Movable In Or Out Of Optical Path Patents (Class 359/889)
  • Patent number: 11285486
    Abstract: A cover assembly may include a tray assembly frame, a first cover supported by the tray assembly frame, the first cover extending in a first plane and defining one or more first openings; a second cover supported by the tray assembly frame, the second cover extending in a second plane and defining one or more second openings, wherein the first and second planes are different planes, and wherein the second cover is disposed above the first cover. The cover assembly may include one or more tray holders, each tray holder being configured to hold at least one tray in an upright orientation, wherein each tray holder is moveable between an open position and a closed position, the tray holders being accessible for loading or removing the trays in the open position, and the tray holders being positioned beneath the first and second covers in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David A. Buse
  • Patent number: 10837737
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for mounting front and rear IR and visible LEDs sights on weapons. The LEDs illuminate the sights in low light environments unlike modern day iron sights. The LED sights allow a shooter the ability to see both sights, and acquire the sights in low light without projecting any visible light. The sights being battery powered with an on/off and dimmer switch giving the shooter ability to use the sights at their convenience without projecting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Wright
  • Patent number: 10801950
    Abstract: This relates to systems and methods for measuring a concentration and type of substance in a sample at a sampling interface. The systems can include a light source, optics, one or more modulators, a reference, a detector, and a controller. The systems and methods disclosed can be capable of accounting for drift originating from the light source, one or more optics, and the detector by sharing one or more components between different measurement light paths. Additionally, the systems can be capable of differentiating between different types of drift and eliminating erroneous measurements due to stray light with the placement of one or more modulators between the light source and the sample or reference. Furthermore, the systems can be capable of detecting the substance along various locations and depths within the sample by mapping a detector pixel and a microoptics to the location and depth in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Miikka M. Kangas, Mark Alan Arbore, David I. Simon, Michael J. Bishop, James W. Hillendahl, Robert Chen
  • Patent number: 10738988
    Abstract: A converter arrangement for light sources with high luminance is provided that includes an axially pivotable carrying wheel and a converter fixed on one side of the carrying wheel. The converter includes fluorescent materials that convert impinging light into light having a different wave length and emits the light having the different wavelength. The ratio of the total area of the converter arrangement to the area enclosed by the outer boundary curve of the converter is at least 3, preferably at least 3.5, particularly preferably at least 4.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Volker Hagemann, Bernd Hoppe, Guenter Weidmann, Seong-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 10627640
    Abstract: An optical element angle adjustment device includes a first hinge that is an elastic hinge configured to connect a first plate and a second plate with each other, an optical element holding part attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and a first adjusting screw configured to apply force in a direction of closing the first hinge to adjust a tilt angle of at least one of the first plate and the second plate. An end in an axis direction of the first adjusting screw is provided with a first press member configured to slidably abut on one of the first plate and the second plate. At least one of a first press member side abutting portion and a first hinge side abutting portion on which the first press member abuts has a curved surface in a curved surface shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Nagahama, Yukio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10458754
    Abstract: An electronic system for a firearm includes a power source, one or more electrical conductors electrically connected to receive power from the power source, and a plurality of electronic devices. Each electronic device has an electrical input configured to receive power from the one or more electrical conductors to power the electronic device. A communication device is configured for data communication across the one or more electrical conductors. A method of communicating between electronic devices connected to a firearm includes powering a plurality of electronic devices connected to a firearm from a power source through one or more electrical conductors, and communicating data between the plurality of electronic devices across the one or more electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: T-Worx Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Miller, Ben Feldman, Joseph Ellena, Martin Fisher, Wayne Taylor, Gary Callsen
  • Patent number: 10018890
