Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Jerry A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5568455
    Abstract: A system and method for the storage and retrieval of off-line optical disk cartridges for use with an optical disk cartridge storage and retrieval device which stores a number of optical disk cartridges near-line. Each of the off-line and near-line optical disk cartridges is assigned a unique alphanumeric code, and a label including this unique alphanumeric code and an optical code representing same is externally affixed on the optical disk cartridge. Each of the optical disks encased by the optical disk cartridges is then preformatted so that the unique alphanumeric code of the optical disk cartridge encasing the optical disk becomes the unique preformatted disk ID of the optical disk. A list of the preformatted disk ID's is then stored in data storage in the optical disk cartridge storage and retrieval device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics
    Inventor: James Balsom
  • Patent number: 5557465
    Abstract: A laser plate making apparatus is disclosed for forming a press plate from a form plate sheet. The apparatus includes a laser light source for providing a laser beam, a collimator lens, an objective lens and an anamorphic prism. The laser light source serves to emit a laser beam onto the form plate sheet through the collimator lens, the objective lens and the anamorphic prism. The anamorphic prism serves to shape the laser beam such that even if a focal stripe width is made small the focal depth is not substantially shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsumi Ito, Soichi Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 5553572
    Abstract: An improved air spring arrangement for an internal combustion engine having three valves per cylinder which are disposed in surrounding relationship to a spark plug. The air spring arrangement is formed by a recess formed in the cylinder head that encompasses each of the valve stems and an insert piece that is inserted into this recess and which defines the bores for the respective air chambers. The supply and relief passages for the air chambers are formed in the insert piece by drilled passages which have a V-shaped configuration to provide a more compact assembly and a less complicated cylinder head arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Materials Research Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Ochiai
  • Patent number: 5548356
    Abstract: A screen for an aircraft video projection system. The screen includes a frame for attachment to an aircraft cabin surface and cylindrically shaped first and second pulleys rotatably mounted to the frame. In addition, the first and second pulleys are oriented substantially parallel relative to each other and the first pulley includes an interior hollow. The screen further includes a belt having a viewing surface and an indexing hole adjacent to the viewing surface. The belt is positioned in contact around the first and second pulleys and is moveable between a viewing position in which the viewing surface is exposed for display of the projected image and a stored position in which the viewing surface is hidden. The belt also serves as a heat absorbing layer. A light sensor is positioned opposite the belt. The light sensor serves to detect the presence of the indexing hole. In particular, if the indexing hole is positioned opposite the sensor, the sensor indicates that the viewing surface is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Transcom, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Portman
  • Patent number: 5543927
    Abstract: A method for high speed playback of digital video data (e.g. D1 or D2 data) in which, at lower speeds, the frames of data to be played back are made of a mixture of consecutive frames of data. The frames of data are mixed by averaging the pixel values over consecutive frames to make up the output frames. For high speed shuttle operation, non-consecutive frames are averaged on a pixel by pixel basis to create shuttle frames. In order to improve the appearance of the output, consecutive shuttle frames contain a common original frame so that a component of the original data spans two output frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Herz
  • Patent number: 5542868
    Abstract: A method for attaching a stretched damper wire to a cathode ray tube including the steps of locating each end of a damper wire at a first position with respect to a pair of damper springs and welding each end of the damper wire to each of the damper springs while holding the damper wire between each of the damper springs and a welding ribbon. Next, the damper springs are moved to a frame of the cathode ray tube and welded at second positions thereof to upstanding portions of said frame so as to stretch the damper wire between the damper springs on an aperture grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sadao Kozuka
  • Patent number: 5542072
    Abstract: In a database accessing system, access information concerning access to a database system is transferred using call control messages including user-to-user information within a control procedure defining the connection of a call on a signal channel. This results in a database accessing method that offers the improved use efficiencies of communication lines and the upgraded operating ratio of a database system, and allows users to enjoy reduced communication charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Kawashima, Akira Kurihara
  • Patent number: 5542100
    Abstract: A cellular communication system includes a mobile station with a switch or button which, when actuated by the user, calls a predetermined party. In the case of an emergency, the user actuates this switch and automatically places a call to an emergency agency. The switch also actuates a system for automatically locating the mobile station by measuring distances from the mobile station to a plurality of fixed stations in the cellular communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Izumi Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 5537251
    Abstract: A picture display apparatus includes a picture generating device for generating a rotating picture and a screen rotating on a rotary axis. A first mirror turns on the rotary axis and reflecting a picture generated by the picture generating device. A second mirror reflects the picture reflected by the first mirror to the screen. Further a projection lens disposed between the picture generating device and the first mirror projects the picture to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Shimada
  • Patent number: 5537668
    Abstract: In a reproducing device, e.g., in the portable tape player, the sound leakage from earphones is effectively avoided by directly detecting the signal level of medium to high frequency sounds at the earphone, and suppressing the signal level depending on the detected result thereof, so that the deterioration in sound quality is prevented and the sound leakage is effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Nambu, Tsuyoshi Sasaki, Akira Ogihara
  • Patent number: 5535672
    Abstract: To provide a laser plate making apparatus having a simple construction capable of reducing generation of Moire. The slant line R1 formed of the starting position of the formed arbitrary recess 7 which is formed on the press plate 5a or the like in the main scanning direction F is formed so as not to be coincident with the slant line R2 formed of the starting position in the main scanning direction F of the recess 7 which is located at the next position in the sub scanning direction A. Therefore, when a multicolor printing is carried out by using the press plate 5Pa thus formed or the like, manifestation of Moire is reduced. Particularly, when the line R3 connecting the predetermined point within the arbitrary recess 7 to the point located at the position corresponding to the predetermined point in the recess 7 which is located at adjacent position in the sub scanning direction A, is set to a constant angle .phi. different from the irradiation angle .theta. of the laser beam, the Moire is further reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Soichi Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 5535065
