With Means To Analyze Uncontained Fluent Material Patents (Class 250/338.5)
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Patent number: 9129459Abstract: A method for detecting the operating mode of a hybrid vehicle using roadside cameras, said method including the analysis of thermal images of parts of the vehicle and/or exhaust fumes, in combination with associated images of the number plates obtained using visual camera(s) operating in synchronism with said thermal camera and used for vehicle make inference and driver identification. The inferred make of the car is used for aforementioned analysis of thermal images. In a variant, the method is used to verify an operating mode reported by, or obtained from information reported by, the vehicle itself. The method can be used in a pollution management system for calculating financial charges to vehicle drivers in a low-emission zone of a Smart City for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Milos Tesanovic, Sunil Keshavji Vadgama
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Patent number: 9128190Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The LIDAR device scans the emitted light pulses through the scanning zone by reflecting the light pulses from an array of oscillating mirrors. The mirrors are operated by a set of electromagnets arranged to apply torque on the mirrors, and an orientation feedback system senses the orientations of the mirrors. Driving parameters for each mirror are determined based on information from the orientation feedback system. The driving parameters can be used to drive the mirrors in phase at an operating frequency despite variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies among the mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Drew Ulrich, Pierre-yves Droz, Samuel Lenius
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Patent number: 9091591Abstract: According to example embodiments, an infrared thermal detector includes a substrate, a detector spaced apart from the substrate, and a thermal legal configured to transmit a signal from the detector to the substrate. The detector is configured to absorb incident infrared light via localized surface Plasmon resonance, and the detector is configured to change a resistance value according to a temperature change caused by the absorbed infrared light.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, CO., LTD.Inventors: Hae-seok Park, Sung-hyun Nam, Chang-gyun Shin, Jung-woo Kim
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Patent number: 9042414Abstract: A tunable laser source that includes multiple gain elements and uses a spatial light modulator in an external cavity to produce spectrally tunable output is claimed. Several designs of the external cavity are described, targeting different performance characteristics and different manufacturing costs for the device. Compared to existing devices, the tunable laser source produces high output power, wide tuning range, fast tuning rate, and high spectral resolution.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Spectral Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Pajo Vukovic-Cvijin, Neil Goldstein
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Patent number: 9018608Abstract: An optical liquid sensor utilizing a light source, fiber optic cables, a light detector and an irregular transparent surface is provided to detect the presence of liquid in mist and continuous form. The sensor may be integrated into a probe designed for insertion into a pressurized fluid process.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: A+ Manufacturing, LLCInventor: Donald P Mayeaux
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Publication number: 20150028209Abstract: An infrared leak detector for detecting gas leaks in a pressurized gas source includes a housing that contains a sampling chamber, an infrared emitter for emitting IR energy, a filter that allows IR energy in the range of approximately 7 to approximately 14 microns to pass therethrough, a sensor that detects IR energy that has passed through the single filter to detect the presence of selected gas constituents in the gas sample, and a pump arranged to force a gas sample from a suspected gas leak that emanates from the pressurized gas source though the sampling chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Rey P. Harju, W. Travis Ault
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Publication number: 20150028208Abstract: A safe, fast and accurate method of detecting a leak locale of a stator liquid cooling system especially in a plurality of stator windings in a liquid cooled generator is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a non-corrosive compatible gas or its air mixture having an infrared absorption spectrum into the plurality of stator windings of the liquid cooled generator and detecting leaks through the use of an infrared detection system. The infrared detection system includes an imaging component adapted to detect radiation at the infrared absorption spectrum of the non-corrosive gas or its air mixture. The imaging component is provided with a filter that filters wavelengths in a range encompassing the infrared absorption spectrum of the compatible, non-corrosive gas. The imaging component displays an image of the tracer gas leaking from stator liquid cooling system of the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: James Jun Xu
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Patent number: 8941062Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a system and method of cytometry may include presenting a single sperm cell to at least one laser source configured to deliver light to the sperm cell in order to induce bond vibrations in the sperm cell DNA, and detecting the signature of the bond vibrations. The bond vibration signature is used to calculate a DNA content carried by the sperm cell which is used to identify the sperm cell as carrying an X-chromosome or Y-chromosome. Another system and method may include flowing cells past at least one QCL source one-by-one using a fluid handling system, delivering QCL light to a single cell to induce resonant mid-IR absorption by one or more analytes of the cell, and detecting, using a mid-infrared detection facility, the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light, wherein the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light is used to identify a cell characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: 1087 Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthias Wagner, John Heanue
