On Double Horizontal Pivots Patents (Class 248/184.1)
  • Patent number: 11859761
    Abstract: An optics platform includes a base plate, a swing arm pivotally attached to the base plate so as to articulate in a semi-circular motion around a vertical axis on the base plate. The optics platform further includes a pivot arm that is pivotally attached to the swing arm so as to articulate in a semi-circular motion around a horizontal axis of the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Scott Unice, Weston Unice, Lowe Unice, Cole Unice
  • Patent number: 11696643
    Abstract: Stabilizer for a piece of furniture, such as a dresser or television, includes an elongate preferably rigid portion having opposed ends, two plates each having an inner major surface and an outer planar surface on a side opposite the inner major surface, a respective hinge that pivotally connects each end of the elongate portion to the inner major surface of a respective plate, and attachment structure arranged at least partly on the outer planar surface of each plate for attaching the plate to the piece of furniture or to a vertical support surface behind the piece of furniture. When the stabilizer is attached to the piece of furniture at a location above the location at which the stabilizer is attached to the vertical support surface and the stabilizer is in a vertical orientation, the stabilizer provides resistance to tipping of the piece of furniture away from the vertical support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Thoughtful Furniture Company, LLC
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 11391349
    Abstract: A compact angular actuator allows for angular displacement between a first section and a second section. The first section comprises a cam that is circular in cross section and has a wedge-shaped face. The second section comprises two or more constraint components that are in contact with the face of the cam. A hinge joins the first section and the second section in proximity with one another. As the cam is rotated about an axis that is perpendicular to and extends through a center of the circular cross section, the position on the face that the constraint components are in contact with changes. As a result, a force is imparted between the first section and the second section, changing the angular displacement between the two. The actuator fits within a compact volume and allows for precise controlled angular displacement, while allowing that displacement to be maintained without power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Wu Jen, John Edwin Johnston
  • Patent number: 10775839
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a monitor stand base with integrated outlets. The monitor stand base may include a housing and an outlet array. The outlet array may be arranged within the housing and include at least one power outlet. The outlet array may include one or more ports. The monitor stand base may include an arm which may be detachably attached to the housing. The arm may include one or more links with telescopic elements to allow for length adjustments of each link. The one or more links may be rotatable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: EXEMPLIS LLC
    Inventor: Scott Grisack
  • Patent number: 10351265
    Abstract: A gimbal system includes a stationary base with a first motor being coupled thereto. A rotation plate is coupled to the first motor for rotation in a plane opposing the stationary base when the first motor is operated. A tilt plate is hingedly coupled to the rotation plate along a tilt axis. An articulating arm is coupled to the tilt plate. A second motor is fixedly mounted to the rotation plate for rotation therewith. The second motor is coupled to the articulating arm such that the articulating arm causes the tilt plate to rotate through a tilt angle about the tilt axis and relative to the rotation plate when the second motor is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventor: Patrick V. Hull
  • Patent number: 10248009
    Abstract: A camera pole for elevating and controlling a camera. A pole having a base section and a least one telescoping section which extends from the base section. Where a final telescoping section is a top section that is highest and the base section is closest to ground level. A stand to receive the pole and support the pole. A camera control assembly comprising an camera mount, tension cable and handle assembly that can be adjusted for any pole height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Bergmann, Branden Reall
  • Patent number: 9989836
    Abstract: An optical mounting device is disclosed that enables an optical device to be pointed in the desired orientation with minimal effort between a horizontal and a vertical position. The device includes a yoke, a saddle, and a payload platform assembly. The device can lock the position of the optical device into a desired orientation. The payload platform assembly has a lower base that is coupled to the saddle and an extendable upper section attached to a rotation pivot guide that allows the upper section to rotate up to 90 degrees from horizontal landscape orientation to a vertical portrait orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Stephen Riddel, Jacob Daniel Riddel
  • Patent number: 9946309
    Abstract: The description relates to devices that can include a base assembly, upper assembly, an arm, and a conductor. In one example the base assembly can include a base shaft and the upper assembly can include an upper shaft. The arm can be secured to the base shaft and the upper shaft to translate a range of rotation of the arm around the base shaft to rotation around the display shaft. The conductor can extend from the base assembly into the arm parallel to the base shaft and extend from the arm into the upper assembly parallel to the upper shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Hewett, Daniel C. Park, Brian T. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9838599
    Abstract: Described herein are manufacturing methods and camera system designs that provide precise alignment between multiple camera modules mounted on a common chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of mounting regions, with each mounting region including one or more mounting posts. Each camera module includes one or more guiding holes into which the mounting posts are inserted. By precisely positioning the guiding holes and the mounting posts, the alignment of the camera modules with the chassis and the other camera modules may be controlled with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Waising Tam, Tak Shing Pang, Wei Li
  • Patent number: 9579051
