Patents Represented by Attorney Anthony W. Karambelas
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Patent number: 4452826Abstract: In a liquid crystal imaging display comprising a liquid crystal layer formed over the top surface of a MOS integrated circuit, the reflectivity of the pixel control electrodes is enhanced by means of a polycrystalline silicon layer formed over the MOS integrated circuit and polished to have an optically smooth surface over which the pixel control electrodes and the liquid crystal may be placed. Contrast ratios on the order of 100 to 1 are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1982Date of Patent: June 5, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Steven E. Shields, Bruce G. Fletcher
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Patent number: 4449210Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a light source, a transducer and a detector, which is capable of detecting applied acoustic signals. The transducer employs first and second ridged members which have parallel rippled surfaces which contact opposite sides of a fiber optic waveguide. Each rippled surface has a different predetermined ripple pitch which provides for variable sensitivity along one dimension of the transducer. Modulation of the position of the ridged members relative to one another by means of applied acoustic signals causes microbend attenuation of light transmitted through the waveguide. The modulation of the light provides an indication of the presence of the acoustic signals. The variation in dimensional sensitivity provided by the transducer allows for a determination of the direction of arrival of the acoustic signals. Appropriate selection of pitch and pitch ratio of the two rippled surfaces provides any desired spatial sensitivity distribution of the hydrophone.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1981Date of Patent: May 15, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Jon H. Myer
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Patent number: 4445117Abstract: A transistorized monolithic focal plane array is formed on a semiconductive substrate and comprises a plurality of detectors associated with a corresponding plurality of source follower or inverter transistors. The array is row addressable. The gate of the source follower transistor comprises a floating node which is charged by the corresponding detector in proportion to the incident photon flux, the gate being periodically reset. The invention combines the advantages of compactness and low capacitance of charge coupled device imagers and low noise characteristics of prior art imagers comprising discrete transistors.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1981Date of Patent: April 24, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Steven D. Gaalema, Michael D. Jack
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Patent number: 4443064Abstract: There is disclosed a single crystal silicon charge storage apparatus suitable for use in an alternating current driven liquid crystal light valve having therein a moderately doped microchannel stop grid. The charge storage medium is made of a high resistivity substrate on which an MOS capacitor is formed having fast photoelectric transient response and capable of operating over a wide frequency range. A doped microgrid structure is formed in one side of the substrate to prevent charge carrier spreading at the silicon-silicon dioxide interface and to provide a focusing electric field for the charge carriers. The signal from the substrate is electrically coupled through high-reflectivity mirrors and light blocking layers to the liquid crystal.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1980Date of Patent: April 17, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Jan Grinberg, Michael Waldner, Paul O. Braatz, Alexander D. Jacobson
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Patent number: 4432606Abstract: Metal-coated optical fibers are often employed in high temperature optical communications applications. However, such optical fibers have been found to evidence a substantial decrease in optical transmission as a function of increased temperature. Optical fibers having a temperature-insensitive optical transmission are obtained by annealing a metal-coated optical fiber at a temperature at which optical transmission is substantially the same as that observed at room temperature. Aluminum-coated optical fibers annealed at 560.degree. C. evidence an optical transmission independent of temperature between about -200.degree. C. and at least about 560.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1981Date of Patent: February 21, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: G. Richard Blair
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Patent number: 4429287Abstract: A source of microwave-frequency electromagnetic energy of a specific desired frequency is generated by a device that utilizes a filter network to absorb energy of unwanted frequencies and couples energy of the desired frequency into a tunable ridge waveguide. The filter network is designed into the DC bias conductor to increase oscillator efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1981Date of Patent: January 31, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Ralston S. Robertson, Jr., Robert L. Eisenhart
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Patent number: 4425028Abstract: A full color high contrast image projection system with oil coupled dichroics and a single projection lens is disclosed. The invention includes a unitary optical tank in which a prepolarizer and dichroic separators are mounted in fixed alignment relative to a main polarizing prism. The prepolarizer acts on the incident light from a source to polarize the green light and reflect the S component out of the system. The red and blue components are transmitted unchanged. The main polarizer is mounted at a 90.degree. twist relative to the prepolarizer so that it reflects the green light to a first light valve via a first dichroic separator. The polarized red and blue components are transmitted to second and third light valves via a second dichroic separator. The light valves modulate the polarization state of incident light before returning it to the second beamsplitter. The second beamsplitter then recombines the individual beams into a single output beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1981Date of Patent: January 10, 1984Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Ralph J. Gagnon, Robert T. Carson