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Patent number: 8935960Abstract: A kit for detecting the presence of an explosive includes a pulsed focused energy source located at a target distance away from a substrate, the energy having a magnitude sufficient to release the internal energy of an explosive if present on the substrate and thereby generate an acoustic wave. The kit also includes a detector adapted to detect the acoustic wave at a detection distance away from the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Charles M. Wynn, Robert W. Haupt, Sumanth Kaushik, Stephen T. Palmacci
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Patent number: 8916827Abstract: A photonic crystal, which is a periodically arranged structure made of free-standing columns, has a base material of at least one metal or a metal alloy. Intermediate spaces between the columns allow passage of a gas to be analyzed. The photonic crystal has predefined imperfections, by which at least one resonator is formed, the resonant frequency of which is in a frequency range which is absorbed by a gas component to be detected. A heating unit heats at least some of the columns and at least one detector element extracts the energy present in the resonator in the heated state under the action of the gas to be analyzed. The device may have extremely small dimensions and very low energy consumption.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Alexander Frey, Harry Hedler, Philip Clissold Howell
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Publication number: 20140361171Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement apparatus for the determination of gas concentrations. The apparatus comprises two spectral channels, wherein the channels are separated by a single chopper wheel. The chopper wheel has several functions. On the transmitting side, it brings the light of the two light sources on the same measuring path, on the receiving side it associates the light to the associated receiver; it has its chopper function to use the lock-in technique; and it opens the possibillity to implement an easy zero point correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: SICK AGInventors: Rolf Disch, Florian Bruchig, Pascal Ortwein
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Patent number: 8878133Abstract: A probe assembly for measuring the concentration of exhaust's emissions in a turbine engine. The probe assembly including a first probe member configured and operable to passively generate a beam of light wherein the wavelength of the beam of light is contingent upon the configuration of the first probe member. A second probe member positioned in the probe assembly to receive the beam of light generated by the first probe member, the second probe member configured and operable to attenuate the light passively generated from the first probe member contingent upon the gaseous species present in the exhaust emissions of the turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.Inventors: Douglas C. Myhre, Odd Harald S. Eriksen
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Patent number: 8866637Abstract: Method for collecting video files of one or more Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) components, including receiving information pertaining to the one or more LDAR components within a specified area, recording a video of the LDAR components for a predetermined amount of time using a camera, associating the video with the information, and storing the video along with the information to a memory located in a computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: LDARtools, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Moses, Rex Moses
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Publication number: 20140306113Abstract: A particle detection system including; at least one light source adapted to illuminate a volume being monitored at at least two wavelengths; a receiver having a field of view and being adapted to receive light from at least one light source after said light has traversed the volume being monitored and being adapted to generate signals indicative of the intensity of light received at regions within the field of view of the receiver; a processor associated with the receiver adapted to process the signals generated by the receiver to correlate light received at at least two wavelengths in corresponding regions within the field of view of the receiver and generate an output indicative of the relative level of light received at the two wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
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Publication number: 20140306112Abstract: A closed path infrared sensor includes an enclosure, a first energy source within the enclosure, at least a second energy source within the enclosure, at least one detector system within the enclosure and a mirror system external to the enclosure and spaced from the enclosure. The mirror system reflects energy from the first energy source to the at least one detector system via a first analytical path and reflects energy from the second energy source to the at least one detector system via a second analytical path. Each of the first analytical path and the second analytical path are less than two feet in length.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: CHRISTOPHER D. STARTA, ROBERT E. UBER, THOMAS TRAUTZSCH, FREDERICK J. SCHULER
