For Light Transmission Or Absorption Patents (Class 356/432)
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Patent number: 9786044Abstract: A scatterometer is used in a dark-field imaging mode to measure asymmetry-related parameters such as overlay. Measurements of small grating targets are made using identical optical paths, with the target in two orientations to obtain separate measurements of +1 and ?1 diffraction orders. In this way, intensity scaling differences (tool asymmetry) are avoided. However, additive intensity defects due to stray radiation (ghosts) in the optical system cannot be avoided. Additive intensity issues strongly depend on the ratio between 0th and 1st order diffraction and are therefore strongly substrate (process) dependent. Calibration measurements are made on a few representative target gratings having biases. The calibration measurements are made, using not only different substrate rotations but also complementary apertures. Corrections are calculated and applied to correct asymmetry, to reduce error caused by stray radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Andreas Fuchs, Peter Hanzen Wardenier, Amandev Singh, Maxime D'Alfonso, Hilko Dirk Bos
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Patent number: 9746310Abstract: A method for measuring an implant dosage distribution of a semiconductor sample is provided. The method includes generating a photomodulation effect in a three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample and measuring a reflection information of the three-dimensional structure. A geometry information of the three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample is obtained. The geometry information of the three-dimensional structure is converted into an estimated reflective data. The reflection information is compared with the estimated reflective data to determine the implant dosage distribution of the three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ying-Chieh Hung, Yi-Hung Lin, Yu-Wei Chou
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Patent number: 9743483Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for maintaining consistent lumen output of a lighting assembly over time. By maintaining a consistent lumen output, it is possible to maintain acceptable color stability where color mixing of multiple outputs is used. The lighting assembly may be any lighting configuration that might suffer from lumen depreciation and/or color drift over time, and may include any type(s) of light source(s) that may be monitored and driven accordingly. The lighting assembly, in addition to light source(s), includes a photo detector and a directed light source, such as a laser. The directed light source provides a golden sample for use in calibrating the photo detector, which in turn monitors lumen output of the light source(s). Drive signals are adjusted to account for lumen depreciation of the monitored light source(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Ming Li, Qi Dai, Keng Chen
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Patent number: 9733126Abstract: A device for measuring a complexly formed object includes a plurality of light-section measuring devices, a rotator for causing a rotation between the complexly formed object and the plurality of light-section measuring devices around a rotation axis, wherein each of the plurality of light-section measuring devices is configured to generate a respective fan beam in a respective fan plane, wherein the fan planes are arranged such that the rotation axis extends within each of the fan planes, wherein the plurality of light-section measuring devices is configured such that the fan beams are directed to the complexly formed object from different fan directions which, when projected into a common plane through which the rotation axis extends, by rotation around the rotation axis, differ from each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Guenther Kostka, Peter Schmitt, Christian Huegel, Ralf Goldstein
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Patent number: 9709497Abstract: By use of a pump light source for repeatedly generating a pump light pulse and a probe light source for repeatedly generating a probe light pulse in a shorter repetition time interval than the pump light pulse, the pump light pulse is repeatedly irradiated on a sample, and the probe light pulse is repeatedly irradiated on the sample every time the pump pulse is irradiated. An intensity of a probe light pulse having passed through the sample is detected. A shift in a delay time of the probe light pulse with respect to the pump light pulse is measured every time the pump light pulse is irradiated. Transient absorption measurement data of the sample is obtained based on the detected data of the probe light pulse intensity obtained in higher time density than repetition time density of the probe light pulse based on the measured shift in the delay time.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: UNISOKU CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuo Nakagawa, Kido Okamoto, Hiroaki Hanada
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Patent number: 9698254Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of making a tunnel barrier-based electronic device, in which the tunnel barrier and transport channel are made of the same material—graphene. A homoepitaxial tunnel barrier/transport device is created using a monolayer chemically modified graphene sheet as a tunnel barrier on another monolayer graphene sheet. This device displays enhanced spintronic properties over heteroepitaxial devices and is the first to use graphene as both the tunnel barrier and channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Adam L. Friedman, Olaf M. T. van 't Erve, Connie H. Li, Jeremy T. Robinson, Berend T. Jonker
