UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160123725 | METHODS OF DETERMINING THE SHAPE OF A SESSILE DROP - In one aspect, methods of determining the shape of a sessile drop are described herein. In some embodiments, a method described herein comprises measuring a first shape parameter of a sessile drop to obtain a first shape parameter value, measuring a second shape parameter of the drop to obtain a second shape parameter value, and using the first and second shape parameter values to calculate a third shape parameter value of a third shape parameter of the drop. | 05-05-2016 |
20160003675 | SELECTIVE WAVELENGTH IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present disclosure provides wavelength discriminating imaging systems and methods that spatially separate (over different depths) the wavelength constituents of an image using a dispersive element or lens, such that this spectral information may be exploited and used. The wavelength constituents of an image are deconstructed and identified over different depths using the dispersive element or lens. | 01-07-2016 |
20150333523 | GRID TIED BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM CONTROLLER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A battery energy storage system control system, including: logic coupled to a photovoltaic station and an energy storage system and executing a photovoltaic station capacity firming algorithm operable for making a combined output of the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system substantially constant such that power swings on an associated feeder system are avoided; logic coupled to the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system and executing a voltage support algorithm operable for holding point of common coupling voltage and phase values substantially equal to substation voltage and phase values via power injection or removal; and logic coupled to the photovoltaic station and the energy storage system and executing an energy time shift algorithm operable for storing energy during periods of relatively low demand and providing energy during periods of relatively high demand. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331146 | METAMATERIAL-BASED OPTICAL DISPERSION COMPENSATION - A metamaterial-based dispersion compensator includes a plurality of layers arranged in a geometric structure; wherein the plurality of layers comprise engineered metamaterials; wherein the engineered metamaterials and the geometric structure are configured to compensate dispersion across a wavelength spectrum. The metamaterial-based dispersion compensator utilizes a specifically engineered frequency response, in a compact metamaterial form-factor, to correct for naturally occurring and problematic dispersion in physical systems such as in optical communication systems. | 11-19-2015 |
20150316717 | CONTACT FOCUSING HOLLOW-CORE FIBER MICROPROBES - A focusing microprobe system, comprising: one of a single-mode laser radiation source and a few-mode laser radiation source; a coupler coupled to the laser radiation source; one of a single-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system and a few-mode flexible laser radiation delivery system coupled to the coupler; and one or more focusing microlenses coupled to the flexible laser radiation delivery system and arranged in a focusing tip. The coupler comprises a focusing lens. The flexible laser radiation delivery system comprises one of a hollow-core fiber and a flexible waveguide. Optionally, the one or more focusing microlenses are bonded to seal a hollow internal cavity of the flexible laser radiation delivery system. The one or more focusing microlenses comprise one or more conventional lenses or one or more focusing spheres, hemispheres, or cylinders. | 11-05-2015 |
20150022658 | NOISE REDUCTION TECHNIQUES, FRACTIONAL BI-SPECTRUM AND FRACTIONAL CROSS-CORRELATION, AND APPLICATIONS - A measurement method and system include illuminating an object to be measured with light at two different wavelengths and an incident angle; capturing an image of the object; detecting a frequency of an interference pattern from the image using Fractional Bi-Spectrum Analysis; and calculating a thickness of the object based on the Fractional Bi-Spectrum Analysis. The thickness is calculated based on a relationship between the thickness and the frequency of the interference pattern. The Fractional Bi-Spectrum Analysis is performed on a linear medium with the two different wavelengths being known. | 01-22-2015 |
20150009583 | DYNAMIC LASER BEAM SHAPING METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Dynamic radiation beam shaping methods and systems, comprising: providing a radiation source for delivering an input radiation beam; disposing a first optical element substantially adjacent to the radiation source; disposing a second optical element substantially adjacent to the first optical element; and moving one or more of the first optical element and the second optical element relative to one another such that either an output radiation beam has a variable predetermined shape or the output radiation beam maintains a predetermined shape when the input radiation beam is varied. Optionally, the first optical element and the second optical element each comprise a freeform shape and predetermined diffractive characteristics, refractive characteristics, reflective characteristics, hybrid characteristics, gradient index materials, metamaterials, metasurfaces, subwavelength structures, and/or plasmonics. The one or more of the first optical element and the second optical element are one or more of translated laterally with respect to an optic axis, rotated about the optic axis, tilted with respect to the optic axis, and separated along the optic axis. | 01-08-2015 |
20140355108 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUPER-RESOLUTION OPTICAL IMAGING USING HIGH-INDEX OF REFRACTION MICROSPHERES AND MICROCYLINDERS - The present invention provides super-resolution optical imaging methods and systems, including: providing a sample to be optically imaged; providing a plurality of microstructures disposed substantially adjacent to a surface of the sample to be optically imaged; and providing a material disposed about the plurality of microstructures; wherein the plurality of microstructures have a first index of refraction; and wherein the material disposed about the plurality of microstructures has a second index of refraction that is substantially less than the first index of refraction of the plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures include one of a plurality of microspheres and a plurality of microcylinders. | 12-04-2014 |
20140315130 | Photoacid Generators And Lithographic Resists Comprising The Same - The present invention provides photoacid generators for use in chemically amplified resists and lithographic processes using the same. | 10-23-2014 |
