Patents Examined by Mohammad Y. Sikder
  • Patent number: 6398378
    Abstract: A mirror device includes a base for attaching onto a supporting wall and having a stud, a socket secured onto the stud and having a ball, a barrel rotatably engaged onto the ball, and a mirror secured onto the barrel and rotatable and adjustable relative to the base, for allowing the mirror to be directed toward any selected angular position relative to the base. The socket includes a shank coupled to the ball with a neck. A lock sleeve is rotatably engaged onto the ball and threaded to the barrel and has a peripheral flange rotatably engaged between the ball and the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ming Don Shieh
  • Patent number: 6394663
    Abstract: An optical module including a substrate having a groove; an optical waveguide layer formed on the substrate, the optical waveguide layer including an optical waveguide core having first and second ends, the first end being aligned with the groove, and an optical waveguide cladding covering the optical waveguide core; a ferrule having a through hole; and an optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule has a flat cut portion for semicylindrically exposing a part of the optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule is fixed at the flat cut portion to the substrate so that the part of the optical fiber exposed to the flat cut portion is inserted into the groove of the substrate until one end of the optical fiber abuts against the first end of the optical waveguide core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Goji Nakagawa, Kazuhiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6347009
    Abstract: A microscope having a device for selectable illumination for observation of a specimen by ultraviolet light, DUV light, or by visible light, and which can keep ultraviolet light and visible light separate. The microscope includes a visible light illuminating system to illuminate a specimen with visible light, an ultraviolet light illuminating system to illuminate the specimen with ultraviolet light, a visible light observation system to observe the specimen illuminated by the visible light illuminating system, and an ultraviolet light observation system to observe the specimen by the ultraviolet light illuminating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6332688
    Abstract: A light energy efficient and low cost optical system for providing uniform illumination of a light valve. The light source is an extended source generally emitting a non-uniform spatial distribution of light power. The source light is focused into the entrance end of a light transmitting tunnel having reflecting interior wall surfaces and having cross sectional and length dimensions chosen to deliver, at the exit end of the tunnel, light which is substantially uniform is power distribution, over the surface area of the exit end, due multiple reflections from the tunnel walls. The exiting light is advantageously used to uniformly illuminate a light valve. The invention includes a combination of mirrors arranged about the source light to most effectively collect and direct the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Simon Magarill
  • Patent number: 6312164
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Company
    Inventors: Yasumoto Kawamura, Takehiro Hayashi, Ken Kanai, Kazuo Hogari, Shinichi Furukawa, Shinji Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6298183
    Abstract: An optical fiber grating is manufactured by heating intermittently an optical fiber, provided with a core having residual stress in the longitudinal direction, softening a peripheral cladding of the core, and forming spatial periodical changes for the relative refractive index-difference between the core and the cladding, in the longitudinal direction of the aforementioned optical fiber by having the index of refraction of the core change, through the releasing of the aforementioned residual stress. As a result, an optical fiber grating and the manufacturing method thereof, which do not require expensive equipment and which exhibit high productivity, and furthermore a grating characteristic which is stable over time can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryozo Yamauchi, Akira Wada, Tetsuya Sakai, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kensuke Shima, Kenji Nishide, Shigefumi Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6286965
    Abstract: A elemental mirror for vehicles having a luminous reflectance of at least about 30% includes a substrate coated with a thin layer of elemental semiconductor having an index of refraction of at least 3 and an optical thickness of at least about 275 angstroms. Preferably, the elemental semiconductor coating is sputter coated silicon or germanium and a light absorbing coating is included therebehind. The mirror is spectrally nonselective with elemental semiconductor optical thicknesses of about 275 to 2400 angstroms on the front substrate surface. Spectrally selective mirrors are provided by adding an interference coating to the elemental semiconductor layer coating, preferably of a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, on either the front or rear substrate surface, or by using a thicker, single elemental semiconductor layer. Instead of an absorbing coating behind the mirror, additional elemental semiconductor and dielectric thin layers may be included to reduce secondary reflections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Caskey, Niall R. Lynam, Bryant P. Hichwa
  • Patent number: 6286966
    Abstract: A rear view dual mirror assembly comprises a convex mirror on the front and a plane mirror on the reverse side. Whole assembly rotates 360 degrees and tilts/pivots on a fixed base, and is mounted on top of a computer monitor, or on the side of the monitor, using a two sided adhesive foam pad attached to the base. The plane mirror also rotates in its housing, and is used as a vanity mirror, and the convex wide angle mirror is used to achieve the best way to stay aware of your surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Gurmit Singh Mandair, Kamaljit Kaur Mandair
  • Patent number: 6275323
    Abstract: A specific polarized light component out of a light wave passed through a magneto-optic crystal (for example YIG) is extracted by a polarizer. The intensity of the light beam output from the polarizer depends on strength and direction of magnetic fields applied to the magneto-optic crystal. The magneto-optic crystal is applied with a first and a second magnetic field acting in directions different from each other and the strength of the composite magnetic field of them is set to exceed a predetermined value at all times. By varying at least one of the first and second magnetic fields, the attenuation factor in the magneto-optic crystal can be changed continuously and with good reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6252730
    Abstract: An improved mirror mounting assembly is designed for use with an existing mirror for hair grooming and styling. The mirror assembly contains a mirror panel which is adjustable relative to an existing mirror for proper viewing. Once adjusted, the mirror angle does not normally require further adjustment since effective viewing is possible for a range of user heights. The mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage to either panel or assembly when the assembly is mounted on a door and door is opened against an adjacent wall. Similarly, mirror panel rotates to a protected position to prevent damage when the assembly is secured to a wall and an adjacent door is opened against the mirror panel. The mirror panel rotates from its protected position back to its preset viewing angle without intervention by user. The invention includes mounting and support elements which permit the assembly to be removably mounted over top edge of a door without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: J. Roland Chabot