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Patent number: 4418984Abstract: There is disclosed a metallic clad glass fiber optical waveguide suitable for use as a high-strength optical transmission line, e.g., for high capacity communications systems and for sensors operating at high temperature. At least two metallic claddings or coatings are formed on the glass waveguide structure, which comprises a core and glass cladding, by coating the glass fiber with at least one of the metallic coatings as it emerges from the furnace with a metal or alloy. The first metal or alloy employed is one that is substantially chemically inert with respect to the material comprising the glass fiber at the deposition temperature during coating of the metal or alloy onto the glass fiber. The second metallic coating may be of the same composition as the first, in order to repair pinholes or to increase the thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1980Date of Patent: December 6, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Joseph A. Wysocki, George R. Blair, Michael R. Vince
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Patent number: 4416053Abstract: A GaAs FET structure with a high electric field region, or active region, contacted by source, gate and drain electrodes is provided which can be used for high speed optical detection or for microwave oscillator optical injection locking. The device provides for efficient coupling of optical radiation into the active region through an opening in a semi-insulating substrate used to support the device. A buffer layer between the active region and the substrate prevents leakage current to the substrate, permits a larger illumination window for improved optical coupling and provides mechanical support for the FET detector. GaAs photodetectors are also provided by eliminating the gate electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1982Date of Patent: November 22, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Luis Figueroa, Huan-Wun Yen
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Patent number: 4411058Abstract: An improved process is provided for fabricating CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) devices formed on a semiconductor substrate having n-channel and p-channel regions of n- and p-type conductivity, respectively. Conventional source, drain and gate portions are formed in the regions and electrical contacts are made thereto. The improvement comprises providing self-aligned channel stops between regions of the same conductivity and between regions of the opposite conductivity. The channel stops between regions of the opposite conductivity are mutually self-aligned. The self-alignment is achieved by use of a single mask, called a "complementary" mask. The process of the invention permits fabrication of submicrometer devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1981Date of Patent: October 25, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: John Y. Chen
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Patent number: 4407561Abstract: There is disclosed a metallic clad glass fiber optical waveguide suitable for use as a high-strength optical transmission line, e.g., for high capacity communications systems and for sensors operating at high temperature. A metallic coating or jacket is formed on the glass waveguide structure, which comprises a core and glass cladding, by coating the glass fiber as it emerges from the furnace with a metal or alloy. The metal or alloy employed is one that (a) is substantially chemically inert with respect to the material comprising the glass fiber at the melting point of the metal or alloy during coating of the metal or alloy onto the glass fiber, (b) has a recrystallization temperature greater than room temperature or the contemplated working temperature, whichever is greater, and (c) forms a hermetic seal around the outer surface of the glass cladding.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1980Date of Patent: October 4, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Wysocki
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Patent number: 4405882Abstract: An air flow sensor 14 senses the presence of cooling air from a blower 12 to a lamp housing 10. A vane 44 closes an opening 42 when air is flowing to close a switch 50 which permits a lamp 16 to be turned on. The vane 44 does not extend into the air flow path.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1980Date of Patent: September 20, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Stephen J. Reinsch
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Patent number: 4403825Abstract: There is disclosed a class of integrated optics devices comprising a variety of optical elements such as waveguides, lenses, couplers and the like, and a method of fabrication thereof. In particular, there is disclosed an aberration-free geodesic lens for integrated optics devices. In these devices, photo-induced refractive index changes in chalcogenide glass films may be used to fabricate a radial index of refraction distribution profile in order to form a lens. By varying the exposure of the thin film to ultra-violet light, variable index of refraction profiles may be formed. The variable profile may itself form the lens or, preferably, a thin film may be deposited on an aspherical geodesic lens in order to provide correction of focal length, thus reducing the mechanical tolerances required in the grinding process. These devices thus permit a degree of freedom heretofore unobtained in thin film optical waveguides for use in such devices as a spectrum analyzer operating at the 0.9 to 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1980Date of Patent: September 13, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Gregory L. Tangonan, David L. Persechini
