Patents Examined by Charles H. Nolan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6814514
    Abstract: A method of measuring a down-web coordinate is provided. A time-interval, elapsed since a detection of a position-indicating mark applied on a web, is related to a measured velocity. Upon detection of a position-indicating mark, the measured down-web coordinate is synchronised with the indicated down-web coordinate of said mark. The down-web coordinate can be measured in an ascending or a descending mode, depending on a detected roll-orientation information originated from said mark on said web. A selected lane pattern used for registration of the cross web position can be reversed automatically, depending on said roll-orientation information, originated from said mark on said web. A measured down-web starting position of a quality problem area on the web is marked by an ISO-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film B.V.
    Inventors: Bruno Alexander Korngold, Antonius Jozef van Hooff, Robert Hendrik Johan Sandifort, Josephus Nicolaas Petrus Verhoeven
  • Patent number: 6814510
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for updating print drivers is described. The described system includes a port monitor that monitors the configuration and status of a printer. When changes occur to the configuration of a printer, the port monitor updates a print driver registry on the print server. The port monitor also wakes the print driver on the print server and informs the print driver of the configuration changes. Depending on the client operating system used, a client device connected to the server's shared print queue may either directly read or request the configuration data from the print server. In some client operating systems, the client device may also update a local registry on the client device to reflect the changes in configuration of the printer. The described system allows print drivers to have a consistent interface to printer configuration and status data regardless of which version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System is used by the each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Sabbagh, May G. Onaga, Likang Guo, Evral E. Bodden
  • Patent number: 6814002
    Abstract: A printing system includes an ink-amount control unit for controlling the amount of ink to be supplied to a printing press based upon an image area rate contained in a pre-press data, and at least one ink-amount calculation unit for calculating the image area rate. The ink-amount control unit is connected to the at least one ink-amount calculation unit on a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Orimoto
  • Patent number: 6811334
    Abstract: A status data transmission control apparatus and method reduces the buffer size needed for transmission and significantly reduces the communication load by storing the most recent status data (of continuously generated status data) and a history of status data changes in a dedicated buffer. The most recent status data and the history of changes leading up to the most recent status data are sent to the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Koike, Hidetake Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6809527
    Abstract: First and second predetermined charging voltages are applied between the movable and fixed electrodes of a capacitive type of sensor to measure first and second capacitances between the movable and fixed electrodes, respectively. The first and second electrostatic capacitances are compared to obtain a characteristic of the sensor from a result of comparison. In measuring the first and second capacitances, first and second charging voltages are generated of which magnitudes are determined in accordance with the first and second capacitances, respectively. Equalization is made between the first output voltage when the first charging voltage is applied between the movable and fixed electrodes in a predetermined normal condition of the movable electrode and the second output voltage outputted when the second charging voltage is applied between the movable and fixed electrodes in the predetermined normal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichiro Ishio, Yasutoshi Suzuki, Hajime Ito, Yasuaki Makino, Norikazu Ohta, Keiichi Shimaoka, Hirofumi Funahashi
  • Patent number: 6808325
    Abstract: A keyboard which includes a housing that defines a media feed path. A pagewidth printer is arranged in the housing operatively with respect to the media feed path to carry out a printing operation on media passing through the feed path. A feed mechanism is arranged on the housing for feeding media through the feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research PTY LTD
    Inventors: Tobin Allen King, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6809530
    Abstract: As is well known, the influencing variables most important for a sense of comfort are considered during regulation in controlled heating and air conditioning units. Incipient condensation on the windshield or other windows in particular is to be prevented thereby. Sensor modules, inter alia, are employed for this purpose, which have, for example, a capacitative thin-layer sensor. An additional thermopile is provided for determining the window temperature. The present idea eliminates the determination of the window temperature, for which purpose a sensor working capacitatively in the exemplary embodiment is brought directly to the window temperature and a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs via a metal plate connected directly to the sensor and a thin adhesive film. The metal plate can thereby form one of the electrodes of the sensor itself or be connected to said electrode in a direct thermal manner. The use of the sensor in the sensor module is a further preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Schmitt, Juergen Bach, Guenther Oennig, Thomas Polzer, Martin Blaufuss, Rudolf Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6806715
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining conditions of light indicators of an electronic device. The electronic device is coupled to a testing unit. The testing unit performs a series of tests on the electronic device. During these tests, an imaging device captures digital images of the light indicators. Afterwards, the digital images are compared against the test results to determine the conditions, such as the color, brightness, and pass/fail of the light indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Domadia, Ronald Westhauser
  • Patent number: 6803770
    Abstract: A tester for testing multiconductor cable having a first tester is connectable to a first end of the multiconductor cable. The first tester produces one or more test signals individually on each conductor of the cable. A second tester is connectable to the second end of the cable at a remote location. The second tester monitors each of the plurality of separate conductors to detect the test signals produced by the first tester. Preferably, a first wireless transceiver is provided for the first tester that wirelessly transmits control signals to automatically coordinate testing procedure control. A second wireless transceiver joined to the second tester wirelessly transmits test result data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Fernando J. Pereira, Raymond U. Huot
  • Patent number: 6802659