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Publication number: 20140224990Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus comprising a light source adapted to transmit light through a liquid, and a detector adapted to detect an intensity of the light after it passes through the liquid. The apparatus may also include a device to process data relating to the intensity of the infrared light and compare the processed data to predetermined control data. The apparatus may also include a controller adapted to transmit a signal to a liquid dispenser if the processed data differs from the control data by a predetermined amount. The light may be selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and microwave light. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Kip P. Stevenson, Pooya Tadayon, Warren S. Crippen
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Patent number: 8795422Abstract: The present disclosure includes naphthalocyanine dyes or fused naphthalocyanine dyes represented by one of the general structures I to XV; inkjet ink formulations including the naphthalocyanine dyes; and a detection system (300) including the dyes.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Sivapackia Ganapathiappan, Jayprakash C. Bhatt
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Patent number: 8778073Abstract: A phthalocyanine dye with extended conjugation includes one or both of a phthalocyanine component and a naphthalocyanine component and at least one water soluble substituent on an aryl group of the phthalocyanine dye. The extended conjugation of the phthalocyanine dye includes at least one benzene moiety of the component being one of (a) joined to an aryl group either indirectly using an alkylene linkage or directly, (b) joined to a benzene moiety of another of the components to form an oligomer of the components, and (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The extended conjugation shifts absorption of the phthalocyanine dye to greater than 800 nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Sivapackia Ganapathiappan, Zhang-Lin Zhou, Jayprakash C. Bhatt
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Publication number: 20140191130Abstract: Disclosed are a remote measurement system and method for pesticide fog distribution and drifting tendency in aerial pesticide application, which relate to the technical field of hazardous substance monitoring. The system comprises: a collection module, used for collecting infrared radiation in a detected area, and enabling the infrared radiation to be incident on an optical module; the optical module, used for obtaining, according to the incident infrared radiation, an infrared imaging spectrum in the detected area where a pesticide fog cloud cluster is distributed, and sending the infrared imaging spectrum to a processing module; the processing module, used for analyzing the infrared imaging spectrum, identifying the pesticide fog cloud, obtaining a concentration image of the pesticide fog cloud through inversion, and predicting a drifting tendency of the pesticide fog according to the concentration image.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Beijing Research Center for Information Technology in AgricultureInventors: Chunjiang Zhao, Wengang Zheng, Daming Dong, Xiande Zhao, Changjun Shen, Wenbiao Wu, Hua Yan, Shirui Zhang, Feng Bao
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Patent number: 8742353Abstract: A single terahertz wave time-waveform measuring device 1 acquires information on an object to be measured 9 by using a terahertz wave, and includes a light source 11, a beam diameter adjuster 12, a separator 13, a terahertz wave generator 21, a light path length difference adjuster 31, a pulse front tilting unit 32, a polarizer 33, a wave synthesizer 41, an electro-optic crystal 42, an analyzer 43, and a photodetector 44. The terahertz wave generator 21 generates a pulse terahertz wave in response to an input of pump light and outputs the pulse terahertz wave. The pulse front tilting unit 32 makes pulse fronts of the terahertz wave and the probe light when being input into the electro-optic crystal 42 nonparallel to each other by tilting the pulse front of the probe light.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Yoichi Kawada, Takashi Yasuda, Hironori Takahashi, Shinichiro Aoshima
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Patent number: 8735820Abstract: A method and apparatus for deriving a refinery product property value based on data produced from a globally-calibrated spectrographic analyzer and data from a non-spectrographic analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Tesoro Refining and Marketing CompanyInventor: Daniel C. Mertens
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Publication number: 20140091219Abstract: A gas sensor device for determining a molar concentration of a gas to be detected, that absorbs light of a measurement wavelength that is characteristic of the gas in the infrared light region, includes a light emission device emitting measurement light of measurement wavelength into a solid angle region of a light absorption path extending through the gas, and a light detector measuring an intensity of at least one component of the measurement light that has propagated through the light absorption path, the light absorption path extending from the light emission device to an object outside the gas sensor device that at least partially reflects the measurement light to the light detector, and being essentially disposed outside of the gas sensor device, and means for determining the length of the light absorption path. A method for determining a concentration of a gas to be detected is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Frank SCHAEFER
