Patents Represented by Law Firm Mason, Fenwick and Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5289294
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a first correction part for correcting an error of an input multilevel tone data so that a corrected data having a speficied number of bits is supplied, a multilevel rendition part for generating a multilevel rendition data and an error data from the corrected data being compared with a plurality of predetermined threshold levels, an error diffusion part for carrying out a prescribed error diffusion of the error data and for supplying a resulting error data for use in an error correction process of a subsequent data, and a second correction part for correcting the multilevel rendition data by a specified bit of the input multilevel tone data so that a corrected multilevel image data that is appropriate for being outputted by an output unit in which a multilevel tone data is assigned to each pixel included in an output image data is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5287966
    Abstract: A slide-on multi-level basket useful for storing and transporting baked goods is provided which includes a floor and a pair of upstanding side walls configured for stacking identical baskets at three different levels and presenting structure enabling other, identical baskets to slide thereon into stacked or nested orientations. A multi-level basket hereof includes a slideway or rail extending along each of the side walls, the side walls being divided into inner and outer panels. Each basket includes a thin web and a wide web spaced apart and respectively proximate a front end wall and a rear end wall. The thick and thin webs are complimentarily configured with a relieved portion and a slot in each of the side walls whereby the webs can slide along the rail of a next lower, identical basket enabling the upper basket to drop into either a nested or stacked relationship according to the relative orientation of the two baskets, when superposed over the next lower, identical basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Piper Industries of Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5287203
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a reading part for optically reading an image from an original image on a recording medium; a conversion part for converting the read-out image into a digital image; a first storage part for storing the digital image; an input part for inputting an instruction and a password number; an encoding part for transforming the digital image to an encoded image when an encoding process for the digital image is selected according to the instruction; a decoding part for transforming the digital image to a decoded image when a decording process for the digital image is selected according to the instruction, a second storage part for storing the encoded image in accordance with a memory address determined based on the password number when the encoding process is selected, and for storing the decoded image in accordance with the memory address determined based on the password number when the decoding process is selected, and an output part for outputting either the encoded image or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Namizuka
  • Patent number: 5284476
    Abstract: A cannula for use in cataract surgery during the phases of hydrodissection and hydrodelamination/hydrodelineation/hydrodemarcation is described. The cannula has a hub for mating with a syringe and a needle originating from the distal end of the hub. The needle comprises a first section, second section, and truncated surface. The first section originates from the distal end of the hub and extends forward in a plane delineating the central longitudinal axis of the cannula. The second section originates from the distal end of the first section and is flattened and curved away from the central longitudinal axis of the hub. The truncated surface of the needle forms a rounded tip with beveled surfaces. The intersection of the bevel and sides of the cannula are sharpened to provide a cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Paul S. Koch
  • Patent number: 5283667
    Abstract: When data read by a scanner or the like is to be displayed on the screen of a display device, the present invention is an electronic filing apparatus that uses either simple decimation processing or OR decimation processing depending upon whether the image data is images of character and line images, or dither images such as photographs, and performs the multiple processing suitable for the type of image, and uses a method whereby the multiple processed image data is stored in an optical disk or the like, a method where only the data compressed source image data is preserved in an optical disk, specifies the type of data of the image data from a keyboard for the type of data stored in the storage device and performs read from the storage device, multiple processing depending upon the type of data, transfers the converted data to a video memory, decodes that image data in accordance with the necessity of referral and display, and displays it on the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoko Kojima, Keiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5282826
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongated tubular hollow shaft, first and second opposable jaws pivotable at the distal end of the shaft, and first and second opposable dissecting tips pivotable at the ends of the jaws. The jaws are generally pivotable in first and second parallel planes and the tips are pivotable in third and fourth planes which are generally perpendicular to the first and second planes, respectively. A first handle is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the hollow shaft, and a second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle. The jaws are opened and closed by a rod which extends through the hollow shaft and has one end connected to the first and second jaws and its other end connected to the second handle. The angle of the tips is adjusted by a trigger plate pivotably attached to the first handle, and first and second wires attached at one end to the trigger plate and at the other end to the first and second tips, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Quadtello Corporation