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an iris device, an imaging method, and a program that are capable of performing multispectral imaging in a small mechanism. The imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject; an optical system that forms an image on the image sensor with light from the subject; and an iris mechanism that restricts the amount of light passing through the optical system. The iris mechanism includes aperture blades that adjust a size of an aperture causing the light from the subject to pass through the aperture, and an optical filter that is provided to at least one of the aperture blades and transmits light having a predetermined wavelength. The aperture blades are driven to positions where the aperture has a predetermined size, in a state where the optical filter provided to the at least one of the aperture blades is hidden by one of the aperture blades other than the aperture blade of the optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoichi Toriumi
  • Patent number: 9989753
    Abstract: This invention minimizes the needed space for a changer device for optical elements which can be mounted in front or in the back or on either fork side of telescopes. It implements a design whose profile is circular and centrosymmetric and gravitanionally neutral in respect to the path of light of the surrounding optical devices as well as an optimized mechanical depth. This is achieved by moving the centrosymmetrically arranged optical elements individually into the optical path i.e. the central opening of the changing device in contrary to prior art designs wherein the optical elements are mounted on a revolving disk whose axis of rotation is not congruent with the optical axis. The invention minimizes the obstructing area and shape of the changing device as well as the gravitational stress on surrounding structures by incorporating a design with minimal space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Thomas Baader
    Inventor: Thomas Baader
  • Patent number: 9851678
    Abstract: A blowing device is equipped with a blowing portion and a holder. The blowing portion has a cylindrical body that stores a rotating body, and includes: a suction inlet arranged on a side surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body; and an exhaust outlet arranged on a part of the peripheral surface of the cylindrical body. The holder has a wall that faces the peripheral surface of the blowing portion with a gap between the wall and the peripheral surface, and holds the blowing portion inside. The holder includes: a suction portion that communicates with the suction inlet; and an exhaust portion that causes the exhaust outlet to communicate with the outside and the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Kubo
  • Patent number: 9664893
    Abstract: A phosphor wheel device includes: a phosphor wheel; a motor; and a plurality of blades. The phosphor wheel has: a disc-shaped substrate; and a phosphor disposed on one surface of the substrate in a circumferential direction. The motor rotatably drives the phosphor wheel. The plurality of blades are fixed to the other surface of the substrate so as to be integrally rotated with the phosphor wheel, and extend in a radial direction of the phosphor wheel from an axis of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Yamagishi, Manabu Chikayama
  • Patent number: 9651778
    Abstract: A light flux diameter expanding element (a pupil expanding element) used in a retina scanning display device includes first to fourth diffraction gratings which are provided with grating patterns extending in a first direction, and fifth to eighth diffraction gratings which are provided with grating patterns extending in a second direction, and includes a half-wave plate between the first diffraction grating and the fifth diffraction grating. A first light flux of polarized light in which an electric field vector oscillates in the first direction enters the first diffraction grating. A second light flux of polarized light in which the electric field vector oscillates in the second direction enters the fifth diffraction grating due to the half-wave plate. Therefore, it is possible to expand a diameter of the incident first light flux in the first direction and the second direction and emit the result as the third light flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 9488324
    Abstract: Accessories for LED lamp systems and methods of attaching accessories to illumination sources (e.g., LED lamps) are disclosed. A beam shaping accessories mechanically affixed to the LED lamp. The lens is designed to adapt to a first fixture that is mechanically attached to the lens. Accessories are designed to have a second fixture for mating to the first fixture such that the first fixture and the second fixture are configured to produce a retaining force between the first accessory and the lens. The retaining force is a mechanical force that is accomplished by mechanical mating of mechanical fixtures, or the retaining force is a magnetic force and is accomplished by magnetic fixtures configured to have attracting magnetic forces. In some embodiments, the accessory is treated to modulate an emanated light pattern (e.g., a rectangular, or square, or oval, or circular or diffused emanated light pattern). A USB connector is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Soraa, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Tin Chung Shum, Artem Mishin, Zinovy Dolgonosov, Clifford Jue, Abdul Assaad, Aurelien J. F. David, Wilfred Martis
  • Patent number: 9467669
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion module, includes a wavelength conversion device and at least one heat dissipation airflow providing device. The wavelength conversion device has at least one side surface. The heat dissipation airflow providing device has an outlet, wherein the outlet faces the side surface, and the heat dissipation airflow providing device is adapted to provide a heat dissipation airflow to the side surface from the outlet. A distance between a geometry center of an orthogonal projection of the outlet on the side surface and a geometry center of the side surface is smaller than or equal to half of a maximum inner diameter of the outlet. In addition, a projector having the wavelength conversion module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Te-Ying Tsai, Tsung-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 9341332
