Infrared Responsive Patents (Class 250/338.1)
  • Patent number: 9939322
    Abstract: This relates to sensor systems, detectors, imagers, and readout integrated circuits (ROICs) configured to selectively detect one or more frequencies or polarizations of light, capable of operating with a wide dynamic range, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the detector can include one or more light absorbers; the patterns and/or properties of a light absorber can be configured based on the desired measurement wavelength range and/or polarization direction. In some examples, the detector can comprise a plurality of at least partially overlapping light absorbers for enhanced dynamic range detection. In some examples, the detector can be capable of electrostatic tuning for one or more flux levels by varying the response time or sensitivity to account for various flux levels. In some examples, the ROIC can be capable of dynamically adjusting at least one of the frame rate integrating capacitance, and power of the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Miikka M. Kangas, Michael J. Bishop, Robert Chen, David I. Simon, Harold L. Sontag, III, George Dee Skidmore
  • Patent number: 9933310
    Abstract: An infrared bolometer. In one embodiment a waveguide configured to transmit infrared radiation is arranged to be adjacent a graphene sheet and configured so that evanescent waves from the waveguide overlap the graphene sheet. The graphene sheet has two contacts connected to an amplifier, and a power detector connected to the amplifier. Infrared electromagnetic power in the evanescent waves is absorbed in the graphene sheet, heating the graphene sheet. The power of Johnson noise generated at the contacts is proportional to the temperature of the graphene sheet. The Johnson noise is amplified and the power in the Johnson noise is used as a measure of the temperature of the graphene sheet, and of the amount of infrared power propagating in the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Kin Chung Fong
  • Patent number: 9931087
    Abstract: An x-ray system including an x-ray source, a detector having an input area, a monitor configured to display detected images, means for determining a location of a Region of Interest (ROI) of a patient on the displayed image; and a collimator having means for projecting the region of interest (ROI) on a selected fraction of the input area exposed by the x-ray source, the collimator movable in a plane parallel to the detector input area, the collimator includes a plurality of holes having different sizes, each one of the holes configured for projecting the selected fraction of the exposed area for a different zoom of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Controlrad Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Haim Zvi Melman, Allon Guez
  • Patent number: 9928727
    Abstract: A flame detector includes a UV sensor sensitive to solar UV radiation and a secondary sensor sensitive to non-UV radiation. A controller is operatively connected to the UV sensor and the secondary sensor to: signal an alarm in response to receiving input from the UV sensor indicative of a strong UV source and input from the secondary sensor indicative of a weak non-UV radiation source; and suppress an alarm in response to receiving a signal from the UV sensor indicative of a strong UV source and a signal from the secondary sensor indicative of a strong non-UV radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Peter R. Harris, Marcin Piech
  • Patent number: 9924114
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a detector that measures radiation. The apparatus also includes a window that is relationally coupled to the detector and a shield, so that the window is in between the detector and the shield. The apparatus further includes the shield that emits substantially constant radiation, and substantially blocks radiation from a camera housing at least partially surrounding the shield, so that the detector measures radiation passing through an optical system and the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Henry W. Neal, George D. Skidmore, Jeff R. Emmett, Richard L. Southerland, Samuel E. Ivey
  • Patent number: 9909988
    Abstract: The invention intends to accurately measure a concentration of an object. An optical sensor (1) includes a detection light source (10) that emits measuring light, a light detection unit (40) that detects light intensity of the measuring light, which has been changed due to a change in optical characteristics of an object detection member (20), and a reference light source (11) that emits reference light. Light intensity of the reference light is detected by the light detection unit (40) without being affected by the change in the optical characteristics of the object detection member. The two light sources are arranged under the same environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takanobu Sato, Noboru Iwata, Tazuko Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 9903828
    Abstract: A photothermal examination method and corresponding examination unit are provided. In the method first and second zones of the surface to be characterized are scanned simultaneously, and first and second photosensitive surfaces separate from one another acquire images of the infrared radiation emitted by these two zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AREVA NP
    Inventors: Yannick Caulier, Matthieu Taglione
