With Beam Deflector Or Focussing Means Patents (Class 250/353)
  • Patent number: 10028355
    Abstract: A smart module can include a housing sized for insertion through an opening of a lighting fixture that is exposed by removal of a door of the light fixture. The smart module can also include a smart meter in the housing. The smart meter can be electrically coupled to an input wire and an output wire. The smart module can further include a light sensor external to the housing that is electrically coupled to the smart meter that changes from a closed state to and open state based on detected light. The light sensor can include a threaded portion extending from a base that receives a locking nut. The locking nut and the base portion are sized for affixing the light sensor in an aperture of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SELC IRELAND LIMITED
    Inventors: Joel C. Hancock, William John Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 9925620
    Abstract: Laser-machining apparatus includes a carbon monoxide (CO) laser emitting a beam of laser-radiation having forty-four different wavelength components and optical elements for delivering the radiation to workpiece. An acousto-optic modulator is provided for modulating the beam on the workpiece. A birefringent plate is provided in the beam transported to the workpiece for randomly polarizing radiation incident on the workpiece. A minimum distance of the workpiece from the laser, and the number of different-wavelength components in the laser beam provides that no optical isolator is required for preventing feedback of radiation into the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Coherent, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Mueller, Michael Alexander Bellos
  • Patent number: 9881369
    Abstract: A smartphone that includes a microprocessor, a battery operably coupled to the microprocessor, a single button operably coupled to the microprocessor, a communication subsystem that receives messages from and sends messages to wireless networks in accordance with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a digital infrared sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor, the digital infrared sensor having ports that provide a digital signal representing a temperature, and a display device operably coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor receives from the ports the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and the microprocessor generates a body core temperature from the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and the microprocessor also operably coupled to the display device displays the body core temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ARC Devices Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Crawley, Michael G. Smith, Irwin Gross, Mark Khachaturian, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull
  • Patent number: 9797769
    Abstract: An infra-red detection device comprising an infra-red detection section; a plurality of optical elements arranged to direct infra-red radiation to the infrared detection section; and a masking section arranged to partially mask a first optical element of the plurality of optical elements, such that a first part of the first optical element is masked and a second part of the first optical element is not masked, such that the masking section is arranged to attenuate infra-red radiation directed via the first optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Pyronix Limited
    Inventor: Juan Sebastian Herrera Stromberg
  • Patent number: 9769905
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting unit (14a, b) that includes a housing that can be rotated around an axis. Each lighting unit has at least one light source (16a,b/18a,b) mounted on the housing, and the intensity of light emitted from the light source is adjustable. The lighting units also have a sensor (540a, b) that determines the orientation of the housing relative to a predetermined source Light source Light source Light source mined datum, such as gravity, in response to the rotation of the housing around the axis. The lighting units further have a controller (500a, b) connected to the sensor and the light source which automatically adjusts the intensity of light emitted from the light source based upon the determined orientation of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Tim Berga, Bram Knappen
  • Patent number: 9746666
    Abstract: A camera housing including a self-cleaning function is disclosed. More particularly, a self-cleaning camera module including a fluid based cleaning system is disclosed. A self-cleaning camera module including a fluid based cleaning system for providing accurate imaging in an uncontrolled environment is disclosed. A monitoring system including one or more self-cleaning camera modules is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: AGRICAM AB
    Inventors: Ellinor Eineren, Joachim Tollstoy, Claes Nelsson, Landy Toth
  • Patent number: 9719913
