Patents by Inventor Jefferson E. Odhner
Threat detection systems and methods using image intensifiers and position-sensing photodiodes
Application number: 20130158943
Abstract: Threat detection systems and methods are disclosed that employ position-sensing photodiodes (PSDs) to locate a munitions flash within a field of view of a collection optical system. Image intensifiers are used to form intensified first and second focus spots from the focus spots formed by the collection optical system over two different wavelength bands. The intensified focus spots are then detected by corresponding PSDs. The flash is then located on a map of the monitored terrain, which map can be displayed to a system user. Processing electronics determine whether the flash is actually munitions-based or is from another non-threatening light source.
Type: Application
Filed: June 7, 2011
Issued: June 20, 2013
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Method and apparatus for protecting vehicles and personnel against incoming projectiles
Patent number: 8371202
Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 2, 2011
Issued: February 12, 2013
Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Geoffrey P. McKinnon
Lightweight aerogel-based optical elements
Patent number: 8256910
Abstract: Aerogel-based optical elements are disclosed. The aerogel-based optical elements have an aerogel member having at least one surface, and at least one optical surface disposed on the at least one aerogel member surface. The at least one optical surface comprises an electroformed metal or at least one glass sheet. The at least one optical surface can be transmissive, reflective, or both. Different types of aerogel-based optical elements are presented, along with various methods of making the aerogel-based optical elements.
Type: Grant
Filed: October 2, 2009
Issued: September 4, 2012
Assignee: Optics 1, Inc
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Threat detection systems and methods using position-sensing photodiodes
Application number: 20120150484
Abstract: Threat detection systems and methods are disclosed that employ position-sensing photodiodes to locate a munitions flash within a field of view of a collection optical system. The flash is then located on a map of the monitored terrain, which map can be displayed to a system user. Processing electronics determine whether the flash is actually munitions-based or is from another non-threatening light source.
Type: Application
Filed: June 29, 2010
Issued: June 14, 2012
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
High-index contrast waveguide optical gyroscope having segmented paths
Patent number: 8031343
Abstract: A waveguide optical gyroscope is disclosed. The waveguide optical gyroscope includes a laser, two detectors, a set of couplers and a set of waveguides. The laser generates a light beam. A first waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a first direction, and a second waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a second direction. The first and second waveguides are coupled to several ring waveguides via the couplers. The first detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the first waveguide, and the second detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the second waveguide.
Type: Grant
Filed: August 29, 2008
Issued: October 4, 2011
Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Daniel N. Carothers, Jefferson E. Odhner
Method And Apparatus For Protecting Vehicles And Personnel Against Incoming Projectiles
Application number: 20110204145
Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
Type: Application
Filed: May 2, 2011
Issued: August 25, 2011
Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, John A. McNeil, Geoffrey P. Smyton
Method and apparatus for protecting vehicles and personnel against incoming projectiles
Patent number: 7954411
Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to detect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in an iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets that provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
Type: Grant
Filed: April 26, 2006
Issued: June 7, 2011
Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Jefferson E Odhner, John A. McNeil, Geoffrey P. Smyton
Lightweight aerogel-based optical elements
Application number: 20110080666
Abstract: Aerogel-based optical elements are disclosed. The aerogel-based optical elements have an aerogel member having at least one surface, and at least one optical surface disposed on the at least one aerogel member surface. The at least one optical surface comprises an electroformed metal or at least one glass sheet. The at least one optical surface can be transmissive, reflective, or both. Different types of aerogel-based optical elements are presented, along with various methods of making the aerogel-based optical elements.
Type: Application
Filed: October 2, 2009
Issued: April 7, 2011
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
HIGH-INDEX CONTRAST WAVEGUIDE OPTICAL GYROSCOPE HAVING SEGMENTED PATHS
Application number: 20100328673
Abstract: A waveguide optical gyroscope is disclosed. The waveguide optical gyroscope includes a laser, two detectors, a set of couplers and a set of waveguides. The laser generates a light beam. A first waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a first direction, and a second waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a second direction. The first and second waveguides are coupled to several ring waveguides via the couplers. The first detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the first waveguide, and the second detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the second waveguide.
Type: Application
Filed: August 29, 2008
Issued: December 30, 2010
Inventors: Daniel N. Carothers, Jefferson E. Odhner
Method and apparatus for protecting vehicles and personnel against incoming projectiles
Application number: 20100294116
Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to detect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in an iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets that provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.
Type: Application
Filed: April 26, 2006
Issued: November 25, 2010
Inventors: Jefferson E Odhner, John A. McNeil, Geoffrey P. Smyton
Direction of Optical Signals by a Movable Diffractive Optical Element
Application number: 20090237761
Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching (Add/Drop), multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) (10) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output stations are supplied. Finally, the MDOE generates and distributes output optical signals among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying two or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing and distributing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the diffracted optical signal(s) from the MDOE.
Type: Application
Filed: May 29, 2009
Issued: September 24, 2009
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Eliott S. Luckoff, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson
Ball joint gimbal mirror with actuator assembly
Patent number: 7388700
Abstract: Compact scanning techniques that can scan a large degree optical solid angle are disclosed. One particular embodiment is a processor controlled scanner that is capable of a large degree optical solid scan angle. Dual axis scan capability can be provided with a single compact package. A pivoting ball joint on which a mirror assembly is attached is employed. The mirror assembly is operatively coupled to an actuator assembly (e.g., electro-magnets or piezoelectric based actuators). When control voltage is applied to the actuator assembly, the ball joint to moves thereby moving the integrally attached mirror assembly.