20140240695 | OPTICAL DENSITY MONITOR AND COMPARATOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for determining the absorption coefficient and the optical density of a fluid as they relate to the wavelength of incident radiation. Specifically, ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) or the like that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation or the like are used as sources for irradiating the interior of an integrating chamber that is designed to increase the path length of the radiation through the fluid, thus enhancing the detection limits of the absorption coefficient and the optical density according to Beer's Law. | 08-28-2014 |
20140069850 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR OPTICAL SORTING OF MICROSPHERES BASED ON THEIR RESONANT OPTICAL PROPERTIES - Microspheres are sorted by resonant light pressure effects. An evanescent optical field is generated when light is confined within the interior of an optical element such as a surface waveguide, a tapered microfiber, or a prism. Microspheres brought within vicinity of the surface are subjected to forces that result from a coupling of the evanescent field to whispering gallery modes (WGM) in the microspheres. Alternatively, a focused laser beam is directed close to the edge of the microspheres to exert resonant optical forces on microspheres. Optical forces are resonantly enhanced when light frequencies match WGM frequencies in the microspheres. Those microspheres for which resonance is obtained are more affected by the evanescent field than microspheres for which resonance does not occur. Greater forces are applied to resonating microspheres, which are separated from a heterogeneous mixture according to size. | 03-13-2014 |
20130338651 | NON-INVASIVE LASER VASECTOMY - The present invention presents novel methods for performing noninvasive vasectomies in animals, including humans, and vasectomy clamps for use in such procedures. The invention further presents an apparatus for use in noninvasive male sterilization procedures. More specifically, the invention presents the application of lasers for noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas. Non-contact cooling of the tissue surface, for example, via cryogen or other cooling spray, prevents scrotal skin burns during the procedure. Both the laser radiation and cooling spray are delivered in a non-contact mode to the tissue. This procedure also preserves the surgical field-of-view, potentially allowing the urologist to visually monitor the skin surface during subsurface heating of the vas and preventing the formation of scrotal skin burns. | 12-19-2013 |
20130207737 | WIDEBAND NEGATIVE-PERMITTIVITY AND NEGATIVE-PERMEABILITY METAMATERIALS UTILIZING NON-FOSTER ELEMENTS - A metamaterial simultaneously exhibiting a relative effective permeability and a relative effective permittivity below unity over a wide bandwidth, including: one of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional arrangement of unit cells, wherein each of the unit cells has a magnetic dipole moment and an electric dipole moment that are dependent upon one or more of an incident magnetic field and an incident electric field; and a coupling mechanism operable for coupling one or more of the incident magnetic field and the incident electric field to one or more devices. Optionally, the coupling mechanism includes one or more of a split ring and a pair of parallel plates coupled by one of a rod and a wire. The one or more devices are non-Foster elements. | 08-15-2013 |
20130166001 | CONTINUOUS-WAVE OPTICAL STIMULATION OF NERVE TISSUE - An optical nerve stimulation system for optically stimulating and locating a nerve, includes: a laser radiation source positioned adjacent to the nerve and configured to deliver laser radiation to the nerve through one or more optical fibers, thereby heating it; wherein the laser radiation source is operated in a continuous-wave mode; and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the nerve and a feedback loop configured to control the laser radiation source such that a predetermined temperature is maintained. The laser radiation source is one or more of an infrared laser and a near-infrared laser. Optionally, the laser radiation has a wavelength of between 1400 and 1900 nm. The one or more optical fibers are one or more single-mode fibers. The ONS probe includes one or more SMFs with chemically-etched tips and lenses for providing collimation and/or beam shaping to provide a flat-top spatial beam profile. | 06-27-2013 |
20130145269 | MULTI-MODAL COLLABORATIVE WEB-BASED VIDEO ANNOTATION SYSTEM - A video annotation interface includes a video pane configured to display a video, a video timeline bar including a video play-head indicating a current point of the video which is being played, a segment timeline bar including initial and final handles configured to define a segment of the video for playing, and a plurality of color-coded comment markers displayed in connection with the video timeline bar. Each of the comment markers is associated with a frame or segment of the video and corresponds to one or more annotations for that frame or segment made by one of a plurality of users. Each of the users can make annotations and view annotations made by other users. The annotations can include annotations corresponding to a plurality of modalities, including text, drawing, video, and audio modalities. | 06-06-2013 |
20130063801 | SCANNER APPARATUS HAVING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION DEVICES COUPLED TO MEMS ACTUATORS - A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is moveably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed. | 03-14-2013 |
20120195692 | Construction Modulus Testing Apparatus and Method - A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped. | 08-02-2012 |
20120091369 | FOCUSING MULTIMODAL OPTICAL MICROPROBE DEVICES - The present invention provides an optical microprobe device and method for focusing multimodal radiation with wavelength-scale spatial resolution and delivering the focused radiation to a specimen, including: a radiation source; and one or more of a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders optically coupled to the radiation source; wherein the one or more of the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders periodically focus radiation optically transmitted from the radiation source such that radiation ultimately transmitted to the specimen has predetermined characteristics. Preferably, the spheres or cylinders are assembled inside one of a hollow waveguide, a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, a capillary tube, and integrated in a multimode fiber. Alternatively, the spheres or cylinders are assembled on a substrate. Optionally, the optical microprobe device also includes one or more of a waveguide, an optical fiber, a lens, and an optical structure disposed between the radiation source and the spheres or cylinders. Optionally, the spheres or cylinders are made from optically nonlinear or active materials that permit efficient nonlinear frequency generation and low-threshold lasing using the optical microprobe device. | 04-19-2012 |