    Abstract: An outer part for a device which is attachable thereto as a housing and/or an attachment part, a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface being formed on the outer part so that at least one signal emitted by an optical and/or acoustic source is directly or indirectly deflectable onto at least one detector surface of an optical and/or acoustic detector, an optical path being configured as a cavern or continuous recess in the outer part or as a depression of a boundary surface of the outer part, the optical path having at least one opening via which at least one substance is transferable into the optical path, and the at least one signal being deflectable into the optical path to the second reflective surface which is formed at a second end of the optical path with the first reflective surface at a first end of the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Fix, Andreas Krauss, Michael Badeja
  • Patent number: 9476774
    Abstract: An uncooled microbolometer pixel for detection of electromagnetic radiation is provided that includes a substrate, a thermistor assembly and an absorber assembly. The thermistor assembly includes a thermistor platform suspended above the substrate, one or more thermistors on the thermistor platform, and an electrode structure electrically connecting the thermistors to the substrate. The absorber assembly includes an optical absorber over the thermistor assembly and a reflector provided under and forming a resonant cavity with the optical absorber. The optical absorber is in thermal contact with the thermistors and exposed to the electromagnetic radiation. The optical absorber includes a set of elongated resonators determining an absorption spectrum of the optical absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE
    Inventors: Hassane Oulachgar, Christine Alain
  • Patent number: 9423246
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system includes a measurement platform, a projection module, an image-capturing module, and a control unit. The measurement platform carries a test object. The projection module includes a light-emitting unit, a light-shielding rotary disc, a grating unit, and an optical-reflective ring structure. The light-emitting unit generates a light beam. An aperture formed in the light-shielding rotary disc is located at different rotational positions time-sequentially while the light-shielding rotary disc rotates, and the light beam passes through the aperture to form light beam segments. The grating unit transforms the light beam segments into stripe-patterned structure-light beams. The optical-reflective ring structure reflects the stripe-patterned structure-light beams onto the test object. The image-capturing module captures stripe-patterned images formed after reflection of the stripe-patterned structure-light beams from the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Liang-Pin Yu, Don Lin, Chih-Tien Tsai
  • Patent number: 9411143
    Abstract: An optical device for microscopic observation 4 comprises: a cold stop 13 having openings 13d, 13e corresponding to a low-magnification microscope optical system 5 and being a stop member arranged in a vacuum vessel 12 to let the light from the sample S pass to the camera 3; a warm stop 10 having an opening 14 corresponding to a high-magnification microscope optical system 5 and being a stop member arranged outside the vacuum vessel 12 to let the light from the sample S pass toward the cold stop 13; and a support member 11 supporting the warm stop 10 so that the warm stop can be inserted to or removed from on the optical axis of the light from the sample S, wherein the warm stop 10 has a reflective surface 15 on the camera 3 side and wherein the opening 14 is smaller than the openings 13d, 13e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Tomonori Nakamura, Ikuo Arata, Yoshihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9395248
    Abstract: A radiation sensing device for sensing first radiation (15) comprises a radiation sensor (11) for sensing the first radiation and at least one first radiation guiding member (13) forming at least a part of a first radiation path for guiding, and preferably converging or focusing, the first radiation towards the sensor. The first radiation guiding member (13) also forms at least a part of a second radiation path for guiding second radiation emitted by an illumination device (12). A control circuit (20) comprises a first sensor circuit (21) for operating one or more radiation sensors (11), an illumination circuit (22) for operating one or more illumination devices (22), and at least one connection (26) amongst said circuits (21, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9367143
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting motion in a predefined direction of motion (30) of an infrared light source (29) has at least one pair of infrared light sensors (4, 5; 36, 37), which are arranged side by side with respect to the direction of motion (30) and, thus, define a sensor coverage zone (17) determined by the distance between distal ends (16) (with respect to the direction of motion) of the infrared light sensors. During exposure to the infrared light source, the sensors provide electrical signals, the charge signs of which are opposite each other, for detecting the motion of the infrared light source (29). The sensor system (1) has a window (7) positioned between the infrared light source (29) and the sensors such that the infrared light of the infrared light source (29) radiates onto the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: PYREOS LTD.
