Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm John R. Ross
  • Patent number: 6744223
    Abstract: A multicolor lamp system. The multicolor lamp system includes a dimming circuit and an illumination module electrically connected to the dimming circuit. The illumination module has a detection circuit for detecting the output of the dimming circuit. The detection circuit generates a detection signal corresponding to the output of the dimming circuit. A microcontroller is programmed to receive the detection signal and to supply a corresponding electrical signal to a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are able to generate a variety of colors corresponding to the electrical signal supplied from the microcontroller. In a preferred embodiment the illumination module also includes an infrared receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Quebec, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 6738147
    Abstract: A far-field simulator (FFS) which can be accurately calibrated and verified to sub-wavelength optical precision under any applicable test conditions is described. The FFS can be used over a tremendous range of ambient temperatures, and other conditions without detriment to its inherent accuracy. The accuracy is provided by means of interferometric self-reference capability rather than by complex, delicate, and/or extremely expensive metering structures. As such, the described approach provides a test instrument that is highly insensitive to packing, shipping, and other sources of system misalignment, and yet provides alignment accuracy to the extent practically achievable by comparable systems. These preferred embodiments include an FFS with an autostigmatic cube an objective mirror and interferometer optics for calibrating the FFS with precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Yafuso
  • Patent number: 6730900
    Abstract: A novel MOS or CMOS based active sensor array for producing electronic images from electron-hole producing light. Each pixel of the array includes a layered photodiode for converting the electron-hole producing light into electrical charges and MOS and/or CMOS pixel circuits located under the layered photodiodes for collecting the charges. The present invention also provides additional MOS or CMOS circuits in and/or on the same crystalline substrate for converting the collected charges into images and manipulating image data. The layered photodiode of each pixel is fabricated as continuous layers of charge generating material on top of the MOS and/or CMOS pixel circuits so that extremely small pixels are possible with almost 100 percent packing factors. In a preferred embodiment the sensor is a 0.3 mega pixel (3.2 mm×2.4 mm, 640×480) array of 5 micron square pixels which is compatible with a lens of {fraction (1/4.5)} inch optical format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: e-Phocus, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Chiang Hsish, Calvin Chao
  • Patent number: 6717050
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an electronic module to a control panel. A flange is attached to an electronic module body section. At least one bracket is rotatably attached to the flange. The rotation of the at least one bracket is controllable from the front side of the control panel. When the at least one bracket is tightened a compressive force holding the electronic module body section in place is imparted between the flange, the control panel wall and the at least one bracket. In a preferred embodiment the at least one bracket is two brackets. In the preferred embodiment the two brackets are further controllable from the back side of the control panel. Also, in the preferred embodiment, two bolts are inserted through the flange. Two locking nuts are attached to the two bolts. The electronic module body section has two cavities for housing the two brackets prior to tightening them against the control panel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Joanne Begin, Philippe Lessard
  • Patent number: 6714800
    Abstract: A wireless cellular communication system in which groups of cellular base stations communicate with a central office via a narrow-band millimeter wave trunk line. The transceivers are equipped with antennas providing beam divergence small enough to ensure efficient spatial and directional partitioning of the data channels so that an almost unlimited number of transceivers will be able to simultaneously use the same millimeter wave spectrum. In a preferred embodiment the trunk line communication link operates within the 92 to 95 GHz portion of the millimeter spectrum. A large number of base stations are each allocated a few MHz portion of a 900 MHz bandwidth of the millimeter wave trunk line. A first transceiver transmits at a first bandwidth and receives at a second bandwidth both within the above spectral range. A second transceiver transmits at the second bandwidth and receives at the first bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Johnson, John Lovberg, Kenneth Y. Tang, Randall Olsen, Vladimir Kolinko
  • Patent number: 6695662
    Abstract: A surfing craft with removable fin. A removable fin is disposed in a fin box and the fin box is disposed in a surfing craft body. A releasable locking mechanism has a spring actuated locking arm, a locking tab and an indention. The spring actuated locking arm applies spring force for locking the locking tab into the indention. A counter force is applied to the spring actuated locking arm to remove the fin from the fin box. In one preferred embodiment, the locking tab is attached to the locking arm and the locking arm is bendably connected to the fin. In this preferred embodiment the indention is on the fin box and the locking arm's locking tab is engaged with the indention of the fin box to prevent the fin from disconnecting from the fin box. Also in this preferred embodiment, by applying finger force the locking arm is bent causing the locking tab to disengage the indention so that the fin can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6696478