    Inventor: Arshad Quadri
  • Patent number: 5280753
    Abstract: A dual mode table which is convertible to serve as a coffee table and as a dining table comprises a fixed structure supporting a table top through a pair of table top extension means. The extension means comprise facing swingable frames which are pivotally pinned to the base and engage the table top for example through a pin and slot connection for movement of the table top between lowered and raised positions. In the lowered position the table top is substantially at the level of the base structure while in the raised position the extension means are locked and stabilized by appropriate means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventors: Gerald Kavanagh, Michael Kavanagh
  • Patent number: 5281925
    Abstract: The normally slow rise time of a Class C bipolar transistor grounded base RF power amplifier is greatly enhanced by circuitry external to the amplifier transistor. Current is injected into the base of the transistor for the duration of the rise time, biasing it into Class A operation during this period. Then, after the base current injection, operation reverts to Class C to retain amplifier power efficiency. Finally, the normally slow fall time of the bipolar Class C RF power amplifier is greatly enhanced by reverse-biasing the base-to-emitter junction during the fall time. During this fall time the amplifier is forced into its cutoff region by the applied reverse bias, as stored charge is pulled out of the base-emitter region of the transistor. In this manner, the power efficiency advantage of Class C power amplifiers may be retained, while adding the benefits of sharper output rise and fall times that would not otherwise be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Acrodyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Hulick
  • Patent number: 5280868
    Abstract: A structure in which a reservoir is supported by a bracket. The bracket has a side plate facing the external circumference of the reservoir and a bottom plate facing the bottom of the reservoir. An insert fitting portion formed onto the reservoir is fitted from above into a receiver fitting portion formed onto the side plate. A lock member is supported by the side plate like a cantilever at the upper edge of an opening formed on the side plate. A catch portion formed on the reservoir forces the lock member to displace elastically so that the lock member recedes from the reservoir in the course of fitting of the insert fitting portion into the receiver fitting portion. The side plate is elastically deformable in company with the elastic displacement of the lock member. When the fitting operation is completed, the lock member comes close to the reservoir to recover its original position and is placed on the top of the catch portion to prevent the upward dismount of the reservoir out of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Hirokazu Arai, Yoshiaki Hamasaki, Akihiko Shiina
  • Patent number: 5277131
    Abstract: A frame for a modular piece of office furniture allows electrical cords of appliances on the top of the furniture to be connected to power through the frame at the closest point possible. Each modular element includes a metallic shaped tube 1 having a horizonal upper face 1b to be fixed to the top 2 of the furniture, a substantially vertical rear face 1a and an ornamental front face 1c. The upper face 1b and the front face 1c are spaced by a slot 3 under the edge of the top. All electric power leads feeding appliances located on the top are received, guided and concealed in the shaped tube 1. The connection between each of the appliances and its corresponding power lead runs through the slot at the point located closest to the appliances. The modular elements may be assembled as a frame serving the multiple purposes of providing support for the top of the piece of furniture, as well as receiving, guiding, protecting, and concealing all the electrical power leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Strafor (S.A.)
    Inventor: Friedrich Fortsch
  • Patent number: 5274958
    Abstract: The present invention provides a blade sharpening system in which a cylindrical drum abrasive is fitted snugly about a rotatable drum. The blade is run across a guide plate which is maintained at a proper orientation with respect to the drum as the edge of the blade is sharpened on the abrasive. The drum abrasive is maintained at a constant radius, thereby assuring that the contact surface between the blade and the abrasive surface is substantially constant, even after a substantial number of blades are sharpened. Further, an adjustable blade tensioner assembly is provided for substantially continuously maintaining a proper amount of pressure between the blade and the abrasive surface, reducing blade chatter, allowing a rapid but accurately repeatable sharpening process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: The Original Honey Baked Ham Co. of Georgia, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Brothers, Glenn L. Tennell, III
  • Patent number: 5274719
    Abstract: An image data coding apparatus includes a coder for coding input binary data in a predetermined coding algorithm and for outputting coded data, a conversion circuit for repeatedly performing a converting operation with respect to binary image data supplied from an external unit, a determination circuit for determining a number of times which the converting operation should be repeated in the conversion circuit based on a condition in which, when data obtained by repeating the converting operation the number of times in the conversion circuit is coded by the coder, a number of codes representing coded data output from the coder is minimum; and a circuit, for supplying to the coder, as the input data, converted data obtained by repeating the conversion operation the number of times determined by the determination circuit. The image coding apparatus outputs the coded data and data representing the number of times the converting operation is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayashi Taniguchi, Noboru Murayama, Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5273786
