Combined With Diverse-type Device Patents (Class 250/215)
  • Publication number: 20080252467
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an electromagnetic sensor which includes a header, an anode connected to a first terminal extending through the header, the anode in electrical isolation from the header, a cathode connected to a second terminal extending through the header, the cathode in electrical isolation from the header, a conductive case including a window transparent to electromagnetic energy, the conductive case enclosing the anode and the cathode and hermetically sealed to the header and an insulative sleeve disposed between the anode and the case and between the cathode and the conductive case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, Khanh Q. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080173798
    Abstract: A process and a device are provided-for ascertaining the rotation of a liquid spray arm for a domestic appliance. Lighting means serves as a light transmitter and a photoreceiver serves as a light receiver. The lighting means and the photoreceiver are assigned a light-conducting element. At a first location of the light-conducting element, at least some light emitted from the lighting means is coupled to a path so that the light is guided in the light-conducting element by total reflection. At a second location of the light-conducting element that spaced apart from the first location in the direction of propagation of the light, the light guided in the light-conducting element is coupled out of the path so that the light is received by the photoreceiver. The intensity of the light received by the photoreceiver is evaluated by an evaluation circuit with respect to the rotation of the spray arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Weisser, Guido Schick, Heinrich Muller, Wolfgang Haussler, Michael Bessler
  • Patent number: 7402743
    Abstract: “Method and apparatus entraining interactive media players into a sustained experience of “Kinesthetic Spatial Sync,” defined as a perceived simultaneity and spatial superposition between a non-tactile, full body (“free-space”) input control process and immersive multisensory feedback. Asynchronous player input actions and (MIDI tempo) clock-synchronous media feedback events exhibit a seamless synesthesia1 or multisensory events fused into an integral event perception, this being between musical sound (hearing), visual responses (sight), and body kinesthetic (radial extension, angular position, height, speed, timing, and precision). This non-tactile interface process and multisensory feedback “look and feel” is embodied as an optimal ergonomic human interface for interactive music and as a six-degrees-of-freedom full-body-interactive immersive media controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Body Harp Interactive Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Clark, John G. Gibbon
  • Patent number: 7391408
    Abstract: An adjustable brightness apparatus includes a light detection unit and a modulation and can automatically adjust the backlight current of a display device based on variable ambient light outside the display device so as to reduce the power consumption. Users can therefore view images shown on the display device more clearly and comfortably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lite-On Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Meng-Kun Chen
  • Publication number: 20080143321
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a resource consumption meter emitting and detecting a signal having a first frequency relative to the rate of metered resource consumption. The apparatus comprises at least one signal detection means adapted to detect said signal from said resource consumption meter; and, a circuit operatively connected to the signal detection means and adapted for interpreting the signal for a human. A method for multi-mode operation of the apparatus is disclosed so that it is possible for the apparatus to automatically detect the type of resource consumption meter it is attached to and operate accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Steve Carkner
  • Publication number: 20080116392
    Abstract: A wide field microscope includes a stage configured to hold a specimen having a fluorescent material therein, and a multi-photon excitation light source configured to produce excitation light having a single photon energy less than an absorption energy required for single photon excitation of said fluorescent material. A beam expansion unit is optically coupled to the light source and configured to expand the excitation light with reduced pulse spreading characteristics, and an infinity corrected objective optically coupled to the expansion unit and configured to focus the excitation light onto the specimen such that multi-photon excitation of the fluorescent material simultaneously occurs over a predetermined area of the specimen. A focus lens is configured to focus emission light emitted from said predetermined area of the specimen onto at least two pixels of an image detector simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Celloptic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Brooker
  • Patent number: 7342210
