Patents Examined by Stephen Yam
  • Patent number: 7781713
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for calibrating a lighting control system. The lighting control system is a daylight-harvesting system that controls the output of the lighting system based on available daylight and/or other light sources to reduce energy usage while providing lighting for an area. The lighting system includes multi-level lighting capabilities for one or more light sources. First, the system measures the light levels for the area when the lighting system: is turned on at a high energy-level; is turned on at an intermediate energy-level; and is turned off. The system determines from these measured light levels the light output of the lighting system in the different states. Then, during operation, the system measures a present light level for the area. The system then adjusts the light output of the lighting system for the area based on a lighting control parameter (e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Konstantinos Papamichael, Keith Graeber, Erik Page, Michael Siminovitch
  • Patent number: 7767947
    Abstract: A semiconductor light source with optical feedback includes a vertical member extending upward from an upper horizontal surface of a header parallel to a vertical beam projected from a semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the horizontal surface of the header wherein the vertical member supports a light-sensing element for receiving light reflected transversely from the vertical beam by a beam splitter supported by the vertical member. The vertical beam passing through the beam splitter passes through a window or filter in a cap mounted on the header and covering the light-emitting element, the light-sensing element, the beam splitter, and the vertical member. Substantially all of the transversely reflected light impinges on the light-sensing element and can be used to control the power to the light-emitting element. A simple lens can by used to collimate the beam. Interior portions of the unit are formed from light absorbing materials such as black ceramic, black plastic, anodized aluminum, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: John P. Downing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7687754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning system for carrying out a 3D scan of a tooth model, comprising an imaging device and a positioning system in the form of a sliding panel which can be positioned and has first locking means. On the locking panel there are provided second locking means which interact with the first locking means such that the sliding panel can assume one of several specified positions relative to the locking panel and locks in the selected position. The invention also relates to a sliding panel for scanning dental models which has means for mounting the dental model and stands on projections disposed on its underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eiff, Peter Fornoff
  • Patent number: 7598479
    Abstract: A gain switching circuit switches a conversion gain of a preamplifier that is configured with a series circuit formed with a first resistor and a first switching element and a series circuit formed with a second resistor and a second switching element respectively connected in parallel with a feedback resistor. The gain switching circuit includes a first operating unit that generates a first switching element operating signal for closing the first switching element within a first gain switching period, and a second operating unit that generates a second switching element operating signal for closing the second switching element within a second gain switching period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masamichi Nogami, Masaki Noda, Hitoyuki Tagami, Kuniaki Motoshima
  • Patent number: 7595477
    Abstract: Described is a device having an anti-reflection surface. The device comprises a silicon substrate with a plurality of silicon spikes formed on the substrate. A first metallic layer is formed on the silicon spikes to form the anti-reflection surface. The device further includes an aperture that extends through the substrate. A second metallic layer is formed on the substrate. The second metallic layer includes a hole that is aligned with the aperture. A spacer is attached with the silicon substrate to provide a gap between an attached sensor apparatus. Therefore, operating as a Micro-sun sensor, light entering the hole passes through the aperture to be sensed by the sensor apparatus. Additionally, light reflected by the sensor apparatus toward the first side of the silicon substrate is absorbed by the first metallic layer and silicon spikes and is thereby prevented from being reflected back toward the sensor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Youngsman Bae, Sohrab Mooasser, Harish Manohara, Choonsup Lee, Kungsam Bae
  • Patent number: 7595478
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for processing optical signals in a computer mouse, which is related to electric digital data processing. The method is that the relative displacement vector between the mouse device and the illuminated object surface producing laser speckles is reflected by means of collecting movement information of laser speckle signals. The device for carrying out the method consists of a mouse body; inside said mouse body, an amplifying and shaping module, a direction identifying and counting module and a computer interface circuit for processing photoelectric signals are disposed and connected in sequence, characterized in that, said device further includes at least one laser device and a photo sensor for receiving laser speckle signals from the object surface illuminated by laser beams. Said photo sensor transfers the received photoelectric signals to the amplifying and shaping module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Hong-zhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 7589316
    Abstract: A scanning beam assembly comprising: a beam generator to generate a beam of radiation, an oscillating reflector configured to deflect the beam at varying angles of excursion to yield a scanned beam that scans a field of view, an optical detector that detects light reflected from the field of view, the detector including at least one of an adjustable gain and adjustable sensitivity, and a controller programmable to control the gain and/or sensitivity of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7586083
    Abstract: Presented herein is a non-contact torque sensing apparatus and method for measuring the instantaneous torque, or torsional stress/strain, transmitted through an elongated power transmission member such as a rotatable shaft. Polarized light is directed along a measurement light path in a cavity of a shaft where it intercepts a polarizing filter. The polarizing filter is operable to alter the polarization angle of the light according to torsional twisting of the shaft. A measurement device measures the change in the polarization angle of the light to obtain the shaft twist angle. Shaft torque is then calculated from the twist angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Ayoub Chakari
  • Patent number: 7586114
    Abstract: An optical system having a closed loop light path with a source for providing light in a direction parallel to the normal of an input to the light path. The light may be provided via a refracting mechanism to the input. The system may be a cavity ring-down sensor or some other optical device. The light path may be formed in a laser gyroscope type cavity. A light source may have a beam aligned to a spot, indicator or indicator or mark may be determined in accordance with parameters of the refracting mechanism and/or cavity. A fixture for holding the light source may be secured so that placement of the source in the fixture will automatically result in an aligned light source. Then the refracting mechanism may be inserted to further complete fabrication of the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, James A. Cox, J. David Zook
  • Patent number: 7586078
