected detection light is efficiently supplied to the light receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Yamanobe, Tetsuji Suenaga
  • Patent number: 9000354
    Abstract: Systems for enhancing the sensitivity of detecting an optical signal using nonlinear optics and method of performing the same. In one embodiment, a single-photon detection system includes an optical amplifier realized in a waveguide, and a photodetector coupled to an output of the optical amplifier. A light detection and ranging system includes the optical amplifier coupled to an optical source and one photodetector. In another embodiment, a photodetection system includes a plurality of optical frequency converters, coupled to an optical source, that sequentially convert a wavelength of photons of the optical source to a final wavelength, and a single-photon photodetector coupled to the optical frequency converters to detect single photons produced by the optical source. In another embodiment, an optical sensor includes an optical pump, and a transducer including an optical ring cavity coupled to the optical pump and configured to utilize optical four-wave mixing to detect an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Woodward, Anjali Agarwal, Nicholas Peters
  • Patent number: 8996082
    Abstract: A radiation passing layer has a top surface and a bottom surface below which a proximity sensor is positioned. A visible light opaque layer covers the bottom surface of the radiation passing layer except for an opening therein that allows radiation from the emitter to pass, and scattered radiation to pass to the detector. A radiation shield is between the emitter and the detector, and extends to the bottom of the radiation passing layer. A cold mirror is between the shield and the bottom surface of the radiation passing layer, covering the opening in the opaque layer. A radiation absorber being a separate piece and a different material than the shield provides a radiation seal between the top surface of the shield and the bottom surface of the cold mirror. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • Patent number: 8993953
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for measuring flicker of a display panel are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light guide tube, a measuring probe for flicker measurement, and an optical device for diverging fight. The light guide tube comprises an opening at a first end and an opening at a second end. The trumpet-shaped light guide tube gradually enlarges from the opening at the second end to the opening at the first end. The opening at the first end is used for receiving light emitting from the periphery regions and the center region of the display. Light entering into the light guide tube through the opening at the first end emerges from the opening at the second end and is transmitted to the measuring probe through the optical device having a diverging effect. The more overall flicker information is acquired to improve the accuracy of measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ye Dai, Chih-tsung Kang