Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Mark Earl Froggatt

This inventor holds 97 USPTO granted patents and 12 published patent applications, plus 3 CIPO patents and 50 EPO patents, primarily in Optical Fiber Technology (CPC class G02B6-02042). Top assignees: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., Luna Innovations Inc., United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA. Active years: 1995-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Mark Earl Froggatt. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/mark-earl-froggatt

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 97 (Patent Applications = 12)

% Patents Active = 100.0

CIPO Patents = 3

EPO Patents = 50 (Patent Applications = 48)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.4

ph-index = 20

Forward Citations = 2,302(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,699(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

Location History:

Prince George, VA (US) (1995)
Yorktown, VA (US) (1998 - 2003)
Roanoke, VA (US) (2016)
Blacksburg, VA (US) (2002 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

71 out of 2,730

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

patents

16 out of 83

Luna Innovations Inc.

patents

4 out of 2,490

United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA

patents

4. 3 out of 2,546

The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the

patents

5. 2 out of 3

Luna Technologies, Inc.

patents

6. 1 out of 123

The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator

patents

Years Active: 1995-2026

Loading Chart...

Areas of Expertise:

Optical Fiber

Micro Optic Assemblies

Interrogation Systems

Shape Sensing

Multi-Core Fiber

Redundant Core

Optical Gratings

Heat Flux Sensing

Fiber Cleaning

Motion Compensation

Polarization Control

Medical Instrumentation

97 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 12678831 - Systems and methods for optical fiber cleaning and interface particle reduction (2026-07-14),

2. 12546584 - Micro optic assemblies and optical interrogation systems (2026-02-10),

3. 12449252 - Calculation of redundant bend in multi-core fiber for safety (2025-10-21),

4. 12411278 - Redundant core in multicore optical fiber for safety (2025-09-09),

5. 12399357 - Directing light into an optical fiber (2025-08-26),

6. 12372344 - Methods and apparatus for OFDR interrogator monitoring and optimization (2025-07-29),

7. 12318164 - Systems and methods for controlling a robotic manipulator or associated tool (2025-06-03),

8. 12235138 - Optical fiber with microgratings for increased measurable strain range (2025-02-25),

9. 12235095 - Methods and apparatus to determine a shape of an optical fiber sensor (2025-02-25),

10. 12228434 - Overlapping fiber gratings (2025-02-18),

11. 12178550 - System and method for distributed heat flux sensing of body tissue (2024-12-31),

12. 11940305 - Methods and apparatus for determining shape parameter(s) using a sensing fiber having a single core with multiple light propagating modes (2024-03-26),

13. 11899248 - Systems and methods for optical fiber cleaning and interface particle reduction (2024-02-13),

14. 11828586 - Methods and apparatus to determine a twist parameter and/or a bend angle associated with a multi-core fiber (2023-11-28),

15. 11815371 - Overlapping fiber gratings (2023-11-14),

Title: Mark Earl Froggatt: A Visionary in Optical Fiber Innovations

Introduction

Mark Earl Froggatt, an accomplished inventor based in Blacksburg, VA, has made significant contributions to the field of optical fibers, holding an impressive portfolio of 88 patents. His work has paved the way for advancements in stress-sensing and shape-sensing applications, enhancing the performance and capabilities of optical systems.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations are several notable patents. One such invention is focused on overlapping fiber gratings. This innovative design incorporates optical fibers that utilize overlapping grating configurations with chirped gratings to effectively facilitate strain delay registration. In different embodiments of this invention, a fiber core may feature two overlapping sets of chirped gratings differing in the direction of chirp, or a set of chirped gratings in conjunction with a single-frequency grating. Additionally, Froggatt has developed a system and method for distributed heat flux sensing of body tissue. This system employs a distributed sensor that provides temperature measurements across several points in a measurement range, allowing for the accurate determination of thermal energy application and heat flux at each point based on collected data.

Career Highlights

Froggatt has a rich career history, having made significant contributions while working with prominent companies such as Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. and Luna Innovations Inc. His expertise in the field of optical fibers and sensing technologies has made him an invaluable asset to these organizations, further solidifying his reputation as a leading inventor.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Froggatt has collaborated with talented individuals, including Dawn K. Gifford and Eric E. Sanborn. These partnerships have allowed him to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering innovation and creativity in his projects.

Conclusion

Mark Earl Froggatt’s dedication to advancing optical fiber technologies and his impressive array of patents reflect his unwavering commitment to innovation. His work continues to have a profound impact in areas such as medical diagnostics and materials sensing, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the world of inventions.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.