Patents Issued in July 19, 2001
  • Publication number: 20010008427
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for supporting a picture-in-picture (PIP) type time shifting which enables a live broadcasting picture or a time-shifted SD stream to be viewed simultaneously with a time shifting of another SD stream on a PIP screen. The method includes a first display step of receiving a plurality of broadcasting programs received through a broadcasting network and displaying the respective live broadcasting programs through a PIP structure on a screen, a second display step of selectively storing in a storage section one among the plurality of broadcasting programs displayed at the first display step and selectively reproducing the stored broadcasting program through the time shifting to display the stored broadcasting program on the screen, and a third display step of displaying through the PIP structure on the screen a plurality of currently received other live broadcasting programs simultaneously with the second display step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Bum Joo Seo
  • Publication number: 20010008428
    Abstract: Device and method for decoding a television video signal are suggested. The device includes a tint controller and a color space converter. The tint controller converts a plurality of color space converting coefficients which is used for converting color space signals into R, G, B signals into tint considered coefficients having a tint control considered. On the other hand, the color space converter produces the R, G, B signal displayable on a monitor by using the tint considered coefficients from the tint controller and the color space signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Heung Chul Oh
  • Publication number: 20010008429
    Abstract: A gamma correction circuit includes a main imaging signal processing circuit and a correction signal generating circuit. The main imaging signal processing circuit receives an input imaging signal (RGB signals: 3 three primary color signals) Si, and generates an output imaging signal on the basis of a predetermined reference voltage and an output resistance. Moreover, the correction signal generating circuit includes a plurality of current differential amplifiers connected in parallel with each other, and is configured so that the input imaging signal is supplied to the current differential amplifiers and each output of the current differential amplifiers is added to the generated output imaging signal from the main imaging signal processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Arimizu
  • Publication number: 20010008430
    Abstract: An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programable attenuation and a programable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Carr, Pieter Vorenkamp
  • Publication number: 20010008431
    Abstract: A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hayes, Robert A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20010008432
    Abstract: A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hayes, Robert A. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20010008433
    Abstract: A transparent touch panel comprises a pair of transparent conductive substrates and a retardation film. A transparent conductive film is formed on at least one surface of each of these substrates and these substrates are arranged such that the transparent conductive films are allowed to face each other. By depressing the substrate, these substrates are brought into mutual contact to perform the position detection. The retardation film is made of an amorphous plastic material, meets the relationship nz>ny and has a retardation (nx−ny)×d falling within a range of between 90 nm and 200 nm, wherein d represents the thickness of the film, nx the maximum refractive index within the plane of the retardation film, ny the refractive index in a direction perpendicular to nx, and nz the refractive index in the thickness direction of the retardation film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Sadao Fujii, Keizo Asaoka, Toshihiko Hikida
  • Publication number: 20010008434
    Abstract: A transistor substrate for a liquid crystal display comprises an array of insulated-gate staggered TFTs and a capacitor (36) associated with each transistor. The gate insulator (400,420) comprises a first inorganic layer (400) and a second, polymer or spin-on glass layer (420), of which layers only the polymer or spin-on glass layer (420) extends to the capacitor (36) to define the capacitor dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: U.S. PHILIPS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen J. Battersby, Steven C. Deane
  • Publication number: 20010008435
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus having a low resolution by utilizing a TFT substrate adapted for a high-definition liquid crystal display apparatus. The liquid crystal display apparatus having a low resolution is realized in an inexpensive way by using the TFT substrate adapted for a high-definition liquid crystal display apparatus and by combining a new color filter substrate and driver ICs suited to a new driving method, the new color filter substrate being formed such that one pixel group is formed by pixels of a color filter substrate wherein the number of pixels is the product of three by an integer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshinori Shimada, Tadanori Hishida
  • Publication number: 20010008436