    Abstract: A wireless remote control is provided for an auto-darkening lens (ADL) system used in a welding helmet, respirator system or other device to control or to adjust settings of an ADL of a controllable light shutter. A display system facilitates providing information indicating the operative settings and/or conditions of the controllable light shutter. A wired remote control for controlling or adjusting an ADL also uses a display system with indicators to indicate the operative settings and/or conditions of the ADL. The display may include a number of indicators, an alpha-numeric display, a heads-up display or other display. The display may include discrete indicators in the peripheral field of view of one eye of a user a controllable. The invention also includes methods of using a remote control for an ADL and of making an ADL to provide for future use of a wireless remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: LightSwitch Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Fergason
  • Patent number: 7332704
    Abstract: A photosensitive button structure includes a button body and a photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is disposed on a bottom side of the button body, and has a plurality of words and pictures formed thereon. Whereby, the photosensitive layer produces a first color change by absorbing light from one angle, and then produces a second color change or more than two color changes by absorbing light from another angle, in order to produce a dual mode visual effect. The present invention solves problems and the defects of the traditional button having only one fixed color, and that the color of the traditional button can only be changed once, because the photosensitive layer can absorb light from different angles. Hence, the present invention not only improves the appearance of the button body, but can also show more than two color changes of any words or pictures on the button structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Silitech Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Yen Lien, Chien-Hsin Wu, Wun-Jhih Tsai, Chien-Chia Chen
  • Publication number: 20080000291
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring motion of a scanning probe microscope (SPM) actuator using an improved optical displacement sensor (ODS) including a light emitter, an intensifier, and a photodetector. One of these three devices, most preferably the intensifier, is preferably movable with the actuator and relative to the other two devices. The intensifier intensifies the light incident on the detecting face of the photodetector, increasing the sensitivity of the ODS and improving the ability of the SPM to translate the actuator in the desired manner. The photodetector preferably is a split diode or a quad diode photodetector. The light emitter includes at least a light source such as an LED and may additionally include an aperture that limits the light passing therethrough to that which contributes to the displacement signal, thereby reducing shot noise and increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Masser
  • Patent number: 7199352
    Abstract: A measuring device measures sensitivity distribution of a photo sensor including a light projector element for projecting detection light externally, and a photoreceptor element for receiving the detection light reflected externally, and photoelectrically detects an article. The measuring device includes a test panel, having a test pattern, formed on a surface thereof and in at least two colors, for being read by the photo sensor photoelectrically for inspection. A moving mechanism moves the test panel relative to the photo sensor and at a regular speed. A controller actuates the moving mechanism, and evaluates an output from the photoreceptor element, in order to determine the sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor according thereto. Sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor is initially expressed two-dimensionally. Also, a plurality of the sensitivity distribution being obtained are used to determine sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor expressed three-dimensionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 7151247
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile measurement system of photoenvironment comprises a measuring equipment 5 to measure photoenvironment and a barrow 4 for moving measurement which the equipment 5 is mounted. The measuring equipment 5 has one or more photosensor 5a–5c and a photodata recording device 7 that records photodata that is detected and output by the photosensors with the position and the direction of the detect of these sensors, the barrow 4 has a measurement position and direction calculating device 7 that calculates the position and the direction of detection of the photosensors 5a14 5c at the measurement in accordance with an information of self-contained navigation from an acceleration sensor 9 and a rotation angle sensor 10 that detects the acceleration and the rotation angle of the barrow respectively, and an information of moving distance from the wheel revolution sensor 8 and transmit the result of the calculation to the photodata recording device 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: National University Corporation Nagoya University
    Inventor: Takafumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7136203
    Abstract: In a contact type image sensor including an illumination section including a light source and light guide to illuminate a document, an image sensing element for converting an optical image of the document into an electrical signal, a cylindrical rod lens for forming an optical image on the image sensing element, and a frame for integrally holding the illumination section, image sensing element, and cylindrical rod lens, the light guide has undergone antireflection treatment on a surface thereof on the document side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Yokota, Haruo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 7045803