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Patent number: 4398974Abstract: A process is provided for fabricating a semiconductor device by thermal gradient zone melting, whereby metal-rich droplets such as aluminum migrate through a semiconductor wafer such as silicon to create conductive paths. One surface of the wafer in provided with a buffer layer thereon, which is placed directly on a heating surface. The buffer layer terminates the migration of the droplets to prevent alloying of the droplets with the heating surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1982Date of Patent: August 16, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Kuen Chow, Jan Grinberg
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Patent number: 4398256Abstract: Image processing sections and associated circuitry for generating signals indicative of the centered moments of a sliding submatrix window of signals located within a larger image matrix are disclosed. The processing sections include registers for storing signals indicative of the columnar sums of the signals within an intermediate submatrix of signals and for storing the sum of a subset of the columnar sums that is thereby indicative of the sum of the signals within the sliding submatrix window and, further is equivalent to an uncentered moment of the signals within the sliding submatrix window. The signals stored in the registers are continuously updated as the sliding submatrix window is sequentially moved within the image matrix. The associated circuitry combines the uncentered moment signals to produce centered moment signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1981Date of Patent: August 9, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Thomas A. Nussmeier, Scott D. Fouse
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Patent number: 4395708Abstract: Apparatus which is utilized with a liquid crystal display for applying alternating current driving signals thereto, derived from applied direct current analog signals. The apparatus includes circuitry which samples and stores the applied analog signal. The apparatus also includes circuitry which level shifts the sampled signals so as to have voltage levels which are symmetrically disposed above and below a reference level associated with the liquid crystal display during alternating field times. The symmetrically disposed signals constitute applied alternating current signals to the display, with respect to the reference level.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1980Date of Patent: July 26, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Randahl B. Lloyd
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Patent number: 4395691Abstract: Deflection of an electron beam from axis 28 is controlled by electromagnetic deflection saddle coils 24, 26. Interference with deflection by surrounding mass of lens 22 is overcome by compensation coils 42, 44. The deflection coils and compensation coils are shaped and sized so that their own conductive properties do not distort the deflection magnetic fields. This is accomplished by equalizing between the deflection and compensation coils, the change in magnetic field during coil current penetration and by equalizing the penetration time constants for both sets of windings.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1982Date of Patent: July 26, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Wolfgang Knauer
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Patent number: 4387444Abstract: Non-volatile bistable semiconductor latches having a pair of cross-coupled branches, each branch having a complementary driver or load and a driver connected in series at a respective node; at least one of the complementary drivers or loads, or drivers, includes a non-volatile IGFET having a variable threshold voltage (e.g. a FATMOS), said latch additionally including one or more buffer transistors (e.g. P-channel IGFETS) connected between one or both nodes and a latch output line. The buffer transistors increase the predictability of the state of the latch during power-on in a non-volatile mode of operation. Preferably the complementary drivers or loads, and the drivers, are constructed in CMOS or N-channel MOS. The buffers can drive a single DATA output line of twin DATA, DATA lines in a push-pull configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1980Date of Patent: June 7, 1983Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: Colin W. Edwards
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Patent number: 4385833Abstract: An optic receiver capable of detecting the angle of incidence of optical energy in a plurality of fields of view relative to an airborne frame of reference. Incoming rays are reflected by surfaces arranged at predetermined angles relative to an input aperture so as to reflect rays in predetermined fields of view into parallelism with the receiver axis and ultimately to a line image at an output aperture. Power distribution along the line image varies with the azimuth of the target reflection. Computation of target azimuth from the power distribution along the line image is facilitated by photodetectors mounted on the element and associated electronic circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1980Date of Patent: May 31, 1983Assignee: Santa Barbara Research CenterInventor: Leland V. Gardner
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Patent number: 4384367Abstract: An improved low-cost microwave receiver is disclosed. The receiver is intended for use in the Multipoint Distribution Services (MDS) for the reception of television signals transmitted in the 2 to 2.5 GHz region. The receiver of the present invention is of the single-conversion superheterodyne type utilizing printed circuit and microstrip transmission line construction. Printed circuit board and microstrip transmission line construction permits low-cost fabrication without machined resonant cavities or waveguide components.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1981Date of Patent: May 17, 1983Assignee: Theta-Com of CaliforniaInventors: Charles T. King, Bernard E. Sigmon