    Abstract: A light source for backlighting a display comprises a light-emitting device such as an incandescent bulb or LED array disposed within a cavity having diffusely reflecting walls and an aperture. A diffuser and brightness enhancing film are situated at the opening of the aperture between the aperture and the display to be backlit. A color filter may also be employed to whiten the light emerging from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Philip L. Gleckman
  • Publication number: 20010008437
    Abstract: Each pixel region includes a transmission region for display in a transmission mode using light entering through a first substrate and a reflection region for display in a reflection mode using light entering through a second substrate. The first substrate includes a transparent electrode region and a reflection electrode region, both of which have flat surfaces facing a liquid crystal layer. The second substrate includes a transparent electrode in the reflection region and the transmission region on its surface facing the liquid crystal layer and includes a light diffusion layer in the reflection region, and the surface facing the liquid crystal layer is flat in the transmission region and the reflection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Koichi Fujimori, Masumi Kubo, Yozo Narutaki
  • Publication number: 20010008438
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pixel array and a process flow for forming an array of pixel cells that features pixel electrodes having overlapping edges. This overlapping pixel configuration precludes absorption of light in inter-pixel regions that could give rise to the appearance of dark lines between bright reflective pixel electrodes. This pixel arrangement also prevents the disruption of charge stored in underlying capacitor structures due to the penetration of incident light through inter-pixel regions into the underlying substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Paul McKay Moore
  • Publication number: 20010008439
    Abstract: A liquid crystal projector comprises an illuminating optical system including a light source, a color separating optical system for separating illuminating light rays emitted by the illuminating optical system into light rays of three colors, a projection lens unit comprising a projection lens, a cross dichroic prism disposed near a light receiving end of the projection lens, and a plurality of liquid crystal panels arranged around the cross dichroic prism, and a light source power supply for supplying power to the light source. The projection lens unit, the color separating optical system, the illuminating optical system and the light source power supply are arranged in that order. The liquid crystal projector has an outside size in a horizontal plane of 263 mm by 318 mm or below. The liquid crystal panels have a display screen size of 0.9 in. A cooling fan for cooling the plurality of liquid crystal panels is disposed beside the projection lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Konuma, Hidetomo Yoshimura, Seiichi Sekiguchi, Mikiharu Kuwata, Masaharu Deguchi, Takashi Kakuda, Yutaka Matsuda, Takuya Shiaki, Futoshi Yamasaki, Atsushi Ishibashi, Koichi Umezawa, Takeshi Hoshino, Shigehisa Hagura, Makoto Fukatsu, Nobuyuki Kaku, Kenji Fuse, Satoshi Ohuchi, Tomohiro Miyoshi, Naohiro Ozawa, Masahiko Yatsu, Yasuo Otsuka, Takesuke Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20010008440
    Abstract: An optical element (1) of an optical system has at least one chamber (5) that is sealed against atmospheric pressure and is enclosed by boundary surfaces and that has a fluid filling. At least one of the boundary surfaces of the chamber (5) is exposed at least partially to illumination light. It is configured so that a change in the fluid pressure inside the chamber (5) results in a change in non-rotational-symmetric imaging properties of the optical element (1) having n-fold symmetry. For this purpose, a fluid source has a fluid connection to the chamber via a fluid supply line (17). Furthermore, a control device is provided for the pressure in the fluid filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hummel, Hubert Holderer, Rudolf Von Bunau, Christian Wagner, Jochen Becker, Stefan Xalter
  • Publication number: 20010008441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for printing photographic proofs from an image storage medium containing at least one recorded image or shot. The process comprises in addition to the steps of printing photographic proofs the steps of recording data which identifies the at least one shot on the image storage medium, that can be read when reprinting; printing the data on at least one first medium; and arranging the at least first medium on the proof corresponding to the at least one identified shot, the at least first medium being removable from the proof corresponding to the at least one shot so as to be affixed to a second medium intended to order a reprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thierry Vachette
  • Publication number: 20010008442
    Abstract: Each positioning mark comprises a plurality of mark elements. The mark elements are adapted to be individually determined for their respective positions and configurations. A reference point of the positioning mark is located on the basis of data obtained by determining respective positions and configurations of the mark elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Eiichi Miyake
  • Publication number: 20010008443
