Patents Examined by Clayton E. LaBalle
  • Camera system, interchangeable lens, camera, and power supply method of camera system
    Patent number: 11586098
    Abstract: Provided are a camera system, an interchangeable lens, a camera, and a power supply method of a camera system capable of simplifying a configuration. In a camera system (1) comprising a camera (10) and an interchangeable lens (100), a plurality of pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3) having different voltages are supplied from the camera (10) to the interchangeable lens (100). The interchangeable lens (100) drives a plurality of optical member drive units such as a focus drive unit and a stop drive unit using the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3). Further, system power for operating a lens microcomputer (114) is generated using the lens-drive power (VL1) having the lowest voltage among the plurality of supplied pieces of lens-drive power (VL1 to VL3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenshi Imamura
  • Layer transfer device
    Patent number: 11586133
    Abstract: Disclosed is a layer transfer device which transfers a layer of a multilayer film onto a surface of a sheet. The layer transfer device includes a heating member including a first portion and a second portion, a first heater, a second heater, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the first heater with an input power set at a predetermined input power, control the second heater with an input power set at a first input power if both of the multilayer film and the sheet pass over a surface of the second portion, and control the second heater with an input power set at a second input power that is smaller than the first input power if at least one of the multilayer film and the sheet does not pass over the surface of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Hiramatsu, Kyoko Sugiyama, Tomoya Ichikawa, Tomoya Yamamoto
  • Lens module and camera module including the same
    Patent number: 11586005
    Abstract: A lens module includes a carrier having an internal space; a lens unit including a plurality of lens groups, and installed in the carrier to move at least one of the lens groups in a length direction of the carrier; a lens guide unit including a plurality of guide members arranged on first and second surfaces of the plurality of lens groups, to guide movement of at least two lens groups of the plurality of lens groups; and a plurality of driving wires connected to each of the plurality of guide members. The carrier includes an auxiliary guide member having an auxiliary guide hole, and disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the plurality of lens group, the auxiliary guide hole being disposed parallel to a movement direction of the at least two lens groups to guide movement of the at least two lens groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Woo Jun
  • Belt comprising coating layer comprising inorganic-organic nanocomposite materials, and fusing apparatus and gloss-enhancing apparatus comprising the same
    Patent number: 11579551
    Abstract: Provided is an endless belt that can be used for fusing a toner image or enhancing the gloss of a toner image, the endless belt including a substrate later and a release layer on the substrate layer. The release layer can include a coating layer that includes an inorganic-organic nanocomposite material in which inorganic nanoparticles are dispersed in a siloxane polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sunhyung Lee, Seung-Jun Lee
  • Temperature control apparatus and image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 11579548
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a temperature control apparatus supplies power to a heater to control temperature of a temperature control target. The temperature control apparatus includes a temperature estimation unit to estimate a temperature of a temperature control target based on electrical power supplied to the heater. The temperature control apparatus also includes control signal generation unit that calculates a duty value for the heater based on an estimated temperature from the temperature estimation unit, a detected temperature from a temperature sensor, and a target temperature for the temperature control target. A pulse signal for controlling the electrical power supplied to the heater is generated based on the calculated duty value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Usami
  • Dental instrument, control method thereof, and three-dimensional measuring
    Patent number: 11571274
    Abstract: A handheld dental instrument includes a casing provided with a holding portion to be held by a user, a reception unit provided on the casing to receive an operation from the user, and a control unit that controls a control target to perform a predetermined action in response to the operation received by the reception unit. The control unit performs a first control when the operation received by the reception unit from the user is a first operation, and performs a second control different from the first control when the operation received by the reception unit from the user is a second operation different from the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: J. MORITA MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Naonori Wakazome, Mikinori Nishimura
  • Lens control apparatus and method for controlling the same
    Patent number: 11573479
    Abstract: A microcomputer estimates information corresponding to an image plane position of an object based on a sequential identification method using a focus detection result. Moreover, the microcomputer predicts information corresponding to a future image plane position of the object based on the estimated information corresponding to the image plane position of the object. The microcomputer controls driving of a focus lens based on the predicted information corresponding to the future image plane position of the object. In accordance with information corresponding to a motion of the object, the microcomputer selects by which of a first Kalman filter and a second Kalman filter the information corresponding to the future image plane position of the object is predicted by using the estimated information corresponding to the image plane position of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kuniaki Sugitani
  • Rifle-like camera for long distance face recognition
    Patent number: 11574501
    Abstract: An improved long-range facial recognition system is provided. The facial recognition system includes an integrated, rifle-like mounting platform with modular and interchangeable components, including a machine-vision camera, a facial recognition module, and an aiming scope. The mounting platform includes an elongated frame, a hand grip, a shoulder stock, and an underbody support attachment for an optional bipod. The mounting platform provides an intuitive, shoulder-operated support structure for stabilizing the machine-vision camera and reducing vibrations that otherwise inhibit long distance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Bolme, Hector J. Santos-Villalobos, David C. Cornett, III
  • Image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 11573511
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part, a fixing device, a fixing temperature sensor, a drive device, a printed sheet number counting part, a fixing voltage power supply, a controller, and an apparatus external temperature sensor. The controller can perform a cooling mode in which, when a number of continuous printed sheets at a reference speed exceeds an upper limit number, a number of printed sheets per unit time is gradually decreased to suppress an increase of an apparatus internal temperature. The controller sets the upper limit number based on a temperature difference between the fixing temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor and the apparatus external temperature detected by the apparatus external temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Arata, Satoshi Ando
  • Optical element drive device
    Patent number: 11567289