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light source apparatus, the apparatus including a light source configured to irradiate an excitation light, an optical system configured to form the excitation light, and a phosphor wheel configured to separate a plurality of colors based on the formed excitation light, wherein the phosphor wheel includes a first separation portion of light-transmitting material assembled as a separate element penetrable by a blue light of the excitation light, and integrally formed second to fourth separation portions having phosphor layer configured to reflect red, green and yellow of the excitation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youngsoo Choi, Hong Lyeol Oh
  • Patent number: 8905552
    Abstract: A dust-proof structure of a projector includes a color wheel module, an air diversion panel, and a circuit board. The color wheel module has a motor and a color wheel. The motor drives the color wheel by an axle to rotate. The air diversion panel is located on the circuit and positioned under the motor. The air diversion panel has an opening, a dust exit, and a dust collecting trough. The opening is positioned between the dust exit and the dust collecting trough. The circuit board has a sensor, which is placed in the opening of the air diversion panel. The dust exit and the dust collection trough of the air diversion panel prevent the sensor from dust aggregation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Huang, Ming-Chih Sun
  • Patent number: 8879175
    Abstract: A digital camera for wild game animals includes a camera having automatic flash, focus, aperture and shutter speed and film advance functions. The camera is mounted within a camera housing adapted for outdoor installation and protection from adverse weather conditions. An electronic control circuit mounted within the camera housing is operably connected to the camera and includes a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. The camera is activated by a passive infrared sensor detecting body heat of the animal or group of animals. An electromechanical device mounted within the camera housing selectively inserts an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Benning Qian
  • Patent number: 8797663
    Abstract: A filter for an illumination device may include wedge-shaped lenses arranged about an opening of the illumination device and pivotable between open and closed positions. When pivoted to a closed position, the lenses substantially cover the illumination device opening and block or filter radiation emitted therefrom. When pivoted to an open position, the lenses lie substantially perpendicular to the plane of the illumination device opening, allowing radiation emitted from the illumination device to pass through the opening unfiltered. In one aspect, the filter may include radially inner and outer supports, and each lens element may be pivotally attached to, and pivot about a radially extending pivot axis extending between, the inner and outer supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Anton M. Bouckaert
  • Publication number: 20140177080
    Abstract: A hands-free filter assembly suitable for use with a loupe light is described. The hands-free filter assembly includes a filter that moves between an in-use position, where it is filtering light from the loupe light, and a non-use position, where it is not filtering light from the loupe light. The filter can be moved between the in-use position and the non-position without manual manipulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald C. NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 8752985
    Abstract: A gobo support assembly, for a stage lighting fixture, has a disk-shaped gobo; a gobo support having a first seat for housing the gobo; and a gobo carrier wheel rotating about an axis and having a second seat for housing the gobo support; the gobo carrier wheel and the gobo support being connectable in sliding manner in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis, and being locked mutually by a reversible click-on locking mechanism to hold the gobo support in a given position inside the second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
  • Patent number: 8733978
    Abstract: An optical system and method for illuminating an object under investigation with filtered light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filter wheel having a plurality of variable bandpass filters. The filter wheel is rotatable about two axis, whereby rotation about the first axis brings a selected filter in line with a collimated beam of white light and rotation about the second axis adjusts the angle of the filter relative to the light beam in order to adjust the bandpass frequencies. A second beam of white light, which may be from a second light source, can also be reflected off of the face of the filter in a manner that illuminates the object with substantially white light. In one embodiment, the object may be alternately or simultaneously illuminated with filtered light or with reflected white light. The filter can be used as a bandstop or band rejection filter to illuminate the object with white light that is missing a narrow frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Sutter Instrument Company
    Inventors: Dale G. Flaming, Jack H. Belgum