    Abstract: In a rangefinder apparatus for projecting a light beam toward a target object a plurality of times, receiving reflected light of the light beam projected to the target object, and successively integrating output signals corresponding to the distance to the target object, so as to carry out rangefinding; a voltage value of an integrating capacitor in a rangefinding routine is detected, and the rangefinding routine is forcibly terminated if the voltage value of integrating capacitor is out of a preset range. Since a rangefinding routine is forcibly terminated if the voltage value of integrating capacitor in the rangefinding routine is out of the preset range as such, malfunctions of a signal processing IC can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Miwa, Tatsuo Saito
  • Publication number: 20010008444
    Abstract: A rangefinder apparatus comprises an IRED for projecting a light beam toward a target object a plurality of times; a PSD for receiving reflected light of the light beam projected to the target object and outputting a signal corresponding to the distance to the target object, an AFIC for processing the output signal of PSD; and a CPU for outputting a control signal for the signal processing and a clamp setting signal for setting a clamp level to the AFIC, and a reset signal for resetting the AFIC to an initial state to an input terminal identical to that for the clamp setting signal. Since the clamp setting signal and reset signal are fed to the same terminal, the cost of signal processing means can be cut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Miwa
  • Publication number: 20010008445
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a strain-sensitive coating, a strain measurement system, and a method to determine strains on substrate materials. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the system includes a luminescent strain-sensitive coating and a strain field mapping system which can be used to create a strain map of the mechanical strain on a substrate material. The luminescent strain-sensitive coating of the subject invention is preferably a polymer-based coating, and can incorporate one or more luminescent compounds. The subject coating can be applied to produce a thin film on a substrate material, such as aluminum, steel, polymer, or composite. One or more characteristics of the luminescence emanating from the coating can then vary in relation to the strain on the substrate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Peter Ifju, Kirk S. Schanze, Yingsheng Wang, James Hubner, David Jenkins, Wissam El-Ratal, Anthony B. Brennan, Liu He, Yibling Shen, Bruce Carroll
  • Publication number: 20010008446
    Abstract: A method of aligning an ACC-sensor on a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) arranging a reflection surface in front of the vehicle for reflecting emitted ACC-sensor rays; (b) aligning the horizontal axis of the reflection surface parallel to the rear axle of the vehicle; (c) aligning the vertical axis of the reflection surface essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is defined by the alignment of the front and rear axle; and (d) adjusting the ACC-sensor such that a defined or maximal fraction of the emitted rays is reflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Georg Hopfenmuller
  • Publication number: 20010008447
    Abstract: A high sensitivity and high throughput surface inspection system directs a focused beam of light at a grazing angle towards the surface to be inspected. Relative motion is caused between the beam and the surface so that the beam scans a scan path covering substantially the entire surface and light scattered along the path is collected for detecting anamolies. The scan path comprises a plurality of arrays of straight scan path segments. The focused beam of light illuminates an area of the surface between 5-15 microns in width and this system is capable of inspecting in excess of about 40 wafers per hour for 150 millimeter diameter wafers (6-inch wafers), in excess of about 20 wafers per hour for 200 millimeter diameter wafers (8-inch wafers) and in excess of about 10 wafers per hour for 300 millimeter diameter wafers (12-inch wafers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Stanley E. Stokowski
  • Publication number: 20010008448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for analyzing the surface characteristics of opaque materials. The method comprises in one embodiment the use of a UV reflectometer to build a calibration matrix of data from a set of control samples and correlating a desired surface characteristic such as roughness or surface area to the set of reflectances of the control samples. The UV reflectometer is then used to measure the reflectances of a test sample of unknown surface characteristics. Reflectances are taken at a variety of angles of reflection for a variety of wavelengths, preferably between about 250 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. These reflectances are then compared against the reflectances of the calibration matrix in order to correlate the closest data in the calibration matrix. By so doing, a variety of information is thereby concluded, due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths and angles of reflection used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Randhir P.S. Thakur, Michael Nuttall, J. Brett Rolfson, Robert James Burke
  • Publication number: 20010008449
