Patents Examined by Leon W Rhodes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10969654
    Abstract: An aperture module includes a rotation plate disposed on a base, a moving portion that moves linearly to rotate the rotation plate, and blades linked to the rotation plate to form an aperture having a variable size. The blades include at least two small-aperture blades that are contracted inwardly toward an optical axis to form the aperture having a first size and at least two medium-aperture blades that are contracted inwardly toward the optical axis to form the aperture having a second size larger than the first size. The at least two small-aperture blades and the at least two medium-aperture blades are extended outwardly away from the optical axis to form the aperture having a third size larger than the second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Sung Seo, Young Bok Yoon, Kyung Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 10962927
    Abstract: A cartridge mountable to and dismountable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes a memory, a guide configured to guide a portion-to-be-guided provided in the main assembly and to guide a main assembly contact provided in the main assembly to a memory contact of the memory when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, and a grip portion. The guide is provided at a bottom of the cartridge when the cartridge is hung by gripping the grip portion and constitutes a part of a supporting portion configured to support the cartridge when the cartridge is placed on a horizontal placement surface. The guide has a chamfered surface formed by being chamfered. When the cartridge is supported at the supporting portion, the chamfered surface opposes the horizontal placement surface, and a surface of the memory contact is inclined with respect to the horizontal placement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujiwara, Tadashi Horikawa, Naoki Matsumaru, Ryuta Murakami, Daisuke Makiguichi
  • Patent number: 10942426
    Abstract: A camera includes a lens-camera communication controller and an adapter-camera communication controller. The camera-lens communication channel includes a first data communication channel used during a data communication and a first notification channel used for a notification of a timing of a communication via the first data communication channel. The camera-adapter communication channel includes a second data communication channel used during the data communication and a second notification channel used for a notification of a timing of a communication via the second data communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junji Shigeta
  • Patent number: 10928771
    Abstract: A cartridge mountable to and dismountable from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes a memory, a guide configured to guide a portion-to-be-guided provided in the main assembly and to guide a main assembly contact provided in the main assembly to a memory contact of the memory when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, and a grip portion. The guide is provided at a bottom of the cartridge when the cartridge is hung by gripping the grip portion and constitutes a part of a supporting portion configured to support the cartridge when the cartridge is placed on a horizontal placement surface. The guide has a chamfered surface formed by being chamfered. When the cartridge is supported at the supporting portion, the chamfered surface opposes the horizontal placement surface, and a surface of the memory contact is inclined with respect to the horizontal placement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujiwara, Tadashi Horikawa, Naoki Matsumaru, Ryuta Murakami, Daisuke Makiguichi
  • Patent number: 10921196
    Abstract: An optimized thermocouple system and a method of optimizing a thermocouple system having a plurality of thermocouple probes and a junction box is provided and includes examining the thermocouple system to identify a first thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes, wherein the first thermocouple probe includes a first positive leg and a first negative leg and is located electrically farthest from the junction box. The method includes calculating a first loop resistance between the first thermocouple probe and the junction box and configuring a second thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes having a second positive leg, a second negative leg and a second loop resistance such that the second loop resistance is substantially equal to the first loop resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HarcoSemco, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Giterman
  • Patent number: 10921688
    Abstract: An imaging optical apparatus with a thin blade containing member for containing a blade member for limiting an opening, having an insertion portion that has an opening; an actuator for causing a blade member to slide; a containing frame for containing the actuator and the blade containing member, except for the insertion portion, having, on an outer edge, a recessed lens frame retaining portion into which the insertion portion; a lens frame, held in the lens frame retaining portion, having an insertion hole, for insertion of the insertion portion so that the center of the opening will be coaxial with the optical axis; and a clip for holding, in cooperation with the containing frame, a lens frame that is held in the lens frame retaining portion, through joining with the containing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: NIDEC COPAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Shikama, Kenzo Imai, Nobuaki Watanabe, Shozo Iwato, Koji Sawanobori