    Abstract: A sensor probe has a connector and the connector's corresponding receptacle on a console have security mechanisms that ensure that the connector and the receptacle are properly connected and mated. The connector and receptacle can have physical security features that block insertion of the connector into the receptacle if they are not aligned in a proper orientation. The console can also include a software security feature that allows optical measurements from the sensor probe only if the connector of the sensor probe and receptacle on the console are connected properly. An adapter can also be used to convert a conventional receptacle mounted on a console into a receptacle with security features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ViOptix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Jian-min Mao, Robert E. Lash
  • Patent number: 9213222
    Abstract: A tripod head suitable for holding an imaging device thereon being supported by a tripod includes the tripod head being movable to position the imaging device at a desired orientation. A control arm is affixed to and movable in a two-dimensional arc, without being movable in three-dimensions over the two-dimensional arc, with respect to the tripod head. The control arm has selectable resistance to movement along the two-dimensional arc as a result of selectively increasing or decreasing the resistance between at least three friction plates having surfaces in face-to-face engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Really Right Stuff, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Johnson, Verent Chan
  • Patent number: 9121544
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting shoe and related methods is disclosed. The adjustable mounting shoe includes a shoe body. A middle portion of the shoe body has a pocket formed therein. A pocket insert is positioned at least partially within the pocket. The pocket insert has a raised edge, wherein the pocket insert is movable relative to the shoe body. At least one fastener is engageable with the pocket insert to secure the pocket insert in a stationary position at least partially within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 8798450
    Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Aicher, Gregory D. Dent, Bruce Ellison, James H. Weaver, John M. Wiltse
  • Patent number: 8789801
    Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas Newman
  • Patent number: 8757564
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable mounting apparatus is for mounting a second object to a first object, and includes a first mounting device to be coupled to the first object, a second mounting device to be coupled to the second object and connected pivotally to the first mounting device, and a pivot-control unit. The pivot-control unit includes a plug component with a curved surface, a socket component which abuts against and is rotatable relative to the plug component to enable the second mounting device to pivot relative to the first mounting device, and an adjusting rod coupled to the socket component and operable to drive the socket component so that assembly of the socket component and the second mounting device pivots relative to the plug component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8418973
    Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mamiya America Corporation
    Inventors: Hao Liu, Robert M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8254100
    Abstract: A unitary computing device includes a rotary member and a support for supporting the rotary member and allowing a rotation of the rotary member. The unitary computing device also includes an optical disk drive and at least one orientation adjusting mechanism. The orientation adjusting mechanism includes a first linkage bar rotatably connected to the support, a second linkage bar rotatably connected to the first linkage bar and the optical disk drive, and a third linkage bar rotatably connected to the rotary member and the optical disk drive, which constitutes a linkage bar mechanism to adjust an orientation of the optical disk drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Ching Lou
  • Patent number: 8083190
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a limiting unit formed with a first channel and a second channel lying along first and second planes, a lower clamping unit having a U structure and being received within the first channel, a bottom seat unit disposed below and supporting the lower clamping unit from underneath, an upper clamping unit having inverted U structure and being received within the second channel such that the lower and upper clamping units are located at two opposite sides of the limiting unit with the first and second planes crossing each other perpendicularly. A top cover unit is disposed above and connected to the upper clamping unit. Adjusting position of the lower clamping unit and the limiting unit along the first plane and the upper clamping unit and the limiting unit along the second plane results in changing an angular position of the cover unit relative to the bottom seat unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Mou-Ming Ma, Shu-I Chen
  • Patent number: 8072739
    Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic display device includes a display interface having an interface member presenting a display mounting surface and a tilt head assembly defining a substantially horizontal tilt axis oriented generally parallel with, and spaced apart from, the display mounting surface. The tilt head assembly includes a control mechanism for selectively shifting the tilt axis between a first location spaced apart a first distance from the display mounting surface and a second location spaced apart a second distance from the display mounting surface, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jay Dittmer
  • Patent number: 7905463
    Abstract: A multi-axis gimbal has each axis defined by a respective spherical shell driven by a flat, compact motor attached to the driven shell and to a next outer shell (or to an external mounting platform, in the case of the outermost shell). The shells rotate about respective axes. In one configuration, the outermost shell is referred to as the “azimuth” shell because in use it rotates about a vertical axis. The next inner shell is an elevation shell that rotates about a first horizontal axis that is orthogonal to the axis of the camera or other sensor payload. An optional third shell can be used to provide “roll” motion, such as rotating a camera about its axis to obtain a particular rotational orientation with respect to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Optical Alchemy, Inc.
