Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Erik B. Cherdak & Associates, LLC
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Patent number: 6640055Abstract: Camera having a built-in and self-contained flash sub-assembly. The camera includes a body having a movable cover member, and a flash device for illuminating a subject to be imaged. The flash device includes a light emitting unit, a capacitor for supplying electric current to the light emitting unit to emit a flash of light, and a step-up circuit which, in accordance with a power source such as a battery, etc., charges the capacitor. The light emitting unit, the capacitor, and the step-up circuit are disposed in the moveable cover member of the body. The flash sub-assembly also may be disposed within a pop-up/out flash type unit supported by a camera body.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tomoki Nishimura, Hidenori Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6636856Abstract: System and method for facilitating a windowed content manifestation environment within a world wide web (WWW) browser client. The system and method include and involve a server system that is configured to serve a software system and associated content via an electronic data network such as the Internet and WWW. Also included and involved is a web browser client (web browser software application) operating within a data processing system that is coupled to said server system via the electronic data network and which instantiates a content manifestation environment. The web browser client is operative to receive the software system and the associated content via the server system, to process the software system and the associated content to produce at least one window object within the content manifestation environment. The generated window object(s) are each associated with a set of controllable attributes and are configured to manifest at least a portion of the associated content.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Simple.Com Inc.Inventor: Sandro Pasquali
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Patent number: 6434563Abstract: A network client such as a WWW browser configured to facilitate a windowed content manifestation environment (CME) which is configured to operate within a data processing system and to receive content from a remote server system to facilitate a windowed content manifestation environment. In particular, the customized WWW browser application includes a content retrieval module configured to receive content from a network server system via an electronic data network, and a processing engine coupled to the content retrieval module. The processing engine is configured to provide a content manifestation environment within the data processing system, and to process the content to produce at least one corresponding window object within the content manifestation environment. The corresponding window object(s) are configured to manifest at least a portion of the content therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Simple.Com, Inc.Inventors: Sandro Pasquali, Christopher Mark Gibson
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Patent number: 6397012Abstract: Camera having a built-in and self-contained flash sub-assembly. The camera includes a body having a movable cover member, and a flash device for illuminating a subject to be imaged. The flash device includes a light emitting unit, a capacitor for supplying electric current to the light emitting unit to emit a flash of light, and a step-up circuit which, in accordance with a power source such as a battery, etc., charges the capacitor. The light emitting unit, the capacitor, and the step-up circuit are disposed in the moveable cover member of the body. The flash sub-assembly also may be disposed within a pop-up/out flash type unit supported by a camera body.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tomoki Nishimura, Hidenori Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6365897Abstract: Electron beam type inspection device for generating images of specimens (e.g., silicon wafers, etc.) includes an electron gun which emits an electron beam, an electron beam optical system which causes the electron beam to form an irradiation region on a surface of a specimen, a detector which detects at least one of second order electrons and reflected electrons reflected by the irradiation region, a projection optical system projecting the second order electrons and the reflected electrons onto a detection surface within the detector. The second order electrons and the reflected electrons correspond to an observation region within the irradiation region. The inspection device also includes a magnification controller which controls the size of the observation region and the magnification of the projection optical system, and an irradiation controller which controls the current density of the irradiation region based on the size of the observation region.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Muneki Hamashima, Akihiro Goto, Hiroshi Nishimura
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Patent number: 6364440Abstract: A plastic vanity and method for making the same. The vanity includes a base having two side walls, a bottom member forming a shelf inside the base, a rear brace member, a front brace member, and a front opening disposed between the front brace member and the bottom member. The two side walls, the bottom member, the rear brace member, and the front brace member are constructed from a plastic material. The vanity also includes a door swingably mounted to the base and which is configured to cover the front opening. The door, like the base, is constructed from the plastic material. The vanity also has a top opening disposed at the top thereof which is configured to receive a sink top or other surface structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Inventor: Edward Donahue
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Patent number: 6343377Abstract: A system and method for manifesting content received via the Internet by an automatic data processing system includes and involves a content retrieval module for retrieving content from the Internet. The content is arranged to be manifested by the automatic data processing system. Also included and involved is a content manifestation module that is coupled to the content retrieval module. The content manifestation module is operable to receive a replaceable software delegate during its operation, and to manifest the content within the automatic data processing system in accordance with the replaceable software delegate. The replaceable software delegate controls the manifestation of the content by the content manifestation module.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Netscape Communications Corp.Inventors: Rick Gessner, Peter S. Linss, Kipp E. B. Hickman, Troy Chevalier