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording and reproducing a signal on and from a record medium includes a reproducing system signal processing circuit (21) for reproducing a recorded information, an output circuit (25) for outputting a reproducing digital audio signal thus reproduced in the form of a predetermined format, an input circuit (29) for converting a signal input from the outside into a signal of a predetermined format and a recording system signal processing circuit (35) for recording at least an information. This apparatus includes switches (20), (23), (27) and (32) for selectively switching the recording and reproducing lines or input and output lines. Since the recording and reproducing lines or input and output lines are selectively switched, all portions that should be diagnosed can be diagnosed. Also, a circuit size can be reduced and a space factor can be improved. Hence, manufacturing cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Tanizawa
  • Patent number: 5530434
    Abstract: A matrix switcher apparatus for selectively outputting information signals includes a first matrix switcher unit for selectively outputting an information signal according to control signals in the form of a first communication protocol, and a second matrix switcher unit for selectively outputting an information signal according to control signals in the form of a second communication protocol. The matrix switcher unit apparatus also includes a control unit having a plurality of remote control units each for generating control signals in the form of the first communication protocol in accordance with switching data input from an input unit, and a converting unit for converting control signals generated by the remote control units into control signals in the form of a second communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kanda
  • Patent number: 5528577
    Abstract: An optical disc player adapted to read an optical disc having a plurality of pits and lands representative of information stored on the optical disc; the optical disc being at least in part unmetallized. The player includes a semiconductor laser for generating a variable power laser beam, the power of the beam being controlled by a control signal applied to a control terminal of a semiconductor laser driver. A focusing servo is provided for focusing the beam on the optical disc such that a portion of the beam is reflected back from the optical disc indicative of the pits or lands. The portion of the beam reflected back from the optical disc being substantially less from unmetallized portions of the disc than from metallized portions of the disc. The focusing servo has a focal point constrained to lock on a pit plane of the optical disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn J. Maenza
  • Patent number: 5527606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shutter for a protective envelope containing a recording disk, having both satisfactory sliding property and satisfactory heat-resisting property. The shutter is formed by folding a laminated sheet having a first layer formed by folding a laminated sheet having high heat-resisting property and a second layer formed of a material having low frictional property so that the first layer forms the outer surface of the shutter and the second layer form the inner surface of the shutter. The first layer of the laminated sheet ensures the shutter satisfactory heat-resisting performance and the second layer of the same ensures the shutter satisfactory sliding performance. A printed layer or an evaporated metal layer may be formed between the first and second layers of the laminated sheet and/or the first and second layers of the laminated sheet may be colored to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5525859
    Abstract: A color cathode ray tube having an electron beam source has a glass panel with a plurality of fluorescent stripes and a plurality of black stripes located between each two adjacent fluorescent stripes. An aperture grill is located between the electron beam source and the glass panel. A plurality of parallel grill tapes are located between an upper part and a lower part of the aperture grill, and a plurality of slits are provided between each two adjacent grill tapes. The inside stress of a center grill tape is expressed by .alpha., the length of the grill tape at a center of the aperture grill is expressed by L.sub.0, and a grill tape pitch of the aperture grill is expressed by P.sub.ag. The inside stress is expressed by the following formula:.alpha.>(L.sub.0 /P.sub.ag).sup.0.725 *(1.329*10.sup.-2 *L.sub.0 +5.354)*10.sup.-2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Ito, Jun Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5524135
    Abstract: A method for secure and prompt distribution of critical operational information to a wireless cellular or PCS subscriber station via wireless interface which includes the steps of generating operational information, storing the operational information into a first memory of a wireless base station, and transmitting at least a portion of the operational information stored in the first memory to a wireless subscriber station via a wireless interface at random times during an active conversation state of the wireless subscriber station. The operational information stored in a second memory register in the subscriber station is updated with the operational information transmitted from the first memory. Where at least a portion of new operational information is received by the subscriber station, a first update counter is incremented to reflect the number of operational information updates received by the subscriber station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Semyon Mizikovsky, Geoffrey Anderson, Gerard Wahl, Peter Douma, Masaaki Akahane
  • Patent number: 5517524
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to converge tap coefficients of an equalizer at high speed with high accuracy by a small number of calculations. An automatic equalizing filter of the invention comprises a synchronizing data detecting circuit for detecting a synchronizing portion from a data sequence of a reception signal, an equalizer, a tap coefficient determining for determining tap coefficients (C.sub.0, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, . . . , C.sub.n) of the equalizer and an impulse response estimating for estimating an impulse response on the basis of a cross-correlation function provided between the synchronizing portion and a previously-designated synchronizing pattern, thereby setting initial values of the tap coefficients (C.sub.0, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, . . . , C.sub.n) of the equalizer on the basis of the impulse response estimated from this impulse response estimating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Sato
  • Patent number: 5517321
    Abstract: A video tape recorder measures the time remaining on a tape and compares this with the time programmed for a timer recording. If not enough tape remains to record the entire event, a warning is issued or the tape rewinds to provide room to record the entire event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takamichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5511736
    Abstract: A guide pin for use in a tape cassette. The guide pin includes a cylinder having a tape contact section, a press fit section and a slot extending through the tape contact and press fit sections. Upon compression of the press fit section, the press fit section may be inserted into an aperture of the tape cassette. After insertion, the guide pin is released and the resiliency of the press fit section moves the press fit section against the inner walls of the aperture to secure the guide pin to the tape cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Miura