    Abstract: A chemotheraputic cancer treatment in which Gö6976 or a compound chemically similar to Gö6976 is administered to a mammal for the treatment of the cancer. The chemical compound is targeted to PKC &agr; activity. Experiments have shown Gö6976 and similar compounds to be effective for the treatment of breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, bone cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, brain tumor, cervical cancer, and cancers located in the digestive tract including gastric cancer and colorectal cancers. These treatments may be accomplished utilizing Gö6976 and compounds similar to it alone or in combination with prior art chemotherapy agents or with radiation therapy. In a preferred embodiment Gö6976 is used for the treatment of cancer as a preventative drug by preventing cancer cell formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Zhimin Lu, Keming Wang
  • Patent number: 6683679
    Abstract: An optical flow monitor. Fluid flow is determined by correlating two interference signals produced by coherent laser beams passing through a flowing fluid at two spaced-apart paths. The distance between the two paths is known and the correlation of the two signals is used to determine the time required for the fluid to flow between the two paths. In a preferred embodiment actually built and tested by Applicant the correlation is made by having an operator monitor on an oscilloscope the intensities of interference fringes corresponding to each of the two beam paths. Intensity variations in the interference fringes are caused by the same turbulent eddies passing each of the two paths. These turbulent eddies cause fluctuations in the index of refraction of the fluid which produce similar patterns on the oscilloscope which are separated on the oscilloscope time scale by an amount corresponding to the distance between the two beam paths and the flow rate of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
    Inventor: Mikhail Belenkii
  • Patent number: 6665546
    Abstract: A point-to-point, wireless, millimeter wave trunk line communications link at high data rates in excess of 1 Gbps and at ranges of several miles during normal weather conditions. This link is combined with an Ethernet network to provide high speed digital data communication among a large number of users. In a preferred embodiment a trunk line communication link operates within the 92 to 95 GHz portion of the millimeter spectrum. A first transceiver transmits at a first bandwidth and receives at a second bandwidth both within the above spectral range. A second transceiver transmits at the second bandwidth and receives at the first bandwidth. The transceivers are equipped with antennas providing beam divergence small enough to ensure efficient spatial and directional partitioning of the data channels so that an almost unlimited number of transceivers will be able to simultaneously use the same spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Slaughter, Jon Hill, Thomas Lambert, Huan Nguyen, Randall Olsen, John Lovberg, Kenneth Y. Tang, Vladimir Kolinko
  • Patent number: 6637473
    Abstract: A device and method for the automated storage and retrieval of trays holding subject matter. A plurality of trays is inserted into an access device. A computer system is programmed to control a storage gantry to move the trays between the access device, a storage rack and a work cell gantry. The computer system is also programmed to control the work cell gantry to move the subject matter to and from an automated receiving machine. In a preferred embodiment, the subject matter in the trays is a plurality of micro-well plates in which microscopic crystals may be growing and the automated receiving machine is configured to inspect and classify microscopic crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Ganz, John Andrew Moulds, Chritopher T. Brovold, David W. Jewell, Mandel W. Mickley, John A. Adams
  • Patent number: 6632219
    Abstract: A laser treatment device and process with controlled cooling. The device contains a cooling element with high heat conduction properties, which is transparent to the laser beam. A surface of the cooling element is held in contact with the tissue being treated while at least one other surface of the cooling element is cooled by the evaporation of a cryogenic fluid. The cooling is coordinated with the application of the laser beam so as to control the temperatures of all affected layers of tissues. In a preferred embodiment useful for removal of wrinkles and spider veins, the cooling element is a sapphire plate. A cryogenic spray cools the top surface of the plate and the bottom surface of the plate is in contact with the skin. In preferred embodiments the wavelength of the laser beam is chosen so that absorption in targeted tissue is low enough so that substantial absorption occurs throughout the targeted tissue. In a preferred embodiment for treating large spider veins with diameters in the range of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene Baranov, Nikolai Tankovich
  • Patent number: 6625191
    Abstract: An injection seeded modular gas discharge laser system capable of producing high quality pulsed laser beams at pulse rates of about 4,000 Hz or greater and at pulse energies of about 5 mJ or greater. Two separate discharge chambers are provided, one of which is a part of a master oscillator producing a very narrow band seed beam which is amplified in the second discharge chamber. The chambers can be controlled separately permitting separate optimization of wavelength parameters in the master oscillator and optimization of pulse energy parameters in the amplifying chamber. A preferred embodiment in an ArF excimer laser system configured as a MOPA and specifically designed for use as a light source for integrated circuit lithography. In the preferred MOPA embodiment, each chamber comprises a single tangential fan providing sufficient gas flow to permit operation at pulse rates of 4000 Hz or greater by clearing debris from the discharge region in less time than the approximately 0.25 milliseconds between pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Knowles, Daniel J. W. Brown, Herve A. Besaucele, David W. Myers, Alexander I. Ershov, William N. Partlo, Richard L. Sandstrom, Palash P. Das, Stuart L. Anderson, Igor V. Fomenkov, Richard C. Ujazdowski, Eckehard D. Onkels, Richard M. Ness, Scott T. Smith, William G. Hulburd, Jeffrey Oicles
  • Patent number: 6624349
    Abstract: A heat of fusion thermoelectric generator. A heat source is in thermal contact with a phase change material, wherein the heat source is capable of providing sufficient heat so as to be able to melt the phase change material. The phase change material is in thermal contact with a hot side heat sink. At least one thermoelectric module is disposed between and in thermal contact with the hot side heat sink and a cold side heat sink. Electric power is generated by the thermoelectric module from a temperature difference between the hot side heat sink and the cold side heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Bass
