Patents by Inventor Bruce K. Johnson

Bruce K. Johnson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9867430
    Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hammerslag, Mark Soderberg, Christopher K. Holmes, Peter F. Costa, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6999114
    Abstract: An electronic camera utilizing a reflective flat panel display for printing and/or viewing images in disclosed herein. One such electronic camera comprises the following components: (a) an electronic image acquisition assembly for capturing an image and converting it into digital information; (b) a reflective liquid crystal microdisplay for producing a reflection image in response to said digital information; and (c) an optical system for directing the reflection image produced by the reflective liquid crystal microdisplay toward, and thereby imagewise exposing, photosensitive imaging film loaded in the camera. An advantage of employing a reflective flat panel display for exposing film in such an electronic camera is that the reflective flat panel display can be used also as a means for viewing or previewing digitally captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D Chapnik, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6999195
    Abstract: The present invention is an inexpensive and accurate means of improving resolution when imaging a small digital display onto a larger photosensitive medium. The device includes a printer having a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a digital area array display, a plurality of lenses, and an image plane. The digital area array display, the plurality of lenses, and the image plane are spaced along an optical axis extending from the digital area array display through the plurality of lenses, and toward the image plane such that a digital image provided by the display can be brought into focus onto the imaging plane by the plurality of lenses. One of the plurality of lenses is a transposable lens, the transposable lens capable of being transposed out of the optical axis during the operation of the printer, to increase the perceived resolution of the digital image focused onto the imaging plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6997532
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital image printer which incorporates a jogging system for providing an inexpensive printer for improving color saturation when imaging from a digital display which has monochromatic pixels. The device includes a printer having a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement including a digital area array display, a plurality of lenses, and an image plane. The digital area array display, the plurality of lenses, and the image plane are spaced along an optical axis extending from the digital area array display through the plurality of lenses, and toward the image plane such that a digital image provided by the display can be brought into focus onto the imaging plane by the plurality of lenses. One of the plurality of lenses is a transposable lens, the transposable lens capable of being transposed out of the optical axis during the operation of the printer, to increase the perceived resolution of the digital image focused onto the imaging plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Whiteside, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6795114
    Abstract: A readily portable imaging system for use in the field and, more particularly to an electronic camera and electronic printer housed and readily connectable with respect to each other in the field, and wherein the electronic printer includes a film unit drive assembly that advances the film unit (self-developing type) past a stationary print head for emitting consecutive lines of image data on the film unit to effect progressive exposure on the film unit simultaneously as a fluid spread system spreads the processing fluid over the film unit to effect processing of exposed portions of the film unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Johnson, Magaret A. Obermiller, Unhyi Yang, Chin-Loo Lama
  • Publication number: 20020167645
    Abstract: A system and method for projecting an image from an image source for viewing or printing using a beamsplitter and multiple polarizers which selectively transmit and extinguish undesirable polarized light. An image source projects image illumination polarized along a predetermined linear axis of polarization towards a beamsplitter made of a light-transmissive substrate and a substantially non-polarizing, light-reflective layer positioned such that the polarized image illumination from the image source reflects off the light-reflective layer towards an image output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6456421
    Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect, a method of controlling a SLM comprising the following steps: providing a sequential color SLM controller, and a SLM; providing a means whereby said sequential color SLM controller loads optimum values for a single color into control registers of said SLM, during all the field time slots of each video frame; also causing said SLM to modulate light of said single color, during said field time slots of each video frame, whereby the duty cycle for display of said color is increased relative to operation in a normal sequential color mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D. Chapnik, Bruce K. Johnson, George D. Whiteside, Joseph F. Deck
  • Patent number: 6417911
    Abstract: A photographic processing fluid spread system, for use with integral type self-processable film unit, by which the thickness of a layer of processing fluid is controlled and restricted in a uniform manner as the processing fluid is spread across preselected portions of the film unit, while the film unit is also simultaneously being progressively exposed and advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Alfredo G. Kniazzeh, Bruce K. Johnson, Margaret A. Obermiller
  • Publication number: 20020080243
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital image printer which incorporates a jogging system for providing an inexpensive means for improving color saturation when imaging from a digital display comprised of monochromatic pixels. The device includes a printer having a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a digital area array display, a plurality of lenses, and an image plane. The digital area array display, the plurality of lenses, and the image plane are spaced along an optical axis extending from the digital area array display through the plurality of lenses, and toward the image plane such that a digital image provided by the display can be brought into focus onto the imaging plane by the plurality of lenses. One of the plurality of lenses is a transposable lens, the transposable lens capable of being transposed out of the optical axis during the operation of the printer, to increase the perceived resolution of the digital image focused onto the imaging plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: George D. Whiteside, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020080226
