Patents Represented by Attorney Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 5526255
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a zoom system within a printer is disclosed where the zoom system is adapted to selectively enlarge or reduce an original image such that the enlarged or reduced image can be printed onto a recording medium. Further, the zoom system is adapted to selectively adjust an aspect ratio of the original image. The zoom system utilizes a phase lock loop to produce a pixel clock in a fast scan direction and a governing motor control to alter incremental movement of the recording medium in the slow scan direction, thus, individual pixel size can be manipulated by varying a frequency of the pixel clock to alter a width of the pixel projected onto the recording medium and by governing overlap of successive print lines, and repeating print lines if necessary, to alter a length of the pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin K. Shenk
  • Patent number: 5490033
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device that fits within a connector for high frequency cables having a tubular ground conductor surrounding one or more core conductors. The electrostatic discharge protection device creates a shunt across the one or more core conductors and the ground conductor thus electrically grounding any electrostatic discharge on the one or more core conductors. Upon joining of a complimentary receptor to the connector, the electrostatic discharge protection device automatically withdraws the shunt reestablishing electrical isolation among the one or more core conductors and the ground conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: David V. Cronin
  • Patent number: 5483202
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a controlled output clock signal which is frequency and phase referenced to an input signal is disclosed. The compensation is programmable to allow an external source, such as a processor, to download a compensation factor to create a variable frequency phase locked loop. A separate programmable divider is downloaded with a complimentary value to adjust the varied frequency signal to the frequency of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin K. Shenk
  • Patent number: 5452285
    Abstract: An optical information storage medium (e.g., disk) has an arrangement of optically detectable marks in a uniform angularly offset, polar array wherein each mark carries timing, tracking and addressing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Marinus J. B. M. Monen
  • Patent number: 5448265
    Abstract: An optical printer, suitable for use in printing upon a recording medium, includes a tubular compensator disposed between a print head and the recording medium. The print head directs an elongated exposing beam through the compensator to impinge upon the medium, and the beam effects a line exposure across the medium. A transport device introduces relative motion between the medium and the print head during a line exposure by the beam. The relative motion is perpendicular to the exposure line and introduces a smear to each exposure line as well as an overlap between exposure lines. The tubular compensator includes inner and outer cylindrical surfaces having centers of curvature displaced relative to each other resulting in a wedge-like cross-section to a wall of the tubular compensator. The wedge angle varies with rotation of the compensator to provide for a linear deflection of the beam during a line exposure by the beam, thereby offsetting the advancement of the medium during the line exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5400969
    Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquids to be burned in an internal combustion engine or furnace for the purpose of increasing fuel efficiency, improving cold weather starting and reducing pollution. The device may also be used in non combustion processes such as heating coating or disbursing. A three dimensionally porous electric heating element constructed of a PTC ceramic is utilized in combination with a liquid injection apparatus for the purpose of vaporizing liquid injected into it. The PTC ceramic is resistantly heated by electrical power leads a temperature at which the injected liquid vaporizes and diffuses through its pores. The porous PTC ceramic is designed to auto-stabilize its temperature at a point for the optimum vaporization of the desired liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Christopher M. Keene
  • Patent number: D368256
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. Stropkay, Mark A. Nichols