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Patent number: 9689787Abstract: Technical system and method for online measuring and monitoring of the particle content in an injection water flow (6?) in an underwater line (8). The system comprises a data gathering means, a data communication link (48) and a data receiving means comprising an image analysis apparatus (2) provided with: a water sample line (18) for throughput of a partial flow (6?) of the injection water flow (6?); a means of conveyance (24) connected to the water sample line (18) for transport of the partial flow (6?); a light-transparent flow portion (18?) disposed along the water sample line (18); a camera (26) at the flow portion (18?); at least one light source (30, 32) for emission of light (34) via the flow portion (18?) and into the camera (26); an electronic control means (36) for (a) control of the image recording of the camera (26); (b) reception of image material from the camera (26); and (c) transmission of the image material to the data receiving means; and at least one energy supply.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: SEABOX ASInventor: Jan Olav Hallset
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Patent number: 9648305Abstract: At a first point in time, the amount of opening of a diaphragm is controlled in such a manner that parallax is obtained in a plurality of images that are output as a result of imaging, whereby a parallax image is acquired. At a second point in time, the diaphragm is controlled in such a manner that the amount of opening thereof is made smaller than at the first point in time, whereby a planar image is acquired. Parallax information is calculated based upon the plurality of images acquired at the first point in time, and the planar image acquired at the second point in time is created. This stereoscopic imaging apparatus creates a stereoscopic image comprising parallax information and a planar image.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takeshi Misawa, Hiroshi Endo
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Patent number: 9614063Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of making a tunnel barrier-based electronic device, in which the tunnel barrier and transport channel are made of the same material—graphene. A homoepitaxial tunnel barrier/transport device is created using a monolayer chemically modified graphene sheet as a tunnel barrier on another monolayer graphene sheet. This device displays enhanced spintronic properties over heteroepitaxial devices and is the first to use graphene as both the tunnel barrier and channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Adam L. Friedman, Olaf M. T. van 't Erve, Connie H. Li, Jeremy T. Robinson, Berend T. Jonker
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Patent number: 9588098Abstract: An optical apparatus and a method for identifying wood species of a raw wooden log involve directing light onto a representative portion of a peripheral surface of the wooden log, sensing light reflected on the illuminated representative log portion to generate reflection intensity image data including color image data, subdividing the reflection intensity image data into a plurality of image data regions each containing a preset number of image pixels, analyzing the image data regions to generate associated texture data, analyzing the color and texture data associated with each image data region to assign thereto a probable one of a plurality of species indications, and selecting a majority species indication for the inspected wooden log.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBECInventor: Philippe Gagné
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Patent number: 9575001Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a presence of predetermined material within a sample, comprises signal generation circuitry for generating a first signal having an applied first orbital angular momentum signature and applying the first signal to the sample. A detector receives the first signal after the first signal passes through the sample and determines the presence of the predetermined material within the sample based on a detected second orbital angular momentum signature within the first signal received from the sample. The detector provides an output of an indication of the presence of the predetermined material responsive to the determination.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: NxGen Partners IP, LLCInventors: Solyman Ashrafi, Roger Linquist
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Patent number: 9575003Abstract: An optical field enhancement device that generates an enhanced optical field on a surface of a metal film by an optical field enhancement effect of localized plasmon induced on the surface of the metal film by light projected onto a nanostructure on which the metal film is formed, the device including a transparent substrate having a transparent nanostructure on a surface, a metal film formed on a surface of the nanostructure, and a support member for supporting a subject at a position spaced apart from the surface of the metal film.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Masayuki Naya, Shogo Yamazoe
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Patent number: 9566006Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus comprises an irradiating unit configured to irradiate an object with light; a plurality of detecting units configured to receive an elastic wave generated within the object irradiated with light, and convert the elastic wave to a received signal; a distribution acquiring unit configured to acquire a light intensity distribution within the object irradiated with light; a setting unit configured to select a minimum block unit in which light intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, using the light intensity distribution; and a generating unit configured to generate object information of the minimum block unit selected by the setting unit, using the received signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryuichi Nanaumi
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Patent number: 9561022Abstract: An optical metrology and image correction device includes a point size light source adapted to emit a beam of light and a translucent mask that receive the beam of light. The translucent mask rotates from a first position wherein the beam of light is received by the translucent mask in a direction substantially orthogonal to the translucent mask to a second position wherein the beam of light is received by the translucent mask at an angle offset with respect to the translucent mask. A corresponding method of measuring and correcting an image from an optical metrology and image correction device includes emitting a beam of light from a point size light source, causing the beam of light to be received by a translucent mask in a first position substantially orthogonal to the mask and in a second position in a direction offset with respect to the translucent mask.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Alexey Sharonov
