Patents Examined by Que Le
  • Patent number: 5838000
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for optical near-field scanning microscopy on a test specimen in a liquid uses a light source that guides light focused on an optical fiber tip disposed near the test specimen. With the aid of the light beam extending largely parallel to the specimen surface, a diffraction pattern is formed downstream of the light source and the optical fiber tip. The diffraction pattern is detected and a resulting detection signal, which is indicative of a vibrational amplitude of the optical fiber tip, is used for controlling the distance between the optical fiber tip and the specimen, where the distance is related to the vibrational amplitude. Accordingly, optical near-field scanning microscopy may be performed in virtually any liquid, on non-smooth specimen surfaces, and on specimen surfaces whose features change with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Huels Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Mertesdorf, Stefan Kirstein, Monika Schoenhoff, Frauke Lohr
  • Patent number: 5834759
    Abstract: A tracking device for use in an optical tracking system is disclosed. The tracking device has a plurality of faces, each face having at least three markers which can be tracked by the optical tracking system. The markers may be infrared emitting diodes. The tracking system can individually activate the markers on each of the faces and select the markers which can be most accurately tracked by the tracking system. Portions of the faces are adjacent to one another to form clusters of emitters. The clusters of emitters are separated by at least a predetermined distance corresponding to the tolerance of the optical tracking system. The field of view of the tracking device approximates a section of a sphere centered at the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Neil David Glossop
  • Patent number: 5834763
    Abstract: A photon coupled circuit comprises a high quantum efficiency semiconductor light emitter (TDA) coupled with low photon losses to a high quantum efficiency semiconductor light detector (OLD). Bias current is provided to both the light detector (OLD) and light emitter (TDA). The light output of the light emitter (TDA) is modulated by the signal current flowing therein and the current flowing (i.sub.o) in the detector (OLD) is modulated by the light received from the light emitter (TDA). The quantum transfer efficiency or open loop current gain is greater than 0.5 and a portion of the AC current flowing in the light detector (OLD) is applied as feedback to reinforce or oppose the current flowing in the light emitter (TDA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Paul Julian Edwards, Wood Nang Cheung
  • Patent number: 5834764
    Abstract: An improvement in a light collecting system for an agricultural seed monitor is disclosed. The light collecting system includes three optical surfaces: a convex lens surface, a planar surface, and a total internal reflection, cone condenser surface. The convex lens surface is designed to collect light from a seed sensing area of a seed tube and form a converging light beam. The converging beam is then incident onto the planar reflecting surface, which folds the optical axis of the converging light. The converging light beam is then incident onto a non-imaging, total internal reflection cone condenser surface. In a preferred embodiment all three optical surfaces are formed on a single prism made of plastic, with the convex lens being a spherical surface having a radius of curvature of about 20 mm, and the cone condenser surface having an input aperture diameter of about 6 mm and an output aperture diameter of about 0.9 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas L. Hauck, Carolyn C. Mertins, Christopher J. Skarie, Jon T. Jacobson, Karl-Heinz O. Mertins
  • Patent number: 5834766
    Abstract: A two-beam detection method causes two beams to differ in light intensity and converging the two beams to enter a common photosensitive element, a photoreception surface of the photosensitive element being configured such that the two beams differ in time required to pass the photoreception surface, processes an output from the photosensitive element using a plurality of threshold levels so as to obtain rectangular signals, one of the rectangular signals obtained using one of the plurality of threshold levels being designated as a detection signal for one of the two beams, and performs a predetermined calculation on the rectangular signals so as to obtain a detection signal for the other of the two beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Suhara
  • Patent number: 5834761
    Abstract: The Invention is an image input apparatus equipped with means of image shifting which is capable of inputting images of different resolutions, and enables the transmission band of the spatial filter to be switched in accordance with resolution in order to prevent moire. When a flat transparent refraction plate 22 is inclined relative to the optical axis 10 by which light from the object is introduced, the position where the image is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 14 is shifted, thus making image shifting possible. High resolution images are obtained by shifting the image a distance shorter than the distance between the photosensitive parts of the CCD 14, and then combining the images. The transmission band of the spatial filter 12 for preventing moire can be switched by changing the relative angles of the double refraction plates 20, 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisah
    Inventors: Hideo Okada, Masayuki Nishikawa, Tohru Okuda, Tetsuo Iwaki, Chiaki Yamawaki, Yoshinori Kinai
  • Patent number: 5834765