  • Patent number: 9903754
    Abstract: A security device in an electronic device which protects against unauthorized disassembly includes light sources, a plurality of photosensitive elements, a detection unit, a storage unit, a processor, and light guiding devices. Light conducting channels are provided between the light sources and the induction elements. Barrier objects that block light are installed at certain first light guiding channels of the light guiding channels, and are removed from the first light conducting channels when the electronic device is disassembled, so that induction signals output by the photosensitive elements are changed from the model or original digitally-recorded signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: NANNING FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiao-Hu Tang, Pei Liu
  • Patent number: 9903762
    Abstract: A pyrometric detection device for use in an apparatus for producing three-dimensional work pieces comprises a pyrometric detecting unit (10) configured to receive thermal radiation emitted at different points of a detection plane in a detection direction and a calibration device (12) comprising a substrate (14) and a plurality of light guides (16) each having a first end (18) for coupling light into the light guide (16) and a second end (20) for emitting light from the light guide (16), the second end (20) being fixed to the substrate (14). The substrate (14) is adapted to be removably arranged relative to the pyrometric detecting unit (10) in such a manner that the second ends (20) of the plurality of light guides (16) are arranged in the detection plane and emit light in the detection direction, in a calibration state of the pyrometric detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SLM Solutions Group AG
    Inventors: Dieter Schwarze, Daniel Alberts
  • Patent number: 9901125
    Abstract: The present disclosure is particularly adapted for determining whether the condition of personal protection equipment PPE articles satisfies at least one criterion. A method and system provide at least one predetermined criterion that governs use of the PPE article in a working environment; a PPE article is configured with a smart tag, and a sensing device is provided that is configured to sense data in a working environment related to the predetermined criterion. Acquired data from the sensing device and the smart tag are processed in a data processing system to determine whether the condition of the PPE article satisfies the at least one predetermined criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas I. Insley, Lawrence J. Ptasienski, Neal A. Rakow, Cristina U. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9903763
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes patterning a sacrificial layer on a substrate to define a bolometer, with trenches being formed in the sacrificial layer to define anchors for the bolometer, the trenches extending through the sacrificial layer and exposing conductive elements at the bottom of the trenches. A thin titanium nitride layer is then deposited on the sacrificial layer and within the trenches. The titanium nitride layer is configured to form a structural support for the bolometer and to provide an electrical connection to the conductive elements on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ashwin K. Samarao, Gary O'Brien, Ando Feyh, Fabian Purkl, Gary Yama
  • Patent number: 9897487
    Abstract: A combined leg structure of a micro bridge unit of a focal plane array adopts a conductive polymer film or a doped conductive polymer film to serve as an extraction electrode in the micro bridge unit of the focal plane array, which contacts a vanadium oxide thermosensitive film or a doped vanadium oxide thermosensitive film of a bridge surface layer, so as to electrically connect the thermosensitive film of the micro bridge unit with a read-out circuit. The combined leg structure includes three layers: respectively an upper SiNx film layer, a lower SiNx film layer and a middle layer of the conductive polymer film or the doped conductive polymer film. The present invention adopts the conductive polymer film or the doped conductive polymer film having a low thermal conductivity to serve as an electrode material. A bridge leg absorption structure is arranged in the combined leg structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Wuxi Aleader Intelligent Technology Co., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Liangzhong Wei, Wanglong Zhu, Yan Liu
  • Patent number: 9892720
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating control of midi-sequence generation is disclosed. The apparatus may include a midi-sequence module configured for generating midi-sequences. Further, the apparatus may also include a foot-operated switch configured to operate the midi-sequence module. Additionally, the apparatus may include a docking station configured to connect the apparatus to a mobile device. Accordingly, the midi-sequence module may be controlled through the mobile device. Further, in some embodiments the midi-sequence module may be included in the mobile device instead of the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus may include a switch port configured to electrically couple the foot-operated switch with the mobile device in order to control the midi-sequence module included in the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLITERRAN INC.