  • Patent number: 10921685
    Abstract: An apparatus that enables the photographing of highly reflective, objects placed in it without the reflections of things in the environment surrounding the apparatus being seen in the objects includes: (a) a translucent, planar base, (b) a two-way, domed mirror that has a perimeter edge that defines the mirror's enclosed volume, (c) wherein this base and perimeter edge are adapted so as to allow the perimeter edge to be brought to a closed position proximate to the base so that light from the surrounding environment is prevented from entering the mirror's enclosed volume, and (d) a hinge that is configured to allow the mirror to move between a distal position where its perimeter edge is distal from the base and this closed position where it is proximate the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Erik Espinosa
  • Patent number: 10924646
    Abstract: There are provided a camera system, a lens unit, and a camera body that can improve feeling and sound to be given to an operator at the time of mounting of the lens unit and the time of operation of the lens unit. A camera system includes a lens unit that includes a lens mount and a camera body that includes a body mount. The lens mount includes a lens-reference surface that is to be in contact with the body mount, a cylindrical portion that extends toward the body mount from the lens-reference surface, and a plurality of bayonet claws that are provided in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion and extend outward in a radial direction. The body mount includes a body-reference surface that is to be in contact with the lens-reference surface, a body claw that is to be engaged with the bayonet claws, and an elastic member that has a contact surface to be in contact with the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 10914870
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element driving mechanism, including a base, a holder, a frame and a light intensity adjusting assembly. The holder is movably connected to the base and carries the optical element, wherein the optical element has an opening and an optical axis so that light passes through the opening to the optical element. The frame is connected to the holder and the base. The light intensity adjusting assembly is disposed on the frame. The light intensity adjusting assembly includes a first shutter, a second shutter and a shutter driving member. The second shutter is disposed between the first shutter and the frame. The shutter driving member is disposed between the second shutter and the frame to drive the first shutter and the second shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: TDK Taiwan Corp.
    Inventors: Shiang-Ming Yu, Kuen-Wang Tsai, Chao-Chang Hu, Chih-Wei Weng, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 10914911
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens barrel body, an imaging optical system, a focus ring, a diaphragm operation ring, and a sensor. The sensor includes a code board and first and second contact brushes. The code board is provided on the inner peripheral side of the diaphragm operation ring. The first and second contact brushes are provided on the outer peripheral side of the lens barrel body, and include a plurality of conductive contacts sliding on the code board in accordance with the rotation of the diaphragm operation ring. Signals are acquired from the conductive contacts of the first and second contact brushes and the rotational position of the diaphragm operation ring is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukitaka Takeshita, Mitsuhiko Oka
  • Patent number: 10901304
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging apparatus without a dome cover, and is configured to reduce propagation of an impact that is applied from outside to a lens unit. The imaging apparatus includes: a lens unit including an imaging element and an optical system; a tilt case body configured to cover and support the lens unit; and a tilt cover configured to cover the tilt case body, wherein the tilt cover is supported by the tilt case body so as to be rotatable in a tilt direction in conjunction with the tilt case body and be movable with respect to the tilt case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10901300
    Abstract: A camera system includes a camera and an underwater housing. The underwater housing, when submerged underwater, causes refraction of light entering the camera, thereby affecting focus. The camera includes a lens assembly adjustable between a first secured position at a first distance from an image sensor to enable the camera to capture images that are in focus when the camera is outside of water. The lens assembly is adjustable to a second secured position at a second distance from the image sensor to enable the camera to capture images that are in focus when the camera operates within the underwater housing and submerged under water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Campbell, Timothy Macmillan, Andrew Vargas Ganzon
  • Patent number: 10901305
    Abstract: A gimbal assembly includes a body and a gimbal frame movably connected with the body. The gimbal frame is configured to fittingly contact the body or to be at least partially received in the body to reduce a volume of the gimbal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifen Liu, Qiu Lan, Dengfeng Hu
  • Patent number: 10890827