    Abstract: A method for forming a photoelectric switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a granular mold having a first slot and a second slot; filling the first and the second slots with a light-filtering molding material; respectively positioning a transmitter component and a receiver component into the light-filtering molding material(s) in the first and the second slots; and solidifying the light-filtering molding material to fix the transmitter component and the receiver component in the granular mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 7586086
    Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device comprising means for generating two images which are filtered differently by a mask (304) and for combining same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Lauer
  • Patent number: 7586084
    Abstract: An optical detection device image is disclosed that allows fast measurements using near-field light at high resolution and high efficiency but without necessity of position alignment of an optical fiber probe. The optical detection device includes an optical fiber probe having a core for propagating light with an optical probe being formed at a front end of the core; a movement control unit to move the optical fiber probe to approach or depart from a sample; and a detection unit to detect light from the sample surface, wherein on the front end surface of the core of the optical probe, there are a first exit section on a peripheral side for emitting propagating light and a second exit section for seeping out the near-field light, the first exit section and the second exit section are formed in a concentric manner, and the tilt angle of the first exit section is different from the tilt angle of the second exit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Izumi Itoh, Masato Takada, Taroh Terashi, Motoichi Ohtsu, Takashi Yatsui, Motonobu Kourogi
  • Patent number: 7576307
    Abstract: A digital optical microscope includes a primary image sensor that generates a primary image of a sample at a primary frame rate, an auxiliary image sensor that generates an auxiliary image of the sample at an auxiliary frame rate that is faster than the primary frame rate, and a controller that adjusts a focal distance between an objective lens and the sample along an optical axis in response to the auxiliary image, thereby autofocusing the primary image on the sample. The primary image sensor generates the primary image in response to the autofocusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Siavash Yazdanfar, Robert John Filkins
  • Patent number: 7573023
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement and the associated method for the compensation of the temperature dependency of detectors in spectrometers. In the solution according to the invention, the arrangement for compensation of the temperature dependency of detectors in spectrometers comprises an illumination unit, an entrance slit, an imaging grating, a detector and a controlling and evaluating unit. A second temperature gauge for the ambient temperature is provided in addition to an existing first temperature gauge and a temperature regulating unit. In the method according to the invention, a temperature regulating unit is controlled in such a way by a controlling and evaluating unit in the evaluation of the measurement values determined by two temperature gauges that the temperature of the detector remains constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Kerstan, Ulrich Zeh
  • Patent number: 7573055
    Abstract: The apparatus for emitting light according to the present disclosure can include one or more linearly arranged devices for radiating light and one or more optical components which can be inserted into extruded profile. The extruded profile can be configured as hollow in an exemplary embodiment and can have an exit aperture for the egress of light from the extruded profile. The extruded profile can advantageously be configured in one piece, thereby permitting much easier assembly. Finally, the effect can also be achieved that dirt particles are not able to get into the carrier structure as readily, since a one-piece extruded profile has apertures that must be sealed only on one of its long sides and at its ends. The extruded profile can be used for different lighting tasks. The light-radiating devices can be inserted in variable positions in slots inside the extruded profile. In addition, the ideal optical components can be chosen and inserted in positions provided for them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Texmag GmbH Vertriebsgesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Palatzky, Robert Struschek
  • Patent number: 7566861
    Abstract: A detection device detects an obstacle within a target region by setting the target region, setting a scan trajectory, and setting a pattern of an irradiation position of a laser beam within the target region based on a signal related to a moving state of the detection device or a moving object on which the detection device is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Yamada, Shuichi Ichiura
  • Patent number: 7564020
    Abstract: A light detector system for use with a work-piece is provided. The light detector system can include a housing and at least one sensor coupled to the housing. The sensor can be responsive to a light source to generate a signal that indicates a location of the light source with respect to the housing. The light detector system can also comprise a marker coupled to the housing. The marker can be responsive to the signal to mark the location of the light source on a surface of the work-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Margarita Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 7557334
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to operate a pixel circuit within an active pixel image sensor in a common gate amplifier mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Melexis Tessenderlo NV
    Inventors: Hae-Seung Lee, Keith G. Fife
  • Patent number: 7557335
    Abstract: A photodiode has a photodiode gate structure on the surface of the substrate. The photodiode may be located in a pixel sensor cell comprising a substrate having a first surface level. The photodiode has a first doped region of a first conductivity type and a second doped region of a second conductivity type located beneath the first surface level of the substrate. A photodiode gate is formed of a first dielectric substance layer formed over the first surface of the substrate, thereby forming a second surface, and a second polysilicon layer formed over the second surface of the first layer. A transistor is located adjacent to the photodiode. The photodiode gate improves charge transfer from the photodiode to the transfer gate and floating diffusion region. The improved charge transfer minimizes image lag and leakage and reduces energy barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Sungkwon (Chris) Hong, Jeff A. McKee
  • Patent number: 7557336
    Abstract: When light is made incident into antenna layers 11a, 11b, and 11c of a photodetector 1, specific wavelength components of light contained in the incident light combine with surface plasmons of the antenna layers 11a, 11b, and 11c, and surface plasmon resonance occurs. Thereby, near-field lights are outputted from through-holes 13 of the antenna layers 11a, 11b, and 11c. The near-field light outputted from each through-hole 13 reaches a light absorbing layer 4 via light receiving surfaces 4a, 4b, and 4c. The light absorbing layer 4 generates a charge of an amount according to the amount of received light. Since cycle intervals ?a, ?b, and ?c of convex portions 12 in the antenna layers 11a, 11b, and 11c are different from each other, the wavelength component of light that combines with a surface plasmon differs in each of the antenna layers 11a, 11b, and 11c. Consequently, a plurality of wavelength components of light can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Minoru Niigaki, Toru Hirohata, Hiroyasu Fujiwara, Akira Higuchi