    Inventor: David Packouz
  • Patent number: 9890326
    Abstract: To provide a novel light up-conversion organic luminescent substance having a high light up-conversion efficiency. A light up-conversion luminescent substance which comprises a compound represented by general formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kenji Kamada, Kenji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9891414
    Abstract: An imaging lens for use with an operational waveband over any subset of 7.5-13.5 ?m may include a first optical element of a first high-index material and a second optical element of a second high-index material. At least two surfaces of the first and second optical elements may be optically powered surfaces. A largest clear aperture of all optically powered surfaces may not exceed a diameter of an image circle of the imaging lens corresponding to a field of view of 55 degrees or greater by more than 30%. The first and second high-index materials may have a refractive index greater than 2.2 in the operational waveband, an absorption per mm of less than 75% in the operational waveband, and an absorption per mm of greater than 75% in a visible waveband of 400-650 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS TRADING BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventor: Jeremy Huddleston
  • Patent number: 9869593
    Abstract: A bolometric detection device includes a substrate having a read-out circuit. The device also includes an array of elementary detectors each including a membrane suspended above the substrate and connected to the read-out circuit by at least two electric conductors. The membrane has two electrically-conductive electrodes respectively connected to the two electric conductors, and a volume of transducer material electrically connecting the two electrodes. The read-out circuit is configured to apply an electrical stimulus between the two electrodes of the membrane and to form an electric signal as a response to said application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ULIS
    Inventors: Sébastien Cortial, Michel Vilain
  • Patent number: 9863876
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a photon emitter configured for reflecting photons from a surface of an article onto a first reflective surface. In addition, a second reflective surface is configured for reflecting photons from the surface of the article back onto the surface of the article. The apparatus also includes a detector configured to provide information corresponding to photons scattered from features of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Joachim W. Ahner, David M. Tung, Stephen Keith McLaurin, Travis W. Grodt
  • Patent number: 9863815
    Abstract: A method and a system for measuring an optical asynchronous sample signal. The system for measuring an optical asynchronous sampling signal comprises a pulsed optical source capable of emitting two optical pulse sequences with different repetition frequencies, a signal optical path, a reference optical path, and a detection device. Since the optical asynchronous sampling signal can be measured by merely using one pulsed optical source, the complexity and cost of the system are reduced. A multi-frequency optical comb system using the pulsed optical source and a method for implementing the multi-frequency optical comb are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BEIHANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zheng Zheng, Xin Zhao, Lei Liu, Jiansheng Liu
  • Patent number: 9866171
    Abstract: A measuring device for the property of a photovoltaic device and a measuring method using the same are provided. The measuring device includes several light sources and a feedback control module. The light color of each light source is different and includes several light-emitting elements symmetrically configured. The feedback control module is used for controlling illuminations of the light-emitting elements for measuring the property of a photovoltaic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yean-San Long, Shu-Tsung Hsu, Teng-Chun Wu, Min-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 9863035
    Abstract: Provided are a metal nitride material for a thermistor, which has a high reliability and a high heat resistance and can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, a method for producing the same, and a film type thermistor sensor. The metal nitride material for a thermistor consists of a metal nitride represented by the general formula: (Ti1-vCrv)xAly (N1-wOw)z (where 0.0<v<1.0, 0.70?y/(x+y)?0.95, 0.45?z?0.55, 0<w?0.35, and x+y+z=1), wherein the crystal structure thereof is a hexagonal wurtzite-type single phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujita, Hiroshi Tanaka, Noriaki Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 9854984
    Abstract: An optical detection unit includes a light emitting portion 150 that emits light toward a target object, a light receiving portion 140 that receives light from the target object, and a light blocking member 70 that blocks light from being incident to at least the light receiving portion 140. The light blocking member 70 includes a light blocking wall 100 that is formed by performing sheet metal processing on a metal, and is provided between the light emitting portion 150 and the light receiving portion 140 so as to block light from the light emitting portion 150 from being incident to the light receiving portion 140. The light blocking wall 100 is formed of a first metal surface 71 of the light blocking member 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9851258
