Patents Examined by J. P. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5072314
    Abstract: An optical image enhancer includes a beam of coherent light for carrying an input image and a first lens for receiving the beam and performing a spatial Fourier transform of the input image. A photorefractive crystal at the Fourier plane receives the transformed image, while a coherent pump beam illuminates selected spatial frequency components of the transformed image at the Fourier plane, thereby transferring energy to the selected frequencies by two-beam coupling. A second lens receives the transformed image from the Fourier plane and performs a spatial Fourier transform of the transformed image, thereby reproducing the input image in an output image which contains intensified features corresponding to the selected spatial frequency components. A spatial light modulator may be used to cause the pump beam to illuminate the selected spatial frequency components of the transformed image at the Fourier plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Tallis Y. Chang
  • Patent number: 5071210
    Abstract: A transmission holographic element (1) composed of a first reflection holographic optical element (2) and a second reflection holographic optical element (3). Reflection holographic optical elements (2,3) are adhesively mated such that the distance separating the two elements is no more than a few wavelengths of the incident light beam (9). The incident light beam (9) passes through first element (2) and is reflected off of the second element (3) which reflects the light beam back towards first element (2) which again reflects the light beam through the second optical element (3). In this manner, two discrete reflection holographic elements (2,3) behave as a single transmission holographic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: APA Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Arnold, Anil K. Jain
  • Patent number: 5071245
    Abstract: An ocular refracting power measuring system includes a projector system for projecting the image of a light source on the eyeground of an eye to be tested and a light receiving system for condensing the light beam from the eyeground onto a light receiving element disposed at a position substantially conjugate with the pupil of the eye to be tested, whereby the ocular refracting power of the eye to be tested can be measured based on the distribution of light amount on the light receiving element and variations of the distribution of light amount due to the changed amount of light in the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Yasufumi Fukuma, Akio Umeda, Ikuo Kitao, Noriyuki Nagai, Yasuhisa Ishikura, Kazutoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 5069539
    Abstract: A beaker-shaped, airtight joining element between an external container and a supporting element with a non-circular cross-section, of an external rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising a first airtight compartment around said supporting element, and a second cylindrical part housed in the container and having a circular cross-section coaxial to the rotational axis of container with respect to supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Gulardini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Valde
  • Patent number: 5069540
    Abstract: A solar collector structure and method of fabrication are disclosed, the solar collector being of the linear, parabolic reflector-type. The parabolic reflector body includes an elongated layered structure having a concave parabolic reflective surface. The reflector body is supported and reinforced by a longitudinal beam member bonded to the convex backside of the layered structure. The layered structure includes a first reflective layer and a supporting molded layer formed of an amorphous hard-curing adherent material such as concrete or stucco. The entire reflector body structure is fabricated on an elongated convex mold. The method of fabrication includes forming the mold using a screed-moving apparatus which moves longitudinally along the mold. As the parabolic reflector body is formed on the mold, the screed-moving apparatus is again used to shape portions of the reflector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Warren W. Gonder
  • Patent number: 5066133
    Abstract: An arrangement for forming an extended length light redirecting embedded grating in an elongated solid material optical waveguide includes a source that directs a coherent light beam of a frequency in the ultraviolet range in a primary path transversely toward the waveguide. A section of a diffraction grating extends through the primary path at a spacing from the waveguide, and the diffraction grating has a dimension normal to the primary path that exceeds the corresponding dimension of the primary path. Relative movement is effectuated between the waveguide and diffraction grating in unison, and the primary path, so that the light beam is diffracted at the diffraction grating into two mutually frequency shifted partial light beams propagating in diverging secondary paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Brienza
  • Patent number: 5059016
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly has a protective cover (7) which pivots with respect to a mirror frame (6) by virtue of a hinge arrangement consisting of a pivot arm (8), attached to the cover (7), snap-fitted to a pivot axle 14, attached to the frame (6). The cover (7) can be positioned and held in either a closed position, totally covering the mirror, or in one or more predetermined open positions. The cover is held in place by a band-type spring acting against a cam surface located on the pivot arm (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive
    Inventors: Abdi Lawassani, Robert C. Feliks
  • Patent number: 5056881
    Abstract: An optical source comprises (a) a laser light source for emitting light in a light path; and (b) at least one holographic optical element disposed in the light path; wherein the laser light source and the holographic optical element are integrated into a monolithic strucuture. The holographic optical element collimates emitted light, circularizes emitted light, compensates for optical source wavelength shifts, launches the emitted light so that it is efficiently coupled to an optical fiber, and/or isolates the laser light source from interfering reflected light. Since the optical source is disposed in a single monolithic structure and a discrete holographic optical element may perform five distinct functions, the optical sources are compact, commercially versatile and easy to handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Terry P. Bowen, John R. Rowlette
  • Patent number: 5052765
    Abstract: A fiber optic point source is utilized to generate a first wavefront which is intersected with a second wavefront to form a desired interference pattern in a recording medium. The point source is moved relative to the recording medium during exposure in order to reduce multiple order scattering noise, and a feedback monitoring system permits determination of portions of the recording medium requiring increased exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Gaylord Moss, John E. Wreede
  • Patent number: 5052764
    Abstract: A fiber optic point source is utilized to generate a first wavefront which is intersected with a second wavefront to form a desired interference pattern in a recording medium. The point source is moved relative to the recording medium during exposure in order to reduce multiple order scattering noise, and to provide a relatively large translational motion which is gradual and generally follows an angular scanning motion of the fiber optic point source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Gaylord Moss, John E. Wreede
  • Patent number: 5050975
