Patents Examined by Francis M. LeGasse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9685578
    Abstract: A photocoupler comprises a light emitting element, a light-sensing element, a transparent inner encapsulant body, an outer covering body, and two conductive frames. An optically reflective surface is formed on the outer covering body directly in contact with the dome encapsulant portion of the transparent inner encapsulant body. A portion of the light emitted by the light emitting element is reflected to the light-sensing element through the optically reflective surface, and the other portion of the light emitted from the light emitting element is directly emitting to the light-sensing element through the dome encapsulant portion. The present invention applies the optically reflective surface to minimize the overlapping area between the two conductive frames, and reduces the capacitance value, and increases the CMRR in a manner that the photocoupler of the present invention is able to meet the standard of electrical characteristics as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Poh-Loong Chew
  • Patent number: 9683887
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a circuit board, a light emitting module, a light receiving module, and an optical coupling lens. The circuit board includes two positioning portions apart from each other. The light emitting module and the light receiving module are mounted on the circuit board, and are spaced apart from each other. The optical coupling lens includes a bottom surface facing the light emitting module and the light receiving module, two first converging portions formed on the bottom surface, and two locating portions. Centers of the positioning portions are aligned with centers of the locating portions to ensure perfect alignment of the light emitting module and the light receiving module with the first converging portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting(Shenzhen)Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Hung, Li-Ying Wang He
  • Patent number: 9678251
    Abstract: An optical head for receiving incident light is provided. The optical head comprises a transmissive cosine corrector and a reflector disposed to face the transmissive cosine corrector. The transmissive cosine corrector is disposed in an optical path of the incident light and shields the reflector from the incident light. The transmissive cosine corrector converts the incident light to scattered light having a Lambertian pattern. The reflector has an optical output section that transmits the scattered light and a reflective section that reflects the scattered light to the transmissive cosine corrector and/or the other portions of the reflective sections. An optical system using the optical head is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OTO PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventor: Chien-Hsiang Hung
  • Patent number: 9678243
    Abstract: A detection device for detecting something existed in the high temperature cavity, for detecting the glass substrate sending into or outing of the high temperature cavity, wherein, the detection device comprises a deflection probe and a detection element, the deflection probe comprises a fixed probe and the deflection probe in the same line, which is assembled at the side wall of the high temperature cavity, when the glass substrate is sending into the high temperature cavity and touching the deflection probe, the deflection probe will be connected with the detection element, the detection element will send out a electrical sensor signal for showing the glass substrate is push into the cavity. Therefore, it can be determined in time that the glass substrate and the other elements are still existed in the high temperature cavity or not with some simple machines or detection elements, the detecting process is timely and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Song Wang
  • Patent number: 9667899
    Abstract: An analog-digital converting device includes a successive approximation register (SAR) analog-digital converting circuit suitable for resolving upper N-bits for an input signal, a single-slope (SS) analog-digital converting circuit suitable for resolving lower M-bits for the input signal after the SAR analog-digital converting circuit resolves the upper N-bits, and a combining circuit suitable for combining the upper N-bits and the lower M-bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignees: SK HYNIX INC., INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ja-Seung Gou, Oh-Kyong Kwon, Min-Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9664537
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an encoder system comprising an encoder assembly and an encoder alignment structure is disclosed. The encoder assembly may include at least a detector, a hub, a housing, an index sensor of the detector, and a coding member having an index mark. The encoder alignment structure may have a projecting structure. The detector may be coupled with the housing, and the projecting structure may slideably engage the hub so as to align the index mark of the coding member with the index sensor of the detector in a first alignment arrangement. In another embodiment, an encoder assembly configured for receiving an alignment structure having a projecting structure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Kek Leong Yap, Siow Ming Tan, Cheng Kwong Cheang
  • Patent number: 9666618
    Abstract: A pixel array includes a plurality of pixel structures, with each pixel structure having a photo-sensitive element for generating charge in response to incident light; a charge conversion element; a first transfer gate and a second transfer gate connected in series between the photosensitive element and the charge conversion element or between the photosensitive element and a supply line; and an output stage. A first transfer gate control line is connected to the first transfer gates of a first sub-set of the pixel structures in the array; and a second transfer gate control line connected to the second transfer gates of a second sub-set of the pixel structures in the array. The first sub-set of pixel structures and second sub-set of pixel structures partially overlap, having at least one pixel structure in common between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CMOSIS NV