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Patent number: 8681337Abstract: A GFCR system includes gas cells disposed to receive light energy associated with a field-of-view of an atmospheric region. Each gas cell has contents selected from the group consisting of a vacuum and a gas of unique composition. For each of the gas cells, the light energy passed therethrough is spectrally affected by the contents thereof and then output therefrom as a spectrally-affected beam of light energy associated with the field-of-view. An optical system disposed between the gas cells and an optical detector images each spectrally-affected beam on a unique region of the optical detector. One or more processors generate matched portions of each spectrally-affected beam so-imaged on the optical detector where each such matched portion corresponds to an identical portion of the field-of-view. GFCR computations can then be performed using the matched portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: G & A Technical Software, Inc.Inventor: Larry L Gordley
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Publication number: 20140070101Abstract: An optical path of infrared rays (see the broken lines in FIG. 1) is modified to a substantially U-like shape by a first reflecting mirror and a second reflecting mirror. An incidence angle of the infrared rays incident on the wavelength filter (an angle between the infrared rays incident on the surface of the wavelength filter and the line perpendicular to the surface of the wavelength filter) is nearly zero. For this reason, as compared with a conventional example, the influence of the incidence angle dependence of the wavelength filter can be reduced. As a result, the amount of the infrared rays reaching the light receiving unit through the wavelength filter is increased, thereby suppressing a decline in the detection accuracy of the gas component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Shunsuke Matsushima, Eiichi Furukubo
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Publication number: 20140061471Abstract: The present invention discloses an airflow-organization testing method for a clean room and a system using the same method, which are designed to solve the defects such as poor precision in the existing visual testing method. The airflow-organization testing method for a clean room according to the present invention uses a thermal imaging device to detect a sample gas-flow formed by a sample gas in the clean room, and the sample gas is a kind of gas, such as liquid nitrogen, dry ice or water vapor, with temperature difference from ambient air. The airflow-organization testing system for a clean room according to the present invention comprises a sample gas supplier and a thermal imaging device, wherein the thermal imaging device can continuously detect a spatial position of the sample gas and display it on a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Li Li, Wanshi Jin
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Patent number: 8614096Abstract: Method of determining a total HF concentration metric in an environment including measuring an uncorrected HF concentration metric in the environment based on a first infrared absorption measurement at a wavelength corresponding to a vibrational frequency of a non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule; determining an ambient H2O concentration metric in the environment available for reaction with the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecules at or about the time of obtaining the first infrared absorption measurement; calculating a HF hydrate concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric, the ambient H2O concentration metric and a reaction equilibrium relationship between the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule and the HF hydrate; and determining the total HF concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric and an amount of HF determined by the HF hydrate concentration metric.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Manuel S. Alvarez, David B. Spry
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Publication number: 20130334417Abstract: The smoke detector includes: a chamber (1) provided with apertures (3) allowing the smoke to enter a detection area (D), a light source (S) configured to emit towards the detection area (D), and a light receiver (R) configured so as to receive the light coming from the detection area (D). A concentration element (6, 7) is provided so as to create a non-uniform electric field in the detection area (D), that, in the presence of smoke, can polarize smoke particles entering the detection area (D). The non-uniform electric field has a spatial gradient configured to exert a dielectrophoretic force on the smoke particles so as to drive the polarized smoke particles into a concentration zone (C) in the detection area (D) and to aggregate them together to form quasi “big particles”.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: FinsecureInventor: Jacques Lewiner
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Publication number: 20130286391Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector comprises a housing, a light source, one or more light detectors, and an evaluation circuit for determining the presence of smoke particles outside the housing based on light emitted from and reflected back into the housing, as well as light emitted within the housing without emission therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Matthew Erdtmann
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Publication number: 20130284928Abstract: A photonic crystal, which is a periodically arranged structure made of free-standing columns, has a base material of at least one metal or a metal alloy. Intermediate spaces between the columns allow passage of a gas to be analyzed. The photonic crystal has predefined imperfections, by which at least one resonator is formed, the resonant frequency of which is in a frequency range which is absorbed by a gas component to be detected. A heating unit heats at least some of the columns and at least one detector element extracts the energy present in the resonator in the heated state under the action of the gas to be analyzed. The device may have extremely small dimensions and very low energy consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Alexander Frey, Harry Hedler, Philip Clissold Howell
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Publication number: 20130286393Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector utilizes broadband light with a plurality of wavelengths to determine the presence of smoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Matthew Erdtmann