    Abstract: A rearview mirror includes a mirror body pivotally connecting thereto a securing frame mounting therein a rotatable carrier mounting therein a transparent glass capable of being set in rotation by an energized motor. When the securing frame is held against a door window of a vehicle, the transparent glass will be rotated and enable the driver to clearly see the rearview mirror through the door window and the transparent glass in a rainy or snowy day. The height of the securing frame can optionally be adjusted so that the driver can choose the best angle to see the rearview mirror through the door window and the transparent glass mounted in the securing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Yu-Ming Tsui
  • Patent number: 5050978
    Abstract: A copper mirror having improved resistance to aging as having a factor of luminous reflection which is stable and which, after the copper mirror has been subjected to a CASS Test for 120 hours, is at least 0.9 times what it was before the copper mirror was subjected to the CASS Test, the copper mirror including a transparent glass sheet bearing a copper reflective layer and at least one protective layer provided on the copper reflective layer, wherein the copper reflective layer is chemically desposited layer having an oxygen content which is low so as to be effective to provide the stable factor of luminous reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Glaverbel
    Inventor: Albert Servais
  • Patent number: 5048926
    Abstract: An illuminating optical system for illuminating an object comprises a light source emitting a radiation beam, means for dividing the radiation beam into a plurality of beams, a device for rotating at least one of the plurality of divided beams about an optic axis parallel to the direction of travel of the beam, and a deivce for superposing the divided beams one upon the other in a common area on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Akikazu Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 5048946
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for support of laser ocular surgery, for example, solves a problem of competition for light which is often encountered when a series of different detectors are used to receive and detect features of a target reflecting an illuminating light beam. The intensity of an illuminating beam, particularly in eye surgery, is limited to a level above which damage to the eye can occur. In a system wherein a plurality of successive beam splitters are used, each reflecting a portion of the light intensity and transmitting the remaining light intensity, the series of detecting devices compete for adequate light intensity for the particular functions being served. The system of the invention solves this problem and increases the effective quantity of light useful from a given input intensity by dividing the light spectrally after its reflection from the eye, thereby making use of a different spectral range of the light at each of the plurality of different detecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Phoenix Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Alfred Sklar, Alan M. Frank
  • Patent number: 5046792
    Abstract: This invention is an optical printer that translates and records visual information that can be seen with ambient light in the first generation holographic printing. The invention permits recording of the information to be made into the light sensitive emulsion as a relief. The result is a stereo-optical, multichannel holographic recording of said information. Applications of the invention may include the commercial photography industry, cinematography, medical, passports, drivers' licenses, security entrance control systems, military, point of purchase advertising, publishing and security as well as other uses connected with all relevant existing holographic technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Britton Zabka
  • Patent number: 5046793
    Abstract: A holographic diffuser provides a high degree of chromatic correction, or color balance, within a selected eyebox and the ability to generate more than one specific eyebox for multiple observer applications. The strength of these gratings can be varied to modify the diffraction efficiency for each color so that the balance of colors can be varied within the eyebox. This balancing of colors can be used, for example, to compensate for color imbalance within the light source or image generator. Illuminating a first holographic medium produces a first real image of a diffusing screen in a define eyebox. A second hologram is recorded in the holographic medium using the real image produced by the first hologram as an object such that when the holographic medium is illuminated, it produces a second real image of a diffusing screen in the define eyebox. A third hologram is recorded in the holographic medium using the second real image as an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard S. Hockley, Romauld Pawluczyk
  • Patent number: 5046835
    Abstract: An automatic perimeter wherein the eye to be examined is maintained in a predetermined position to look at an eyepiece which focuses enlarged images of a series of stimuli on the retina. Stimuli are presented by a light emitting diode in combination with a diaphragm and are projected into selected locations around the optical axis of the eye. The perimeter operates without a cupola and is further provided with a system for illuminating the area in front of the eye as well as with a camera which images the eye onto the screen of a monitor so that the person in charge can ascertain whether or not the eye is focused upon a reference point on the optical axis of the eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Interzeag AG
    Inventors: Ernst Billeter, Hans Bebie
  • Patent number: 5044709
    Abstract: A holographic display system having a dynamic image source including selectively activated light emitting diodes for providing spectrally narrowband and narrow beam imaging illumination through an apertured mask, and further having a mirror reflection hologram for reflecting the image to provide an observable virtual image. The image source further includes a polarizer and an optional diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Mark McDonald
  • Patent number: 5042932
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for motor vehicles includes a support body of dish-like configuration in which adjusting devices for adjusting the position of the mirror are mounted. The support body includes a casing with seats for supporting electrical drive members and transmission mechanisms which engage the mirror to pivot the mirror about at least two perpendicular axes. The casing and the seats for the drive members and transmission mechanisms are formed of integral one piece constuction with the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: P. M. P. S. a. s. di Peano C. & C.
    Inventor: Ercole Pent
  • Patent number: RE33729
    Abstract: A short-wave-pass optical filter, that includes a partially absorbing or transparent substrate coated by a set of layers having specified quarter-wave optical thickness, and is designed to reflect visible radiation of a selected color while transmitting visible radiation and maintaining a neutral color balance. The coating includes layers having a high refractive index alternating with layers having a low refractive index. The refractive indices and layer thicknesses are selected so that the filter's reflectance spectrum exhibits a ripple over a first segment of the visible spectrum but no significant ripple over a second segment of the visible. The filters may be used as sunglass lenses that have a selected color (such as blue, orange, or violet) when viewed by one other than the sunglass wearer, while permitting the wearer to perceive transmitted light with a correct color balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Coherent, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Perilloux