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for reprogramming a programmable product, such as, a printer, a wireless communication device, or a portable computer. A software programmable product that includes memory for storing product operation information and a method for configuring the software programmable products is provided. Software is configurable by data stored on an RFID tag. Data stored on the RFID is transferred reprogramming circuitry of the production which sets the configurable operating parameters. This configures the products features and options as desired by the specific user without requiring an external programming device or destructive entering into the packages or internals of the product. An RFID located in an electronic product, within or upon its packaging, or on an accessory may be loaded with reprogramming data such as media configuration data or usage data. The RFID reader may be located on a kiosk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mats Cremon, Pixie Ann Austin, Patrick Helton, Howard Nojiri, William Kelly, Steven Winter, Duane Fox, Christopher Wiklof
  • Patent number: 6796732
    Abstract: A printing apparatus prints directly to a card and has an image forming portion for forming images to an intermediate transfer sheet for temporarily retaining images and a transfer portion for transferring images formed on an intermediate transfer medium to a card. A thermal head in the image forming portion prints directly to a card and forms images on an intermediate transfer medium. A platen roller supports a card or the intermediate transfer medium. Members are shared for the direct transfer and indirect transfer. The apparatus switches between the direct transfer method and the indirect transfer method for printing, is compact and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Takehito Kobayashi, Hajime Isono, Wataru Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 6798220
    Abstract: A moisture detector is presented which uses the effects of moisture on the chemistry and electrical conductivity of drywall material. Conducting probes are installed in a drywall material and the level of electric current between the probes is monitored and correlated with the concentration of moisture in the drywall material along a path between the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy H. Flanigan, John C. Flanigan, Alexander Finogenov
  • Patent number: 6798213
    Abstract: An electrical assembly testing device includes the capability of testing for specific components of interest. A sample component and the component of interest receive a test signal from a test signal generator. An output from each component in response to the test signal is utilized by a controller to determine a relationship between the outputs. The determined relationship between the outputs provides information regarding the component of interest so that the controller can make a determination whether the component is acceptable or whether it fails to meet selected criteria. In one example, a device designed according to this invention is particularly well suited for testing capacitors within wire harness assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: OES, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiet Ngo
  • Patent number: 6794882
    Abstract: A rupture detector for a windshield assembly having one or multiple transparent members. The rupture detector includes a conductive member attached to a portion of the transparent member. An electrical power source in communication with the conductive member applies an electrical potential to the conductive member, and an electrical measurement mechanism is in communication with the conductive member and measures the electrical potential of the conductive member. A windshield assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Shaun E. Jessup
  • Patent number: 6791340
    Abstract: A device for the comparison of two resistors is based upon analog information carried by currents. The device includes a measurement circuit for extracting the currents from the two resistors to be compared, and copies the currents to a parallel analog-digital converter that carries out the division of the extracted currents. The device converts the ratio of the extracted currents into a digital code that is the image of the ratio of the two resistors. The ratio is constantly re-updated as a function of environmental parameters of the circuit, such as the operating temperature. Also disclosed is a system for correcting the value of integrated compensated resistors. The system implements a device of this kind that does not use a reference voltage generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: Frédéric Hasbani
  • Patent number: 6788045
    Abstract: A calibration and adjustment system for post-fabrication control of a delay locked loop charge pump current is provided. The calibration and adjustment system includes an adjustment device that varies an amount of charge pump current. Such control of the charge pump current in a delay locked loop allows a designer to achieve a desired delay locked loop operating characteristic after the delay locked loop has been fabricated. A representative value of the amount of adjustment desired in the charge pump current may be stored and subsequently read to adjust the delay locked loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude R. Gauthier, Brian W. Amick, Pradeep Trivedi, Dean Liu
  • Patent number: 6786661
    Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computer includes a housing that defines an input formation for the input of sheets of media. The housing carries a keypad. A pagewidth printer is arranged in the housing. A feed mechanism is positioned in the housing for feeding the sheets of media from the input formation through the housing along a print media feed path so that the printer can carry out a printing operation on the sheets of media. The feed mechanism includes a moving feed member that defines a substantially planar support surface along the media feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Tobin Allen King, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6784653
    Abstract: An eye monitor for evaluating a binary input signal of a transmission link and for recognizing the edges of an eye diagram of the input signal is described. A decision circuit is provided which is directly connected to an integrator. The input signal and a variable threshold are provided to the decision circuit. An output signal of the integrator is used to recognize the edges of the eye diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Wolfgang Baumert
  • Patent number: 6784673
    Abstract: A condition sensor for a fabric treating apparatus, such as a clothes dryer. A condition sensor is connected to a base wherein the condition sensor is operative to sense a condition such as moisture content for a multi-layered load placed within the dryer. The condition sensor comprises at least one support connected to the base wherein the at least one support has at least one extension attached thereto. A pair of capacitance sensors are attached to the at least one extension with the pair of capacitance sensors being arranged to build up charge through the condition sensor based on the moisture of the load content positioned in the dryer. A circuit is arranged to receive, read and generate signals in response to the charge of the capacitance sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Mark Tomasi, Thomas R. Olson, Shawn R. Oltz, James I. Czech
  • Patent number: 6782740
    Abstract: A tire pressure indication system for a single or dual wheel tire assembly includes a pair of analog/digital readout pressure gauges and associated valve stems for individually monitoring and pressurizing the tire or tires of the wheel assembly. The tire pressure indication system may be attached to the outside wheel of the dual wheel assembly by a bracket structure mounted to the outside wheel with an adhesive tape or other suitable fastener. The tire pressure indication system provides for a tire pressure indication system that can be easily mounted to the wheel tire assembly without the use of a hubcap or other similar mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Mark K. Wallach