    Abstract: A sensor package having a thermopile sensor and a reference thermopile sensor disposed therein. In one or more implementations, the sensor package includes a substrate, a thermopile sensor disposed over the substrate, a reference thermopile sensor disposed over the substrate, and a lid assembly disposed over the thermopile sensor and the reference thermopile sensor. The lid assembly includes a transparent structure that passes electromagnetic radiation occurring in a limited spectrum of wavelengths and an electromagnetic blocker disposed over the lid assembly. The electromagnetic blocker defines an aperture over the thermopile sensor such that at least a portion of the electromagnetic blocker is positioned over the reference thermopile sensor. The electromagnetic blocker is configured to at least substantially block the electromagnetic radiation occurring in a limited spectrum of wavelengths from reaching the reference thermopile sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Wei Pei, Craig A. Easson, Arvin Emadi, Nicole D. Kerness, Stanley Barnett
  • Patent number: 9846083
    Abstract: A sensor package can have a reference thermopile sensor and a reference temperature sensor disposed therein to determine an ambient temperature. In one or more implementations, the sensor package includes a substrate having a substrate surface, a reference thermopile sensor disposed over the substrate surface, a reference temperature sensor disposed over the substrate surface, and a lid assembly disposed over the thermopile sensor and the reference thermopile sensor. The lid assembly includes a structure having a transparent portion that passes electromagnetic radiation occurring in a limited spectrum of wavelengths. The reference thermopile sensor generates a reference thermopile sensor signal representing a difference between a temperature of the substrate surface and a temperature of a lid assembly surface. An external ambient temperature can be determined based upon the reference thermopile sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvin Emadi, Abhishek Sahasrabudhe, Cheng-Wei Pei, Pirooz Parvarandeh
  • Patent number: 9848134
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing, operating, and manufacturing infrared imaging devices using integrated circuits. In one example, a system includes a focal plane array (FPA) integrated circuit comprising an array of infrared sensors adapted to image a scene, a plurality of active circuit components, a first metal layer disposed above and connected to the circuit components, a second metal layer disposed above the first metal layer and connected to the first metal layer, and a third metal layer disposed above the second metal layer and below the infrared sensors. The third metal layer is connected to the second metal layer and the infrared sensors. The first, second, and third metal layers are the only metal layers of the FPA between the infrared sensors and the circuit components. The first, second, and third metal layers are adapted to route signals between the circuit components and the infrared sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Simolon, Eric A. Kurth, Steve Barskey, Mark Nussmeier, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 9835716
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light blocking compound. The light blocking compound can be thick enough between the light emitter and light detector to block substantially all light emitted by the light emitter from reaching the light detector directly, but be thin enough above the light emitter and light detector to allow at least some level of light emitted by the light emitter to escape out of the sensor, be reflected by another object, re-enter the sensor, and survive passing through the light blocking compound to enter the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Hana Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vanapong Kwangkaew, Krisadayut Chansawang, Sirirat Silapapipat, Preecha Bootwicha, Sanjay Mitra
  • Patent number: 9831019
    Abstract: Provided are a metal nitride material for a thermistor, which has a high reliability and a high heat resistance and can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, a method for producing the same, and a film type thermistor sensor. The metal nitride material for a thermistor consists of a metal nitride represented by the general formula: CrxAly(N1-wOw)z (where 0.70?y/(x+y)?0.95, 0.45?z?0.55, 0<w?0.35, and x+y+z=1), wherein the crystal structure thereof is a hexagonal wurtzite-type single phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujita, Hiroshi Tanaka, Noriaki Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 9831371
    Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation is provided, including a substrate; at least one thermal detector placed on the substrate; and an encapsulating structure encapsulating the detector, including a thin encapsulating layer of a material that is transparent to said radiation, extending around and above the detector so as to define with the substrate a cavity in which the detector is located; wherein the thin encapsulating layer comprises a peripheral wall that encircles the detector, and that has a cross section, in a plane parallel to the plane of the substrate, of square or rectangular shape, corners of which are rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et aux Engergies Altrnatives