  • Patent number: 8616710
    Abstract: A light source system includes a luminescent wheel, a driving unit for rotating the luminescent wheel, a light source for shining excitation light on to a luminescent material layer of the luminescent wheel, a light shining control unit for controlling an illumination timing of the light source, a light shining time integrating unit for integrating individual excitation light shining times to a plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel, an integrated light shining time storage unit for storing the individual light shining times to the predetermined divided areas, and a light shining range control unit for equalizing times over which excitation light is shone on to the plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel based on the individual excitation light shining times to the predetermined divided areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyasu Fukano
  • Patent number: 8599505
    Abstract: An optical filter switching apparatus of a surveillance device includes a housing, a driving apparatus, a optical filter holding bracket, and at least two optical filters. The housing includes a top housing and a bottom housing. A guiding mechanism is placed in the bottom housing, and the optical filter holding bracket is engaged with the guiding mechanism. The driving apparatus is placed beside the guiding mechanism and configured for the optical filter holding bracket. The optical filters are positioned on the optical filter holding bracket. The driving apparatus controls the guiding mechanism to switch the position of the optical filters in a smooth and a steady manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Hung Wang, Feng-Yang Ma
  • Publication number: 20130293976
    Abstract: Provision of a light intensity adjuster adapted for use of an infrared ray cutoff filter as necessary for high integrity, without getting excessive in thickness. A light intensity adjuster includes a light intensity adjusting mechanism adapted for variations in opening area to adjust the intensity of transmitted light, and a filter switching mechanism made up to move an infrared ray cutoff filter to a position of opening at the light intensity adjusting mechanism and displace the infrared ray cutoff filter from the position of opening, and has a recess shape portion provided at a separation member facing the infrared ray cutoff filter at the filter switching mechanism to accommodate the infrared ray cutoff filter to be free from interferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NEW ASIA OPTICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshio Takada
  • Publication number: 20130286355
    Abstract: A light filtering structure and an optical engine system are provided. The light filtering structure includes a shaft center block and a first arc filter. The shaft center block is connected with an actuator to be swung back and forth by the actuator. The first arc filter is connected with the shaft center block and has an arc which corresponds with a central angle less than 360 degrees. The optical engine system includes a light source assembly, the light filtering structure and an actuator. The light source assembly produces a light beam and is disposed opposite to the light filtering structure. The actuator is connected with the shaft center block of the light filtering structure to drive the light filtering structure to swing back and forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chia Jui LIN, Tzu-Wei SU, Kuo-Ching CHANG
  • Patent number: 8562141
    Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a fluorescence plate including a fluorescence layer configured to emit fluorescence light beams upon irradiation of the excitation lights, a first lens array, provided on a light source side of the fluorescence plate and including a plurality of lenses arranged in an array to correspond with the light-emitting elements, and configured to collect the fluorescence light beams and emit the fluorescence light beams to be parallel with one another, and a projection unit configured to form an optical image using the fluorescence light beams obtained via the first lens array and project the optical image on a projection object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ogino
  • Publication number: 20130258056
    Abstract: An optical adjusting device includes: a rotating unit that includes and rotates about a through-hole through which light passes; at least one moving unit that is movably disposed relative to the rotating unit and is linearly movable between an advance position corresponding to the through-hole and a retreat position outside the through-hole; a transmitting unit that is disposed between the rotating unit and the moving unit and transmits a rotational force of the rotating unit to the moving unit; and an optical unit that is disposed on the moving unit and blocks at least part of light passing through the through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol-eun Jang, Hee-seung Choi, Kun-woo Lee, Woo-jong Cho, Sung-wook Choi
  • Publication number: 20130235349
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a color wheel module for use in a projection apparatus. The color wheel module includes a color wheel, a supporting device, a fixing device and an actuator. The fixing device is disposed on the supporting device and partially connects with the actuator. A guide track is disposed on the supporting device, and the fixing device positions the color wheel on the guide track. While the actuator drives the fixing device, the color wheel moves along the guide track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Mao Shan HSU
  • Patent number: 8393741
