Patents Examined by Michael J. Tokar
  • Patent number: 5818254
    Abstract: A hierarchical switch matrix in a very high-density programmable logic device (CPLD) interconnects a multiplicity of programmable logic blocks in the CPLD. A new level of functionality coupled with high speed is provided by the hierarchical switch matrix. The hierarchical switch matrix includes three levels, a global switch matrix, a segment switch matrix and a block switch matrix. The block switch matrix provides a high speed signal path for signals within a programmable logic block. The segment switch matrix provides a high speed means of communication for signals within a segment, while the global switch matrix provides a high speed path for communication between segments. The hierarchical switch matrix of this invention provides a fixed, path independent, uniform, predictable and deterministic time delay for each group of signals routed through the hierarchical switch matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Om P. Agrawal, Bradley A. Sharpe-Geisler
  • Patent number: 5818048
    Abstract: The present invention provides a generally applicable apparatus and method for achieving measurements of a constituent in a sample. This is achieved by employing a detection means having a plurality of detectors responsive to radiation in a selected region of the spectrum, e.g., the infrared. In most embodiments, at least two of the detectors provide broad wavelength bandpass. If narrow bandpass sources or detectors are used, the information generated is processed in a manner similar to broadband information. The broad bandpass response of the detectors can be contrasted with the approach of classical spectrophotometry, in which the spectral response of the detectors is designed to be as narrow as feasible, and substantially narrower than the spectral features of the constituent or constituents of interest. The data is processed such that the contributions of known background constituents and scattering is eliminated prior to further processing, thereby yielding a better result in high background situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Optix LP
    Inventors: Lester Sodickson, Howard E. Guthermann, Myron J. Block
  • Patent number: 5811810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared sensor (20) of the type comprising a support plate (22) provided with a printed circuit carrying a plurality of elements (23) sensitive to infrared waves and a dome (21) designed to cover said sensitive elements. This sensor is characterized in that: cutouts (27) are made in the support plate (22) around each sensitive element, each of these cutouts delimiting a tongue (28). These tongues are designed to be deployed outside the plane (P) of the support plate and to interact with the dome (21) in such a way that they adopt a defined position with respect to one another. The sensor according to the present invention is more particularly intended to equip automobile courtesy lights and to form part of an antitheft and/or centralized door-locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive S.A.
    Inventors: Roel Hellemans, Michel Pierbon
  • Patent number: 5811992
    Abstract: A dynamic clocked inverter latch with reduced charge leakage includes a first node biasing circuit with a P-MOSFET and an N-MOSFET totem-pole-coupled between VDD and an output node, and a second node biasing circuit with another N-MOSFET and another P-MOSFET totem-pole-coupled between the output node and VSS. The first P-MOSFET receives an input data signal and the first N-MOSFET receives a clock signal and in accordance therewith together cause the output node to charge to a charged state having a charge voltage associated therewith. The second N-MOSFET also receives the input data signal while the second P-MOSFET receives the inverse of the clock signal and in accordance therewith together cause the output node to discharge to a discharged state having a discharge voltage associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Godfrey P. D'Souza
  • Patent number: 5808304
    Abstract: The most common method of determining whether a breast contains cancerous tissue utilizes ionizing radiation, i.e. x-rays, which possible have tissue damaging properties. It has been found that lasers can be used as a light source in a breast tissue transillumination process. However, due to the high scattering coefficient (or diffusing properties) of breast tissue, it is not possible to obtain images having good resolution using classical transillumination techniques, even when a laser is used as the light source. When passing through a diffusing medium, a laser pulse decomposes into three classes of photons, namely ballistic, snake-like and diffuse photons. In most practical situations, the ballistic photon portion of a laser pulse, which travels in a straight line, does not pass through the tissue, i.e. only snake-like and diffuse photons pass through the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Aerospace Research Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Parent, Pierre Bernard, Pierre Galarneau
  • Patent number: 5808305
    Abstract: Fruit defects of interest in the production of prunes are identified based on characteristics of illumination reflected by the fruit. Various reflection characteristics can be used in this regard including near infrared reflectivity and polarization state of the reflected illumination. In one embodiment, the apparatus (10) of the present invention includes a transport system (12) for transporting fruit (14) through an inspection zone (16), an illumination system (18) for illuminating the fruit (14), a detector system (20) for detecting reflected illumination (21), a sorting system (22) for separating defective fruit from good fruit, and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the sorting system (22) based on signals from the detector system (20) and transport system (12). The signals from the detector system can be improved by treating the fruit inorder to diminish the chlorophyll response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: SRC Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Leidecker, Park Squyres, Duncan Campbell