  • Patent number: 6234684
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumoto Kawamura, Takehiro Hayashi, Ken Kanai, Kazuo Hogari, Shinichi Furukawa, Shinji Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6234637
    Abstract: The device according to the invention is characterized in that a toothed rack (7) is articulated to the mirror foot (2) into which a toothed wheel (6) engages which is moved by a drive (5) fastened to the mirror frame (1). The mirror frame (1) is also articulated to the mirror foot (2) via an intermediate joint (8) articulated via a second rotating axle (10) different from the first. A hooked spring (12) which locks the mirror frame (1) to the mirror foot (2) enables the mirror frame (1) to move between two predetermined positions. The mirror frame can be moved from any position thereof by the drive (5) into the two positions and between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Magna Reflex Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Juraschek
  • Patent number: 6231195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method disclosed herein can be utilized in all DMA-based optical systems, such as imaging and projection devices, in order to improve light efficiency and brightness by a significant factor and maintain good contrast. This feature is especially important in night vision systems and other low light applications. A means is provided of masking a designated area of light collected by the system objective lens in order to eliminate light collected from “flat” or “off” state micromirrors that would degrade the image quality produced. The masked objective lens, with a larger aperture, enhances the light collection from micromirrors in the “on” state only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: InterScience, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail A. Gutin
  • Patent number: 6226124
    Abstract: An angular positional data of binoculars in a lateral irection is calculated by integrating output of a gyro sensor. A positional data of correction lenses in the lateral direction is calculated by multiplying a driving step number of a rotor of a stepping motor which drives the correction lenses in the lateral direction, by a driving amount of the lens holding frame, which holds the correction lens, according to a one step rotation of the stepping motor. A difference between the angular positional data and the positional data of the correction lenses is calculated. If the difference is within a range from a positive threshold value to a negative threshold value, an electric power supply to a driving circuit of the stepping motor is stopped. With respect to a lengthwise direction, a similar operation to that of the lateral direction is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Enomoto, Shinji Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6224237
    Abstract: Improved linear illumination sources which utilize external, highly reflective enclosures containing one or more linear openings and thereby achieve improved source efficiency, output irradiance and/or output radiance. Such improved illumination sources may be combined with additional optical elements to produce more complex illumination systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John Colvin Wilson
  • Patent number: 6222952
    Abstract: A measurand is detected by a sensor element forming part of a transducer unit which is filled to an optical fiber or fiber capable such that the fiber is bent or curved to an abnormal level which introduces a measurable loss in the transmission characteristics of the fiber. The transducer unit has three spaced clamp members arranged to be clamped along the length of the fiber. The sensor element is fitted between clamp members and the fiber is guided over a bar located between clamp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventors: Christopher Raymond Moran, Walter Craig Michie
  • Patent number: 6217176
    Abstract: An antiglare film is provided which has a desired range of haze, does not sacrifice external light reflection preventive properties, can improve sharpness of transmitted images, and can lower scintillation. An antiglare film 10 comprises a transparent substrate film 12 and an antiglare layer 18 stacked on the transparent substrate 12. The antiglare layer 18 is formed of a light-transparent resin 14 containing light-transparent fine particles 16 and 46. The difference in refractive index between the light-transparent fine particles 16 and 46 and the light-transparent resin 14 is not less than 0.03 and not more than 0.20. The light-transparent fine particles 16 are different from the light-transparent fine particles 46 in refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6213627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light, wherein a holographic video screen is used as part of an illuminating system. The tendency of such a video screen to backscatter light of certain wavelengths from a predefined direction into a certain solid angle area is utilized to generate holographic images at precisely defined angles. In ambient light, such a video screen need not appear black, or at least dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Guenter Abersfelder, Helmut Grantz, Thorsteinn Halldorsson, Horst Schmidt-Bischoffshausen, Stefan Uhl, Heinrich Alexander Eberl
  • Patent number: 6215587
    Abstract: A method and system for imaging a small object in or behind a highly scattering medium comprises a laser source for illuminating the object with an ultrashort collimated beam of light and a novel microscope for forming a magnified image of the object using light emergent from the highly scattering medium, the emergent light consisting of a scattered component and a non-scattered component. The novel microscope comprises an objective, an eyepiece and an aperture centered at the back focal plane of the objective. The aperture, which may be of a fixed or variable size and controlled electronically or by a computer serves to spatially filter the scattered light component of the light emergent from the highly scattering medium. The system may also comprise a streak camera or similar time resolving device positioned at the image plane of the microscope for temporally filtering the scattered light component of the light emergent from the highly scattering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Robert R. Alfano, Gordon E. Anderson, Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 6213607
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus has a field stop, disposed in a position conjugate to a reticle, for regulating an illumination area on the reticle. The field stop is constructed of two aperture members including light shielding portions, rectangular first and second apertures and light reducing portions formed at sides of these apertures. The exposure apparatus also has a drive system for shifting positions of light reducing portions and relatively moving the two aperture members during the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Watanabe, Masamitsu Yanagihara, Hideji Goto, Noritsugu Hanazaki