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Patent number: 9554771Abstract: A method for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method comprises steps of: a) driving an ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave to be propagated in the viscoelastic medium, transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and collecting an ultrasonic echo returned from the viscoelastic medium; b) selecting an effective ultrasonic echo from the ultrasonic echo according to a duration of the low-frequency vibration and physical parameters of the viscoelastic medium; c) calculating a propagation velocity of the elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium according to the effective ultrasonic echo; and d) calculating the elasticity of the viscoelastic medium according to the propagation velocity of the elastic wave.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Beijing Sonicexpert Medical Technology Co., LtdInventors: Jinhua Shao, Jin Sun, Houli Duan
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Patent number: 9551693Abstract: A photoacoustic wave measurement device includes: (a) a pulsed-light outputter that outputs a pulsed light; (b) an arrangement member disposed between a pulsed-light output end of the pulsed-light outputter and a measurement object, the arrangement member being adapted to allow the pulsed light to pass therethrough; and (c) a photoacoustic wave detector that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by the measurement object by the pulsed light and that converts the photoacoustic wave into an electric signal, the photoacoustic wave measurement device being adapted to receive the electric signal from a photoacoustic wave sensor in which the photoacoustic wave detector is farther from the measurement object than the pulsed-light output end.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATIONInventors: Taiichiro Ida, Yasushi Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 9528928Abstract: A sensor chip for use in multiplexed analysis of at least one sample is described. The sensor chip comprises a plurality of sensing sites, each sensing site adapted for sensing an optional interaction of a sample with a component and an input waveguide for receiving radiation from a frequency comb radiation source and guiding said radiation along said plurality of sensing sites. At each sensing site, a distinct optical sensitive element is adapted for, at a distinct frequency, sensing an optional interaction of said sample with said component. An output means provides output of the radiation representative for the sensing dependent on said optional interaction of said sample with said component at said plurality of sensing sites.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: IMECInventor: Peter Peumans
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Patent number: 9460267Abstract: In general, a computer-implemented method is described for receiving one or more requests to generate a medical study, retrieving from one or more data repositories one or more medical study instruments, receiving a selection of a particular medical study instrument to use in the medical study, generating by one or more computers a list of one or more research collaborators invited to review the medical study, and generating by one or more computers a list of one of more participants invited to join the medical study.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Universal Research Solutions, LLCInventors: Otho Raymond Plummer, Ali Adel Hussam
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Patent number: 9439267Abstract: To improve the safety of a photoacoustic apparatus by preventing illumination light from being freely emitted. A photoacoustic apparatus includes a position sensor that measures the orientation and/or position of an illumination-light emission end and a control unit that controls light emission from a light source depending on the output of the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshinobu Tokita, Yasuhiro Someda
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Patent number: 9423340Abstract: The present invention provides a means of measuring the concentration of ozone dissolved in water or another solvent. Small, discrete samples are sparged with air or another unreactive gas for a short period of time to measure a profile of ozone vs time in the sparge gas. The total amount of ozone in the original sample is obtained by integrating under the ozone vs time profile. A correction may be made for ozone remaining in the sample after a finite sparge time by integrating under the profile tail using a decay constant obtained from the measured ozone vs time profile. The method differs from previous methods based on sparging of the sample in that a Henry's Law equilibrium or constant ratio of ozone present in the gas and liquid phases is not assumed and the flow rates of sample and sparge gas are not continuous.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: 2B Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John W. Birks, Bova Xiong, Christopher M. Ford, Peter C. Andersen, Craig J. Williford
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Patent number: 9423346Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for measuring the haze value of transmissive samples. The apparatus comprises a first light source selectively configurable to emit a first light beam, a second light source selectively configurable to emit a second light beam, an integrating sphere having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface configured to reflect light incident upon the inner surface, the inner surface further enclosing an interior volume. The integrating sphere is further equipped with an exit port configured to emit light from the interior volume of the integrating sphere. The exit port is positioned such that light from the first light source exits the integrating sphere without obstruction, and light from the second light source is diffused on the interior surface of the integrating sphere prior to exiting the exit port.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: DATACOLOR HOLDING AGInventor: Zhiling Xu