20110313718 | Construction Modulus Testing Apparatus and Method - A system and method of determining lift deflection during construction of aggregate columns allows for real time monitoring of construction to ensure meeting defined parameters. The amount of deflection of a tamper head during tamping is determined multiple times for each lift. When the amount of deflection matches a predetermined value, tamping is stopped. | 12-22-2011 |
20110301583 | NON-INVASIVE LASER VASECTOMY - The present invention presents novel methods for performing noninvasive vasectomies in animals, including humans, and vasectomy clamps for use in such procedures. The invention further presents an apparatus for use in noninvasive male sterilization procedures. More specifically, the invention presents the application of lasers for noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas. Non-contact cooling of the tissue surface, for example, via cryogen or other cooling spray, prevents scrotal skin burns during the procedure. Both the laser radiation and cooling spray are delivered in a non-contact mode to the tissue. This procedure also preserves the surgical field-of-view, potentially allowing the urologist to visually monitor the skin surface during subsurface heating of the vas and preventing the formation of scrotal skin burns. | 12-08-2011 |
20110149382 | Apparatuses and Methods for Performing Gain Guiding - A fiber, such as a photonic bandgap fiber, is provided, the fiber including a core and a cladding. The core can extend longitudinally and can have a gain medium configured to provide laser amplification to laser radiation propagating along the core. For example, the gain medium may include a dopant configured to provide amplification, when activated by one or more modes of excitation radiation, of laser radiation propagating along said core. The cladding can be radially exterior to the core, and can be configured to provide a low-loss propagation the one or more modes of excitation radiation and a lossy propagation of all modes of laser radiation along the core, the lossy propagation higher than the low-loss propagation, in particular when the one or more modes of excitation radiation is substantially absent from the core. Associated methods and apparatuses are also provided. | 06-23-2011 |
20110022220 | DYNAMIC METROLOGY METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The present invention provides dynamic metrology methods and systems for: periodically determining an actual position of one or more of a machine and a tool with respect to a workpiece using one or more laser interferometers; tracking a tracked position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece using one or more accelerometers; and altering a controlled position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece when either the actual position or the tracked position of the one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece diverges from a desired position of one or more of the machine and the tool with respect to the workpiece. | 01-27-2011 |
20110020863 | BIOREACTOR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A bioreactor assembly, including: a housing internally defining a plurality of reaction chambers; a medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein the medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for delivering a medium flow to each of the plurality of reaction chambers; and one or more framed membrane cartridges selectively disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein each of the one or more framed membrane cartridges disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for holding a biochemically active material that is reacted when exposed to the medium flow. | 01-27-2011 |
20100299907 | Methods and Systems for Creating Assemblies - Systems and methods for creating assemblies are described. One method described comprises providing a first element at a first temperature, providing a second element at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, coupling the first and second elements to create an assembly, and changing the first temperature to a third temperature, thereby preloading and interlocking the assembly. The first element comprises a first dimension at the first temperature. The second element comprises a second dimension lesser than the first dimension at the second temperature. The first element comprises a third dimension at the third temperature lesser than the first dimension. | 12-02-2010 |
20100097073 | Methods And Apparatus For Testing Electronic Circuits - Methods and apparatus are provided for testing to determine the existence of defects and faults in circuits, devices, and systems such as digital integrated circuits, SRAM memory, mixed signal circuits, and the like. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting faults in circuits, devices, and systems using input control signals to generate controlled-duration, controlled pulse-width, transient power supply currents in a device under test, where said transient power supply currents are of controllable bandwidth and can be used as observables to determine faulty or defective operation. Additionally, methods and apparatus are provided to permit high bandwidth sensing of transient supply currents as need to preserve the narrow widths of these current pulses. These methods may include autozero techniques to remove supply current leakage current and DC offsets associated with practical current sensing currents. The sensed transient supply currents can be compared to single or multiple thresholds to assess normal or faulty or defective operation of the device under test. | 04-22-2010 |
20090138679 | Enhanced Boolean Processor - A processor including a Boolean logic unit, wherein the Boolean logic unit is operated for performing the short-circuit evaluation of a Normal Form Boolean expression/operation, a plurality of input/output interfaces in communication with the Boolean logic unit, wherein the plurality of input/output interfaces are operated for receiving a plurality of compiled Boolean expressions/operations and transmitting a plurality of compiled results, and a plurality of registers coupled to the plurality of input/output interface circuits, wherein the plurality of multi-bit registers include an instruction register, a first address register and a second address register. | 05-28-2009 |