    Inventors: Heidi Burnham, Marc Daigle
  • Publication number: 20100187378
    Abstract: A visual presenter includes a base, a column support including an upright part and a horizontal part, and a camera head mounted on a distal end of the horizontal part. The horizontal part includes first and second horizontal parts. The first horizontal part is mounted on a first support shaft further mounted on the upright part, so as to be pivotable between a downwardly extending position and a horizontal position. The second horizontal part is mounted on a second support shaft further mounted on an end of the first horizontal part located opposite the first support shaft side, so as to be pivotable between a horizontal backward position and a horizontal forward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamakose, Shinji Ono, Kenichi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7753329
    Abstract: A universal mount for mounting equipment to a surface in a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Rosen Sunvisor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Niles Hanson, Andy Wilson, Jon Gilbert, Gary Hanson
  • Patent number: 7561784
    Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Wescott, Gregory D. Dent, James H. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20090057504
    Abstract: A gaming device support stand is height adjustable, permitting the position of a gaming device positioned thereon to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the support stand comprises a support platform for supporting a gaming device, the support platform movable relative to a base member. A lifting mechanism is used to move the support platform. The lifting mechanism may comprise one or more guide members and one or more force generating mechanisms. A controller may receive player input regarding a desired position of the gaming device. The controller may activate the lift mechanism, thus effectuating movement of the support stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Milo Borissov
  • Patent number: 7364128
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Donaldson, Arnold Top
  • Patent number: 7303171
    Abstract: An adjustable fixing mount for communication equipment comprises a seat, a horizontal rotary device, a pitch-adjusting device and a swing-adjusting device. The horizontal rotary device is mounted on the seat and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the horizontal angle. The pitch-adjusting device is disposed on the horizontal rotary device and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the pitch angle. The swing-adjusting device is disposed on the pitch-adjusting device and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the swing angle. The upper part of the swing-adjusting device includes an equipment seat to hold the communication equipment. The adjustable fixing mount could adjust the communication equipment toward an appropriate direction and angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Supa Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Shiun Chen
  • Patent number: 7264212
    Abstract: A monitor-holding device is attached to a table, holds a monitor and has a vertical support, a shoulder joint, an inner arm, an elbow joint (40), an outer arm, a universal joint and a monitor bracket. The shoulder joint is attached to the vertical support. The inner arm is connected pivotally to the shoulder joint. The elbow joint is connected rotatably to the inner arm. The outer arm is connected to the elbow joint and pivots relative to the inner arm. The universal joint is connected pivotally to the outer arm and has an inner joint, an outer joint and a connector bracket connected to the outer joint. The monitor bracket has a monitor connector detachably connected to the connector bracket and has multiple fingers connected to the monitor. The monitor with the monitor bracket can be easily detached from or attached to the connector bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 7264220
    Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Dent, James H. Weaver, John M. Wiltse, Bruce Ellison
  • Patent number: 7124755
    Abstract: A support arm for use in a respiratory circuit is provided. The support arm includes a plurality of arm segments that are movably connected with one another such that the arm segments are adjustable with respect to another. At least one inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is operably disposed at a point of connection between at least two of the arm segments. The arm segments are locked into position with respect to one another upon inflation of the bladder. The arm segments are released and positionable with respect to one another upon deflation of the bladder. Also, a respiratory support member is attached to one of the arm segments. The respiratory support member is configured for engaging the respiratory circuit to support the respiratory circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: D. Theron Van Hooser
  • Patent number: 6966528