    Abstract: This invention relates to an all gas-loadable liquid injector. The gas-loadable liquid injector comprises an accumulator for containing a liquid and a propellant gas, a liquid delivery tube for insertion into a material to be treated by the liquid, and intermediate means between the liquid delivery tube and the accumulator. The intermediate means restricts the flow of liquid when the pressure in the accumulator substantially exceeds that in the delivery tube and allows a restricted flow of liquid when the pressure in the accumulator is substantially equal to or less than that in the delivery tube. The intermediate means has a flexible and collapsible tube extending into the accumulator from the bowels of the accumulator and a straight rigid tube having a free end. The free end of the rigid tube always lies at the lowest level in the accumulator regardless of the altitude of the injector so as to dip into any liquid in the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Unicorn Fluid Injectors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5271669
    Abstract: A kiosk base preferably in the shape of a vertical round cylinder of a particular diameter and having a top surface lying in a sloping plane which makes a first acute angle with the rear of said base and a first obtuse angle with the front of said base. On the base rests a top cover in the shape of a round cylinder rotatable with respect to said base and having the same diameter. The cover includes a bottom surface that faces said base top surface, with said cover bottom surface lying in a plane which makes a second acute angle with the rear of said cover and makes a second obtuse angle with the front of said cover, where the cover second acute angle is substantially equal to the base first acute angle and the cover second obtuse angle is substantially equal to the base first obtuse angle. This relationship permits the cover to extend beyond the base wall when the kiosk is in use, yet become aligned with the base wall when the cover is rotated during its storage or transport phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Douglas L. Pearlson
  • Patent number: 5270600
    Abstract: A magnetic drive device comprising a rotor disposed inside a cylindrical wall so as to be rotatable and axially movable, a fixed magnetic bearing fixedly provided on the cylindrical wall for holding the rotor radially thereof, a magnetic coupling having a drive portion disposed around the cylindrical wall so as to be rotatable and axially movable for transmitting a torque and an axial holding force to the rotor, and a movable magnetic bearing disposed around the cylindrical wall so as to be axially movable with the drive portion of the magnetic coupling for holding the rotor radially thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Taisaku Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5270791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optic measuring device in which the variation in a measured parameter engenders a phase difference between two waves. It comprises a SAGNAC ring interferometer (2) in which two counter-propagating waves propagate; a polarization splitter (6) spatially splits the two polarizations which will propagate in the interferometer (2), interferometer (2) comprises a polarization conserving birefringent fiber (7) having two ends having neutral birefringence axes, each of the ends of the polarization conserving fiber (7) being connected to one of the gates (6b) and (6c) of the polarization splitter (6). It comprises a birefringent component, placed ahead of the polarization splitter (6) and introducing a path difference greater than the coherence length of the source (1) between the two polarized waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Photonetics, S.A.
    Inventors: Herve Lefevre, Philippe Martin, Pascal Simonpietri
  • Patent number: 5267822
    Abstract: An automatic automobile parking garage is provided, particularly an underground parking garage having an entrance at ground level, which is the location of the roof of the parking garage. One or two vertical arrays of automobile loading stations are provided, and at the roof, there is an automobile loading station. An elevator carries a pallet, and means for pushing the pallet laterally onto an automobile loading station, and then pulling the pallet, with the car on it, from the elevator base, the elevator base then being lowered until it is opposite an automobile storage station, where the pallet with the automobile on it is pushed laterally by pushing apparatus onto the automobile storage station. The automobile storage station comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal cantilever support beams, which support a pallet and an automobile thereon. A hatch is provided which is of a size and shape to cover, or close, the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Paravia Ascensori
    Inventors: Mario Paravia, Luigi F. Von Mahlem
  • Patent number: 5265445
    Abstract: A method of making a breathable elastic web fabric comprises the steps of forming rows of chain stitches using a set of chain threads to define a plurality of lengthwise wales and widthwise courses, moving the front and back weft threads from side to side on each course in a pre-determined pattern as each course is formed to tie the wales and chain stitches together and to provide a plurality of staggered ventilation holes, and laying-in one elastomeric thread in each of the wales. The elastomeric thread is sandwiched between the front weft threads and the back weft threads, and enclosed in the underlap of each chain stitch. Preferably, the holes are formed in sets, the holes in each set being separated by at least one locking stitch to provide widthwise stability. In a pattern repeat of twelve courses and twenty four wales, the pattern for each weft bar is 1, 9, 1, 10, 1, 9, 5, 13, 4, 13, 5, 13. The holes comprise approximately 12 to 25 per cent of the extended surface area of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventors: Douglas M. Shytles, Bobby R. Canipe
  • Patent number: D342166
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Strafor
    Inventor: Charles Heidmann
  • Patent number: D342194
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Orfevrerie Christofle, Societe Anonyme of France
    Inventor: Henri Bouilhet