Patents Examined by Warren K Fenwick
  • Patent number: 10473949
    Abstract: The optical image stabilizer system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a set of springs connected to a lens such that the force exerted by the set of springs and the force exerted by gravity are in equilibrium. A position detection sensor may be linked to the lens and detect a current position of the lens. An accelerometer may be communicatively linked to the lens and generate a set of acceleration data corresponding to the acceleration of the lens. A control unit may be coupled to at least one of the lens, position detector sensor, and the accelerometer, and calculate a new target position for the lens. A motor may be coupled to the lens and respond to the target position received from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tokoro, Yukihiko Shigeoka, Yasuo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10466082
    Abstract: A flow meter (1) comprising a sampling tube (3) through which fluid may flow and a sensor arrangement (9, 25, 27, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47), wherein the sampling tube (3) comprises a first hollow section (51, 53) having a first internal cross-sectional area (A1) and a second hollow section (55, 57) having a second internal cross-sectional area (A2) being less than the first internal cross-sectional area (A1); and the sensor arrangement (9, 25, 27, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47), is for measuring the difference between stagnation and static pressures (P01, P02, P1, P2) within the second hollow section (55, 57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: University of Surrey
    Inventors: David Birch, Paul Nathan, Praveen Rampersad
  • Patent number: 10458831
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the volume of storage containers using ultrasonic inspection techniques. The exemplary ultrasonic calibration system comprises a plurality of acoustic devices controllably deployed in respective positions on the outside surface of the container. The acoustic devices include a transducer for sending acoustic signals across the internal volume of the container and sensors configured to detect the acoustic signals. The acoustic devices are in communication with a diagnostic computing device that controls the positioning and the operation of the acoustic devices and is further configured to determine the time time-of-flight of acoustic signals that travel between the various acoustic devices. Moreover, according to the specific arrangement of acoustic devices and the measured acoustic signal information, the control computer is configured to calculate the dimensions of the container and its internal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Vincent Cunningham, Ali Outa, Ihsan A-Taie, Ayman Amer
  • Patent number: 10459320
    Abstract: A portable printer includes a camera, a printing part, a supporting part, and a mirror. The supporting part is configured to support a portable electronic device including a display, in a way in which the display faces the camera with a predetermined distance away from the camera. The support member is configured to cover a space between the portable electronic device and the camera. The mirror is configured to reflect an image on the display and form reflected image thereon. The reflected image on the mirror is viewable by a user. The camera is configured to capture the image on the display. The printing part is configured to print the image captured by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Dohi
  • Patent number: 10423051
    Abstract: A camera module includes a substrate having a first main surface mounted with an image sensor, a second main surface on the reverse side of the substrate from the first main surface in the predetermined direction, and is provided with at least one hole extending from the first main surface in the predetermined direction. The camera module further includes a holder which has a boss inserted from the first main surface into the at least one hole, and holds at least one lens. The camera module further includes a fixing part made of adhesive that is cured into an anchor shape. The fixing part fixes the boss inside the at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tahara, Takehiro Ueda, Kazuo Sibukawa, Atsuki Kamatani, Yoshiyuki Hotta
  • Patent number: 10416535
    Abstract: A retrofittable float with an underwater camera attachment for unmanned aerial vehicles allows an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to traverse over a body of water while recording images and/or video of the underwater environment. The retrofittable float with an underwater camera attachment includes a flotation device, a plurality of mounting brackets, an underwater scope, and at least one underwater illumination light. The flotation device attaches to the UAV via the plurality of mounting brackets. The plurality of mounting brackets is configured to align the center of gravity of the UAV with the center of buoyancy of the flotation device, thereby reducing the risk of capsizing. Once securely mounted, the camera of the UAV is positioned pointing into the underwater scope. The underwater scope allows the camera to record images and/or videos of the underwater environment. Finally, the at least one underwater illumination light is used to increase visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Kermit Mallette
  • Patent number: 10412289
    Abstract: In one example, a controller of a camera is configured to detect a mechanical connection of an accessory for the camera through data received by a sensor. The accessory includes a physical component that performs a function for the camera. The function may replace an existing function of the camera or supplement an existing function of the camera. The controller identifies one or more identification marks on the accessory to determine an existence of the accessory or a position of the accessory. The controller may disable an existing function of the camera or modify a configuration of the camera based on the identification marks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Vids Samanta, Andrew Gartrell, Rhys Newman, Jeremy Matters, Julian Bleecker
  • Patent number: 10401711
    Abstract: A multidirectional drive device includes: a driven member that comprises a spherical surface having depressions and protrusions; a rotation driving part that is in contact with the spherical surface of the driven member and rotates the driven member; and a supporting member that is fixed to the driven member and supports an operated body. At least either one of a position and an orientation of the operated body is adjusted by rotation of the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: NEC Embedded Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomi Matsuda, Riichiro Tadakuma, Hiroto Saito, Kazuki Abe
  • Patent number: 10401710
    Abstract: A hinge for an electronic device includes a base including a stem, a ball rigidly fixed to the stem, a first friction surface that contacts and is configured to move with respect to a first outer surface of the ball, a second friction surface that contacts and is configured to move with respect to a second outer surface of the ball, the second outer surface of the ball being on a side of the ball that is opposite the first outer surface of the ball, and a biasing member configured to bias the first and/or second friction surface against the ball to generate a frictional force sufficient to hold the first and second friction surfaces in a set position relative to the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Wilson, Kevin Booth, Jeffrey Law, Mark Kraz, Oliver Mueller
  • Patent number: 10386263