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Publication number: 20130286392Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector utilizes a reflected-light signal and sensed ambient light to determine the presence of smoke particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Matthew Erdtmann
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Publication number: 20130277559Abstract: A holographic detection device for a content of a gas in a GIS switch includes a laser and a data process system. The laser includes a laser emitter and a laser receiver which are fixed at a sampling port of the GIS switch and connected with the data process system. A holographic detection method for a content of a gas in a GIS switch includes emitting a laser beam towards the inside of the GIS switch; receiving the laser beam from the inside of the GIS switch, and calculating a content of hydrogen fluoride gas inside the GIS switch according to an intensity of the emitted laser beam and an intensity of the received laser beam. Since the laser beam goes through the inside of the GIS switch, there is a small error in the detection result, which thus can reflect a real state inside the GIS switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: CHONGQING ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Qiang Yao, Xingzhe Hou, Yulong Miao, Ni Qiu, Jiju Zhang, Xiaorui Hu
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Patent number: 8541744Abstract: Methods and systems for wavelength locking free OFC based DIAL are disclosed, including generating electromagnetic radiation from a mode-locked fiber laser; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to an acousto-optic modulator; coupling the electromagnetic radiation to a power amplifier; collimating and coupling the amplified electromagnetic radiation into a scanner; steering the collimated and amplified electromagnetic radiation onto a target; using a telescope to collect a portion of the backscattered electromagnetic radiation from the target; coupling the collected portion of the backscattered electromagnetic radiation into a DWDM; using a photon counting receiver coupled to the DWDM to measure a multiple OFC on-resonant band intensity and a multiple OFC off-resonant band intensity; and comparing the multiple OFC on-resonant band intensity with the multiple OFC off-resonant band intensity in order to determine one or more concentrations of one or more molecules within the target.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventor: Jian Liu
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Patent number: 8481942Abstract: A method and apparatus for deriving refinery product property value based on data produced from a globally-calibrated spectrographic analyzer and data from a non-spectrographic analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Tesoro Refining and Marketing CompanyInventor: Daniel C. Mertens
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Patent number: 8461531Abstract: Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft has flown into a volcanic ash plume embedded within a water vapor cloud having a concentration of a volcanic ash which would be dangerous to an aircraft. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the infrared emission characteristics of a jet engine exhaust and generating a detection signal when the intensity of infrared emissions at or near a spectral peak wavelength exceeds a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Brian J. Tillotson
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Patent number: 8421017Abstract: A method for non-contact analyte detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source optionally operated to produce pulses of light and tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing organic analytes and determining if the analyte is present by comparing emitted photons with an IR detector signal collected one or more times before, during, or after, exciting the analyte. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for non-contact analyte detection by selectively exciting analytes of interest using one or more IR sources that are optionally operated to produce pulses of light and tuned to at least one specific wavelength without significantly decomposing organic analytes, wherein the analyte is excited sufficiently to increase the amount of analyte in the gas phase, and wherein the content of the gas is examined to detect the presence of the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: R Andrew McGill, Graham K Hubler, Michael Papantonakis, James S Horwitz, Chris Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg
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Patent number: 8421018Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte and determining if the analyte is present by comparing emitted photons with an IR detector signal made before and during or shortly after exciting the analyte. Another embodiment provides a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte, wherein the analyte is excited sufficiently to generate a vapor plume, and wherein the plume is examined to detect the presence of the analyte. Additionally, the present invention provides for a system for non-contact or stand off chemical detection.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert Andrew McGill, Chris Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Michael Papantonakis, James S Horwitz, Graham K Hubler
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Publication number: 20130087708Abstract: Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft has flown into a volcanic ash plume embedded within a water vapor cloud having a concentration of a volcanic ash which would be dangerous to an aircraft. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the infrared emission characteristics of a jet engine exhaust and generating a detection signal when the intensity of infrared emissions at or near a spectral peak wavelength exceeds a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Brian J. Tillotson