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to record image data having a wide dynamic range is a file together with image data having a narrow dynamic range. First, an image recording apparatus separately gradation-converts image data to be recorded into primary data having a narrow dynamic range and secondary data having a wide dynamic range. Then, the image recording apparatus calculates data that determines correlation between the primary data and secondary data and employs the calculated data as tertiary data. The image recording apparatus records the primary data and the tertiary data in a file. On the other hand, an image reproducing apparatus reads out primary data and tertiary data that were recorded in the above manner and reproduces secondary data having a wide dynamic range based on the primary data and the tertiary data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Sadami Okada, Satoshi Ejima, Ken Utagawa, Hideah Matsuda, Kenichi Ishiga
  • Publication number: 20010008450
    Abstract: An AOTF drive method for driving a plurality of AOTFs connected in tandem comprises: separating a plurality of RF signals in advance into a plurality of groups; batch-branching the RF signals of each group in accordance with the number of steps of the AOTFS; and batch-adjusting the phases of the individual branched RF signals. As a result, this makes it possible to reduce the number of phase shifters compared to the prior art while maintaining the effectiveness of suppressing beats in the AOTFs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Tadao Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20010008451
    Abstract: Optical transmission being performed by frequency modulating frequency-division-multiplexed multi-channel signals as a single unit, distortion that is caused by a ripple-shaped group delay deviation in a transmitter 2, a receiver 4 and an optical link 3 is reduced by providing a level adjuster 2a for adjusting the level of frequency-division-multiplexed multi-channel signals input to the FM modulator 2b, and by increasing the input level of multi-channel signals to the FM modulator 2b by level adjusting means 2a to enlarge the bandwidth of FM signal, in the case where the number of channels is small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Ishii, Susumu Kirii, Hideto Takahashi, Kuniharu Itakura, Shinshi Kuno
  • Publication number: 20010008452
    Abstract: The wavelength multiplexing optical transmission system is provided with a wave divider that divides received wavelength-multiplexed light signal for each predetermined channel block. Further, PMD compensation circuits compensate the PMD of each light signal. Wavelength variable filter selectively outputs only light signal having a desired wavelength. Polarization analyzing sections analyze polarization using Jones Matrix method. Finally, compensation control sections control the PMD compensation by each PMD compensating circuit based on the result of analysis in each polarization analyzing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Takashi Sugihara, Kaoru Kinjo, Katsuhiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20010008453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical transmission system and a channel assigning method with structure to reduce dispersion of power levels among signals dropped at respective signal branchpoints on an optical transmission line out of signals of multiple channels amplified in an optical amplifier. The optical transmission system has an optical transmission line in which signals of multiple channels propagate, an optical amplifier provided on the transmission line, and a plurality of signal branchpoints disposed on the downstream transmission line in which the signals of the channels outputted from the optical amplifier propagate. Each of the signal branchpoints drops a signal of a channel with a lowest power level out of arriving signals in the channels. This reduces the dispersion of power levels among signals dropped at the respective branchpoints, as a whole of the optical transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okuno, Masayuki Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20010008454
    Abstract: In an optical transmitting and receiving apparatus, an light transmitting and receiving unit includes a light emitting element, a light transmitting lens, a light receiving lens, and a photosensitive element. The light emitting element outputs light. The light outputted from the light emitting element passes through the light transmitting lens before leaving the light transmitting and receiving unit as outgoing light. The light receiving lens concentrates incoming light on the photosensitive element. A first support member is operative for supporting the light transmitting and receiving unit, and for allowing the light transmitting and receiving unit to rotate about a first axis. A first rotary mechanism connected to the light transmitting and receiving unit and the first support member is operative for rotating the light transmitting and receiving unit about the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Shou, Fumio Sato, Yoshiaki Yunoki, Tomoyasu Nagashima, Masamichi Sato, Kazumasa Taninaka
  • Publication number: 20010008455
    Abstract: A PON transmission system and a dynamic band assignment system to be employed in the same which permits high speed band variation, to effectively use up band in PDS period, and to adapt to variation of traffic type. The PON transmission system includes a plurality of subscriber unit including optical network unit processing portions for terminating an optical communication network and a station unit including optical line terminal processing portion terminating the optical communication network. The system also includes means for monitoring increasing and decreasing of idle cells, means for recognizing accumulation of cell in the optical network unit processing portion depending upon the result of monitoring, and means for individually handling band process in the optical communication network according to necessary or unnecessary of band restriction depending upon traffic type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Naoki Saikusa