    Inventors: Piotr Wojtczuk, Carsten Giebeler, David Binnie
  • Patent number: 9354119
    Abstract: A radiation sensing device for sensing first radiation (15) comprises a radiation sensor (11) for sensing the first radiation and at least one first radiation guiding member (13) forming at least a part of a first radiation path for guiding, and preferably converging or focusing, the first radiation towards the sensor. The first radiation guiding member (13) also forms at least a part of a second radiation path for guiding second radiation emitted by an illumination device (12). A control circuit (20) comprises a first sensor circuit (21) for operating one or more radiation sensors (11), an illumination circuit (22) for operating one or more illumination devices (22), and at least one connection (26) amongst said circuits (21, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9304043
    Abstract: A detection system includes a chassis, at least three sensors housed in the chassis, and first, second, and third lenses that are coupled to the chassis. The first lens is configured such that radiation from outside the chassis that originates from a direction that is perpendicular to the first lens is received by a first sensor over a first horizontal coverage angle of at least 120 degrees. The second lens is configured such that radiation from outside the chassis that originates from a direction that is perpendicular to the second lens is received by a second sensor over a second horizontal coverage angle of at least 120 degrees. The third lens is configured such that radiation from outside the chassis that originates from a direction that is perpendicular to the third lens is received by a third sensor over a third horizontal coverage angle of at least 120 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Intelliswitch S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Vicente Humberto Aldape Ayala, Ricardo Alejandro Lopez Guajardo, Javier Aldape Domene, Alberto Aldape Domene
  • Patent number: 9297693
    Abstract: The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Memphis Research Foundation
    Inventors: Orges Furxhi, Eddie L. Jacobs, Thomas Layton
  • Patent number: 9221438
    Abstract: An electronic control unit which includes: a sensor board to which a sensor for detecting a predetermined physical quantity is attached; a control board which controls an operation of an electric part based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor; and a housing which accommodates the sensor board and the control board, wherein the housing has a first room for accommodating the electric part, a second room for accommodating the sensor board and the control board in a stacked condition, and a partition portion for separating the first room and the second room from each other, wherein a recess which is opened to the second room is formed in the partition portion, and a sensor accommodating portion for accommodating the sensor is formed using the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: NISSIN KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Iyatani, Naoki Obuse
  • Patent number: 9207433
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an image capture device using a folded optical pathway. The optical pathway comprises a primary mirror and an image sensor centered on a first reflective surface of the primary mirror. The optical pathway further comprises a secondary mirror positioned with a second reflective surface facing the image sensor, the secondary mirror being centered with the primary mirror and located a first distance from the image sensor, the primary mirror extending beyond an edge of the secondary mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ilya Blayvas
  • Patent number: 9176443
    Abstract: An infrared temperature sensor including: a sensor case made of metal and including a first airspace (a light guiding region) that guides infrared rays entering from an infrared entrance window, and a second airspace (a light shielding region) that is adjacent to the light guiding region via a partition wall, and where an upper wall that blocks entrance of the infrared rays is formed on an entrance side of the infrared rays; a film that absorbs the infrared rays reaching the film through the light guiding region, and converts the infrared rays to heat; a sensor cover that is made of metal and arranged opposing the sensor case via the film; an infrared detection element and a temperature compensation element arranged on the film, wherein the light guiding region and the light shielding region have substantially symmetrical forms with respect to the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Nakayama, Morihisa Hamada, Tatsuya Konno, Shingo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9171885
    Abstract: An infrared detector includes at least one infrared absorber provided on a substrate and a plurality of thermocouples. The at least one infrared absorber may include one of a plasmonic resonator and a metamaterial resonator. The plurality of thermocouples may be configured to generate electromotive forces in response to thermal energy generated by the at least one infrared absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-hyun Nam, Sook-young Roh, Hae-seok Park, Seok-ho Yun, Hyun-gue Hong
  • Patent number: 9168620
    Abstract: A lens module assembling device includes a platform, a deformable support member, a deformable limiting unit and a gas blowing device. The platform includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the platform includes a receiving recess configured for receiving the deformable support member. The platform includes a bottom surface defines a plurality of through holes. The through holes through the bottom surface and the second surface. The deformable support member is placed on the bottom surface in a way such that the through holes are exposed. The deformable limiting unit is arranged on the first surface. The deformable limiting unit defines a limiting hole limiting the lens barrel in the recess. The gas blowing device is arranged below the second surface of the platform and configured for blowing gas to the lens module through the through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chien-Chun Wang
