Patents

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



Compact spectrometer

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



Diffractive display

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



Diffractive display

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



Diffractive display

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



Diffractive display and method utilizing reflective or transmissive light yielding single pixel full color capability

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


Odhner Holographics, P.O. Box 841, Amherst, NH 03031
Phone: (603) 673-8651    Fax: (603) 673-8685
jodhner@stabilock.com