Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Patricia A Verlangieri
  • Patent number: 6819055
    Abstract: According to this method, before a high-frequency pulse train is applied between the two electrodes of a pair carried by one plate, at least one sustain pulse is applied between an electrode of this pair and an electrode of another plate of the panel. As the sustain discharges are not generated between the same electrodes as the stabilized discharges, the electrodes may be moved further apart so as to lower the stabilization frequency without thereby having to increase the sustain voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: Laurent Tessier
  • Patent number: 6791911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motion control system for driving a motor-driven device precisely to a predetermined position in a short time. More particularly, this invention relates to a CD-carousel loader having a precise and short access to the next information medium. The object of the invention is to provide a motion control system for a platter of a CD carousel which requires little outlay and satisfies the requirements in respect of high positioning accuracy, short motion duration and self-locking. According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a drive system comprising a motor driving circuit and a braking circuit having a common input terminal responsive to a pulse signal during a deceleration period in front of a predetermined position of the motor-driven device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventors: Feng Shaun Zhou, Nan Rong
  • Patent number: 6788639
    Abstract: Reproduction and/or recording device for optical recording media having a unit for adjusting the inclination of a bearing, is disclosed. The device includes a unit for adjusting the inclination of a bearing of a laser disk scanning apparatus, which has a board to which the bearing is fastened. The inclination of the bearing can be set with regard to the board by setting units, which alters the distance between the board and the bearing, the selling units each having at least one elastic element, is known. In order to improve the device to the extent that its individual components are inexpensive to produce and the adjustment can be carried out rapidly and in a simple manner, it is provided that the board has at least two elastic lugs, which are connected to the bearing. The inclinations of the lugs can be set with regard to the board by setting units, which act on the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Fritz Weisser, Rolf Dupper
  • Patent number: 6788637
    Abstract: An apparatus for reading from and/or writing to optical recording media on which data markings are arranged along tracks arranged next to one another. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a light source, a focusing means and an intensity distribution converter. In the present invention, both the extent of the focus spot of the primary beam is reduced and the disadvantages occurring due to the secondary beams are reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the intensity distribution converter comprises a filtering strip arranged in the region of the focusing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Lieu Kim Dang, Fang Lei
  • Patent number: 6784606
    Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) having an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating at least one electron beam is provided. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor elements on an interior surface thereof. A focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive strands, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive strands defines a plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the phosphor elements on the screen. Each of the first conductive strands has a substantially continuous insulating material layer formed on a screen facing side thereof. A plurality of second conductive wires are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive lines and are bonded thereto by the insulating material layer. The insulating material layer comprises a low porosity lead-zinc-borosilicate glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventors: Attiganal Narayanaswamy Sreeram, Leszek Hozer
  • Patent number: 6781948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reading from and/or writing to optical recording media having a scanning unit, which is equipped with at least two detector units each having a plurality of detector elements, and also an evaluation unit, each of the detector elements being connected to the evaluation unit by means of a line. The object of the present invention is to simplify the structure of a device of this type. This object is achieved by virtue of the fact that detector elements of different detector units are each connected to the evaluation unit via a single line. The device according to the invention is advantageously a device which can read from and/or write to not only optical recording media which correspond to a CD standard but also those which correspond to a DVD standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Büchler, Lieu-Kim Dang, Friedhelm Zucker
  • Patent number: 6777864
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tension mask having a frequency distribution with improved vibration damping. The tension mask includes a center portion between two edge portions. The tension mask also has a parabolic frequency distribution between the edge portions whereby the center portion has a central frequency distribution value and the edge portions have a relatively lower peripheral frequency distribution value characterized in that the range of variation between the center and edge portions frequency distribution value is in the closed interval of about 8 Hz≦&Dgr;≦12 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Joseph Arthur Reed, Gary Lee Diven
  • Patent number: 6737797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode-ray tube having funnel sealed at one end to a faceplate panel with a viewing screen on an interior surface thereof, the funnel and the faceplate panel form an evacuated envelope, and a mask frame assembly supported within the envelope and in proximity to the screen. The cathode-ray tube includes a knee action circuit connector which electrically connects the internal conductive coating which is supported on an inside surface of the funnel. The knee action circuit connector is disposed between the exterior surface of the magnetic shield and the inside surface of the funnel and extends from the magnetic shield to form a curved first contact portion resiliently engaging the conductive coating of the funnel and a second contact portion extending from the curved portion and urged inwardly against the exterior surface of the internal magnetic shield thereby making electrical contact between the conductive coating and the internal magnetic shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventor: Raymond Edward Keller
  • Patent number: 6720722
    Abstract: A color picture tube having a tensioned mask supported by a frame mounted within the tube. The frame is constructed of a carbon steel material, and the mask is constructed of a nickel alloy material that expands substantially less per unit length than does the frame in the normal operating temperature range of the tube, and expands substantially the same per unit length as the frame in the higher thermal cycling temperature range used during tube processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Rein Roman Mutso, Edward Richard Garrity, Jr., Christopher Lee French
  • Patent number: 6717345
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of maintaining spacing between tension focus mask strands in a tension focus mask. The method includes providing a tension focus mask comprising busbars with crosswires connected therebetween. A permanent adhesive is applied to the screen-side of the mask strands. Next, novel non-permanent horizontal guide members are attached to the gun-side of the mask strands, where an adhesive is applied to the guide member before the guide members are applied to the mask. The guide members maintain the vertical mask strand spacing during: (1) the application of the horizontal crosswires to the screen-side of the mask and (2) the subsequent thermal processing. The thermal processing cures the adhesive on the screen-side of the mask, thereby: (1) permanently attaching the crosswires to the mask strands and (2) volatilizing the adhesive on the gun-side of the mask strands such that the non-permanent guide member detach from the mask strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Richard LaPeruta, Jr., Edward Richard Garrity, Jr., Donald Walter Bartch, James Francis Edwards