    Inventor: Guy Meynants
  • Patent number: 9658443
    Abstract: Images are detected in a manner that addresses various challenges as discussed herein. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, aspects are directed to an apparatus having sets of photosensors that detect light rays received at different angles from a specimen via a microlens array, with the light rays detected by each set of photosensors representing an aliased view of the specimen. An output indicative of aliased views of the specimen is provided. Certain embodiments further include a logic circuit that processes the output and generates a deconvolved volume image by combining aliased views of the specimen as detected by the photosensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Michael J. Broxton, Marc S. Levoy, Noy Cohen, Logan Grosenick, Samuel Yang, Karl A. Deisseroth
  • Patent number: 9651403
    Abstract: Provided are an absolute position measurement method, an absolute position measurement apparatus, and a scale. The scale includes a scale pattern formed by replacing repeatedly arranged pseudo-random-codes with a sequence of a linear feedback shift register of N stages using a first symbol with first width representing a first state and a second symbol with second width representing a second state. The first is divided into two or more first symbol areas of different structures, and the second symbol is divided into two or more second symbol areas of different structures. There is at least one overlap area in which the first symbol and the second symbol overlap each other to have the same structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Jong-Ahn Kim, Jae-Wan Kim, Tae-Bong Eom, Chu-Shik Kang, Jong-Han Jin
  • Patent number: 9641259
    Abstract: A photoelectric sensor uses a selective pulse detection technique and associated synchronization techniques to improve the quality of pulse detection, the operating range of the sensor, and the sensor's immunity to noise. These improvements also yield faster sensor response times and reduce the design cycle time. A modulated light beam emitted by the sensor's emitter comprises multiple pulse periods, with a pulse being transmitted within each period. The pulses are positioned within their respective periods at a defined offset time relative to the start of the periods, where the offset time can vary between periods according to a defined pattern. The receiver can selectively sample the signal based on synchronization information to determine whether the received signal contains the emitted pulse pattern. Through-beam sensor embodiments can generate the synchronization information internally based on an analysis of the analog signal corresponding to the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Charlantini, Gregory J. Reimann, Derek W. Gallon, Frederic Boutaud
  • Patent number: 9638855
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source and a light guide formed in a rod shape. An end surface in a longitudinal direction is an incident surface that receives light emitted from the light source. Diffusing patterns are formed on the light guide, and intervals between the diffusing patterns closer to the incident surface in a first area close to the incident surface are smaller than intervals between the diffusing patterns closer to the incident surface in a second area farther from the incident surface than the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CANON COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Hidemasa Yoshida, Yoshihiko Tsumekawa
  • Patent number: 9640682
    Abstract: A device for emitting electromagnetic radiation includes at least one optical semiconductor element configured to generate electromagnetic radiation, at least one photodiode, and at least one beam splitter. The beam splitter is arranged relative to the optical semiconductor element and the photodiode in such a way that one portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the optical semiconductor element passes through the beam splitter and a further portion of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the optical semiconductor element is reflected by the beam splitter and is directed onto the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Fix, Patrick Sonstroem, Gottfried Doehler
  • Patent number: 9638911
    Abstract: An autofocus mechanism includes a light source emitting light through an objective lens at a work piece; a first detector detecting a portion of light reflected by the work piece and generating a first signal; a second detector detecting a portion of the reflected light and generating a second signal; a first amplifier amplifying the first signal and generating a first amplified signal; a second amplifier amplifying the second signal and generating a second amplified signal; an amplification rate definer defining an amplification rate of each of the first amplifier and the second amplifier based on the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal, respectively; and a calculator identifying a focal position of the objective lens based on the first amplified signal and the second amplified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shohei Udo
  • Patent number: 9638482