  • Publication number: 20010008456
    Abstract: An optical modulator includes a magnetic ferrite single crystal, an optical source, a photoreceptor system and an analyzer. The magnetic ferrite single crystal has a transducer mounted thereon and arranged to receive a microwave. The microwave is modulated by a signal having a frequency lower than the microwave. The optical source is arranged such that light emitted from the optical source is introduced to the magnetic garnet single crystal and modulated by the microwave applied to the transducer. The photoreceptor system is arranged so as to receive the modulated light that is emitted from the magnetic ferrite single crystal. The analyzer is provided between the magnetic ferrite single crystal and the photoreceptor system, and the analyzer is arranged such that a rotation angle of the analyzer about an optical axis thereof is shifted by an angle in the range of about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees from an extinct position at which an amount of direct-current light transmitted through analyzer is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Chiku, Takashi Fujii
  • Publication number: 20010008457
    Abstract: A MEMS-based optical switch having improved characteristics and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an optical switch includes a single comb drive actuator having a deflecting beam structure and a mirror coupled to the actuator. The mirror is capable of being moved between an extended position interposed between waveguide channels and a retracted position apart from the waveguide channels. The actuator applies a force capable of deflecting the beam structure and moving the mirror to one of the extended positions or the retracted position and the beam structure returns the mirror to the other of the extended position or the retracted position in the absence of the application of force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Nan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20010008458
    Abstract: Electrochromic mirrors comprises a transparent conductive substrate, a reflective conductive substrate, and an ion conductive layer disposed therebetween wherein at least one of said substrates is provided on the peripheral portions of its conductive surface with a highly conductive layer having smaller resistance than the surface resistance of said conductive surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Asano, Keizo Ikai, Yoshinori Nishikitani
  • Publication number: 20010008459
    Abstract: The output level of pumping light supplied from a pumping light source is varied using a variable attenuator, which is controlled by a variable attenuator driver circuit. By separating a portion containing the pumping light source from a portion containing an amplification medium, it becomes possible to prevent heat emitted by the pumping light source from adversely affecting the amplification medium. By arranging the portion containing the pumping light source such that a pumping light source or sources can be added when necessary, optical transmission system requirements of having more pumping light sources for system upgrade can be accommodated readily. By packaging portions containing amplification media, an optical amplifier can be made small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Chihiro Ohshima, Susumu Kinoshita, Terumi Chikama
  • Publication number: 20010008460
    Abstract: An infrared microscope includes a light source emitting infrared light, an objective optical system forming an image of a specimen, and a path switching member switching an optical path from a visual observation optical path in which an infrared-light blocking member is placed, to another optical path to introduce light from the objective optical system thereinto. The infrared microscope is constructed so that an image which is free of aberration due to infrared light and has no unnatural hue due to a large amount of light with long wavelengths can be obtained without moving an element for blocking the infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamawaki
  • Publication number: 20010008461
    Abstract: An optical microscope has a revolver for selectively inserting a plurality of objective lenses including a low-magnification (very-low-magnification) objective lens on an optical axis for observation light. In fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens, the effective diameter of an observation optical system is set larger than that of an illumination optical system. With this arrangement, fluorescence observation using the low-magnification objective lens can be stably performed. A cube unit having a plurality of cubes corresponding to the respective microscopic methods is arranged in the optical microscope. An auxiliary lens serving as a very-low-magnification objective lens is mounted in this cube unit. The auxiliary lens can be automatically used in observation using the very-low-magnification objective lens. With this arrangement, a compact optical microscope excellent in operability can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kenichi Koyama, Atsuhiro Tsuchiya, Masaru Fujiwara, Sadashi Adachi
  • Publication number: 20010008462