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Patent number: 6342943Abstract: An exposure apparatus and methods for making and using the same. The exposure apparatus includes at least one projection optical system which projects illuminating light, a substrate stage which supports a substrate to be exposed by the illuminating light and which includes a first plurality of reference marks. The exposure apparatus also includes a mask stage which supports a mask that includes a mask pattern to be projected onto the substrate by at least one projection optical system. The mask further includes a second plurality of reference marks intended to correspond to the first plurality of reference marks. The second plurality of reference marks is integrally formed with the mask pattern. The projection optical system(s) project illuminating light based on the mask pattern and the second plurality of reference marks to produce a projected image corresponding to the mask pattern and a plurality of projected images corresponding to the second plurality of reference marks.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Kei Nara
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Patent number: 6341011Abstract: An exposure apparatus and methods for making and using the same. The exposure apparatus includes at least one projection optical system which projects illuminating light, a substrate stage which supports a substrate to be exposed by the illuminating light and which includes a first plurality of reference marks. The exposure apparatus also includes a mask stage which supports a mask that includes a mask pattern to be projected onto the substrate by at least one projection optical system. The mask further includes a second plurality of reference marks intended to correspond to the first plurality of reference marks. The second plurality of reference marks is integrally formed with the mask pattern. The projection optical system(s) project illuminating light based on the mask pattern and the second plurality of reference marks to produce a projected image corresponding to the mask pattern and a plurality of projected images corresponding to the second plurality of reference marks.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Kei Nara
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Patent number: 6321209Abstract: System and method for providing a dynamic advertising content manifestation window within a windows based content manifestation environment provided within a web browser. The system and method include and involve an server system configured to transmit a software system and data related to a advertising content source via an electronic data network. Also included and involved is a web browser client operating within a data processing system that is coupled to the server system via the electronic data network. The web browser provides a content manifestation environment. The web browser client is operative to receive the software system and the data via the server system, to process the software system and the data to produce a window object within the content manifestation environment provided by the web browser client. The window object is configured to dynamically manifest therein advertising content received from the advertising content source in accordance with the data.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Wired Solutions, LLCInventor: Sandro Pasquali
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Patent number: 6311017Abstract: A waterproof housing for housing a device that is adapted to receive a sub-assembly. The waterproof housing includes a body having a wall. The wall includes an aperture. The aperture has dimensions corresponding to the sub-assembly. The aperture provides operative access to the device to allow it to receive the sub-assembly through the aperture. The waterproof housing is suitable for housing devices that may have compartments or portions which are to receive corresponding sub-assemblies. Such devices include, but are not limited to, film-based cameras that utilize film cartridges, digital imaging cameras that utilize replaceable data storage modules (RAM cards, magnetic media such as diskettes, etc.), video cameras that utilize magnetic tape cassettes, and devices that utilize batteries maintained in battery compartments.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Ryuichi Mori
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Patent number: 6298341Abstract: New and improved systems and methods for generating and facilitating registration and transfer of available domain names. The systems and methods include and involve a data storage facility for storing at least one adjunct term for use in generating at least one registerable domain name, and a processor arrangement which is coupled to the data storage facility and which is configured to be accessed by a user system via an electronic data network, to receive at least one root term from the user system, to concatenate at least one root term with at least one adjunct term to generate at least one candidate domain name, to query a data source to determine if the candidate domain name(s) is available for registration and/or transfer, and to notify the user system of the candidate domain name(s) when the same are available for registration and/or transfer.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Raredomains.com, LLCInventors: Michael Mann, Ronald Fitzherbert
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Patent number: 6292554Abstract: System and method for communicating with and controlling disparate telecommunications devices in a telecommunications network. The system and method include and involve a first telecommunications device configured to communicate within a telecommunications network according to a first messaging format, a second telecommunications device configured to communicate within the telecommunications network according to a second messaging format, and an interfacing facility. The interfacing facility communicates with the first and second telecommunications devices via the telecommunications network.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Simplified TelesysInventors: Gene Oden, Trevor Baca