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing access to pressurized pipes includes a body member configured to be attached to a pipe or vessel or a fitting coupled to a pipe or vessel. The body member has an internal barrel in fluid communication with the pipe or vessel or fitting when the body member is attached to the pipe or vessel or fitting. A hollow piston is slidable axially within the internal barrel, and the apparatus is configured such that when an internal volume of the piston is pressurized by a fluid from the pipe or vessel, a force exerted by pressurized fluid on the piston in an axial direction is opposed by a force exerted by pressurized fluid on a counter-pressure portion of the piston. The apparatus includes a conduit orifice that allows a conduit to be disposed therethrough so as to pass into the apparatus to an interior of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Heath Morgan Group Limited
    Inventors: Simon Langdale, John White
  • Patent number: 10379422
    Abstract: A position detecting apparatus includes: a fixed member in which a magnet is disposed, a movable member including a movable barrel in which a coil and an optical element are disposed, the movable barrel being driven in a direction perpendicular to a direction along an optical axis of the optical element with respect to the fixed member by a VCM driving section, and a magnetism detecting member disposed in the movable member, the magnetism detecting member detecting a change in a magnetic flux density of the magnet at a time when the movable member is driven. The magnetism detecting member is disposed, in a plane perpendicular to a direction along the optical axis, in a position where a magnetic flux density of the coil does not affect the change in the magnetic flux density due to the magnet when an electric current is fed to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuhei Endo
  • Patent number: 10338385
    Abstract: New visual systems are provided, implementing a new form of mediated reality, known as shifted-reality. In some embodiments, a matrix of specialized pixels creates redirected light with a plurality of angle-alterable, shiftable sources, which create virtual objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods, and reduce the appearance of other objects or conditions. In some embodiments, existing images and objects viewed through a screen are shifted in perspective, and enhanced with effects and information related to objects and an environment. An object structure and materials library may be maintained, as well as an object inventory, based on observation with sensors. One sensor may be non-visual, but with a perspective related to a visual sensor. An array of subdividing material and structural categories may also be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 10331020
    Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating arm camera mount for mounting an imaging device. The disclosed camera mount comprises a base, one or more arms, and a head that are movably secured to one another and are generally interchangeable with different components and pieces. The disclosed camera mount allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the placement and positioning of an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Evoke Innovative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Reno Makani Maltese, Kenneth Craig Warren
  • Patent number: 10328867
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a horizontally oriented bed. A tailgate is pivotably attached to the bed. The tailgate is pivotable between an upright position and a horizontal position. A camera is pivotably attached to the tailgate. The camera has a field of view. An orientation sensor detects an orientation of the tailgate and/or the camera. An actuator pivots the camera relative to the tailgate. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the orientation sensor and to the actuator. The electronic processor receives a sensor signal from the orientation sensor. The electronic processor causes the actuator to pivot the camera dependent upon the sensor signal such that a field of view of the camera remains in a horizontal orientation throughout pivoting of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Alex Robert Green
  • Patent number: 10324017
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for measuring a local permeability of a porous material. A probe can be positioned perpendicular to the surface of the material. The probe can be configured to sense a velocity of a fluid flowing over the surface. The probe can be positioned at a distance determined based on an average porosity of the material. The probe can take measurements at various positions at the distance by moving a minimum dimension between each measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Stefano Gulli, Luca Maddalena
  • Patent number: 10324358
    Abstract: A camera lens cap capable of coupling with a variety of lens dimensions is disclosed. An elastic sidewall integrally couples with a rigid plate. The sidewall is capable of expansion to removably couple lens barrels within a range of dimensions. The sidewall protects covered lens barrel components from scratching and other force damage. The plate covers and protects the glass lens element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Overall
  • Patent number: 10321068
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting an iris opening in an imaging system. The method includes an iterative process that continues to adjust the camera's iris opening until an algorithm stopping condition is met. More particularly, a processor determines a brightness for the image at the current aperture setting. The processor classifies the image according to one of at least two brightness regime classifications. Based on the classifying step, the processor selects a pre-set optimal brightness parameter. The processor compares the brightness value of the image to the pre-set optimal value. The camera's iris opening is automatically adjusted based on a formula that takes into account, the current f-stop setting, the current brightness value, and the optimal brightness value. The iterative process continues until an algorithm stopping condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gregory K. Fleizach, Micaela M. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 10317272
    Abstract: A harvesting system includes a crop unloading machine having a volume measurement device configured to measure a volume of harvested crops, and a crop transport vehicle including a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of the harvested crops. The crop transport vehicle can receive crops from the crop unloading machine. The crop transport vehicle communicates the sensed weight to the crop unloading machine and the crop unloading machine calculates a crop yield based upon the sensed weight, the volume and a state of the crop unloading machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mehul P. Bhavsar, John A. Dighton
  • Patent number: 10309878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging unit for liquid sample loading devices applied in an electron microscope. The liquid sample loading devices may be easily, rapidly, precisely and stably aligned and packaged by an engagement of an upper jig and a bottom jig as well as a first fixing pillar supported in a slide track of the packaging unit. Accordingly, efficiency and a yield of packaging the liquid sample loading devices may be improved. In addition, the packaging unit for the liquid sample loading devices of the present invention may directly package a liquid sample, and thus the liquid sample may maintain its original state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Shih-Wen Tseng
  • Patent number: 10310359
    Abstract: A lighting box for photography comprising paneling held in place via a frame that can by quickly assembled and broken down from a small, lightweight carrying case. The lighting box is configured to generate studio-type lighting in a portable configuration via use of natural sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Desmond