    Inventors: Geoffroy Dumont, Laurent Carle, Pierre Imperinetti, Stephane Pocas, Jean-Jacques Yon
  • Patent number: 9822194
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an entity comprising a particle attached to at least one polymer M through one or several supramolecular interactions -A-B- constituted by 2 to 8 hydrogen bonds X-H-Y, wherein A and B are functional groups respectively grafted to P and M thus forming the particle-containing entity P-(A-B-M)x with x being greater than or equal to 1, functional group(s) B being positioned at one end of the polymeric chain of polymer M, X and Y are heteroatoms present in A and B functional groups, H is hydrogen, and M has a degree of polymerization comprised between 5 and 1000, preferably ranging from 5 to 500. The invention is also directed to a method for preparing this particle-containing entity P-(A-B-M)x, a method for sequentially forming and breaking the supramolecular interactions -A-B- in said particle-containing entity P-(A-B-M)x and dispersions comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE PHYSIQUE ET DE CHIMIE INDUSTRIELLES DE LA VILLE DE PARIS, UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6), CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE-CNRS
    Inventors: Renaud Nicolaÿ, Corinne Soulié-Ziakovic, Ludwik Leibler, Alexandre Prevoteau
  • Patent number: 9810625
    Abstract: A method for detecting and quantifying fibrosis, which involves at least; positioning a non-colored fixed tissue sample on a support; carrying out infrared acquisition, by scanning, of points of the sample; converting the infrared spectrum produced by each acquired point into at least one spectral image; carrying out a digital processing operation on the spectral image by distinguishing between at least physiological collagen and pathological collagen from fibrosis, attributing, to each point, a spectral class defined by an algorithm classifying the spectra according to the spectral similarities % thereof, then attributing a status to each class by statistically comparing with a digital model of spectra; quantifying the relative surface area occupied by the points of each status; and recording the result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE DE REIMS CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE
    Inventors: Vincent Vuiblet, Olivier Piot, Philippe Rieu, Michael Fere, Cyril Gobinet
  • Patent number: 9810576
    Abstract: A variable wavelength optical filter module according to the present invention includes a package, a variable wavelength optical filter, and a detector. The package includes a reflection part (reflecting faces) in the inside of the package. The variable wavelength optical filter is disposed in the inside of the package and includes a first reflecting plate and a second reflecting plate facing each other, with a clearance between the first reflecting plate and the second reflecting plate being variable. The detector is disposed in the inside of the package and detects a ray of light having passed through the variable wavelength optical filter. Then, the variable wavelength optical filter and the detector are disposed on the opposite side to the reflection part (reflecting faces). The ray of the light incident into the inside of the package via the variable wavelength optical filter enters the detector via the reflection part (reflecting faces).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Okada, Soichiro Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 9810581
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing an improved electromagnetic radiation sensing micromechanical device to be utilized in high pixel-density pixel sensor arrays. The device includes an improved design for improved and adjustable performance through simple geometric or fabrication means. Furthermore, the design of the device lends itself to simple micromechanical manufacturing procedures. Additionally, the manufacturing procedures include a method to enable high uniformity and high yield sensor arrays. Arrays of the device can be utilized as IR imaging detectors for use in applications such as human presence detection, nonvisual environment monitoring, security and safety, surveillance, energy monitoring, fire detection and people counting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: MP HIGH TECH SOLUTIONS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Marek Steffanson
  • Patent number: 9804030
    Abstract: A method for contactlessly determining the temperature of a moving object having an unknown degree of emission, especially a metal wire conveyed along its longitudinal axis, is described. The object is guided through at least one radiation source emitting thermal radiation, wherein the object is mostly or completely surrounded by the at least one radiation source. With at least one radiation detector, a spatially-resolved thermal radiation measurement is performed in a region through which the object passes when it is guided through the radiation source. The temperature of the moving object is determined on the basis of the spatially-resolved thermal radiation measurement. A corresponding device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Sikora AG