  • Patent number: 9165443
    Abstract: A detector includes a housing with at least one window for allowing radiation to enter, at least one sensor for sensing entered radiation, a unit for processing sensor signals, and mirrors that are shaped and mounted in the housing for reflecting radiation from outside detection zones better than radiation from elsewhere, onto the sensor. Linked mirrors reflect radiation from a detection zone consecutively and each mirror in at least one linked pair is shaped and mounted in the housing so as to prevent it from reflecting radiation from another detection zone in sequence with other mirrors onto the sensor, thus optically isolating the pair from other mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bachels, Simon Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9160876
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a sensor section, an oscillation mechanism, a control section, and an object determination section. The sensor section has a pyroelectric infrared sensor detecting presence of an object based on an infrared ray change. The oscillation mechanism turns the sensor section. The control section, upon the detection of the object by the sensor section, makes the oscillation mechanism start the turning operation. The object determination section, after the turning operation of the sensor section starts from a predefined initial position, determines that the object exists in a case where a state in which the object is detected by the sensor section continues for a predefined first period of time, and determines that the object does not exist in a case where the state in which the object is detected does not continue for the first period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Yukio Tanisaki
  • Patent number: 9121703
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for controlling operation of a laser device are provided. A method may include receiving an output of a proximity sensor that is positioned adjacent to a laser device, and determining based on the output of the proximity sensor that an object is within a threshold distance to the laser device. The method may also include based on the laser device emitting laser pulses, providing, by a computing device, instructions to discontinue the emission of laser pulses by the laser device based on the object being within the threshold distance. The method may further include based on the laser device being inactive, providing, by the computing device, instructions to prevent the emission of laser pulses by the laser device based on the object being within the threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Chris Urmson
  • Patent number: 9109949
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for sensing touch and/or gestures in the near-field area overlying a light-guiding layer within a device or other optical sensing system. In one aspect, modulated infrared light is emitted into the overlying area, and the light reflected by objects within the overlying area is redirected through the light-guiding layer to infrared sensors. In one aspect, a masking structure can be located between the light-guiding layer and the infrared sensors. In some aspects, probability mapping or backtracing can be used to estimate the locations of objects within the overlying area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiquan Cui, Muhammed I Sezan, Russell Wayne Gruhlke, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9104011
    Abstract: Light collector devices and methods of operating light collector devices are described herein. One or more embodiments include a plurality of apertures, and a detector coupled to each of the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Marcus, Bernard S. Fritz
  • Patent number: 9052234
    Abstract: A novel and useful THz radiation detector comprising a suspended dipole antenna and a plurality of reflectors for achieving low thermal mass and high electrical performance. The reflectors used in the antenna do not physical contact the dipole element and are used to shape the radiation pattern in similar fashion as obtained by well-known Yagi-Uda reflectors. The dipole element is connected directly to a load resister for generating heat which is sensed by a sensing transistor. The lack of a mechanical connection to the dipole antenna element prevents any increase in the thermal capacitance of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Corcos, Danny Elad, Noam Kaminski, Bernhard Klein, Lukas Kull, Thomas Morf
  • Publication number: 20150144795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation imaging sensor with at least one detection element, which is implemented on a substrate as a micromechanical resonator and which absorbs the radiation to be detected. The resonator is set into a resonant oscillation with an excitation device and a shift in the resonance frequency of the detection element under exposure to radiation is detected with a detection device. The radiation sensor is characterized by the fact that it comprises a scanning device with a single-axis or multi-axis tiltable scanning element. The facility to tilt the device means that the detection element can be used to detect radiation from different directions. The imaging sensor can be realized in a compact manner and be economically produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Ulrich Hofmann, Manfred Weiss, Joachim Janes, Frank Senger
  • Patent number: 9040919