    Abstract: A sensor implemented with a single light sensing device detects ambient light levels and object motion. The sensor comprises an optical component assembly composed of a linear array of light sensitive elements, preferably photodiodes, positioned downstream of a segmented slit aperture device comprising a single, segmented slit, the slit length of which is oriented perpendicular to the length of the linear array. The individual photodiodes of the array provide motion detection capability in a direction perpendicular to the slit length. The slit aperture is segmented along the slit length to form multiple zones of sensor light responsivity that provide motion detection capability in a direction parallel to the slit length. An object moving in a direction parallel to the multiple slit aperture passes through one or more zones of sensor responsivity and thereby produces from the photodiodes a varying electrical signal from which object motion can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ledalite Architectural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian E. Ashdown
  • Patent number: 5831262
    Abstract: An article having an optical fiber integrally attached to a micro-device having spaced movable and nonmoving layers suitable for creating optical interference effects is disclosed. In one configuration, the micro-device is suitable for optical modulation, wherein the movable layer is electrostatically actuated to move towards the nonmoving layer. Such movement changes the size of the gap between the layers, resulting in a change in micro-device reflectivity. An optical signal is modulated by controlling micro-device reflectivity via a controlled voltage source. In a second configuration, the micro-device is suitable for measuring pressure. For pressure measurement, the movable membrane moves in response to pressure changes. The change in membrane position again results in a change in micro-device reflectivity. Reflectivity is correlatable to pressure. In a third configuration, the micro-device is suitable for measuring temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis S. Greywall, James A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5831259
    Abstract: A high impedance electrooptical transducer, such as for use in an optical output sensor. The transducer includes an electrosensitive element that emits photoluminescence radiation when illuminated by an excitation radiation. The electrosensitive element includes conjugate photoluminescent oligomers. The photoluminescence efficiency of the conjugate oligomers varies in the presence of an electrical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Fabrice Charra
  • Patent number: 5828058
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber remote sensing system, which has: first and second light sources which are connected to ends of branched optical fibers and emit lights with two wavelengths different from each other; one or more optical detectors which conduct a photoelectric conversion of the lights propagated through the optical fibers from the first and second light sources and generate an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength corresponding to a difference between the two different wavelengths; and a measuring means which receives the electromagnetic wave propagated through a measured substance and measures a state of the measured substance based on an optical absorption characteristic of the measured substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hirohito Yamada
  • Patent number: 5825022
    Abstract: A plurality of inclined planes (1419) are formed in the same substrate (1406) and a polarizing optical thin film is provided on these inclined planes. These inclined planes are filled with a transparent material so as to form a small sized and complexed polarizer. This polarizer is excellent in transmission ratio and in extinction ratio. With this polarizer, it is possible to detect a magneto-optical signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This polarizer is used as a cover of a package (1408) of an optical head in which a light receiving device (1410, 1411) and a light emitting device (1409) are contained in the form of a single piece. There is also provided an optical element capable of adjusting optical paths so that the optical length of a returning optical beam may be different from the optical length of a forward optical beam. With this optical element, it becomes possible to delete the initial offset in a focusing error signal, and thus adjustment process becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Taro Takekoshi, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Takashi Takeda, Toshio Arimura
  • Patent number: 5825044
    Abstract: A scanning device and method of forming a scanned electronic image include an imaging sensor and at least one navigation sensor. For an embodiment, the imaging sensor enables sensing of color images. In the preferred embodiment, the imaging sensor is a linear array of sensor elements, with a two-dimensional navigation sensor array at each end. The scanning device has three degrees of freedom, since position information from the navigation sensors allows manipulation of an image signal from the imaging sensor to reduce distortion artifacts caused by curvilinear scanning. Acceptable sources of the position information include printed matter and contrast variations dictated by variations in the inherent structure-related properties of the medium on which the scanned image is formed. Inherent structure-related properties can also include color contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Ross R. Allen, David Beard, Mark T. Smith, Barclay J. Tullis
  • Patent number: 5825019
    Abstract: A timing device which is associated with a light level sensor and which is arranged to provide a time-out signal to a relay after a predetermined time has elapsed following detection of a low light condition and initial energization of the relay. The device provides for synchronization of an initiation time T.sub.1 and, hence, a time-out signal generating time T.sub.2 with respect to a periodically occurring event time T.sub.3 (for example, sunset time) in order that the desired time of generating the time-out signal might be re-established following interruption of power to the device. Should loss of power occur, the last entered event time T.sub.3 is employed to synchronize the initiation time T.sub.1 and, hence, the signal generating time T.sub.2, when detection of a predetermined light level next occurs following re-establishment of power to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: H.P.M. Industries Pty Limited
    Inventor: Peter C. Birrell