    Inventors: Harald Sikora, Abraham Parga Garcia
  • Patent number: 9797756
    Abstract: Tools used to detect underlying structures, such as behind the surface of a wall, can include a first sensor, such as an electromagnetic sensor, configured to generate data indicative of the location of the underlying structure. Tools can include an indicator that provides an indication to a user based on the data. Tools can additionally or alternatively include an infrared imaging device for generating infrared image data indicative of the heat pattern of a scene. A display can display the generated infrared image data. Underlying structures may be visible in the heat pattern of the scene. The tool can indicate the presence of an underlying structure feature to an operator via one or both of the display and the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Luis R. Silva, Michael D. Stuart
  • Patent number: 9799700
    Abstract: An infrared sensor according to an embodiment includes a housing, a detector, a lid, and a light shielding film. The detector is mounted on the bottom surface of the housing and includes a heat-sensitive pixel region and a reference pixel region. The lid seals the housing and includes a support member and a window member. The support member is bonded to the side surfaces of the housing and has an opening positioned above the heat-sensitive pixel region. The window member is bonded to a surface of the support member on a side of the detector so as to cover the opening. The light shielding film is formed on a surface of the window member on a side of the detector and arranged on an optical path of the infrared rays entering the reference pixel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koichi Ishii, Hideyuki Funaki
  • Patent number: 9791414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying material types of spatial objects characterized in that the method comprising obtaining an acoustic signal from each identified object by deforming the objects mechanically, recording said acoustic signal and comparing it to an acoustic model being obtained on the basis of analysis of reference objects of multiple material types. The present invention also relates to a device for identifying material types of spatial objects, comprising a deformation chamber (K), a mechanical deformation system (F), at least one electro-acoustic transducer (1), an acoustic signal recording assembly (2) and a data processing unit (3) with installed acoustic model being obtained on the basis of analysis of reference objects of multiple material types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SORPLA SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Tomasz Bloch, Grzegorz Gorczyca, Kuba Lopatka, Iwona Gibas
  • Patent number: 9787923
    Abstract: A correlated double sampled (CDS) pixel is provided. The CDS pixel comprises an image sensing device, an inverting amplifier, a capacitor, and first and second switches. The image sensing device generates charge based on image content. The inverting amplifier is in operable communication with the image sensing device. The capacitor is configured as a feedback to the inverting amplifier, wherein the first capacitor configured as a switching capacitor and configured to integrate an image signal received by the image sensing device. The first switch is in operable communication with the inverting amplifier and is configured to control sample timing of a correlated offset signal. The second switch is in operable communication with the image sensing device and is configured to control sample timing of the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: INTRINSIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eugene M. Petilli
  • Patent number: 9783323
    Abstract: A method and system is described for determining attitude for a satellite. A two-axis ram sensor head measures neutral winds and provides a density of the neutral winds. A three-axis magnetometer measures a geomagnetic field. A measurement interface module calculates attitude information, which includes three-axis attitude knowledge of a satellite relative to a local-vertical local-horizontal orbit frame, based on the combined ram measurements and magnetic field measurements, and provides the attitude information to a satellite that comprises the attitude sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Andrew C. Nicholas, Nelson Creamer, Theodore T. Finne, Federico A. Herrero
  • Patent number: 9739667
    Abstract: Passive detector structures for imaging systems are provided, which are based on a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) framework. With such framework, a CTE-based passive detector structure includes a detector member that is configured to expand or contract in response to thermal heating resulting from photon exposure. The expanding/contracting CTE detector structure is configured to exert mechanical forces on resistor and/or capacitor circuit elements, which are part of an oscillator circuit, to vary the resistance and capacitance of such circuit elements and change a frequency or period of oscillation of an output signal of the oscillator circuit. The change in the frequency or period of oscillation of the output signal of the oscillator circuit is utilized to determine an amount of photon exposure of the CTE-based detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DIGITAL DIRECT IR, INC.