    Abstract: An indication of whether or not a target object is present at a site of a collet assembly is derived by monitoring light reflected from the site. The use of reflected light enables the presence of objects to be detected, especially transparent objects. In a preferred arrangement for determining if a sapphire die is present in a die-handling collet assembly, light from a source is collimated or focused into a narrow beam and directed through a beam splitter at the target site of the collet assembly. Light reflected from the surface of the die is further reflected by the beam splitter toward a photo-sensor. The reflected light is measured when the collet passes over a dark background while on the way to deliver a die at a bonding position and again while returning after attempting to place the die at the bonding position. A determination of a die present in the former and absent in the latter is indicative of a well-placed die at the bonding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Fan Wang, Wing Hong Leung
  • Patent number: 7026959
    Abstract: A joystick module in which a toggle arm controls movement of a plurality of shutters, with each shutter arranged between a light receiver and a light emitter. Control of the light from the light receiver to the light emitter of each pair provides signal information for controlled operation of an activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Mario M. Orrico, Daniel J. Danek
  • Patent number: 7022968
    Abstract: An optical sensor provides information about the burn of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine as well as the timing and waveform of the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The optical sensor can be implemented as a stand-alone device, or incorporated into a spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Hopper, Philipp Lindorfer, Michael Mian, Robert Drury
  • Patent number: 6956500
    Abstract: An inexpensive energy monitoring device and method for measuring energy usage and power costs in real time. The invention can include an external type digital battery powered camera that can be mounted away from and adjacent to the outdoor utility meter on a rotatable arm, which can send data signals to remote locations indoors using wireless such as an RF signal to a detector/display inside the residence. The indoor unit can be programmed to display desirable energy status information to a home owner on power usage and power costs on a daily bases, monthly bases, and yearly bases so that the home owner can budget energy usage and energy costs as needed. A shield can also be used with device and method for shielding power meters from adverse weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: M & M Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred D. Ducharme, Jason M. Eichenholz, Paul A. Valentine
  • Patent number: 6858831
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring optoelectronic characterstics of an organic light emitting diode, comprising a computer, a power supply and a cavity. The cavity comprises a tooling, on which at least one photodiode is mounted. The computer is used to control the power supply for lighting up the organic light emitting diode, so as to control the optoelectronic characteristic measuring equipment for measuring a brightness generated by the organic light emitting diode. Thereby, the automatic measurement is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: RiTdisplay Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hsin Wu, Ju-Chung Chen, Shu-Shin Lin, Yen-Lin Wang
  • Publication number: 20040217266
    Abstract: The inventive sensor device includes a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant being configured to define a lens portion for focusing incident optical radiation onto an active surface of the sensing element, and an optical radiation collector portion surrounding the lens portion for collecting and redirecting optical radiation that is not incident the lens portion onto the active surface of the sensing element. The collector portion may be a parabolic reflector that reflects incident light by total internal reflection. The sensor device may be incorporated into an assembly including a diffuser positioned across an aperture, and/or may be incorporated into a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse
  • Publication number: 20040213515
    Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Santur Corporation
    Inventors: Bardia Pezeshki, Jay Kubicky, Ed Val
  • Patent number: 6801875
    Abstract: Methods of measuring widths of illumination spots and distances between two points, and predicting detected signal widths are provided. Systems, software, and kits for performing the methods of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wolk, Irina Kazakova, Morten J. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6784985
    Abstract: A three-dimensional laser beam detection device. The three-dimensional laser beam detection device has a portion fixed to a laser source such as an optical head, an adjusting device provided on the fixed portion, and a laser beam detection portion coupled to the adjusting device. The adjusting device has a first table movably coupled to the fixed portion in a first direction, and a first adjusting portion coupled to the first table for moving the first table relatively to the fixed portion in the first direction. The first adjusting portion is formed within the adjusting device. The laser beam detection portion has a detector to detect the laser beam radiating from the laser source. The fixed portion has a fixed relative position to the laser source, and the detector is adjustable in relation to the laser source by performing adjustment with the adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Tung-Lung Lin, Hsing-Hua Liu, Chun-Nan Lin
  • Publication number: 20040099794