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Patent number: 9390374Abstract: An approach is provided in which an information handling system analyzes correction information corresponding to an answer generated by a question answer system. The correction information includes a correction to the answer and captured variable information utilized by the question answer system to generate the answer. The information handling system selects input variables based upon the correction analysis and generates a test case that includes the selected input variables and the variable information. In turn, the information handling system tests the question answer system using the generated test case.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Pamela D. Andrejko, Andrew R. Freed, Cynthia M. Murch, Richard A. Salmon, Charles S. Skinner
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Patent number: 9377300Abstract: A photoreflectance device for characterizing a rough surface includes a pump beam emitter to emit a pump beam; a probe beam emitter to emit a probe beam; a detector to detect the probe beam reflected by the surface; an integrating sphere to collect the probe beam reflected by the surface, the integrating sphere including: a first output connected to the detector, and disposed so as to receive a majority of the probe beam reflected by the surface; a second output arranged so as to receive a majority of the pump beam reflected by the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignees: NEXCIS, UNIVERSITE D'AIX-MARSEILLEInventors: Antonin Moreau, Véronica Bermudez, Ludovic Escoubas, Jean-Jacques Simon
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Patent number: 9372145Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: THE CHEMOURS COMPANY TT, LLCInventors: Peter Jernakoff, Michael Patrick Milone, Philipp Martin Niedenzu, Cheryl Marie Stancik
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Patent number: 9372215Abstract: An electrical resistance measurement apparatus includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates a conductive thin film with terahertz light, a reflection light detection unit that detects reflection light from the conductive thin film, and a computer containing a storage that stores correlation between the reflectance of the terahertz light from the conductive thin film and electrical resistance of the conductive thin film. The computer further containing a processor that determines, reflectance of the terahertz light from the conductive thin film based on a result of detection performed by the reflection light detection unit, and determines the electrical resistance of the conductive thin film based on the correlation and a result of the determination of the reflectance.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: FURUKAWA CO., LTD.Inventor: Akihide Hamano
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Patent number: 9360625Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving pump absorption and efficiency for fiber lasers and amplifiers, for instance. In some embodiments, the techniques are implemented by applying a partially reflective coating on a fiber end-face to double-pass any unabsorbed or otherwise excess pump light in the cladding of a fiber. While being reflective to pump wavelengths, the coating can be non-reflective at the lasing wavelength, so as to avoid unwanted feedback into the system. The benefits of this approach include that excess pump power can be effectively utilized to add more power to the laser output. In addition, the double-pass technique allows for the use of a shorter fiber length, which in turn allows for more compact system designs, saves on material costs, and facilitates manufacturability.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Creeden
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Patent number: 9341753Abstract: Provided are an optical device and a method of controlling propagation directions of light and a surface plasmon using the optical device. The optical device includes a light source, a substrate, and a metal layer that is disposed on the substrate, the metal layer includes at least two slots, and propagation directions of light and a surface plasmon may be controlled by using the light that is polarized in a direction parallel to a direction of a long length of any one of the at least two slots.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin-eun Kim, Yeon-sang Park, Un-jeong Kim, Young-geun Roh, Chang-won Lee, Sang-mo Cheon
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Patent number: 9335210Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for maintaining consistent lumen output of a lighting assembly over time. By maintaining a consistent lumen output, it is possible to maintain acceptable color stability where color mixing of multiple outputs is used. The lighting assembly may be any lighting configuration that might suffer from lumen depreciation and/or color drift over time, and may include any type(s) of light source(s) that may be monitored and driven accordingly. The lighting assembly, in addition to light source(s), includes a photo detector and a directed light source, such as a laser. The directed light source provides a golden sample for use in calibrating the photo detector, which in turn monitors lumen output of the light source(s). Drive signals are adjusted to account for lumen depreciation of the monitored light source(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.Inventors: Ming Li, Qi Dai, Keng Chen