  • Patent number: 5808307
    Abstract: A method of detecting an ultraviolet laser beam, which includes irradiating a detector with the ultraviolet laser beam to produce photoluminescence from the detector, and sensing the photoluminescence. The detector includes a specific polysilmethylene compound or a specific polysiloxane compound. A method of recording an information is also disclosed which includes exposing a photosensitive layer to an ultraviolet laser beam according to the information. The photosensitive layer includes a specific polysilmethylene compound or a specific polysiloxane compound. By irradiating the exposed photosensitive layer to a reference ultraviolet laser beam, the recorded information is read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Director-General of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Dow Corning Asia, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Suzuki, Yoshinori Nakata, Hideaki Nagai, Takeshi Okutani, Masashi Murakami, Nobuo Kushibiki
  • Patent number: 5804820
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the density of underground formations surrounding a borehole, such as a wireline logging tool or a logging-while-drilling tool, includes a neutron source for irradiating the formations from within the borehole and at least one detector which detects neutrons and gamma rays in the borehole resulting from the irradiation of the formations with neutrons. Multiple detectors can also be used to separately detect neutrons and gamma rays. Detected neutron and gamma ray signals are each analyzed and combined to determine the density of an earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Japan National Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Evans, Jacques M. Holenka
  • Patent number: 5804832
    Abstract: A digital array for capturing a radiogram. The array includes a generally flat base on which there is mounted with a plurality of shock absorbing mounts a rigid support plate. A radiation electronic detection panel is mounted on the rigid plate in a way that the panel "floats" over the base. Electronic circuitry associated with the radiation detection panel is connected thereto with flexible connectors. A cover, which is transparent to X-ray radiation and opaque to visible radiation, is attached to the base to form a light tight enclosure for the panel. The top cover inner surface opposite the front surface of the radiation detection panel, is spaced from the detection panel front surface, and the detection panel is also spaced from the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Crowell, Joseph A. Perrotto, Lothar S. Jeromin, Denny L. Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 5801547
    Abstract: A programmable logic device has a configuration memory which is partitioned so that it includes at least one subarray available through the programmable interconnect of the user configurable logic to be used as user memory. Subarrays of the configuration memory have independent access logic coupled with them, and coupled to the user logic array so that they may be used independently as user memories. Subarray memory access logic is provided for each subarray of memory elements, and connected to the logic cell array, and optionally to the plurality of input/output cells on the device, including a subarray decoder used for selecting addressed memory elements in the corresponding subarray in response to address signals and control signals supplied across the interconnect structures of the logic cell array, and a subarray I/O path used to provide input and output data signals between the interconnect structures of the logic cell array and addressed memory elements in the subarray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Kean
  • Patent number: 5796270
    Abstract: A driver circuit provides for selectively changing the state of an output signal, such as a pre-charged dynamic bus signal. The circuit detects whether or not the data is the opposite state as the pre-charged bus signal, and if so, it drives the bus to the appropriate state. The output from the circuit is self-timed when data can be driven onto the bus as soon as data is valid, i.e., data propagates from the input of the circuit to the bus without depending on a clock or other timing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Atkinson Fifield, Glenn Peter Giacalone, Peter Joel Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5796110
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device of gas array detectors for high energy X or .gamma.-rays radiography. This device comprises a plurality of gas-pressurized array ion-chamber units mounted on a frame. Each of the gas-pressurized array ion-chamber units is constituted by pressure proof case (1,5), window (2), strap electrodes system (3), electrodes system support (4) and high pressure gas filled therein. The output signals of the detectors depend on the ionizing effect caused by the secondary electrons produced by the interactions of the X, .gamma.-rays and the high pressure gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jigang An, Haifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 5796113
    Abstract: A method of acquiring an ionizing radiation image including, irradiating a material with patterned ionizing radiation, exciting the irradiated material with excitation radiation to emit light in accordance with the pattern and acquiring the emitted light. The excitation radiation has a wave length which does not cause substantial electron-hole recombinations in said material. Preferably, the irradiation forms luminescent centers in the material and the excitation radiation has a wave length suited for excitation of the luminescent centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Z.M.Z. Advanced Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lev Nagli, Abraham Zvi Meiri
  • Patent number: 5793049