    Inventor: Peter N. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 9702970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ranging system for measuring the distance between an interrogator and a transponder. The transponder includes: a signal receiver for receiving a challenge signal from an interrogator; a signal processor for processing the challenge signal and generating a response signal in response to the challenge signal; a buffer for storing the response signal generated by the signal processor; and a signal transmitter for sending the response signal stored in the buffer when the signal processor receives a ranging signal from the interrogator, wherein a time interval between the challenge signal and the ranging signal is known to both transponder and the interrogator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kourosh Pahlavan, Farokh Hassanzadeh Eskafi
  • Patent number: 9696190
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor configured to receive from an array of ultrasonic transponders around a tank, container or flow pipe signaling containing information about acoustic waves of energy penetrating a fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe; and determine using tomography a three-dimensional image of layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe based at least partly on the signalling received and. The signal processor provides corresponding signal containing information about the three-dimensional image of the layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe. The array is an obliquely oriented array of ultrasonic transponders arranged on an oblique plane to the axis of the tank or column; or the array is placed normal to the flow around the exterior of the flow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Kersey, John Viega
  • Patent number: 9680520
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, ambient backscatter transceivers, and methods for modulating a backscatter of an ambient RF signal are described. An example system may include an ambient backscatter transceiver comprising an antenna that is configured to receive a backscattered ambient radio frequency (RF) signal. The ambient backscatter transceiver is configured to demodulate the backscattered ambient RF signal to retrieve first data. The backscattered ambient RF signal is generated by backscattering an ambient RF signal at a first frequency. The ambient RF signal is encoded with modulated to provide second data at a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: University of Washington Through Its Center For Commercialization
    Inventors: Shyamnath Gollakota, Joshua R. Smith, Vincent Liu, Aaron N. Parks, Vamsi Talla
  • Patent number: 9673714
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply circuit and a power-on circuit. The power-on circuit detects a remotely transmitted control signal and causes a transition of the power supply circuit to a turned on state. The power-on circuit includes a transducer configured to provide a power-on signal in response to the remote control signal. The transducer triggers transition to the turned on state through a switch driven by the power-on signal output from the transducer and arranged to supply a power supply circuit enable signal. A DC blocking capacitor is connected between an output of the transducer and a control terminal of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Natale Aiello, Giulio Zoppi, Roberto Larosa
  • Patent number: 9674493
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array with a plurality of pixels arranged in a semiconductor layer. A color filter array including a plurality of groupings of filters is disposed over the pixel array. Each filter is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of pixels. Each one of the plurality of groupings of filters includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth filter having a first, a second, the second, and a third color, respectively. A metal layer is disposed over the pixel array and is patterned to include a metal mesh having mesh openings with a size and pitch to block incident light having a fourth color from reaching the corresponding pixel. The metal layer is patterned to include openings without the metal mesh to allow the incident light to reach the other pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Li, Yin Qian, Gang Chen, Dyson H. Tai
  • Patent number: 9664564
    Abstract: Intensity of near-ultraviolet light or visible light of 180 to 700 nm emitted from a solid sample, such as an organic semiconductor, irradiated with an electron beam is measured, while kinetic energy (accelerating energy) of the electron beam is changed in a range of 0 to 5 eV so as to obtain a spectrum. Peaks are detected from the spectrum, and the energy thereof is defined as unoccupied-states energy of the sample. The onset energy of the first peak represents electronic affinity energy (electron affinity) of the sample. Since the energy of the electron beam irradiated onto the sample is 5 eV or less, almost no damage is exerted on the sample even when the sample is an organic semiconductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KYOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9632209