  • Patent number: 6696778
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for terminating crosswires on a tension focus mask. The apparatus includes a set of base segment side rails each having a length and two respective ends. A pair of square tubes attached perpendicular to the respective ends of said base segment side rails to substantially form a rectangle. Also included are a pair of massive side rails having a length and two respective ends mounted above said base segments perpendicularly to said square tubes on each of the side rapid. Beam shield is offered to the massive side rail and insulating members are sandwiched between the side rail and a bus bar. Finally, a tension mask is attached and crosswires are laid and affixed to the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventors: James Edward Doty, Joey John Michalchuk, Richard William Nosker
  • Patent number: 6683401
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tension mask frame assembly 10 in which mask support members 40 are provided with side walls 42, 46 and a back wall 44 that are held together primarily by means of either tabs formed along an edge of the back wall 48 received into respective apertures 50 in the side wall 42 or by means of a ridge 69 formed in the side wall 62 which abuts the back wall 64.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Istvan Gorog, Walter David Masterton, Alan Weir Bucher
  • Patent number: 6680563
    Abstract: A color picture tube (10) has a tensioned mask (24) supported by a support frame (28) mounted within the tube. The mask has a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the frame. Intermediate members (48) are located between the mask and the frame. The intermediate members are of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the mask. The frame has elongated tabs (46) extending therefrom. Each of the tabs is attached at one end thereof to the remaining portion of the frame. The distal ends of the tabs are welded to the intermediate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Joseph Arthur Reed, Gary Lee Diven
  • Patent number: 6678222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reading from and/or writing to optical recording media with optical scanner, light source, focusing means, tilting-detection device and tilting-compensation device. The object of the invention is to propose an apparatus and a method, which enables optimum compensation of tilting using as few apparatus functions as possible. This is achieved according to the invention by using a tilting-detection device comprising an optical grating, a detector element, a control device for controlling light source and the focusing means and a control device controlling for the tilting-compensation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing, S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz-Jörg Schröder, Lieu Kim Dang
  • Patent number: 6677700
    Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube has an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating an electron beam. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor elements on an interior surface thereof. A focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive strands, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive strands defines a plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the phosphor elements on the screen. Each of the first conductive strands has a substantially continuous insulating material layer formed on a screen-facing side thereof. A plurality of second conductive wires are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive strands and are bonded thereto by the insulating material layer. The insulating material layer is partially or slightly conductive to an extent sufficient to prevent an accumulation of a significant electrical charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventors: Samuel Paul Benigni, Wilber Clarence Stewart, Philip Michael Heyman, Richard William Nosker
  • Patent number: 6674224
    Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) having an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating at least one electron beam is disclosed. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor lines on an interior surface thereof. A tension focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first electrodes, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The plurality of spaced-apart first electrodes has a screen-facing side having a predetermined width and a relatively wider electron-gun-facing side. Each side forming sharp corner edges extending along the length of each first electrodes. A substantially continuous insulating material is deposited on the screen-facing side and on the corners of the first electrodes to shield the sharp corner edges of the first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first electrodes and are bonded thereto by the insulating material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Edward Richard Garrity, Jr., Kevin Duane Close, Steven Anthony Colbert, Richard LaPeruta, Jr., David Paul Ciampa, Samuel Paul Benigni
  • Patent number: 6668450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of an MID device. Proceeding from a conductor track sheet, which comprises a support sheet as well as conductor tracks arranged thereon, a plastic body is injection-molded onto this conductor track sheet. The conductor tracks have a surface having numerous microscopically small projections and depressions and are designed so as to thereby produce a positively locking connection between the conductor tracks and the plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Hans-Otto Haller, Volker Strubel, Gunter Beitinger
  • Patent number: 6646207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a flat cable assembly in which two or more flat cable sub-assemblies having respective non-orthogonal proximate terminations and respective non-orthogonal distal terminations are adapted to form a substantially straight helix structure providing a self-supporting cable assembly while reducing mechanical stresses on termination points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventor: Raymond McKay Featherstone, III
  • Patent number: 6646393
    Abstract: A method of operating a positive tolerance color cathode-ray tube (CRT) having an evacuated envelope with an electron gun and a focus mask therein for generating at least one electron beam. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen of color-emitting phosphor stripes on an interior surface thereof. The color-emitting phosphor stripes each have a width slightly smaller than one-third of the screen pitch, such that large clipping and leaving tolerances may be achieved therewith. The focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive electrodes, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive electrodes defines a plurality of slots substantially parallel to the color-emitting phosphor stripes on the screen. Each of the first conductive electrodes has a substantially continuous insulating material layer formed on a screen facing side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S. A.
    Inventors: Richard LaPeruta, Jr., George Milton Ehemann, Jr., Brian Thomas Collins
  • Patent number: 6509194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining ammoniacal species concentration in a gas sample. In one embodiment, trace concentration of ammonia in an air sample is determined by monitoring emission intensity from an excited radical species (NH*), which is produced in a reaction between ammonia and fluorine. The observed emission intensity is compared with calibration data obtained from previously analyzed gas samples containing ammonia. The method and apparatus can also be adapted to detect ammoniacal species concentration in other NH-containing gas samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Barry Gelernt