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Patent number: 9330452Abstract: Electromagnetic energy is deposited into a volume, an acoustic return signal from energy deposited in the volume is measured, and a parametric map that estimates values of at least one parameter as spatially represented in the volume is computed. A reference level of a region of interest is determined, and upper and lower color map limits are specified, with at least one of them being determined in relation to the reference level. The parametric map is then rendered in the palette of a color map by mapping the estimated values of the parametric map onto the color map according to the color map limits. Two wavelengths of energy can be applied to the volume, and the parametric map computation can be adapted by applying an implicit or explicit model of, or theoretical basis for, distribution of electromagnetic energy fluence within the volume pertaining to the two wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Jason Zalev, Bryan Clingman
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Patent number: 9267877Abstract: Signal generation circuitry generates a first signal having at least one orbital angular momentum applied thereto and applies the first signal to the sample. A detector for receives the first signal after it passes through the sample and determines the concentration of the material within the sample based on a detected value of orbital angular momentum with the first signal received from the sample.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: NxGen Partners IP, LLCInventors: Solyman Ashrafi, Roger Linquist, Nima Ashrafi
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Patent number: 9261403Abstract: An inline spectroscopic reader having a light source, one or more optics heads, a spectrometer and a data processing system in digital communication with the spectrometer detector. The optics heads include transmission optics providing for the illumination of a target with light from the light source and detection optics providing for the collection of light from the target. Typically, the target is moving with respect to the optics head during spectroscopic interrogation. The spectroscopic reader is thus an inline reader well suited to provide spectrum based production or analytical decision making in real time as the target moves along a production or analysis line. Also disclosed are methods including the steps of illuminating a target with light from a light source; collecting light from the target; obtaining a digitized spectrum with a spectrometer; extracting information content from the digitized spectrum; and basing a contemporaneous process decision upon the information content.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SAInventors: Ian D. Walton, William E. Doering, Michael J. Natan
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Patent number: 9261483Abstract: An acoustic wave detector includes: a transducer; and a light reflecting member which is positioned between the transducer and a subject surface that is irradiated with the light, and which reflects scattered light on the subject surface. The light reflecting member includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface positioned closer to the transducer than the first reflecting surface, and a distance between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface is an odd multiple of a half wavelength of a predetermined wavelength included in an acoustic wave generated from the light reflecting member by the scattered light.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yukio Furukawa
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Patent number: 9244006Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting a species in a dilute medium, the species having a spectral feature, the apparatus comprising: a beam source arranged to generate a first laser beam and a second laser beam coherent with each other, and having a matching chirp pattern. Beam guide arranged to pass at least the first laser beam through the dilute medium; a beam mixer arranged to mix the first and the second laser beams to form a mixed beam. Detector arranged to detect, during the chirp pattern, the mixed beam and to measure changes in the mixed beam caused by refractive index variations in the dilute medium across a spectral feature. Output providing a signal that changes in response to the measured changes.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The Science and Technology Facilities CouncilInventors: Damien Weidmann, Gerard Wysocki
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Patent number: 9239289Abstract: Provided is a spatially resolved diffusive reflectance spectroscopy apparatus that includes an emitter, a plurality of optical waveguides, a switch, a photon detector, and a controller, and a method for operation of the apparatus. The controller controls emitter intensity, identifies photons detected by the photon detector as belonging to a specific optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides, counts the detected photons, and identifies respective optical waveguides receiving each counted photon. The emitter emits optical photons in an optically turbid medium, and a distal end of each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides receives the optical photons reflected or scattered in the optically turbid medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: MedView Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Amirhossein Goldan
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Patent number: 9234835Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a fluid comprises a chamber to receive a fluid sample. A pump reduces a pressure in the chamber below a vapor pressure of a component of the fluid sample. At least one light system provides a light at a predetermined modulation frequency to the fluid sample. An acoustic sensor detects an acoustic signal caused by the interaction of the light and the fluid sample. A controller relates the acoustic signal to at least one chemical component of the fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael T Pelletier, Gregory P Perez, Christopher Michael Jones, Gregory N Gilbert
