Clifford H Pontbriand

US Patent:

20140078584, Mar 20, 2014

Filed:

Jul 12, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/940814

Inventors:

Clifford Thomas Pontbriand - North Falmouth MA, US
Timothy Goodwin Peters - Falmouth MA, US

Assignee:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Woods Hole MA

International Classification:

G02B 27/00
B08B 7/00

US Classification:

359507

Abstract:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for reducing fouling of a surface of an optically transparent element with a light source. According to one aspect, the invention is a system including an LED for emitting UV-C radiation, a mount for directing emitted UV-C radiation toward the optically transparent element, and control circuitry for driving the LED. The system may be used to remove a desired amount of biofilm.

US Patent:

20160121009, May 5, 2016

Filed:

Nov 20, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/947859

Inventors:

- Woods Hole MA, US
Clifford T. Pontbriand - North Falmouth MA, US

International Classification:

A61L 2/10
G02B 19/00

Abstract:

A system and method to reduce fouling of a surface subjected to an aquatic environment with a light source. According to one aspect, an antifouling system including an LED for emitting UV radiation, one or more mounts for directing emitted UV radiation toward the surface, and control circuitry for driving the LED disposed in a watertight housing. According to another aspect, an antifouling system which employs a fluorescent lamp disposed within a pressure vessel including a UV-transmissive material to allow UV light to pass through the pressure vessel and reduce bio-fouling of any surface.

US Patent:

20160127042, May 5, 2016

Filed:

Nov 20, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/947989

Inventors:

- Woods Hole MA, US
Clifford T. Pontbriand - North Falmouth MA, US
Jonathan D. Ware - Mashpee MA, US

International Classification:

H04B 10/2581
H04B 10/80

Abstract:

A multi-modal communication system and method capable of operating underwater, at an interface such as the surface of water, and in the atmosphere using a plurality of communication modes including optical, acoustic, and radio frequency communication. The nodes include underwater vehicles, divers, buoys, aerial vehicles, and shore-based operators. In one aspect, the system and method are capable of high-speed optical and long-range acoustic communication through transitioning between communication modes dependent upon signal conditions. It is another aspect to provide a system and method designed for clandestine operation that is not easily detected when in use.

US Patent:

20150132004, May 14, 2015

Filed:

Dec 1, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/557361

Inventors:

- Woods Hole MA, US
Johnathan Ware - Falmouth MA, US
Clifford T. Pontbriand - N. Falmouth MA, US
Alan D. Chave - Falmouth MA, US

International Classification:

H04B 10/80

US Classification:

398104

Abstract:

A system and method to broadcast an optical signal through an amorphous medium, including a primary emitter capable of producing a primary optical signal during at least one broadcast period and capable of transmitting the primary optical signal through the amorphous medium. A secondary emitter, separate from the primary emitter and in operation during at least a portion of the broadcast period, produces a secondary emission detectable by a detector during the broadcast period. A signal entrainment controller, in communication with the primary emitter and the secondary emitter, synchronizes the secondary emitter with the primary emitter to generate a resultant signal of higher intensity than the primary signal by itself.