    Abstract: A receiving device for cooperation with an optical fiber is provided with a sensor (3). The sensor (3) comprises two or more distinct sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) delivering an output signal with a strength that depends on the intensity applied to the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d). A greatest dimension (a) of the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d) is at most equal to half the diameter of a diffraction-limited spot (5) of the beam (2) exiting the optic fiber (1) at the location of the sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d). A diametrical dimension (c) of the part of the sensor (3) provided with sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) is greater than the diameter of the beam (2) exiting from the optical fiber (1). Means (15) are present for determining the strength of the output signal from each sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Marcus Egbert Kole
  • Patent number: 6737629
    Abstract: Light sensors having a wide dynamic range are used in a variety of applications. A wide dynamic range light sensor includes an exposed photodiode light transducer accumulating charge in proportion to light incident over an integration period. Sensor logic determines a light integration period prior to the beginning of integration and the charge is reset. Charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer over the light integration period is measured and a pulse having a width based on the accumulated charge is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Jon H. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 6696987
    Abstract: With an electronic device, in particular a car radio that includes a microprocessor and operating buttons that can be illuminated by light sources, the functions of illumination and detecting an operating status of the operating buttons are linked together by the fact that the light sources can be supplied with control pulses cyclically in succession as controlled by the microprocessor. The operating buttons each have a light receiver arrangement, which can be connected optically to the light source and whose optical connection to the light source can be varied by operating the respective operating button. The microprocessor is equipped for an allocation of the output signals of the light receiver arrangements to the cyclically emitted pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Rychlak
  • Publication number: 20030188581
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor (7) is dedicated to making a precise measurement of the light amplitude of pulses (2) from a laser (1), so that quantitative measurements such as photo-acoustic spectroscopy can be used to precisely measure the concentration of some bodies in a solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Daniele Roudil, Laurent Couston, Jacques Delage, Mathieu Brutel
  • Patent number: 6614409
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a glare shielding device. The glare shielding device includes a microprocessor for controlling an activation time and a driving time of a liquid crystal panel. The microprocessor generates an activation control signal of a liquid crystal activating portion, a driving control signal of a liquid crystal driving portion, and a power off control signal in response to a simultaneous detection of a welding light and a high frequency generated during a welding process. The liquid crystal activating portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and activates the liquid crystal panel using a minus voltage between a high voltage and an activation voltage. The liquid crystal driving portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and drives the liquid crystal panel in response to the driving control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Otos Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Dawn Bae
  • Publication number: 20030128117
    Abstract: A heat source locator (10) is disclosed having an elongated housing (11) in which is mounted a thermal detector (21), an infrared laser (22), a visible laser (23), and a light bar (25) all coupled directly or indirectly to the outputs of a semi-conductor (27). The thermal detector (21) is mounted within the housing (11) to sense a thermal input within a field of view FV along a central longitudinal axis LA. The infrared laser (22) is mounted within the housing (11) to transmit an infrared laser beam IRB generally parallel to and closely adjacent the longitudinal axis LA. The visible light (23) is mounted within the housing (11) to transmit a visible light laser beam VB generally parallel to and closely adjacent the longitudinal axis LA. With this construction, a target may be generally located by the thermal detector and the location pinpointed through an illumination of the target by one of the lasers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Keith Oliver, Chung T. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6583402
    Abstract: To provide a package structure for securing a satisfactory optical coupling between an optical device arranged beforehand on a printed board and an optical device newly mounted on the particular printed board. Positioning LDs 41a and 41b are arranged on a printed board 1. A sensing PD 42a for receiving the optical signal emitted from the positioning LD 41a and a sensing PD 42b for receiving the optical signal emitted from the positioning LD 41b are arranged in an OEIC package 11 mounted on the printed board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takayuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6565352