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for improving the performance of systems for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation at terahertz (THz) frequencies. Embodiments of the systems and methods include the fabrication and use of coupling tapers to provide efficient transfer of THz radiation between a photomixer and a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode. A representative system comprises of a photomixer to convert high-frequency components of an optical pump signal into corresponding electrical THz frequencies, a waveguide that supports a propagating THz mode, and a matching taper that effectively converts the highly localized currents generated by the photomixer to the mode supported by the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas E. Darcie, Hamid Pahlevaninezhad
  • Patent number: 9035258
    Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic pulse transmitting apparatus and a tomography apparatus capable of shortening an electromagnetic pulse. The apparatus performs processing such that two electromagnetic pulse portions emitted to an object have an electric field intensity of mutually opposite polarity and the time difference between pulse peaks of the two electromagnetic pulse portions is a time difference within a time of a pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kousuke Kajiki, Toshihiko Ouchi
  • Patent number: 9035257
    Abstract: A human body sensing device comprises: an infrared sensor which detects a human body; a rotatable group of lenses having a plurality of lenses arranged around the sensor, the lenses being configured to: generate unit sensing zones defined by a sensing distance extending radially outwardly from the group and a small width extending in a rotation direction of the group; and form a plurality of alternating layers of a regional sensing zone including one or more than one of the unit sensing zones and a non-sensing zone not including any of the unit sensing zones, in a rotation direction of the group; a rotary drive which rotates the group; a rotation position sensor which detects a rotation position of the group; and a recognizer which recognizes the location and/or movement of a human body based on the output level indicated by the infrared sensor and the rotation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kosuke Masumoto, Shiro Umeda, Toshiaki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150116672
    Abstract: A scanning laser projector detects obstructions in a projector field of view using a proximity detector that detects infrared light at a photodetector. The photodetector is tested with an additional infrared light source. The additional infrared light source may also be used as proximity detector that can detect a local obstruction blocking the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Woltman, Robert James Jackson
  • Patent number: 9012851
    Abstract: A gas sensor system includes a laser module, optical chamber module, and a gas sensor cell. The laser chamber module includes two laser light sources producing laser light emissions at wavelengths ?1 and ?2, respectively. Each beam path optionally includes an optical isolator. The beam paths enter the housing of the optical chamber module where they are combined into a third wavelength, ?. The housing of the optical chamber module includes an inlet and an outlet for passing a selected target gas. The gas sensor cell mates to the inlet of the housing. The target gas passes through the adjacent gas cell and into the optical chamber module through the inlet. The target gas exits the optical chamber module through the outlet. Within the optical chamber module, a nonlinear crystal receives the laser light emissions at wavelengths ?1 and ?2 and generates the third wavelength, ?3. The wavelength ?3 is selected to be at the mid-IR spectral absorption feature of the target gas, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH
    Inventors: James J. Scherer, Joshua B. Paul, Hans-Juerg Jost
  • Publication number: 20150097120
    Abstract: A sensor and associated methods wherein a bolt or rod stem includes a flow path through and across the stem. A source of radiation within the stem is configured to direct radiation through the flow path and a detector subsystem in the stem is configured to detect radiation passing through the flow path. A head includes electrical conductors for the radiation source and detector subsystem resulting in a compact, inexpensive sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Spectro, Inc.
    Inventors: Aniruddha S. Weling, Russell S. Girgenti, Matthew B. Fratkin, Patrick F. Henning
  • Patent number: 9000378
    Abstract: Each lens of a multi-segment lens is a Fresnel lens in which a second surface, being the reverse side surface of a first surface, has a plurality of lens surfaces. At least one of the plurality of lens surfaces is configured from a part of a side surface of an elliptical cone having a central axis oblique to a normal line of the first surface. Any normal line intersecting with the lens surface configured from the part of the side surface of the elliptical cone among normal lines of respective points on the first surface is non-parallel to a central axis of the elliptical cone corresponding to the lens surface with which the any normal line intersects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kana Oi, Takayuki Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20150090883
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for imaging tissue and other samples or samples using infrared (IR) transmissions from coherent transmission sources, such as a wide range, tunable, quantum cascade laser (QCL) designed for the rapid collection of infrared microscopic data for medical diagnostics across a wide range of discrete spectral increments. The infrared transmissions are transmitted through, reflected from, and/or transreflected through a sample, and then magnified and/or focused prior to being detected by a detector. After detection, the sample related image data is used to assess the sample. Such methods, devices, and systems may be used to detect abnormalities in tissue, for example, before such abnormalities can be diagnosed using art cytopathological methods. The methods, devices and systems may also optionally include a visible light detection subsystem and/or a motion control subsystem to assist in control and processing of imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Max DIEM, Charles A. DIMARZIO