  • Patent number: 5825023
    Abstract: An auto-focus laser incremental encoder for measuring linear or rotary motion or position of an object is described. An optical read head focuses three laser beams on the surface of a scaling grating. The grating is a reflection type grating where the height difference between adjacent pixels is one quarter of the wavelength of the laser light whereby the pitch of the grating can be detected by interferometric reflection. There are two sections of grating displaced with respect to each other so that a direction of movement can be readily determined. The third beam acts to provide an autofocus and is reflected from a smooth part of the grating between the two sections of reflective grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
    Inventors: Lilong Cai, Jihua Zhang
  • Patent number: 5821531
    Abstract: An encoder for detecting a forward/reverse movement of a rotatable object includes a rotating shaft that is supported on a base and rotates in accordance with the movement of the subject, two rotating disks fixed to the rotating shaft, and two photocouplers mounted on the base which are associated with the disks. Each of said rotating disks is formed with a predetermined light modulating pattern to vary the intensity of light along a circumferential direction. Each of the photocouplers emits a light toward the rotating disk and detects the light modulated by the pattern on the rotating disk. The angular relationship between the rotating disks is selected such that the output signals from the photocouplers due to the rotation of the rotating shaft have a predetermined phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Kazuyoshi Azegami, Takamitsu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5821551
    Abstract: A paper sensor apparatus of a laser beam printer includes a LED located on the center of a substrate, obliquely positioned two-facet mirror for reflecting the light from the LED to both sides of the LED, photodiodes for receiving the light, and a paper presence detecting shutter and a paper feeding shutter located between the photodiodes and the obliquely positioned two-facet mirror, respectively for blocking or transmitting the light. Low production cost and an enhancement of productivity can be achieved because the structure of the paper presence detecting sensor and paper feeding sensor can be made cheaply and automatic assembly is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seuk-Pil Roh
  • Patent number: 5821529
    Abstract: There is provided a measuring board, in which an I/O switch is formed in the vicinity of an I/O terminal on the board and no deformation occurs in the wave form of an input signal. In the vicinity of the I/O terminal on the measuring board, on which a device to be measured (DUT) is mounted and in which testing is performed for the I/O terminal, there are provided a plurality of optically driven switches, each of which is composed of a photoconductive switch having electrodes with an electrode gap of a specified width on a semi-insulating semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor laser provided so as to irradiate the electrode gap. By these optically driven switches, input and output switching is performed for the I/O terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Chihara, Koji Sasaki, Takashi Sekino
  • Patent number: 5821532
    Abstract: An image head assembly comprising: a substrate with at least a pair of apertures formed in the substrate; an optical assembly having at least a pair of pins that mate with the apertures within the substrate, the pins to the optical assembly being fixedly secured to the apertures within the substrate; an image sensor located between the apertures covered by a cover glass above the image sensor on the optical assembly; interface means for providing an electrical connection between the substrate and the image sensor; a lens system mounted on top the cover glass; and a single element blur filter contained within the lens system. The assembly contains a single element blur filter such as a cross-pleated blur filter. The lens system is prevented from being a reverse telephoto lens system with use of a blur filter that does not require a large back focus and is instead a telephoto lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bryan A. Beaman, Julie K. Gerstenberger, David M. Orlicki
  • Patent number: 5821528
    Abstract: The present invention includes two photodiodes in parallel connected to some transistors and an adjustable current source. The photocurrent difference from the two photodiodes combines with the current form the current source to be a positive value. This current then charges a capacitor. An automatic comparator circuit detects voltage of the charging capacitor. The Q output of the RS flip-flop is low and the transistor is off to charge the capacitor if the voltage of the capacitor is below a preset value. The buffer output is at low voltage in this case; The Q output of the RS flip-flop is high and the transistor is on to force discharging of the capacitor and the buffer output is at high level when the capacitor voltage reaches a preset value. By repeating these conditions, frequency modulated output can be obtained. The frequency value is related to the two light intensities difference and the current source combined current. When light intensity varies, the frequency varies accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Tai Shan Liao, Jui I. Tsai, Keh Shium Liu, Mang Ou Yang, Yung Fu Chen, Ming Li Chen
  • Patent number: 5818063
    Abstract: In order to provide in a simple way a household appliance, operated with water with a sensor (10) for contaminations of a circulated cleaning fluid, said sensor being composed of an element (11) transmitting optical signals and of an element (12) receiving optical signals, in which appliance erroneous measurements of the sensor (10) for contaminations of a circulated cleaning fluid are avoided, according to the invention the sensor (10) is arranged in a flow heater (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Wilhelmstatter, Helmut Jerg, Bernd Schessl, Gerhard Fetzer, Michael Hartmann, Markus Hopfl, Karl-Heinz Rehm, Rudolf Schmidt