  • Patent number: 6621846
    Abstract: Electric discharge laser with active chirp correction. This application discloses techniques for moderating and dispensing these pressure waves. In some lasers small predictable patterns remain which can be substantially corrected with active wavelength control using relatively slow wavelength control instruments of the prior art. In a preferred embodiment a simple learning algorithm is described to allow advance tuning mirror adjustment in anticipation of the learned chirp pattern. Embodiments include stepper motors having very fine adjustments so that size of tuning steps are substantially reduced for more precise tuning. However, complete elimination of wavelength chirp is normally not feasible with structural changes in the laser chamber and advance tuning; therefore, Applicants have developed equipment and techniques for very fast active chirp correction. Improved techniques include a combination of a relatively slow stepper motor and a very fast piezoelectric driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Sandstrom, Palash P. Das, George J. Everage, Frederick G. Erie, William N. Partlo, Igor V. Fomenkov
  • Patent number: 6613040
    Abstract: A laser system in which the gain medium is an excited YAP:Nd crystal. The system is configured so that the crystal produces a twin laser beam comprising wavelengths at both 1079 nm and 1340 nm with substantial intensities at each wavelength. Optical components are described which establish the desired ratio of the intensities of the light at each of the two wavelengths. These ratios, I1079 nm/I1340 nm, may vary from about 0.1 to 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a kit including a YAP:Nd crystal and a specially coated output coupler is provided for converting an existing Nd:YAG laser system to a twin light laser capable of producing the above described twin laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Nikolai Tankovich, Alexie Lukashev
  • Patent number: 6612600
    Abstract: A brazed bicycle frame and method for making. At least two bicycle frame half-shells are fabricated. A filler metal is then placed between the bicycle frame half-shells to form a two-part hollow frame section. The two-part hollow frame section is inserted into a hot volume at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the filler metal but lower than the melting temperature of the two bicycle frame half-shells. The filler metal is allowed to melt. The filler metal is then allowed to cool and harden to form a rigid joint. Preferably, the bicycle frame half-shells each have a flange that facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two-part hollow frame sections. Also it is possible for the filler metal and the bicycle frame half-shells to be placed in an extruded or formed grooved section. The grooved section also facilitates alignment fixturing and assembly of the two part hollow frame sections, and helps to strengthen the braze joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Mike Devitt, Carl W. Schonfeld
  • Patent number: 6613042
    Abstract: A single laser system that operates at any one or any combination of at least five wavelengths each of which are important to medical facilities offering laser cosmetic services. The present invention includes appropriate laser optics and a crystal rod configured to produce a first pulsed laser beam, and appropriate laser optics and a second crystal rod configured to produce a second pulsed laser beam. Both rods are pumped simultaneously preferably from the same pump source. Beams from each of these lasers are frequency doubled using frequency-doubling crystals to produce third and fourth laser beams. The frequencies of the first and second beams are also combined in a sum frequency generating crystal to produce a fifth laser beam. In a preferred embodiment the first and second laser beams are produced using YAP:Nd crystals with wavelengths of 1079 nm and 1341 nm. The third and fourth laser beams at 539.5 nm and 670.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Nikolai Tankovich, Alexie Lukashev
  • Patent number: 6612181
    Abstract: A method for determining crack nucleation for a part subject to fretting fatigue. Fretting fatigue tests are performed on at least one test specimen having a material composition similar to the part. The results of the test are analyzed to determine a variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time which may be referred to as (Q{N}) for the test specimen. A relationship is then determined between (Q{N}) and crack nucleation (Ni) for the test specimen. A variation of stress intensity factor as a function of time (Q{N}) for the part is determined based on the operating conditions and loads of the part. The (Q{N}) for the part is then corresponded to the (Q{N}) for the test specimen to determine a crack nucleation value (Ni) for the part. In a preferred embodiment, a computer is programmed to conduct the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jalees Ahmad
  • Patent number: 6611696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning the antennas of two transceivers of a point-to-point wireless millimeter wave communications link. A narrow band oscillator power source is substituted for the signal transmitting electronics associated with a first antenna and a power detector is substituted for the signal receiving electronics associated with a second antenna. In preferred embodiments after a first alignment procedure is performed, the procedure is repeated with an oscillator power source connected to the second antenna and a power detector connected to the first antenna. In other preferred embodiments the antennas are pre-aligned using a signaling mirror or a narrow beam search light or laser. After the antennas are aligned the transceiver electronics are reconnected. In preferred embodiments the communication link operates within the 92 to 95 GHz portion of the millimeter spectrum and provides data transmission rates in excess of 155 Mbps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Chedester, Paul Johnson, Thomas Lambert, Randall B. Olsen, John Lovberg, Kenneth Y. Tang, Vladimir Kolinko, George Houghton
  • Patent number: D487518
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Ganz, John Andrew Moulds, Christopher T. Brovold