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a digital detector apparatus for use with a sensor unit is provided wherein the sensor unit includes an emitter device and a receiver device, the receiver device having a capacitance. The digital detector apparatus comprises at least a first input port, first output port, and a second output port; and an A/D converter circuit wherein an input of the A/D converter circuit is coupled to the first input port for receiving an output of the receiver device; wherein the first output port of the digital detector apparatus is coupled for charging and discharging the capacitance of the receiver device; the second output port of the digital detector apparatus is coupled for driving the emitter device; and the A/D converter circuit derives a sensor output value from the output of the receiver device during a number of charging and discharging cycles. A digital smoke detector and a method of generating an output signal in a digital detector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ingolf E. Frank
  • Patent number: 9631974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photoarray (1), comprising: a plurality of cells (10), wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a means (20)that is configured to generate a photocurrent (I) being proportional to the intensity (L) of the light impinging on the respective cell (10), and wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a change detection circuit (100) connected to the respective means (20) for generating the photocurrent (I), which change detection circuit (100) is configured to generate an output signal merely in case a change event occurs at which said intensity (L) changes by a threshold amount (T, T?) since the preceding change event from the respective cell (10). According to the invention said means (20) for generating said photocurrent (I) is additionally also used to estimate the magnitude of the said photocurrent (I) being a measure of the brightness of the light at the respective cell (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITÄT ZÜRICH
    Inventors: Tobias Delbruck, Raphael Berner
  • Patent number: 9634156
    Abstract: A silicon photomultiplier device is provided. The device comprises a plurality of photosensitive cells each having a photo-detector, a quench resistive load and a first stage capacitive load. The device is arranged in a three electrode connection configuration comprising first and second electrodes arranged to operably provide a biasing of the device and a third electrode operably used to readout a signal from the device. A second stage capacitive load is operably coupled to two or more photosensitive cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sensl Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Nikolai Pavlov, Carl Jackson, Kevin O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9625283
    Abstract: An encoder includes a track having optical effecters arranged to have an absolute pattern in a measurement direction, a light source configured to emit diffusion light to the track, and a light receiving array configured to have light receiving elements arranged in the measurement direction and to receive light reflected or transmitted by the track. The light receiving elements fall within an area which is positioned corresponding to an area between the optical effecters and to which the light reflected by the track dose not reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yasushi Yoshida, Yasuhiro Matsutani, Shiro Yoshidomi, Hiroshi Takada, Yuji Arinaga, Ikuma Murokita, Masanobu Harada, Hiroki Kondo
  • Patent number: 9627429
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device has a sensor substrate having a pixel region on which photoelectric converters are arrayed; a driving circuit provided on a front face side that is opposite from a light receiving face as to the photoelectric converters on the sensor substrate; an insulation layer, provided on the light receiving face, and having a stepped construction wherein the film thickness of the pixel region is thinner than the film thickness in a periphery region provided on the outside of the pixel region; a wiring provided to the periphery region on the light receiving face side; and on-chip lenses provided to positions corresponding to the photoelectric converters on the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ikue Mitsuhashi, Kentaro Akiyama, Koji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 9621834
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging element including a pixel unit configured to include a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and a pixel signal readout unit configured to include an analog-digital conversion unit that carries out analog-digital conversion of a pixel signal read out from the pixel unit. Each one of the pixels in the pixel unit includes a plurality of divided pixels arising from division into regions different from each other in optical sensitivity or a charge accumulation amount. The pixel signal readout unit reads out divided-pixel signals of the divided pixels in the pixel. The analog-digital conversion unit carries out analog-digital conversion of the divided-pixel signals that are read out and adds the divided-pixel signals to each other to obtain a pixel signal of one pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Ui
  • Patent number: 9618650
    Abstract: A multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor capable of performing muting processing adapted to a plurality of kinds of workpieces having different heights without the need for complicated pre-setting according to the kinds of workpieces, is provided. The multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor is provided with a light projecting device and a light receiving device, which forms a plurality of optical axes together with the light projecting device. In at least one portion of a detection area, which is set according to the optical axes, a muting area for nullifying the result of detection of blocked light is set up. A sensor system acquires a range of blocked light corresponding to the blocked optical axis during passage of a workpiece, and alters the muting area of the multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor from a first range to a second range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keisaku Kikuchi, Kazunori Osako