    Abstract: A smoke density monitor for mounting on a ship smokestack. The smoke density monitor provides a transmitter head and a receiver head mounted to a smokestack. The transmitter head and receiver head are optically connected with a density monitor by means of fiber-optic lines. The density monitor is electrically connected to an alarm monitor, which at pre-set smokestack smoke densities activates an alarm and/or shuts down the ship's burner(s). An optional recorder may be connected to the alarm monitor to preserve a record of smoke density. Each transmitter and recorder head has an optical head slidably attached to a head housing for ease of servicing and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Ken E. Nielsen, Poul K. Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20030085342
    Abstract: A device which can detect changes in the light intensity of its location and provide messages in response to these changes. The messages could be in the form of auditory cues such as the replay of a recorded voice message containing a reminder, salutation or reaffirmation. The messages could be in the form of wireless messages sent to the personal digital assistant of the user. In one embodiment the device would be equipped with a timer so that it can give its messages in response to the day, or hour, or the amount of time elapsed since a change in the room's lighting condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ben Zehavi
  • Publication number: 20030066947
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use with an optical communication beam are disclosed. The system allows the beam of light to operate at an adequate power level that provides a robust optical link while minimizing any safety risk to humans. The system calibrates and controls the gain for an avalanche photodiode detector (APD). A detector circuit is used to calibrate the APD. Once calibrated, the detector circuit further provides an electrical bias to the APD to process or condition the electrical signal to produce a detector output. The systems and methods disclosed herein attenuate the power level of an incoming communication beam to prevent oversaturation of an APD. The system further provides an alignment signal, which is effective over a wide dynamic range of incoming power levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Jim Alwan, Paul William Binun, Scott Harris Bloom, Victor J. Chan, Glenn Claude Hoiseth, Hugh Michael O'Brien, Scott Platenberg, Werner Pyka, Raymond D. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030015649
    Abstract: A device for automatically detecting characteristics of an ophthalmic lens includes a support receiving the lens, an illumination system and an analysis system. The optics of the illumination system define two alternate optical paths, one of which passes through a mask forming a Hartmann matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Xavier Levecq, Fabien Divo, Laurent Guillermin
  • Patent number: 6504142
    Abstract: Light sensors having a wide dynamic range are used in a variety of applications. A wide dynamic range light sensor includes an exposed photodiode light transducer accumulating charge in proportion to light incident over an integration period. Sensor logic determines a light integration period prior to the beginning of integration and the charge is reset. Charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer over the light integration period is measured and a pulse having a width based on the accumulated charge is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Jon H. Bechtel
  • Publication number: 20020190191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moving assembly for a working system, said assembly including:
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Denis Maurin, Eric Terrasse
  • Publication number: 20020186358
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a method is provided that comprises energizing a light source to provide light having a preselected intensity. A first photosensor, which is capable of delivering a first signal indicative of the intensity of the light source, is exposed to the light source. A second photosensor, which is also capable of delivering a second signal indicative of the intensity of the light source, is also exposed to the light source. Thereafter, the first and second signals are compared, and an error signal is delivered in response to detecting a significant difference between the first and second signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony John Toprac, Richard David Edwards, Curtis Warren Doss
  • Patent number: 6479813
    Abstract: A motor-driven pan-tilt unit such as a pan-tilt camera mount designed to remotely control panning and tilting motion of, for example, a surveillance camera is provided. The pan-tilt unit includes a pan mechanism, a transmitting unit, and an optical signal transmitting unit. The pan mechanism has a stationary housing and a rotary shaft in connection with the camera. The transmitting unit includes a plurality of conductive rings and a plurality of conductive contacts. Each of the conductive rings is mounted on one of the rotary shaft and an inner wall of the stationary housing in electrical contact with one of the conductive contacts to establish transmission of electric power and control signals required for a tilt mechanism and the camera. The optical signal transmitting unit includes a light-emitting element and a light-sensitive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Takada, Katsumi Yano
  • Patent number: 6469291
    Abstract: Moisture detection permits moisture removal equipment, such as automotive windshield wipers and defogger systems, to be operated automatically. A system for detecting moisture on a surface includes a light emitter directed at the surface. The presence of moisture is based on the intensity of light from the emitter reflected by the surface and received by a light sensor. The light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a variable integration period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Fred T. Bauer, Jon H. Bechtel, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum