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20010008463
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dense wavelength division multiplexer for separating an optical signal into optical channels. The dense wavelength division multiplexer includes at least one birefringent plate for separating one or more of the plurality of optical channels, where the separating mechanism is at least partially based on the polarity of the plurality of optical channels, and a nonlinear interferometer optically coupled to the at least one birefringent plate for introducing a phase difference between at least two of the plurality of optical channels. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism of separating includes birefringent beam separation and recombination plates, optical rotation elements, a lens and a non-linear interferometer. The present invention provides an ease in alignment and a higher tolerance to drifts due to the increase in the widths of the pass bands and also provides an improved efficiency of separation of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Avanex Corporation
    Inventor: Simon X. F. Cao
  • Publication number: 20010008464
    Abstract: A transflector is described which increases efficiency and brightness under both ambient and supplemental lighting conditions in visual display applications. In one embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element that reflects one polarization of light and transmits the other. In an alternate embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element and a diffusing element such that the transflector diffusely reflects light of one polarization and transmits the other. The transflector is useful for both reflective and transflective liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Sanford Cobb, Brian D. Cull, Michael F. Weber, David L. Wortman
  • Publication number: 20010008465
    Abstract: A focusing method for a decentered optical system including a decentered lens element has translationally moving and inclining at least one lens element for different object distances, in such a way that variation in a position of a primary image point is kept within a range defined by the following condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mituaki Shimo, Soh Ohzawa
  • Publication number: 20010008466
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication method of an apodized optical fiber grating. The method according to the invention uses an ultraviolet light source for outputting an ultraviolet layer, a lens field for converging or emitting the light incident from the ultraviolet light source, an amplitude mask for selectively transmitting the ultraviolet layer incident from the lens field, and an optical fiber, on which the light that has transmitted the amplitude mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heu-Gon Kim, Ju-Nyung Jang, Sang-Gil Shin, Min-Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20010008467
    Abstract: In an eyepiece cup for binoculars, which fits substantially tightly in particular around a user's eyes, provision is made for air admission holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Kuno Seifert
  • Publication number: 20010008468
    Abstract: In an optical element having an optical axis and formed by resin-molding using molds, the position of the optical axis at a lens surface is set at the position of a pinpoint gate serving as an inlet for resin, and a doughnut-shaped light-shielding zone for blocking light is provided in such a manner as to surround a cut portion of the resin at the pinpoint gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Togashi
  • Publication number: 20010008469
    Abstract: In the case of a deformable mirror (11) with a mirror plate (13) which is in glass form in particular for high laser frequencies and an axial actuator (20) which concentrically engages the rear side of the mirror surface (17)-with a reduced actuator stroke movement for the same dome-like configuration height-the dome configuration of the convex curvature of the mirror surface (17) is now of larger area and at the same time better approximated to the desirable sphere if, instead of the central application of force, the arrangement provides for decentral application of force at diametrally opposite locations. For that purpose the actuator (20) operates on a ring (25) which is disposed behind the mirror plate 13 and which is preferably integral with the mirror plate (13). If the application of pressure to the rear side of the mirror plate (13) is not along a circular ring but a ring (25) which is of elliptical cross-section, then astigmatism effects are reliably avoided even with large angles of beam incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Klaus Bar, Brigitte Freisleben, Reinhard Schmiedl
  • Publication number: 20010008470
    Abstract: An integrating rod (200) for use with a multiple segment dynamic filter, such as a spiral dichroic color wheel having three or more narrow filters adjacent to the exit face (206) to enable the integrating rod to recapture light rejected by a given segment of the dynamic filter. The rejected light travels back through the integrating rod where a majority of the light strikes the mirrored entrance face (202). Light reflected by the mirrored entrance face, or light exiting through the entrance aperture (204) and returning to the integrating rod after being reflected by the lamp reflector, once again travels to the exit face (206) of the integrating rod (200). After exiting through the exit face (206) of the integrating rod (200) a second time, the recycled light has a good chance of striking a different filter segment of the dynamic filter and being used by the display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Duane Scott Dewald