  • Publication number: 20150090884
    Abstract: Compact opto-electronic sensor modules are described that allow detection of an object's motion occurring in spatial regions (e.g., quadrants) that are located primarily directly about the surface of a device in which the module is located. For example, light (e.g., infra-red) from a light emitting element in the module can illuminate substantially all, or at least a significant percentage of, areas in a plane directly above the surface of the device. Each of multiple light detecting elements in the module can be arranged to receive light from a respective detection zone directly above the surface of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Philippe Bouchilloux
  • Patent number: 8993967
    Abstract: Probe light pulses output from a light source are input to an optical effect unit after the beam diameter is changed by a beam diameter changing optical system, the pulse front is tilted by a pulse front tilting unit, and the beam diameter is adjusted by a beam diameter adjusting optical system. To the optical effect unit, probe light pulses output from the beam diameter adjusting optical system are input, and an electromagnetic wave being an object to be detected is also input. Optical characteristics of the optical effect unit change due to propagation of the electromagnetic wave, and probe light pulses affected by the change in optical characteristics are output from the optical effect unit. The probe light pulses output from the optical effect unit are detected by a photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yoichi Kawada, Takashi Yasuda, Hironori Takahashi, Toru Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20150083917
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for touch and gesture recognition, using a field sequential color display. The display includes a processor, a lighting system, and an arrangement for spatial light modulation that includes a number of apertures, and devices for opening and shutting the apertures. A light directing arrangement includes at least one light turning feature. The display lighting system is configured to emit visible light and infrared (IR) light through at least a first opened one of the plurality of apertures. The light turning feature is configured to redirect IR light emitted through the opened aperture into at least one lobe, and to pass visible light emitted by the display lighting system through the opened aperture with substantially no redirection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: John Michael Wyrwas, Paul Eric Jacobs, Evgeni Petrovich Gousev, Russell Wayne Gruhlke, Chung-Po Huang, Hae-Jong Seo, Xiquan Cui, Jacek Maitan
  • Patent number: 8981303
    Abstract: A sensor device has an optical waveguide containing an electro-optic crystal for propagating light, a coupler provided adjacent to the optical waveguide to propagate a terahertz wave generated from the electro-optic crystal as a result of the propagation of light in the optical waveguide, and a detector for detecting the terahertz wave propagating through the coupler or the light propagating through the optical waveguide. The terahertz wave is totally reflected in a section of the coupler opposite to a section where the coupler is adjacent to the optical waveguide while passing through and propagating in the optical waveguide, and in the total reflection section, the terahertz wave interacts with a subject placed close to the total reflection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ouchi
  • Patent number: 8975586
    Abstract: A diffuse reflector of radiation in the near and mid infrared regions includes (i) an assembly that has a reflecting element and a diffusing element that is made of one or more layers of calcium fluoride, sapphire, or alumina; or (ii) a diffusively reflective surface configured as a metallic layer with a rough surface. The diffuse reflector can be incorporated into systems for measuring properties of sheet materials and particularly into optical sensors that include a measurement window configured with one or more of the diffuse reflectors that cause incident radiation from a sensor light source to be diffused and reflected a plurality of times within a layer of material before being detected by the sensor receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Krolak, Sebastien Tixier
  • Patent number: 8963092
    Abstract: Traffic monitors based on non-imaging radiation detectors are described. A traffic monitor includes a non-imaging radiation detector that senses spatially patterned radiation emanating from objects moving in a traffic pattern. The detector generates a time varying output signal based on the sensed radiation. Signal processing circuitry is used to analyze the time varying output signal using time domain analysis to provide the traffic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Kiesel, Marshall W. Bern, Joerg Martini, Malte Huck
  • Publication number: 20150041660
    Abstract: A gas detector system includes a transmitter (1), which has a light source (3), which emits an analytical light beam (5). A transmitter lens assembly (7), to focus the analytical light beam (5) in an emission direction (9), includes a receiver (19, 19?) with a receiver lens assembly (21), defining a receiver focal point (27, 27?) and a receiver axis (23). A light mixing rod (29) defines a first rod axis (35) that extends from an inlet end (31), pointing toward the receiver lens assembly (21), to an outlet end (33) facing an analytical detector (39) and a reference detector (45). An analytical filter (43, 43?) is arranged in front of the analytical detector (39) as viewed from the receiver lens assembly (21). A reference filter (49, 49?) is arranged in front of the reference detector (45) as viewed from the receiver lens assembly (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Arne Tröllsch