    Abstract: There are provided a light source system which can suppress the deterioration of a luminescent material and a projector which can project a clear image. The light source system comprises a luminescent wheel, a driving unit for rotating the luminescent wheel, a light source for shining excitation light on to a luminescent material layer of the luminescent wheel, a light shining control unit for controlling an illumination timing of the light source, a light shining time integrating unit for integrating individual excitation light shining times to a plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel, an integrated light shining time storage unit for storing the individual light shining times to the predetermined divided areas, and a light shining range control unit for equalizing times over which excitation light is shone on to the plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel based on the individual excitation light shining times to the predetermined divided areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyasu Fukano
  • Patent number: 8351022
    Abstract: A radiation beam modification apparatus for controlling a property of a beam of radiation in a lithographic apparatus includes a flexible sheet provided with a plurality of apertures, and a positioning apparatus comprising a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, wherein a first end portion of the flexible sheet is coupled to the first rotatable member, a second end portion of the flexible sheet is coupled to the second rotatable member and a central portion of the flexible sheet extends between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The apertures may be used to control the numerical aperture of a projection system of a lithographic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Petrus De Boeij, Leon Martin Levasier
  • Publication number: 20120320578
    Abstract: An optical system and method for illuminating an object under investigation with filtered light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filter wheel having a plurality of variable bandpass filters. The filter wheel is rotatable about two axis, whereby rotation about the first axis brings a selected filter in line with a collimated beam of white light and rotation about the second axis adjusts the angle of the filter relative to the light beam in order to adjust the bandpass frequencies. A second beam of white light, which may be from a second light source, can also be reflected off of the face of the filter in a manner that illuminates the object with substantially white light. In one embodiment, the object may be alternately or simultaneously illuminated with filtered light or with reflected white light. The filter can be used as a bandstop or band rejection filter to illuminate the object with white light that is missing a narrow frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Sutter Instrument Company
    Inventors: Dale G. Flaming, Jack H. Belgum
  • Publication number: 20120320202
    Abstract: A camera having a mechanical device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter housed therein. The lens filter may be a day optical filter and a night optical filter selectively inserted into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include a series of gears and a filter bracket slidably disposed within a housing, which moves between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert at least one optical lens filter into the optical path of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: BENNING QIAN
  • Patent number: 8331047
    Abstract: An optical filter device switches two different optical filters through a frame with the optical filters received therein and being received in a seat formed on a casing. A driver fixed on the casing is employed to drives the frame through a gear fixed on the casing and engaged to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Hui Hung
  • Publication number: 20120307127
    Abstract: A digital camera for wild game animals includes a camera having automatic flash, focus, aperture and shutter speed and film advance functions. The camera is mounted within a camera housing adapted for outdoor installation and protection from adverse weather conditions. An electronic control circuit mounted within the camera housing is operably connected to the camera and includes a memory device and a microprocessor for storing and performing a set of programmable functions. The camera is activated by a passive infrared sensor detecting body heat of the animal or group of animals. An electromechanical device mounted within the camera housing selectively inserts an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: BENNING QIAN
  • Patent number: 8322865
    Abstract: A projection apparatus including an illumination system, a light valve, and a color filtering module is provided. The illumination system is capable of emitting an illumination beam. The light valve is disposed in the transmission path of the illumination beam and capable of converting the illumination beam into an image beam. The color filtering module is disposed in the transmission path of the illumination beam between the illumination system and the light valve and includes a plurality of colored filters and a gray filter. The gray filter is capable of reducing the intensity of the illumination beam passing through the gray filter. An image adjustment method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Optoma Corporation
    Inventors: Tzung-I Lin, Yi-Chun Lu, Justin Halls
  • Patent number: 8262262
    Abstract: Gobo wheel assembly has multiple gobo devices on a rotatable wheel. A central sun gear can rotate all the gobos. The gobos can be inserted and released from the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 8260053