  • Publication number: 20010008471
    Abstract: Partial information such as the beginning data of each of chapters is read from a CD and written in a HDD 10 at a higher speed than that in a normal reproduction while the normal reproduction is carried out using a buffer memory 8. After the chapters relative to all CDs have been written in the HDD 10, reproduction is carried out in switching between the information remaining in the HDD 10 and the information included in the CD. This configuration makes it unnecessary to record the information beforehand, and permits an unreproduciable blank in reproduction to be filled with audio information during track search or CD change while the reproduction is carried out normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Shinichi Naohara, Yasutaka Suzuki, Kazunori Matsuo, Tomomichi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20010008472
    Abstract: A library apparatus is adapted to write to and read from a plurality of cartridges each housing a tape wound around a reel. The tape has a leader block attached to a tip thereof for pulling the tape out of its cartridge and adapted to be seated in a leader block latch provided on the cartridge. The apparatus includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells for storing the tape cartridges, a threader unit for writing data to and/or reading data from a selected cartridge. The threader unit has a pin for engaging the leader block and pulling the tape out of the cartridge for writing and/or reading data on the tape. A loading unit is connected to the threader unit for holding the cartridge in a first position where the pin is prevented from engaging the leader block of the cartridge, and a second position where the pin is allowed to engage the leader block and write and/or read from the tape. An accessor transfers the cartridge between the cell unit and the first position of the loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hitomi Akiyama, Yoshiki Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20010008473
    Abstract: A cartridge handling system for storing and accessing at least one data cartridge according to the present invention may comprise a frame that defines at least one curvilinear cartridge access side. A curvilinear guide member is mounted to the frame so that substantially all points along the curvilinear guide member are positioned an equal spaced distance from the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame. A cartridge access device is mounted to the curvilinear guide member so that a cartridge access end of the cartridge access device is positioned adjacent the curvilinear cartridge access side defined by the frame at substantially all positions along the curvilinear guide member. An actuator system operatively associated with the cartridge access device moves the cartridge access device along the curvilinear guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Gregg S. Schmidtke, Robert L. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20010008474
    Abstract: In a thin-film magnetic head, an lower magnetic pole layer is formed on a lower core layer to form a step between the lower core layer and the lower magnetic pole layer. A coil layer and a coil-insulating layer are formed on the lower core layer, and an upper core layer is formed over the lower magnetic pole layer and the coil-insulating layer. This configuration decreases the height of the coil-insulating layer from the lower magnetic pole layer compared to the height in a conventional thin-film magnetic head. The front end of the upper core layer can be precisely formed so as to have a track width Tw. This thin-film magnetic head is suitable for narrower track widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naruaki Oki, Takashi Arai, Sumihito Morita
  • Publication number: 20010008475
    Abstract: A suspension for disc drive comprises a base plate, a load beam attached to the base plate, and a flexure attached to the load beam. The load beam includes a rigid body portion, formed of a thick plate independent of the base plate, and a spring portion, formed of a spring member in the form of a thin sheet independent of the rigid body portion. The spring member connects the rigid body portion and the base plate. The spring member is thinner than the rigid body portion and has a lower spring constant. The spring portion is more flexible than the rigid body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuji Takagi, Koji Uozumi, Masao Hanya, Noriyuki Saito
  • Publication number: 20010008476
    Abstract: An adsorptive tangential force is measured at the moment when a slider has contacted or touched a receiving surface. The adsorptive tangential force is induced solely by the adsorption transmitted from the receiving surface to the slider. An overall tangential force transmitted from the receiving surface to the slider is measured when the slider is kept urged against the receiving surface. The coefficient of dynamic friction is calculated based on the differential between the thus measured overall and adsorptive tangential forces. The effect of the adsorption can be eliminated from the calculated coefficient of dynamic friction. It is possible to derive the coefficient of dynamic friction at a still higher accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Takahiro Imamura