Patents by Inventor John W. Toor
John W. Toor 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).
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Patent number: 8903234Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20140036145Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 8565592Abstract: A novel micro camera module includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a graduated receiver portion of a housing. The lens assembly slidably contacts the graduated receiver portion when the lens assembly is moved a distance along an axis perpendicular to the sensor array of an image capture device of the camera module. Further, a resilient ring-shaped member can be coupled between the lens assembly and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: DigitalOptics CorporationInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 8204372Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20120106939Abstract: A novel micro camera module includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a graduated receiver portion of a housing. The lens assembly slidably contacts the graduated receiver portion when the lens assembly is moved a distance along an axis perpendicular to the sensor array of an image capture device of the camera module. Further, a resilient ring-shaped member can be coupled between the lens assembly and the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 7983556Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit including a body, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a contaminant trap formed by an isolated annular space between the lens unit and the opening of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the opening of the housing includes surfaces having at least two different perimeters, the smaller of which slidably engages the outer surface of the lens unit. The contaminant trap collects and contains any contaminants before they reach vulnerable components such as the image capture device and/or other optical components within the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: Lothar R. Westerweck, Albert John Y. Chua, Bahram Afshari, Dennis R. Berube, John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue
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Publication number: 20110116779Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 7873269Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20090110385Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Patent number: 7469100Abstract: A novel micro camera module that is manually adjustable between a close-up mode and an infinite mode includes a lens assembly adjustably mounted within a sleeve that is adjustably mounted into a housing. In a particular embodiment the sleeve includes a channel (cam groove) that is engaged by a plurality of pins fixed to the housing. Further, a biasing member is disposed between the sleeve and the housing such that an upward force will enable the pins to firmly engage the lower portion of the channel. In a more particular embodiment, the channel defines two detents that secure the sleeve into predetermined positions with respect to the housing. In an even more particular embodiment, the channel is sloped such that upon rotation of the sleeve, the distance between the lens assembly and an image capture device is changed. In another particular embodiment, the camera module includes an electrical mode detecting switch that is indicative of the position of the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Flextronics AP LLCInventors: John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue, Ellen B. Cargill, Kraig S. Clark
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Publication number: 20080152339Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit including a body, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a contaminant trap formed by an isolated annular space between the lens unit and the opening of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the opening of the housing includes surfaces having at least two different perimeters, the smaller of which slidably engages the outer surface of the lens unit. The contaminant trap collects and contains any contaminants before they reach vulnerable components such as the image capture device and/or other optical components within the camera module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Lothar R. Westerweck, Albert John Y. Chua, Bahram Afshari, Dennis R. Berube, John W. Toor, Elaine B. Bogue
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Patent number: 6618263Abstract: A quick release hold-down mechanism for releasably securing protective covers and expansion cards within a personal computer comprises a press plate for exerting a force upon the flange of a protective cover or the flange of an expansion card. A tension arm is operatively coupled to the press plate for holding the press plate in place. The tension arm is releasable to and securable within a fixed position such that the press plate maintains the force upon a surface of the expansion card or protective cover to maintain the expansion card or protective cover in its desired location. The tension arm is rotatably moved which causes the press plate to pivot through an arc, around a pivot means. By this rotatable motion of the tension arm, the press plate engages the surface of the installed protective cover or expansion card. More than one protective cover and expansion card can be installed and any number of either or both can be thus secured.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Flextronics DesignInventors: Ko (Kevin) Kin-Wing, John W. Toor, Andrea Koerselman, Livius D. Chebeleu
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Patent number: 5466172Abstract: A cable connector or jumper for providing alternating current between adjacent electrical modules comprises a first head member having a set of recessed prongs, a second head member having a set of recessed mating apertures, and a semi-rigid, tubular connecting member. The connecting member incorporates a ferrule of magnetic material for reducing RF emissions. The connecting member is sufficiently rigid to permit same to be manually grasped for insertion and removal of the head members into corresponding connectors on adjacent electrical modules, while the connecting member is sufficiently flexible to permit the head members to be moved relative to one another in order to facilitate their insertion into and removal from the module connectors.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Carstens, John E. Gatti, Thomas M. Shoda, John W. Toor
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Patent number: 5407362Abstract: A number of modules mechanically and electrically connect to each other to form an interconnecting module system. A latching mechanism connects each of the modules together. There is a backplane in each of the modules. The backplanes are interconnected When the modules are interconnected to each other. In addition, the modules can be stacked on top of each other and on top of a base. The base provides stability and support for the stack of modules.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Carstens, David Cucuzella, John E. Gatti, Naufel C. Naufel, John W. Toor
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Patent number: 5191461Abstract: The present invention is for an illumination transmitter. The transmitter projects a signal onto a planar reflective surface such as the ceiling of an open office environment. The transmitter includes a plurality of illumination sources positioned in a line wherein the line has a predetermined orientation to the planar surface. The illumination sources are preferably infrared LEDs. The transmitter has means for jointly aiming the illumination sources toward a desired location on the planar surface. The location on the planar surface is usually used to allow multiple transmitters coupled to infrared receivers to allow communication between computers in a LAN. The transmitter also includes means for maintaining the predetermined orientation between the planar surface and the line. The orientation is usually parallel to allow transmitters located large distances from the illumination to project a relatively small illumination spot onto the planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Assignee: Photonics CorporationInventors: Charles L. Cranshaw, John Piccone, Richard C. Allen, James E. Sacherman, John W. Toor
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Patent number: 4998362Abstract: A picture frame assembly comprising a frame for displaying a photograph or similar two dimensional work of art, an upright support attached to the frame, and a base upon which the upright support is mounted. The frame includes a detachable transparent cover for securing the photograph to the frame. The front surface of the frame includes a recess for receiving a photograph and the cover. Surrounding the recess and forming a part of the front surface is a border portion. The recess comprises a bottom surface and a sidewall. The inner edge of the sidewall connects the sidewall to the bottom surface of the recess, and the outer edge of the sidewall connects the sidewall to the border portion. The cover is inserted through the front of the frame and received within the recess such that the front surface of the cover is disposed between the outer edge of the sidewall and the bottom surface of the recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1988Date of Patent: March 12, 1991Assignee: Acme Frame Products, Inc.Inventors: Brian S. Stewart, James E. Sacherman, John W. Toor
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Patent number: 4979531Abstract: A flexible, multi-segmented support structure, and method for manufacturing same, particularly suited for use as a tent pole, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of tubular segments and each segment is connected to its adjacent segment or segments by lengths of elastic shock cord, the cord having sleeves affixed to each end thereof which can be affixed in partly or fully automated fashion to the respective segments. A novel ferrule is included to provide rigidity at the junctions of the segments, without providing undue stress concentration and to further assist in automating the manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1988Date of Patent: December 25, 1990Inventors: John W. Toor, James E. Sacherman
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Patent number: D311825Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1988Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Acme Frame Products, Inc.Inventors: Brian S. Stewart, James E. Sacherman, John W. Toor
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Patent number: D313540Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1988Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Inventors: John W. Toor, James E. Sacherman
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Patent number: D336089Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1989Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Photonics CorporationInventors: Charles L. Crawshaw, John Piccone, Richard C. Allen, James E. Sacherman, John W. Toor