    Abstract: A method virtualizes an image sensor. The method comprises selecting one of at least two portions of a filter to use as a function of a mode of operation. The method comprises capturing an image using the selected one of the at least two portions. The method comprises executing a functionality using data extracted from the image. The functionality corresponds to the mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Epshteyn
  • Patent number: 8248692
    Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a barrel receiving a lens system therein, an infrared-cut filter, an infrared-pass filter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a connecting member interconnecting the infrared-cut filter and the infrared-pass filter, a first magnetic member fixed at the barrel, and a second magnetic member fixed at the connecting member. The first and second magnetic members are configured for driving the connecting member to move relative to the barrel so as to selectively bring either the infrared-cut filter or the infrared-pass filter into optical alignment with the lens system in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Ying Wu
  • Patent number: 8243380
    Abstract: A device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of a camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include an electromechanical solenoid that provides a mechanical force to move a cantilevered filter arm between a first position and a second position according to the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the electromechanical solenoid. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include an electrical switch for determining the position of the cantilevered filter arm during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Benning Qian
  • Patent number: 8228626
    Abstract: A color wheel is provided with a balancing device. The balancing device encompasses an essentially circular track whose center point coincides with the axial center of rotation of the color wheel. The track is provided with at least two mutually independent, movable balancing weights. Moving the balancing weights along the track requires a force greater than the gravitational force of the balancing weight. To balance a color wheel, a determination is made of a position in which a balancing weight corresponding to the total weight of the balancing weight system would have to be placed in order to balance the color wheel. At least one of the balancing weights is then moved to the position, according to the determination, where one of the balancing weights corresponding to the total weight of the balancing weight system would have to be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oerlikon Trading AG, Trubbach
    Inventor: Emil Janicek
  • Publication number: 20120147185
    Abstract: A camera having a mechanical device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter housed therein. The lens filter may be a day optical filter and a night optical filter selectively inserted into an optical path of the camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include a series of gears and a filter bracket slidably disposed within a housing, which moves between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert at least one optical lens filter into the optical path of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: BENNING QIAN
  • Publication number: 20120099093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for influencing a light beam arrangement comprising a plurality of light beams (4) arranged alongside one another, wherein provision is made of at least one optical element (5, 15, 25) which is movable transversely with respect to the light beams and by which the light beams can be influenced if the light beams pass through the optical element, and which has at least one light-absorbing region (9, 19, 29), wherein the apparatus comprises a drive device for the optical element, a measuring device for detecting the light of the light beam and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed such that the drive device is controlled in a manner dependent on the position of the light-absorbing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Patra, Martin Meier
  • Publication number: 20120099083
    Abstract: A color wheel unit according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is characterized by: a motor; a substrate rotated by the motor; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the substrate, wherein the substrate is divided into a plurality of regions, and at least one of the regions is mounted with the plurality of light emitting diodes, and the region mounted with the plurality of light emitting diodes is mounted with light emitting diodes emitting the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taebong Park, Myongrock Oh, Seungman Jeong
  • Publication number: 20120044592
    Abstract: A filter conversion device includes a first filter, a second filter, a motor, and a comparator. The motor moves the first and second filters according to a control signal from a processor of the camera. Two input terminals of the comparator are respectively connected to two input terminals of the motor. An output terminal of the comparator is connected to the processor. The comparator detects the control signal transmitted to the motor and feeds back the detection result to the processor, for determining whether the control signal is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIH HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8120831