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Patent number: 8390813Abstract: Gas having stable isotopes is monitored continuously by using a system that sends a modulated laser beam to the gas and collects and transmits the light not absorbed by the gas to a detector. Gas from geological storage, or from the atmosphere can be monitored continuously without collecting samples and transporting them to a lab.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Samuel M Clegg, Julianna E Fessenden-Rahn
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Patent number: 8345250Abstract: A remote sensing system includes a transmitter for transmitting an online signal and first and second offline signals toward a target. A receiver receives a returned online signal and first and second returned offline signals from the target. A processor is provided for determining (a) a first ratio based on the returned online signal and first offline signal, and (b) a second ratio based on the returned online signal and second offline signal. A filter is also provided for correlating the first ratio with the second ratio for determining whether the returned online, first offline and/or second offline signals are useable. The returned online, first offline and second offline signals are used to compute first and second concentration path lengths (CPLs) of a column of air between a target and the remote sensing platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Exelis, Inc.Inventors: Mark Steven Janosky, Joseph Lawrence Lippert
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Publication number: 20120304763Abstract: One or more methods and apparatuses for determining a characteristic, such as volume, of an excavated void of a construction material are provided. The one or more methods may include excavating a void defined in a construction material, interacting with the void using a material interacting device for determining at least one measurement thereof, manipulating the at least one measurement to determine a characteristic of the void such as the volume thereof, obtaining at least one measurement of the material, and determining a characteristic of the void based on the measurements obtained. The apparatus may include at least one material interacting device configured to interact with a surface of a construction material and a surface of a void defined therein for determining at least one respective measurement thereof and manipulate a plurality of the at least one measurement so as determine a characteristic of the void.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
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Publication number: 20120267532Abstract: An IR source in the form of a micro-hotplate device including a CMOS metal layer made of at least one layer of embedded on a dielectric membrane supported by a silicon substrate. The device is formed in a CMOS process followed by a back etching step. The IR source also can be in the form of an array of small membranes—closely packed as a result of the use of the deep reactive ion etching technique and having better mechanical stability due to the small size of each membrane while maintaining the same total IR emission level. SOI technology can be used to allow high ambient temperature and allow the integration of a temperature sensor, preferably in the form of a diode or a bipolar transistor right below the IR source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: CAMBRIDGE CMOS SENSORS LIMITEDInventors: Florin UDREA, Julian GARDNER, Syed Zeeshan ALI, Mohamed Foysol CHOWDHURY, Ilie POENARU
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Patent number: 8294102Abstract: This relates to a chemical biological threat detection system for enhancing the, discrimination in chemical biological threat detection in atmospheric air, low level chemical biological threat detection in air, as well as tactical determination of threat chemical biological agents' concentrations in a specific atmospheric range, at various time intervals. This uses the concept of quantitative monitoring the atmospheric air for chemical biological threats, as well as measuring the quantitative correlations/ratios in differential changes in the air, for the active/passive chemical biological Infrared (IR) EM radiation at an 8-12 ?M wavelength, absorption/emission/scattering, using Electro-Optics. This chemical biological solution will use the reference chemical biological IR EM radiation (absorption, emission, scattering) signatures for comparison.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventor: Ravinder P. Lall
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Patent number: 8294899Abstract: A method of mapping concentrations of airborne matter from an emission source of interest in an emission plume is provided. The method involves measuring airborne matter at one or more than one identified locations using an optical sensing instrument (OSI) operatively connected with one or more than one matter samplers and mounted on a vehicle. The one or more than one airborne matter samplers are passed through an airspace to be sampled, and one or more concentration measurements are obtained. Geographic positions and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations are established, and a point concentration measurement for the airborne matter for each identified location determined. The concentration measurements are mapped relative to the geographic position and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations to obtain an airborne matter concentration distribution map in one or more measurement surfaces through a cross-section or profile of the emission plume.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Golder Associates Ltd.Inventor: Colin Irvin Wong