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light blocking compound. The light blocking compound can be thick enough between the light emitter and light detector to block substantially all light emitted by the light emitter from reaching the light detector directly, but be thin enough above the light emitter and light detector to allow at least some level of light emitted by the light emitter to escape out of the sensor, be reflected by another object, re-enter the sensor, and survive passing through the light blocking compound to enter the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Hana Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vanapong Kwangkaew, Krisadayut Chansawang, Sirirat Silapapipat, Preecha Bootwicha, Sanjay Mitra
  • Patent number: 9627425
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device has a pixel area including an effective pixel row and a reference pixel row, the reference pixel row containing a plurality of reference pixel pairs, each pair composed of a first reference pixel and a second reference pixel arranged adjacent to each other. The first and second reference pixels output reference signals having different signal levels and independent of the quantity of incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9612159
    Abstract: An infrared sensor includes: a package; an infrared detecting element formed on the package, the infrared detecting element including a thermal detector and an absorber formed on the thermal detector which is configured to absorb infrared light rays of a specific wavelength that are detected by conversion of the infrared light rays into heat; and a cap formed on the package to cover the infrared detecting element, the cap including: a body having front and rear surfaces, through which the infrared light rays transmit; and a shielding film, with a window formed therein, provided on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the body, the infrared light rays being reflected by the shielding film other than a portion of the shielding film having the window, and every one of the infrared light rays passing through the window of the cap impinging on the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takaki Sugino
  • Patent number: 9609239
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of visible light photosensitive devices, an infrared photosensitive device, a plurality of color filters, an infrared band-pass filter, a micro-lens layer and an infrared filter layer. The plurality of visible light photosensitive devices and the infrared photosensitive device are disposed in the substrate, wherein the plurality of visible light photosensitive devices and the infrared photosensitive device are arranged in an array. The plurality of color filters are respectively disposed to cover the plurality of visible light photosensitive device. In addition, the infrared band-pass filter disposed to cover the infrared photosensitive device. Furthermore, the micro-lens layer is disposed on the plurality of color filters and the infrared band-pass filter. The infrared filter layer is disposed to cover the plurality of visible light photosensitive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto, Keng-Yu Chou, Wei-Chieh Chiang, Yuichiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9606231
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic device (1) comprising a detector for receiving radiation and a frame (3). Said frame is provided with an opening (30), in which the detector is located. The frame extends vertically between a radiation penetration face (300) and a rear face (301). The opening has a lateral face (4) running obliquely to the vertical direction. The oblique lateral face from the top view of the radiation penetration face has a first sub-section (41) and a second sub-section (42). The first sub-section is designed as a reflector for the radiation that is to be received by the detector and the second sub-section guides radiation that is incident on the second sub-section in the vertical direction away from the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBH
    Inventor: Hubert Halbritter
  • Patent number: 9599597
    Abstract: In some embodiments, vehicle-based natural gas leak detection methods are used to generate 2-D spatial distributions (heat maps) of gas emission source probabilities and surveyed area locations using measured gas concentrations and associated geospatial (e.g. GPS) locations, wind direction and wind speed, and atmospheric condition data. Bayesian updates are used to incorporate the results of one or more measurement runs into computed spatial distributions. Operating in gas-emission plume space rather than raw concentration data space allows reducing the computational complexity of updating gas emission source probability heat maps. Gas pipeline location data and other external data may be used to determine the heat map data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventors: David Steele, Sze M. Tan, Chris W. Rella