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Patent number: 6287021Abstract: Apparatus such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) for coupling two electronic components that are configured to move relative to each other such as within a multi-part slide-open type camera, multi-part micro-scope, a scanner device, etc., that includes a first end configured to be coupled to a first electronic component, a flexible connecting member emanating from the first end, and a second end at which the connecting member terminates and which is used to connect the flexible connecting member to a second electronic component. The connecting member includes a component surface used to communicate electrical signals between the fist electronic component and the second electronic component. The flexible connecting member has a shape that permits it to extend and retract in directions substantially perpendicular to the component surface. The shape also permits the flexible connecting member to be maintained in a single plane when in a fully retracted state.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Minoru Katoh, Hidenori Miyamoto, Tadashi Otani, Tomoki Nishimura
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Patent number: 6195153Abstract: Scanning type exposure device that includes a projection optical system having a plurality of projection optical system modules configured to facilitate projection exposure of a pattern onto a photosensitive substrate based on a mask. The projection optical system modules are configured to be individually adjusted based on a displacement characteristic related to the mask. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing and using the scanning type exposure device.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Kenji Shimizu
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Patent number: 6181322Abstract: A mouse for use with an automatic data processing system having a display device for displaying objects. The mouse is configured to be operated by movement of an operator's hand and includes a positioning system for controlling a position of a pointer within the display device of the automatic data processing system. The mouse also includes a selection button for selecting an object displayed within the display device and which is pointed to by the pointer. The selection button is configured to generate a signal to be processed by the automatic data processing system. The selection button is operable in accordance with movement of a palm section of the operator's hand.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Netscape Communications Corp.Inventor: Amit Nanavati
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Patent number: 6154612Abstract: A flash control device for a camera includes a light emission unit which emits light to illuminate a subject to be imaged by the camera, a preliminary light emission control unit which causes the light emission unit to emit light during a preliminary light emission operation prior to a main exposure operation to be performed by the camera and until a predetermined amount of light is received by the camera during the preliminary light emission operation, a range computing unit which computes a distance from the camera to the subject, an exposure calculation unit which computes an aperture value for the camera during the preliminary light emission operation, a main light emission calculation unit which calculates a length of time that the light emission unit is to emit light during a main light emission operation based on the preliminary light emission operation, the computed distance to the subject, and the aperture value, and a main light emission control unit which controls the emission of light by the lightType: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Iwasaki
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Patent number: 6148330Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating content for distribution via a network channel includes and involves a channel service provider that has a first automatic data processing system that includes a data storage sub-system for storing a network document and a first processor that is operative to specify a section of the network document to be broadcast via the network channel and to automatically scan the network document to extract and store the section of the network document in a network addressable resource within the data storage sub-system. The system and method also includes and involves a second automatic data processing system which is coupled to the channel service provider and which includes a content manifestation device and a second processor that is operative to access the network addressable resource to retrieve the section of the network document and to cause the content manifestation device to manifest the section of the network document.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Netscape Communications Corp.Inventors: Deepak Puri, Kevin Yurica, John Marshall
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Patent number: 6137964Abstract: A camera includes a film strip protection system disposed within a film cartridge compartment. A film strip is maintained by a film cartridge. The film strip and the film cartridge are movable within the film cartridge compartment. The camera further includes a film strip guide unit for guiding the film strip when it extends from the film cartridge. The film strip protection system is configured to restrict the movement of the film strip to prevent the film strip from being damaged by the film strip guide unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Murakami, Nobuaki Sasagaki
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Apparatus for controlling a light source used in conjunction with the operation of an imaging device
Patent number: 6137959Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a light source that is used during operation of an imaging device (e.g., a camera) and, in particular, during operation of a camera feature/subsystem such as an AF subsystem, a red-eye reduction subsystem, a self-timer subsystem, etc. The apparatus and method include and involve a light source which is configured to emit light in relation to the operation of a subsystem of an imaging device, and a light source control unit which is configured to control an amount of light emitted by the light source based on a preset operating parameter (e.g., a user-selectable camera setting). The apparatus and method may be included within an imaging device such as a camera or in a peripheral (e.g., a flash unit, etc.) configured to operate with such a camera.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hideki Matsui