    Abstract: A mechanical device for selectively inserting an optical lens filter, such as day optical filter and a night optical filter, into an optical path of a camera in accordance with light intensity and/or a signal from a user or timer. The device for switching an optical lens filter may include a series of gears and a filter bracket slidably disposed within a housing, which moves between a first position and a second position in order to selectively insert at least one optical lens filter into the optical path of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Benning Qian
  • Patent number: 8120865
    Abstract: An optical apparatus which is capable of preventing degradation of image quality caused by an ND filter. The optical apparatus incorporates an aperture stop having an aperture variable in size, and an ND filter movable with respect to the aperture of the aperture stop, an actuator that drives the ND filter, and a controller that controls the actuator. The ND filter includes a part having a size that can fully cover a first aperture that is the aperture with the aperture stop being narrowed. The controller controls the actuator so that the ND filter is moved without a halt between a first position where the part is retracted with respect to the first aperture with the aperture stop being narrowed, and a second position where the part fully covers the first aperture in any stop operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuji Umezu, Harunobu Ichinose
  • Patent number: 8113691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system for an optical light modulation system employing multiple light modulation element pairs. The each pair is driven by a single motor which drives one axis around which one element of the first pair rotates while the other element of the first pair free floats and rotates about a second axis. While the second axis drives the rotation of the first element of the second pair and the first axis provides a rotation pivot for the second element of the second pair. Thus the two pairs share the two axises providing a more compact drive system that can be used more flexibly in an optical train of an automated multiparameter lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ROBE Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventor: Pavel Jurik
  • Publication number: 20120033189
    Abstract: A color wheel module is provided. The color wheel module includes a stator, a rotor, a color wheel and a sensor. The rotor surrounds the stator, wherein the rotor includes a rotor body, a turn table and a balance yoke, and the balance yoke is disposed on the turn table, and the balance yoke includes an N pole portion and an S pole portion, and the rotor body is tube shaped, and the turn table is disposed on an end of the rotor body. The color wheel is disposed on the rotor. The sensor corresponds to the balance yoke, wherein when the balance yoke is rotated, the N pole portion and the S pole portion are rotated to generate a magnetic field variation, and the sensor outputs an electric signal according to the magnetic field variation to define an initial position of the color wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Yuan Ming HSU
  • Patent number: 8111472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a color wheel which allows for an easy to perform balancing. The color wheel comprises a motor and a color rotor with a carrier. Filter segments are mounted to the carrier. In addition the color rotor comprises a body with a surface perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotor. The surface comprises a two dimensional matrix of holes which can be filled with balancing masses. In order to balance the color rotor it is rotated. During rotation, the unbalance is detected. In addition the location where to put balancing mass is detected. At this location balancing mass, such as for example adhesive is filled into the respective hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oerlikon Trading AG, Truebbach
    Inventor: Emil Janicek
  • Publication number: 20120026618
    Abstract: A daytime and nighttime light filtering device for the front seat of an automobile includes an outer frame, two winding mechanisms, a daytime strong light-preventing soft screen, a nighttime strong light-preventing soft screen and a positioning mechanism. By mutual action and cooperation of the position mechanism and the winding mechanism, the daytime strong light-preventing soft screen or the nighttime strong light-preventing soft screen can be wound in the winding mechanism or pulled down and unwound for use if necessary, able to effectively filter strong light and taking little space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chuang
  • Patent number: 8059327
    Abstract: A variable spectral filter apparatus has a filter support rotatable about a single axis of rotation and has at least first and second transmissive spectral filters, each spectral filter having a filter width defined by its first and second edges, wherein the filter width is orthogonal to the axis. The first edges of the filters are equidistant from the axis of rotation when the filter support is rotated to any angle. The plane of each of the spectral filters is parallel to the axis. Rotational positions of the filter support about the axis of rotation, over a first 60 degree range of angles, define, between the first and second edges of at least the first spectral filter, an undeviated filtered light path of at least half the filter width that extends orthogonally with respect to the axis. A rotational actuator is energizable to rotate the filter support about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Semrock, Inc.
    Inventors: Turan Erdogan, Robert James Beeson