    Abstract: A camera accessory, at which light from a subject enters, detachably mountable at a camera body, includes: a communication unit that communicates with the camera body; and a first storage unit that stores a discriminating signal indicating whether or not another device capable of communicating with the camera body is mountable on a subject side of the camera accessory, wherein: the communication unit transmits the discriminating signal to the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiko Kawai
  • Patent number: 10884332
    Abstract: A film positioning device can include a housing, a feed mechanism, and a controller. The housing defines a film receptacle. The feed mechanism is positioned at the film receptacle and configured to move film along the film receptacle. The controller is coupled to the feed mechanism. The controller is configured to control the feed mechanism to move film along the film receptacle. And, based on control of the feed mechanism, the controller is configured to output a camera actuation signal to cause a camera to capture an image of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: John Robert Mortensen
  • Patent number: 10851936
    Abstract: A system comprises a pole, a conduit track, and a sliding assembly that slides along the conduit track. The pole is configured to support an optical system that includes a camera or antenna. The sliding assembly and conduit track are disposed within an interior of the pole. The sliding assembly supports electrical components used in operation of the optical system, such as power components, storage devices, and communication modules. Cables extend from the optical system, through the conduit track, and to the electrical components supported by the sliding assembly. An access opening along the pole provides an operator easy access to the electrical components. Moreover, all of the electrical components and cables are disposed within the pole and protected from outside elements. The system allows electronic systems power and optics to be deployed in a cost effective, efficient and secure manner in locations alongside roads and other access ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Glenn Joseph Bronson
  • Patent number: 10852196
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a temperature of a product. The system may include a product preparation or dispensing unit containing the product and at least one temperature sensor proximate the product and configured to measure the temperature of the product. The temperature sensor may include a transmitter to transmit a temperature measurement to a processor. The processor may generate offers or initiate maintenance tasks related to the product in response to the temperature measurement of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Spot You More, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Setchell, James D. Haley
  • Patent number: 10819874
    Abstract: Provided is a positioning adjustment apparatus for a mobile device in scanning and photography, including a main body and a lifting unit. An object to be scanned is placed on the main body, and the mobile device placed on a carrier platform of the lifting unit can move up and down along with the lifting unit to adjust a distance between the mobile device and the object to be scanned. After scanning, a document is sent directly to a shredder. The invention also provides a wireless signal transmission to operate the mobile device for scanning or photography to meet various demands of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Kuo-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 10816919
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a power source device includes a direct current power source, an alternating current power source, a bypass capacitor, and a power source control unit. The direct current power source outputs a direct current voltage. The alternating current power source outputs a superimposed voltage having an alternating current voltage superimposed on the direct current voltage. The bypass capacitor partially accumulates a charge of alternating current for prevention of flow of current into the direct current power source from the alternating current power source. The power source control unit switches control of the direct current voltage from constant current control to constant voltage control and causes a charge of the alternating current to be accumulated in the bypass capacitor in a short time period between a transfer period and a non-transfer period both related to image formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Taiki Hasebe
  • Patent number: 10809132
    Abstract: An electronic device for measuring an ambient temperature (Tair) of the environment of an electronic device is described. It comprises at least one integrated infrared sensor, a blinded window preventing infrared radiation to directly impinge on the integrated infrared sensor and being in thermal contact with the environment as well as with a cover of the device resulting in the blinded window being at a surface temperature (Tsurface). The at least one integrated infrared sensor is adapted for sensing the temperature of the blinded window (Tsurface). The device also comprises at least one absolute temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the at least one infrared sensor (Tsensor) itself, and a processing means for determining a temperature difference (?T) between the sensed surface temperature (Tsurface) and the temperature of the infrared sensor (Tsensor) and for calculating based thereon the ambient temperature (Tair).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Melexis Technologies NV
    Inventor: Luc Buydens