    Abstract: The present invention is an inexpensive and accurate means of improving resolution when imaging a small digital display onto a larger photosensitive medium. The device includes a printer having a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a digital area array display, a plurality of lenses, and an image plane. The digital area array display, the plurality of lenses, and the image plane are spaced along an optical axis extending from the digital area array display through the plurality of lenses, and toward the image plane such that a digital image provided by the display can be brought into focus onto the imaging plane by the plurality of lenses. One of the plurality of lenses is a transposable lens, the transposable lens capable of being transposed out of the optical axis during the operation of the printer, to increase the perceived resolution of the digital image focused onto the imaging plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6400442
    Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that minimizes drop-off problems associated with the process of imaging a small light source to a line. In one embodiment, a singly-curved primary mirror is used to maintain a substantially constant magnification factor of the optical system. In another embodiment, the small light source projects radiation through a cylindrical optical component that partially collimates the light, prior to the light impinging upon a doubly-curved primary mirror. Additional embodiments are shown that combine the cylindrical lens with a Schmidt plate, include an optional aperture stop, and include an optional spatial light modulator, as well as embodiments which vary the positioning of the elements in the optical system along the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Johnson, Philip D. Chapnik
  • Patent number: 6330397
    Abstract: An electronic photographic printer having a film unit drive assembly that advances the film unit (self-developing type) past a stationary print head for emitting consecutive lines of image data on the film unit to effect progressive exposure on the film unit simultaneously as a fluid spread system spreads the processing fluid over the film unit to effect processing of exposed portions of the film unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Johnson, Magaret A. Obermiller, Unhyi Yang, Chin-Loo Lama
  • Patent number: 6317561
    Abstract: A readily portable imaging system for use in the field and, more particularly, to an electronic camera and electronic printer housed and readily connectable with respect to each other in the field, and wherein the electronic printer comprises a photographic processing fluid spread system, for use with integral type self-processible film unit, by which the thickness of a layer of processing fluid is controlled and restricted in a uniform manner as the processing fluid is spread across preselected portions of the film unit, while the film unit is also simultaneously being exposed and advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Alfredo G. Kniazzeh, Bruce K. Johnson, Margaret A. Obermiller
  • Patent number: 6046815
    Abstract: An optical printer is disclosed which detects photo speed, cartridge presence, pick location and door closure using only two sets of photo detectors. The disclosed optical printer uses a low-profile gear and switching mechanism which allows placement of the optical printer within a standard computer bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6014202
    Abstract: An optical system is disclosed wherein an illumination device is used to project colored light into a lens and focus through a spatial light modulator onto a photosensitive medium wherein the illumination device is configured so as to produce a uniform light distribution through the use of an aperture stop, a symmetrical placement of solid state light sources such as LEDs, or by LEDs fabricated such that the top surface emitting the colored light is not obstructed by an electrode or contacts connecting the light-emitting diode to a current source. Such a configuration is accomplished by providing a substantially transparent attachment layer that may include an opaque conductive material, but preferably includes transparent conductive particles that, in combination, attach and electrically connect the LED to a first electrode disposed upon a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D. Chapnik, Bruce K. Johnson, Richard G. Egan, Joseph DelPico
  • Patent number: 5990498
    Abstract: An illumination device configured so as to produce a uniform illumination distribution incorporating one or more LEDs fabricated such that the top surface emitting the colored light is not obstructed by an electrode or by contacts connecting the LED to a current source. Such a configuration is accomplished by providing a substantially transparent attachment layer that may include an opaque conductive material, but preferably includes transparent conductive particles that, in combination, attach and electrically connect the LED to an electrode disposed upon a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D. Chapnik, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5982529
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator for use in a optical printer where the spatial light modulator includes a plurality of cells, having a shape that is defined to decrease artifacts in an image produced on a recording medium by the optical printer. The shape of the plurality of cells merges a portion of the optical radiation passing through an individual cell of the spatial light modulator with optical radiation from that of adjacent cell to form a pixel on the recording medium. In one implementation each of the cells of the spatial light modulator independently modulate the optical radiation so as to print horizontally-displaced pixels. When LEDs are used as the colored light source, the light is either first diffused to minimize shadows from electrical contacts on the LEDs, thus removing linear artifacts in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Philip D. Chapnik, Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5864390
    Abstract: An optical system is disclosed wherein an arcuate mirror is used to redirect light in a compact optical printing system in which a cylindrical lens is used to converge light over a predetermined distance so that light transmission through air is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Johnson, Philip D. Chapnik
  • Patent number: 5448265
    Abstract: An optical printer, suitable for use in printing upon a recording medium, includes a tubular compensator disposed between a print head and the recording medium. The print head directs an elongated exposing beam through the compensator to impinge upon the medium, and the beam effects a line exposure across the medium. A transport device introduces relative motion between the medium and the print head during a line exposure by the beam. The relative motion is perpendicular to the exposure line and introduces a smear to each exposure line as well as an overlap between exposure lines. The tubular compensator includes inner and outer cylindrical surfaces having centers of curvature displaced relative to each other resulting in a wedge-like cross-section to a wall of the tubular compensator. The wedge angle varies with rotation of the compensator to provide for a linear deflection of the beam during a line exposure by the beam, thereby offsetting the advancement of the medium during the line exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce K. Johnson
  • Patent number: D335681
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Betts, Donald H. Hendry, Bruce K. Johnson, Joanne M. Krawczyk, George D. Whiteside