Type: Grant
Filed: April 28, 2006
Issued: June 17, 2008
Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Patent number: 7233394
Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object from a formed object generated input signal. The method comprises the steps of directing the input signal onto a diffraction grating. Diffracted signals are directed to a resonant mirror assembly for sequentially focusing a select diffracted signal. From that focused select diffracted signal, a spectral characteristic of said object is determined. Each said spectral characteristic is associated with each corresponding focused select diffracted signal and the associated signals are published. The apparatus is an improved spectrometer comprising a fiber cable assembly for receiving an object generated input signal and a diffraction grating. A resonant mirror assembly sequentially focuses a select diffracted signal, a sensor sensing which diffracted signal has been focused from the diffraction grating.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 20, 2005
Issued: June 19, 2007
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Hand-held spectra-reflectometer
Patent number: 7209230
Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object surface. The apparatus comprises a light source for generating an input signal comprising a plurality of wavelengths of energy and a diffraction grating for diffracting the input signal into a plurality of diffracted wavelengths of energy. A resonant mirror assembly associated with the diffraction grating sequentially directs a select diffracted wavelength to the object surface to generate a corresponding reflected wavelength of energy. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining each select diffracted wavelength of energy directed to the object surface and a detector for detecting one or more of the reflected wavelengths. The detector is coupled with the sensor for associating each select diffracted wavelength with each corresponding reflected wavelength.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 20, 2005
Issued: April 24, 2007
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Cosmetic holographic optical diffractive contact lenses
Patent number: 7018041
Abstract: A contact lens has an inner surface adapted to be placed against the eye of a wearer and an outer surface bearing a cosmetic holographic optical diffraction grating that, when worn by a wearer, displays color to an observer of the contact lens. The holographic optical diffraction grating can diffract incident light to display one or more colors to the observer, or can be formed as an alphanumeric character(s) or graphic display to the observer.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 2, 2004
Issued: March 28, 2006
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Patent number: 6898009
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 17, 2003
Issued: May 24, 2005
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson, James E. Dvorsky
Active and passive holographic optical based curved surface elements
Application number: 20040136039
Abstract: A light bulb, composed of an envelope and an interiorly disposed light source, generates colored light to an observer by providing a reflective holographic optical element (HOE) diffraction grating associated with the envelope. The envelope also has an outer non-light transmissive area in which is disposed a light transmissive aperture. The HOE diffraction grating is oriented to receive and diffract light from the light source and reflect the diffracted light to the aperture for generating a select color of light to the observer. Such light bulb is made by disposing an apertured envelope of a light transmissive aperture disposed within a non-light transmissive area. A reflective holographic optical element (HOE) diffraction grating is associated with the envelope non-light transmissive area. The HOE diffraction grating is oriented to receive and diffract light from the light source and to reflect the diffracted light to the aperture for generating a select color of light to the observer.
Type: Application
Filed: December 22, 2003
Issued: July 15, 2004
Inventor: Jefferson E. Odhner
Application number: 20040017597
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.
Type: Application
Filed: July 17, 2003
Issued: January 29, 2004
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson, James E. Dvorsky
Active and passive holographic optical based curved surface elements
Application number: 20030184829
Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.
Type: Application
Filed: February 19, 2003
Issued: October 2, 2003
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen
Patent number: 6621607
Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 18, 2000
Issued: September 16, 2003
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson, James E. Dvorsky
Active and passive holographic optical based curved surface element
Patent number: 6552831
Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 5, 2001
Issued: April 22, 2003
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen
Direction of optical signals by a movable diffractive optical element
Application number: 20010033419
Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching (Add/Drop), multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) (10) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output stations are supplied. Finally, the MDOE generates and distributes output optical signals among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying two or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing and distributing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the diffracted optical signal(s) from the MDOE.
Type: Application
Filed: April 17, 2001
Issued: October 25, 2001
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Elliott S. Luckoff, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson
Active and passive holographic optical based curved surface element
Application number: 20010024303
Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.
Type: Application
Filed: June 5, 2001
Issued: September 27, 2001
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen
Active and passive holographic optical based curved surface elements
Patent number: 6285472
Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.
Type: Grant
Filed: October 29, 1999
Issued: September 4, 2001
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Donald L. Cullen
Patent number: 5613022
Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, the novel display is realized from a diffraction pattern (132) carried by (e.g. embossed) a film or element (138) connected to an energy source which is energizable for movement of the film (138). Movement of the patterned film (138) generates a display using the diffracted light from the embossed pattern (132). Electroactive films are known in the art, including, for example, piezoelectric films, electrostrictive films, electromotive films, and electrostatic films. Magnetoactive films also are known in the art. Any of these films (138) can carry the diffraction pattern (132) and be energized for movement to generate from the resulting diffracted light.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 13, 1995
Issued: March 18, 1997
Assignee: Luckoff Display Corporation
Inventors: Jefferson E. Odhner, Daniel J. Smith, Shailesh S. Bhat, Donald L. Cullen, Ken G. Wasson
Compact optical wavelength discriminator radiometer
Patent number: 4746798
Abstract: A wavelength discriminator designed to collect broadband, multiple wavelength input energy, to isolate specific narrow bands of interest, and to image such narrow bands of interest upon closely spaced, separate detectors. This discriminator comprises optical devices (22, 18) for directing incoming radiant energy of a certain quality and involving a wide range of wavelengths through first (26a) and second (26b) wavelength selective reflectors separated by a medium that transmits the wavelengths of interest. The wavelength selective reflectors in accordance with this invention are in a non-parallel configuration and disposed in a double pass geometrical arrangement wherein energy of a certain wavelength reflected from the second wavelength selective reflector (26b) passes back through the first wavelength selective reflector (26a), with the energy from the first and second wavelength reflectors thereafter being directed onto respective detectors (32aand 32b).
Type: Grant
Filed: August 18, 1986
Issued: May 24, 1988
Assignee: Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik
Inventors: Max Amon, Jefferson E. Odhner