    Abstract: An imaging scheme for illuminating an object having a plurality of fluors comprising: a light source for simultaneously illuminating the object with light having a plurality of separate excitation bands respectively falling within the fluorescent absorption bands of the fluors; and a detector positioned to receive fluorescent light from the fluors having wavelengths corresponding to the respective fluorescence emission bands of the fluors and adapted to produce a signal representative of the intensity of light received from the object. Also disclosed is an optical filtering scheme for receiving light having a first wavelength distribution and for providing light having a second selected wavelength distribution different from the first wavelength distribution. The above-mentioned imaging and filtering schemes enable simultaneous excitation and detection of a plurality of fluors, while preventing corruption by scattered or reflected excitation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Stephen Gwyn Ballard
  • Patent number: 5793047
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent substrates. Each of the substrates has a a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements on a front surface thereof on a base. A light-absorbing member is provided on at least one of a rear surface and end faces of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isao Kobayashi, Akira Funakoshi, Akira Tago, Noriyuki Kaifu, Shinichi Takeda, Eiichi Takami, Masakazu Morishita, Shinichi Hayashi, Chiori Mochizuki, Tadao Endo, Toshikazu Tamura, Kazuaki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 5793042
    Abstract: A preferred embedment of the system and a method are provided utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FITR) for examination and analysis of materials on a real-time basis in a chamber at elevated temperatures with corrosive-erosive gaseous environments that cause accelerated material deterioration. The apparatus is capable on a real-time basis of examining and analyzing a wide variety of materials subjected to accelerated deterioration events missed by prior art systems and methods. Empirical data of accelerated corrosion-erosion events are also acquired and stored for subsequent computer analysis of recorded absorbed and reflected vibrational frequencies detected. The system utilizes preselected adjustable grazing angles of an incident beam of the infrared beam impinging upon a material sample during the observation and analysis processes to enhance the data to be collected. The system provides feed back laser signals for alignment adjustment for the selectable grazing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Quick
  • Patent number: 5793044
    Abstract: A transducer for nondispersive infrared radiation (NDIR) gas analysis and a passive device for verifying the calibration of the transducer. The calibration verification device can be mounted on a cable by which the transducer is attached to an associated signal processing-control-display unit (SPCDU) or monitor. Calibration parameters for the transducer are stored in a plug at the monitor end of the cable. The transducer includes an integrated subassembly of an infrared radiation source unit, an infrared radiation detector unit, and a flex connector and may be employed with an airway adapter preferably maintained by a thick film heating element at an above-dewpoint temperature to ascertain the concentration of a specie potentially present in gases flowing through the adapter. The transducer may also be employed for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: NTC Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie E. Mace, Lawrence L. Labuda, Gerald R. Apperson, Walter A. Cooke, Joseph O. Sams
  • Patent number: 5789750
    Abstract: Optical system architectures with improved spatial resolution are provided in which the radiation useful for THz spectroscopy and other investigative procedures can be directionally coupled, in a highly efficient manner, into and out of photoconductive structures such, for example, as dipole antennas. An optical system constructed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises a source for emitting radiation in a range of frequencies within from 100 GHz to 20 THz, a coupling lens structure for coupling radiation emitted by said source into free space, at least one collimating optical element for collimating received coupled radiation into a beam having a substantially frequency independent diameter and substantially no wavefront curvature, and a detector for detecting the beam collimated by the at least one collimating optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Martin C. Nuss
  • Patent number: 5783827
    Abstract: An earth horizon sensor on board an orbiting spacecraft is designed to produce four (4) scans across the earth at geosynchronous altitudes using only two non-visible wavelength (infrared) detectors. The four scans are essentially parallel and permit the earth center to be offset from the null axis of the earth sensor permitting the offset pointing of high gain communication. By providing four scans using only two detectors, components are minimized and reliability is improved. The four scans are generated with only two detectors by using both the front and rear surfaces of a rotating scanning mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ithaco Space Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fallon, Gerald Falbel, Richard W. Rhyins
  • Patent number: 5777335
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus whose substrate or base stand is arranged to be a member to absorb or shield radiation in order to prevent semiconductor element, such as ICs, provided for driving photoelectric elements from making any malfunction or from being deteriorated by the irradiation of radiation, such as X-rays or .gamma.-rays, transmitted from the photoelectric conversion element substrate or base stand or in order to prevent radiation from being scattered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chiori Mochizuki, Akira Funakoshi, Akira Tago, Shinichi Takeda, Eiichi Takami, Masakazu Morishita, Shinichi Hayashi, Tadao Endo, Toshikazu Tamura