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Patent number: 9221186Abstract: Produce processing apparatuses are presented including: a number of paddles coupled with a rotating conveyor system configured for capturing and securing produce along a first position; a counter-rotating compression belt system for compressing the produce along a second position, where the counter-rotating compression belt system is configured to apply a compressive force to the produce such that the produce is secured, and where the counter-rotating compression belt system includes a belt that is counter-rotating and synchronized with respect to the rotating conveyor system; and a cutting system including a rotary coring blade assembly positioned along a path of the rotating conveyor system, where the rotary coring blade assembly is positioned and configured to core the produce along a third position.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Inventors: David W. Scaroni, Matthew S. Scaroni
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Patent number: 9219663Abstract: A performance management system and method for generating a plurality of forecasts for one or more electronic devices is presented. The forecasts are generated from stored performance data and analyzed to determine which devices are likely to experience performance degradation within a predetermined period of time. A single forecast is extracted for further analysis such that computer modeling may be performed upon the performance data to enable the user to predict when device performance will begin to degrade. In one embodiment, graphical displays are created for those devices forecasted to perform at an undesirable level such that suspect devices may be subjected to further analysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: United Services Automobile AssociationInventor: Glen A. Becker
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Patent number: 9214421Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a conductive pattern formed on the substrate, and at least a conductive pillar having a predetermined height formed on the conductive pattern. The conductive pillar can be formed under a focus ion beam (FIB) or an electron beam environment. In one embodiment, a diameter of the conductive pillar is no more than 10 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Chun-Ming Tsai, Yi-Hsuan Huang, Yueh-Ping Chung, Ya-Hui Lu
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Patent number: 9194908Abstract: A metrology device optically measures the electrical conductivity of a magnetic sample, such as a Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) or Giant-Magneto Resistance (GMR) device, using Time Domain Thermo Reflectance (TDTR) to measure a cooling curve for the sample while a magnetic field is applied to the sample. The thermal conductivity of the sample may be determined using the cooling curve and the variation of the cooling curve with varying applied magnetic fields is measured. The electrical conductivity is determined for the sample in the magnetic field based on the thermal conductivity. If desired, single reflectance changes may be measured at a particular delay after heating, and the reflectance change at this delay may be used to determine the electrical conductivity. Of particular interest is the amount of change in electric conductivity for a given applied magnetic field because this yields a measure of the sensitivity of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Infinitum Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Juergen Heidmann
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Patent number: 9194859Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to devices having optical and electrochemical detectors and to methods of performing optical and electrochemical assays using such devices. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.Inventors: Pierre Emeric, Graham Davis, Thomas Ewart, Sergey Gershtein
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Patent number: 9185357Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a multimodal optical sectioning microscope (200, 400, 600) for full-field imaging of a volumic and scattering sample comprising: —a full-field OCT system for providing an image of a first section in depth of the sample comprising an illumination sub-system (201, 401, 601) and a full-field imaging interferometer with a detection sub system (208, 408, 608) and an optical conjugation device for optically conjugating the sample and said detection sub system, wherein said optical conjugation device comprises a microscope objective (203, 403, 603), —a supplementary full-field optical sectioning imaging system for providing a fluorescent image of a second section in depth of said sample comprising a structured illumination microscope with an illumination sub system (623), means (421, 422) for generating at the focal plane of said microscope objective of said full-field imaging interferometer a variable spatial pattern illumination and a detection sub system (624)Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: LLTECH MANAGEMENTInventors: Albert Claude Boccara, Fabrice Harms, Bertrand Le Conte Chrestien De Poly
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Patent number: 9179842Abstract: An optical tomography device 1 is provided as one capable of obtaining tomographic information of a measuring object with higher accuracy. In the optical tomography device 1, numerical apertures of reception fibers 12, 13 are different from each other. Therefore, the device has a configuration wherein the reception fibers 12, 13 receive two kinds of respective light beams with different solid angle distributions, whereby the device can also obtain angular information, in addition to intensity information of light emerging from a measuring object 100. As a result, the accuracy is enhanced for an analysis about the tomographic information of the measuring object.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Kyoto UniversityInventors: Haruo Nakaji, Hidenao Fukuyama, Yuusuke Iso, Shinichi Urayama, Naoya Oishi, Hiroshi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9157311Abstract: Determining constituent components of a fluid sample. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: creating electromagnetic energy with a wavelength in the infrared region; directing the electromagnetic energy into a fluid sample; modulating the electromagnetic energy at a modulation frequency; directing the electromagnetic energy that passes through the fluid sample to a first resonant chamber, the first resonant chamber has an acoustic resonant frequency substantially equal to the modulation frequency; absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy by a detector fluid within the first resonant chamber; detecting acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber; and determining a first constituent component of the fluid sample based on the acoustic energy within the first resonant chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Christopher M. Jones