    Abstract: A holder for attaching a remote control to a piece of furniture. A bracket attaches to the piece of furniture and a platform is pivotally attached to the bracket and holds the remote control. The bracket includes a mounting plate, a stationary arm, and a movable arm. The platform has a lowermost surface which is concave allowing the platform to be used with remote controls having either flat or convex lower surfaces by merely inverting the platform accordingly, and a first portion of hook and loop fasteners screwed to the platform. A second portion of hook and loop fasteners is attached to the remote control and releasably engages with the first portion of hook and loop fasteners so as to releasably engage the remote control with the platform. A joint pivotally attaches the platform to the bracket and includes a pair of plates and a post with a second ball bearing and a screw boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: David Hare
  • Patent number: 6896227
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism of a tripod includes an X-axis adjusting mechanism having an X-axis shaft, a Y-axis adjusting mechanism having a Y-axis shaft, a Z-axis adjusting mechanism having a Z-axis shad and a leg adjusting mechanism. The X-axis adjusting mechanism is connected to the Y-axis adjusting mechanism which is connected to the Z-axis adjusting mechanism. The X-axis shaft, the Y-axis shaft and the Z-axis shaft all intersect at one point. The leg adjusting mechanism has a base and three positioning members are located at equiangular positions around the base. Each positioning member has a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion that are located at different height and distance from the center of the base. Each positioning member is connected to a leg joint and an adjusting knob is connected to each leg joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Heng-Chun Ku
  • Patent number: 6764051
    Abstract: A moving yoke comprises a first yoke member, a second yoke member, swivellable relative to the first yoke member about a first axis, and a third yoke member having an arcuate portion. The second yoke member has an arcuate support portion, and the arcuate portion of the third yoke member is supported by the arcuate portion of the second yoke member to enable slidable movement relative thereto along an arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Knight
  • Patent number: 6752363
    Abstract: A device for tiltable mounting of a component, such as a display screen, on a wall, which device comprises a first part to be fixed to a wall, as well as a second part to which the component can be connected. Said parts are pivotally interconnected via a first pivot. The device furthermore comprises a spring which is pivotally connected to the second part with a first end via a second pivot and which is pivotally connected, via a third pivot, to the first part with a second end remote from said first end. The second part comprises a mounting surface which extends substantially parallel to a supporting surface extending through the first and second pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Vogel's Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald Martijn Boele
  • Patent number: 6621245
    Abstract: A calculation system for calculating the control signals which are designed to perform a frequency-dependent weighting of the angular velocity signals and the angular position signals. The angular velocity indicators are preferably used for stabilization in a high frequency band while the angular position indicators are suitable for stabilization in a low frequency band. A further calculation system which is designed to perform the frequency-dependent weighting such that the control signals for frequencies below a certain frequency are substantially determined by the angular position signals and the control signals for higher frequencies are substantially determined by the angular velocity signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Thales Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Marie Hermanus Vaassen, Antonius C. J. Stavenuiter
  • Patent number: 6575419
    Abstract: The disclosed system is directed towards a universal support system. The universal support system comprises a pair of arched bases and an arched beam coupled to the pair of arched bases. The universal support system also includes a multi-hinge rotatably coupled to the arched beam and a mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the multi-hinge, wherein the mounting bracket conforms with a mounting bracket standard for mounting displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuni Masuda, Joe Miseli, James Stanton
  • Publication number: 20020130230
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably mounting a camera. The apparatus comprises a base bracket, a ring bracket, a square bracket and a carrier bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Silent Witness Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Natalia E. Ursan, William E. Fenton, Dennis K. Ho
  • Patent number: 6351092
    Abstract: A calculation system for calculating the control signals which are designed to perform a frequency-dependent weighting of the angular velocity signals and the angular position signals. The angular velocity indicators are preferably used for stabilization in a high frequency band while the angular position indicators are suitable for stabilization in a low frequency band. A further calculation system which is designed to perform the frequency-dependent weighting such that the control signals for frequencies below a certain frequency are substantially determined by the angular position signals and the control signals for higher frequencies are substantially determined by the angular velocity signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Thales Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Marie Hermanus Vaassen, Antonius C. J. Stavenuiter