  • Patent number: 8941069
    Abstract: A SAL beacon emulates the signature (e.g. spectral band, size and shape, power level and designation code) of a SAL designator beam reflected off a target. The SAL beacon is field-portable, capable of extended continuous operation and eye-safe. The SAL beacon enables “captive” flight tests of munitions and SAL receivers without the logistical complications of using an operational SAL designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Jorge L. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 8941068
    Abstract: Infrared imagery device with integrated shield against parasite infrared radiation, and method of manufacturing the device. This device comprises a support provided with an infrared radiation detector, at least one optical device facing the detector, and a shield against parasite radiation. The shield comprises at least two continuous beads, spaced from each other, extending from the support as far as the optical device, provided with vents and made of a material that significantly attenuates parasite radiation, penetrating laterally between the support and the optical device. The two beads with their vents 15 form a baffle. The device is manufactured using the flip chip technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Commissariat àl'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales
    Inventors: Manuel Fendler, Guillaume Druart
  • Publication number: 20150014540
    Abstract: An apparatus 100 for measuring thermal radiation in one mode of the present invention is used for detecting thermal radiation of an object 12 to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    Inventor: Kenji Ikushima
  • Publication number: 20140374601
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to applying intimate contact pressures to samples while undergoing ATR infrared interrogation. As a general mode of operation, after a solid sample is placed on the ATR element, a force actuator moves an anvil arm to apply a contact force to the sample against the ATR. Thereafter, when the scan is over, the user can see the result of the one or more scans. The force actuator may be a motor or a solenoid or other type of force actuator. The applied contact force may be a fixed force or may be a user-selectable force or may be automatically controlled through feedback from the spectrometer based on the spectroscopic signature of the sample material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy M. Pastore, Kenneth J. Vachon, JR., Brendon D. Tower, Gregory H. Vander Rhodes, Aaron Poynton
  • Publication number: 20140374604
    Abstract: An infiltration measuring device includes a light source, an optical splitter to split a light beam from the light source into a reference light beam and a measuring light beam, a reference optical system provided in an optical path of the reference light beam, a measuring optical system provided in an optical path of the measuring light beam to measure a target object, an optical combiner to combine an optical feedback from the target object with a light beam from the reference optical system, a detector to detect the light beam combined by the optical combiner and convert the combined light beam into a photoelectric conversion signal, an imager to image a cross section of the target object on the basis of the photoelectric conversion signal, a display to display a cross-sectional image formed by the imager, and an applicator to apply an infiltrative material onto the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro HARADA
  • Patent number: 8908178
    Abstract: A method involves obtaining a first beam image on a focal plane of a first camera and a second beam image on a focal plane of a second camera from light scattered by ambient atmospheric aerosols in the path of a laser beam. First and second projected beam images are formed, representing the respective first and second beam images in the projected scenes of the respective first and second cameras. First and second ambiguity planes are then formed from the respective first and second projected beam images. An intersection of the first and second ambiguity planes is then determined, identifying the position of the laser beam. A source of the laser beam is then determined, along with a camera-source plane. A beam elevation angle with respect to this plane is then determined, as well as beam azimuth angles with respect to lines between the respective camera and the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Frank E. Hanson, Charles S. Bendall
  • Patent number: 8895910
    Abstract: An optical element for condensing light is provided, wherein the optical element has a first cylindrical face and a second cylindrical face at one side and a third cylindrical face at an other side and a plane including an axis of the first cylindrical face and an axis of the third cylindrical face intersects with a plane including an axis of the second cylindrical face and the axis of the third cylindrical face. A light detection device for detecting light is provided, wherein the light detection device includes the optical element as described above and an element for detecting light condensed by the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Suguru Sangu, Atsushi Sakai
  • Publication number: 20140332688
    Abstract: A method and a system for positioning an apparatus for monitoring a parameter of one or more parabolic reflectors of a solar thermal field, wherein the method comprises positioning the apparatus at a first field location responsive to the position of the respective parabolic reflector, acquiring information of an absorber tube of the respective parabolic reflector, and positioning the apparatus at the second field location responsive to the information of the absorber tube, the second field location being beyond the focus of the respective parabolic reflector is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar Cothuru, Siraj Issani, Vishal Prabhu, Ganapathi Subbu Sethuvenkatraman