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Patent number: 9153003Abstract: In general, a computer-implemented method is described for receiving one or more requests to generate a medical study, retrieving from one or more data repositories one or more medical study instruments, receiving a selection of a particular medical study instrument to use in the medical study, generating by one or more computers a list of one or more research collaborators invited to review the medical study, and generating by one or more computers a list of one of more participants invited to join the medical study.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Universal Research Solutions, LLCInventors: Otho Raymond Plummer, Ali Adel Hussam
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Patent number: 9140606Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy instrument with a light source for providing a beam of light, a modulator to produce a modulated beam of light, a high finesse optical cavity, means for injecting the modulated beam of light off-axis into the high finesse optical cavity and a detector positioned to receive and measure light exiting through said optical cavity. The detector may be a highly sensitive and high bandwidth detector. The modulator may be a one or two-tone modulator having means, such as a plurality of RF synthesizers, for modulating the light source by one or two tones. If one tone of applied modulation is used, the frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical. In the case where two tones are used, the first frequency is larger than the absorption bandwidth of the target chemical and the second frequency is small relative to the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Consiglio Nazionale Delle RicercheInventors: Mark Francis Witinski, Pietro Malara, Gianluca Gagliardi
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Patent number: 9134231Abstract: This application describes designs, implementations, and techniques for controlling propagation mode or modes of light in a common optical path, which may include one or more waveguides, to sense a sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: TOMOPHASE, INC.Inventor: Feiling Wang
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Patent number: 9062343Abstract: A method for real-time quantitative detection of single-type, target nucleic acid sequences amplified using a PCR in a microwell, comprising introducing in the microwell a sample comprising target nucleic acid sequences, magnetic primers, and labelling probes; performing an amplification cycle to form labelled amplicons; attracting the magnetic primers to a surface through a magnetic field to form a layer including labelled amplification products and free magnetic primers; and detecting the labelled amplification products in the layer with a surface-specific reading method.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Carmen Galati, Natalia Maria Rita Spinella
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Patent number: 9062832Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a unique construction for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with at least one luminescent rod and extracting optical elements used to generate a variety of high brightness light sources with different emission spectra. In an embodiment of the invention, forced air cooling is used to cool the luminescent rod. In an embodiment of the invention, totally internal reflected light can be redirected outward and refocused. In another embodiment of the invention, light emitted by the luminescent rod is out-coupled for use in a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Lumencor, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Brukilacchio
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Patent number: 9044601Abstract: A method for estimating a radiation dose and distribution for a target volume is provided. The method includes receiving a simulated dose array (606) describing a plurality of simulated dose values for a plurality of voxels in the target volume, generating an energy deposition coefficient function for the plurality of voxels (608), and obtaining a raw fluence array based at least on the simulated dose array and the energy deposition coefficient function (612). The method also includes generating an adjusted fluence array (613) based on the raw fluence array and at least one adjustment criteria, and generating an adjusted dose array (622) for the target volume based on the adjusted fluence array and the energy deposition coefficient function.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Inventors: Fred Currell, Marcus Mendenhall
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Patent number: 9038474Abstract: The present invention employs a photoacoustic measuring apparatus including: a laser light source; a forming unit for forming a second light beam by dividing or deforming a laser light beam; an optical member for guiding the second light beam to the surface of a subject; a probe for obtaining a photoacoustic wave generated when the subject is irradiated with the second light beam; and a buffering member that contacts the surface of the subject and transmits light, wherein the optical member overlaps areas of the second light beam having a small light intensity on the surface of the subject, the probe and the optical member are positioned on an identical side of the buffering member relative to the subject, and the optical member refracts the second light beam such that the second light beam enters the subject through the buffering member while avoiding the probe.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeru Ichihara, Shuichi Kobayashi