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Patent number: 8269171Abstract: A system and method for detecting, tracking and identifying a gas plume. The system comprises a processor and a detector in communication with the processor. The detector is effective to detect spectral radiance from a region of interest to detect first and second detected spectral radiance data with a known time difference. A database is in communication with the processor, the database includes a library. The processor is effective to create at least a first image and a second image from the first and second detected spectral radiance data and co-register the first and second images to produce a first co-registered image and a second co-registered image. The processor is further effective to subtract the first co-registered image from the second co-registered image to produce a difference image and generate a cluster region around a difference region in the difference image.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Gorin
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Patent number: 8269170Abstract: Novel systems and methods for remotely detecting at least one constituent of a gas via infrared detection are provided. A system includes at least one extended source of broadband infrared radiation and a spectrally sensitive receiver positioned remotely from the source. The source and the receiver are oriented such that a surface of the source is in the field of view of the receiver. The source includes a heating component thermally coupled to the surface, and the heating component is configured to heat the surface to a temperature above ambient temperature. The receiver is operable to collect spectral infrared absorption data representative of a gas present between the source and the receiver. The invention advantageously overcomes significant difficulties associated with active infrared detection techniques known in the art, and provides an infrared detection technique with a much greater sensitivity than passive infrared detection techniques known in the art.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: Timothy J. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120223232Abstract: A gas detection device of the present invention includes: a laser light source which emits wavelength-variable laser light to an optical waveguide; a bolometer which obtains a detection signal by detecting output light from the optical waveguide, and has a microbridge structure having a temperature detection unit and a dielectric member arranged above the temperature detection unit; a detection unit which detects a type and amount of gas molecules present on a surface of the optical waveguide based on the detection signal and information of a wavelength of the laser light source; an optical path length change member which changes an optical path length between the temperature detection unit and the dielectric member; and a driving control circuit which performs driving control of the optical path length change member such that the optical path length becomes an integer multiple of a half wavelength of the laser light emitted from the laser light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventor: Masashi Kubota
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Publication number: 20120217402Abstract: This relates to a chemical biological threat detection system for enhancing the, discrimination in chemical biological threat detection in atmospheric air, low level chemical biological threat detection in air, as well as tactical determination of threat chemical biological agents' concentrations in a specific atmospheric range, at various time intervals. This uses the concept of quantitative monitoring the atmospheric air for chemical biological threats, as well as measuring the quantitative correlations/ratios in differential changes in the air, for the active/passive chemical biological Infrared (IR) EM radiation at an 8-12 ?M wavelength, absorption/emission/scattering, using Electro-Optics. This chemical biological solution will use the reference chemical biological IR EM radiation (absorption, emission, scattering) signatures for comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventor: Ravinder P. Lall
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Patent number: 8222604Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte and determining if the analyte is present by comparing emitted photons with an IR detector signal made before and during or shortly after exciting the analyte. Another embodiment provides a method for non-contact or stand off chemical detection by selectively exciting one or more analytes of interest using an IR source tuned to at least one specific absorption band without significantly decomposing the analyte, wherein the analyte is excited sufficiently to generate a vapor plume, and wherein the plume is examined to detect the presence of the analyte. Additionally, the present invention provides for a system for non-contact or stand off chemical detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventors: R Andrew McGill, Chris Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Michael Papantonakis, James S Horwitz, Graham K Hubler
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Patent number: RE44214Abstract: An unmanned integrated RES 12 integrates all of its components except the reflector 22 into a single console 30 that is positioned at the side of a road and has a CPU 36 that controls calibration, verification and data gathering. The RES's source 32 and receiver 34 are preferably stacked one on top of the other such that the IR beam 24 traverses a low and high path as it crosses the road 14. This allows the RES to detect both low and high ground clearance vehicles. To maintain the vehicle processing and identification throughput, the speed sensor 54 and ALPR 48,50 detect the passing vehicles at steep angles, approximately 20 to 35 degrees. In a preferred system, a manned control center 16 communicates with a large number of the unmanned integrated RES to download emissions data, perform remote diagnostics, and, if necessary, dispatch a technician to perform maintenance on a particular RES.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.Inventors: Jay Peterson, David R Nelson, Troy P. Bahan, George C. Polchin, Michael D. Jack