  • Publication number: 20020100865
    Abstract: Light sensors having a wide dynamic range are used in a variety of applications. A wide dynamic range light sensor includes an exposed photodiode light transducer accumulating charge in proportion to light incident over an integration period. Sensor logic determines a light integration period prior to the beginning of integration and the charge is reset. Charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer over the light integration period is measured and a pulse having a width based on the accumulated charge is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Jon H. Bechtel
  • Publication number: 20020085806
    Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angledfiber or a parasitic reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Bardia Pezeshki, Jay Kubicky, Ed Vail
  • Patent number: 6359274
    Abstract: Light sensors having a wide dynamic range are used in a variety of applications. A wide dynamic range light sensor includes an exposed photodiode light transducer accumulating charge in proportion to light incident over an integration period. Sensor logic determines a light integration period prior to the beginning of integration and the charge is reset. Charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer over the light integration period is measured and a pulse having a width based on the accumulated charge is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Jon H. Bechtel
  • Publication number: 20020020804
    Abstract: Moisture detection permits moisture removal equipment, such as automotive windshield wipers and defogger systems, to be operated automatically. A system for detecting moisture on a surface includes a light emitter directed at the surface. The presence of moisture is based on the intensity of light from the emitter reflected by the surface and received by a light sensor. The light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a variable integration period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Fred T. Bauer, Jon H. Bechtel, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum
  • Patent number: 6348908
    Abstract: A bistable display device that is powered only by ambient energy. Ambient energy is collected by an ambient energy receiver which converts the ambient energy into an operating signal and provides the operating signal to a controller. The controller drives the display device based on the operating signal. A user can create a custom display by fixing customizable patterned electrodes to the display. A display controller uses a self-starting oscillator. The oscillator outputs a clock input signal wave to a ripple counter and a voltage signal to a voltage doubler. The voltage doubler outputs a stored charge signal to a transformer concurrently with a clock pulse that is output by the ripple counter to change a state of the voltage output from the transformer to conductive electrodes within or on the display. The voltage output from the transformers applies an electric field across the display in the portions of the display covered by the conductors to switch the image on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Richley, Alexander E. Silverman, Matthew E. Howard, Bryan T. Preas
  • Patent number: 6313457
    Abstract: Moisture detection permits moisture removal equipment, such as automotive windshield wipers and defogger systems, to be operated automatically. A system for detecting moisture on a surface includes a light emitter directed at the surface. The presence of moisture is based on the intensity of light from the emitter reflected by the surface and received by a light sensor. The light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a variable integration period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Fred T. Bauer, Jon H. Bechtel, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum
  • Publication number: 20010012651
    Abstract: A laser illumination apparatus for illuminating a semiconductor film with a linear laser beam while scanning the semiconductor film with the linear laser beam. An optical system generates a linear laser beam having a beam width W by dividing a pulse laser beam that is emitted from a pulsed laser light source into a plurality of beams vertically and horizontally, and combines divisional beams after they have been processed into a linear shape individually. A mechanism is provided to move a substrate that is mounted with the semiconductor film. A condition W/20≦&Dgr;(r)≦×≦W/5 or &Dgr;(r)≦W/20≦×≦W/5 is satisfied, where r is a height difference of the surface of the semiconductor film, &Dgr;(r) is a variation amount of the beam width W as a function of the height difference r, and x is a movement distance of the substrate during an oscillation period of the pulsed laser light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Koichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6225615