    Abstract: An optical element drive device includes a movable section and a fixed section. The movable section includes a first magnetic field generator for generating a first magnetic field and is drivable in a motion direction. The fixed section includes a sensor unit. The sensor unit carries out a detection based on the first magnetic field and a bias magnetic field different from the first magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shusuke Ichihashi
  • Lens unit, imaging device, control methods thereof, and storage medium
    Patent number: 11570361
    Abstract: A lens unit comprises a shake detector; a shake correction mechanism for correcting image blur; a setting unit for setting a ratio of shake to be corrected by the shake correction mechanism; a control unit for, based on the shake detected by the shake detector and the ratio of shake, calculating a first shake correction amount and control an image shake correction operation by the shake correction mechanism; and a target-value correction unit for correcting the first shake correction amount, based on a difference between a result of detecting shake by the shake detector, and a result of detecting shake by a shake detector provided in the imaging device, wherein the control unit controls the shake correction mechanism based on an image stabilization amount corrected in accordance with the target-value correction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Takeuchi
  • Field protective optics and camera lens case
    Patent number: 11567395
    Abstract: A portable case adapted for the integral mounting of optical equipment having a split hinge tubular enclosure defining an equipment mounting interior cavity. An adjustable mounting rail system adjustably supports both the optical lens array and optical camera providing a self-contained pre-mounted enabled optical recording platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Andrew C. Lord
  • Optical member driving mechanism
    Patent number: 11567290
    Abstract: An optical member driving mechanism for driving an optical member having an optical axis is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, a first elastic member, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is configured to hold the optical member, and is movably connected the fixed portion via the first elastic member. The driving assembly drives the movable portion to move along the optical axis within a range of motion. The range of motion includes a first limit moving range and a second limit moving range. The first limit moving range is the maximum distance that the movable portion can move toward the light-entering side, and the second limit moving range is the maximum distance that the movable portion can move toward the light-emitting side. When the movable portion is in a predetermined position, the first limit moving range is greater than the second limit moving range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Fu-Yuan Wu, Shang-Yu Hsu, Yu-Cheng Lin, Yung-Ping Yang, Wen-Yen Huang, Tsung-Han Wu, Yi-Chun Cheng, Chen-Chi Kuo, Chia-Hsiu Liu, Ichitai Moto, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 11561490
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion, an intermediary transfer unit mountable in and dismountable from a main assembly and including a belt onto which the toner image is transferred from an image bearing member, a cleaning unit mountable to and dismountable from the intermediary transfer unit and including a cleaning member for cleaning a surface of the belt, a fuse provided on the cleaning unit and and being rendered non-conductible by energization, a detecting portion for detecting whether or not a current has flowed through the fuse, and a controller for controlling the image forming portion so as to carry out an operation in which, in a case that the detecting portion detects that the current has flowed through the fuse, a predetermined toner image is formed on the belt and is supplied to a contact portion between the cleaning member and the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kubota
  • Stand and use thereof
    Patent number: 11561459
    Abstract: A stand (100) is disclosed. The stand (100) may include a first connecting component and a second connecting component. The first connecting component may include at least one fixing element and a chamber. The chamber may have an opening. The second connecting component may include an insertion portion including at least one fixing element and a chamber. The chamber may have an opening. When the insertion portion of the second connecting component is inserted, along an axis in an insertion direction, into the chamber through the opening, the fixing element in the first connecting component may work in pairs with the insertion portion to cause the first connecting component to be connected with the second connecting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG DAHUA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fuyu Xu
  • Transport device and image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 11561492
    Abstract: A transport device includes a transport unit that transports a sheet-like transport material without holding a one-end-side portion of the transport material in a transport direction and a blowing unit that blows air against a lower surface of the transport material that is transported by the transport unit via multiple blowing holes that open with respect to the lower surface, a wind speed of the blowing unit being higher on two end sides than on a central side in an intersection direction that intersects the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kodera, Kosuke Yamada, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Takayuki Yamashita
  • Gimbal for image capturing
    Patent number: 11560920
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a payload fitted in a carrier includes providing a first carrier component of the carrier, supporting a second carrier component of the carrier using the first carrier component, and supporting a third carrier component of the carrier using the second carrier component. The first carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a pitch axis. The second carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a yaw axis. The third carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a roll axis and connects to the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: SZ DJI OSMO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zihan Chen, Shanguang Guo
  • Camera apparatus
    Patent number: 11561457
    Abstract: A camera apparatus, system, and method to allow a camera to attach to a light assembly is disclosed which includes a camera housing configured to at least partially enclose a camera and further attach to a bracket, the bracket configured to attach to vehicle light assemblies of varying heights and to allow rotation and vertical adjustment of the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Camera Source, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Triplett, Kevin Pitterle
  • Optical system
    Patent number: 11561360
    Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system includes a first optical module. The first optical module includes a first fixed portion, a first movable portion, a first driving assembly, and a circuit assembly. The first movable portion is used for connecting to a first optical element, and the first movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion. The first driving assembly is used for driving the first movable portion to move relative to the first fixed portion. The circuit assembly is electrically connected to the first driving assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Jungsuck Ryoo, Pai-Jui Cheng, Chao-Chang Hu, Min-Hsiu Tsai, Shu-Shan Chen, Chieh-An Chang
  • Image forming apparatus
    Patent number: 11550246
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fixing device and circuitry. The fixing device includes a fixing rotator, an electromagnetic induction heater configured to heat the fixing rotator, and a magnetic flux control member. The circuitry is configured to control the electromagnetic induction heater to lead a temperature of the fixing rotator to a target temperature and change an upper limit of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction heater based on the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Akiyasu Amita, Tetsuo Tokuda, Masateru Ujiie, Fumihiro Hirose, Daisuke Arai