    Abstract: A motor driven surface translating amusement device includes a base having front and rear base parts, and a rear wheel unit having a pair of coaxial rear wheels mounted rotatably on the rear base part. A transmission mechanism is mounted on the front base part, and includes a bi-directional motor operable so as to provide forward and reverse drive power outputs, and a vertical drive shaft driven rotatably by the motor. A control unit includes a light sensor mounted on the base for detecting changes in light intensity thereat. The control unit is connected electrically to and controls the motor to provide an appropriate one of the forward and reverse drive power outputs in accordance with the light intensity detected by the light sensor. A clutch mechanism is sleeved rotatably on the drive shaft, and is in frictional engagement with the drive shaft for co-rotation therewith. A rotation restricting unit is provided on the base and the clutch mechanism for restricting angular rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dah Yang Toy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Nan Yang
  • Patent number: 6191574
    Abstract: An apparatus for quantifying the position of a released arrow as it passes across the bow riser. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor detects a signal from an arrow shaft for the purposes of collecting data pertaining to arrow position. The electronics measurement unit provides a user configurable gain to control the variation and sensitivity of the collected data. The optical trigger mechanism used to stimulate the sensor does not require arrow shaft modification. Statistical parameters of the collected data are displayed on the bow and are used to determine and improve archery tackle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Patrick Dilger
  • Patent number: 6043525
    Abstract: A CMOS charge-integration mode photo-detector built on an n-type substrate is disclosed in this invention. This photo-detector includes a p+n photodiode with the n-type substrate constituting an n-region and a p+ diffusion region disposed near a top surface of the n-type substrate, the p+ diffusion region constituting a charge integration node. The photodetector further includes a gate-biased charge storable n-type MOS transistor functioning as a photo-conversion voltage amplifier supported on the substrate formed with a threshold voltage of Vt0 having a gate terminal connected to the charge-integration node. The photodetector further includes a MOS transistor supported on the substrate functioning as a constant current-source load transistor having a drain terminal connected to a source terminal of the gate-biased charge storable n-type MOS transistor and a gate terminal connected to a bias reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Pao-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 5886349
    Abstract: An automatic motorcycle stand including a gear box fastened to a motorcycle to hold a reduction gear set, a reversible DC motor controlled by a manual switch to turn the reduction gear set, a steering gear driven by the reduction gear set to turn a rocker shaft, a rocker arm driven by the rocker shaft to move the stand of the motorcycle between the operative position and the non-operative position, two limit switches alternatively triggered by an actuating screw on the rocker shaft to stop the reversible DC motor, a photoelectric sensor mounted in the speedometer of the motorcycle and triggered to cut off power supply from the reversible DC motor upon zero reading of the speedometer, a 2P manual switch switched to turn the reversible DC motor forwards or backwards alternatively, and a 2P limit switch mounted in the ignition switch of the motorcycle to lock the 2P manual switch from being operated to move the stand to the non-operative position when the ignition switch of the motorcycle is switched off, or to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Su
  • Patent number: 5831260
    Abstract: A hybrid motion tracker captures the motion of a person. Magnetic field sensors and optical sources are placed on a person, each located on different limbs. A fixed transmitter emits electromagnetic energy and infrared light is transmitted from the optical light sources to the fixed optical sensors. The magnetic field sensors sense the magnetic field and a computer calculates each sensor's position and orientation relative to the fixed transmitter. The optical system's Position Sensing Detectors measure the transmitted infrared light and the computer calculates the position and orientation of each optical light source. The position and orientation of each sensor is used to reconstruct the person's motion in real time, which is sent to a host computer. The computer utilizes the optical system which is more precise than the magnetic field system to compensate for the magnetic field system and thereby achieve higher accuracies. The system is a hybrid system using both magnetic fields and infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ascension Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Per Krogh Hansen
  • Patent number: 5683589
    Abstract: The reactor has two tubes arranged concentrically, one having a larger diameter than the other, the tubes thus defining an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel contains an elongated light source, such as a bulb or a fiber optic bundle receiving sunlight from a solar collector, radiating light outwardly, the light including a substantial component of light having a wavelength of less than 390 nm. The outer channel has at least one and preferably a number of angled conical baskets arranged therein, each basket covering all of the channel and having a face supporting a fiber glass mesh thereon, exposed towards the light. An alternative embodiment reflects sunlight inwardly towards a single tube with baskets. Each basket has a plurality of small apertures therethrough to permit water to pass therethrough, and the mesh is impregnated with TiO.sub.2 particles. Preferably, the inner surface of the outer channel is reflective. The mesh is prepared by a process which includes treatment of the TiO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Hugo I. de Lasa, Julio Valladares