Abstract: An electrically controlled liquid crystal zoom lens system for a camera or the like is set to a desired zoom by an operator. The desired zoom signal is provided to an image signal processor which also receives the output of an image sensor at the output of the lens. The process generates a control signal for a power supply which adjusts the voltage between electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal module. By rapid, iterative adjustment the actual zoom is brought to the desired zoom level. The liquid crystal module is combined in series with conventional lenses which may be integrated with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: An optical disc storage system employs a read/write pick-up head assembly in which the optical path between the disc and the read/write light source, usually a laser diode, includes both a conventional objective lens formed of glass or plastic, with a fixed focus, and a liquid crystal lens which is electrically tunable to vary its refractive index and focal distance. The optical signal reflected from the disc is passed through this hybrid pick-up head assembly and demodulated to detect errors in the focus of the pick-up head and the tracking, and to adjust the focus by modifying the electrical signals applied to the LCD lens, and move the pick-up head in the plane of the disc to address the appropriate track.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens cell comprises a pair of flat layers with the liquid crystal lens supported between the layers. One of the layers supports a planar electrode made of ITO. The other electrode, also formed of ITO, is supported in the center of the opposing substrate and projects downwardly toward the center of the liquid crystal layer. A power supply creates a potential difference between the two electrodes and accordingly imposes a non-uniform electric field on the liquid crystal modules which aligns them in which a way as to act as a lens. By varying the voltage between the two electrodes the focal length of the lens may be controlled. A central electrode may be in the form of a beam or of a pointed tip. In other embodiments of the invention an electrode having a central hole may be associated with the central electrode or the planar electrode.

Abstract: A system for photographing an object and generating a three-dimensional display of the object without the need for the observer to wear special glasses employs a camera having an electronically tunable liquid crystal lens in which the focal plane of the lens may be adjusted by controlling the voltage on the lens. An operator of the camera focuses the camera on the scene to be imaged and the camera records a series of images at closely spaced focal lengths by varying the voltage applied to the lens between the images. The digitally recorded images are then used to generate a display on a multilayer transparent display substrate with pixel addressing capabilities. Each of the recorded images at the differing focal lengths are displayed on one of the layers of the display screen, with the closest focal length recorded being displayed on the top screen, the one most proximate to the observer, and with successive images on other screens. A three-dimensional image is produced.

Abstract: An electrically controlled liquid crystal zoom lens system for a camera or the like is set to a desired zoom by an operator. The desired zoom signal is provided to an image signal processor which also receives the output of an image sensor at the output of the lens. The process generates a control signal for a power supply which adjusts the voltage between electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal module. By rapid, iterative adjustment the actual zoom is brought to the desired zoom level. The liquid crystal module is combined in series with conventional lenses which may be integrated with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: An optical engine includes adjustable optics that provide rapid and accurate alignment to imagers. The adjustable optics include a light pipe translatable along a first direction, (2) a focusing lens translatable along second and third directions, (3) a turning mirror translatable along the first, the second, and the third directions, and rotatable about the first and the second directions, and (4) an adjustable dichroic mirror rotatable about the third direction. The light pipe homogenizes light from a light source, the focusing lens focuses the homogenized light, a fixed dichroic mirror passes a first color light and reflects second and third color lights from the focused light, the turning mirror turns the second and the third color lights, and the adjustable dichroic mirror passes the second color light and reflects the third color light. The imagers reflect the color lights to form color images that combine to form a projected image.

Abstract: A system for depositing film includes (1) a substrate holder assembly, (2) a particle source, (3) an alignment shield between the particle source and the substrate holder assembly, and (4) a vacuum chamber for enclosing the substrate holder assembly, the particle source, and the alignment shield. The alignment shield includes alignment cells each having walls that can be individually adjusted to change the oblique deposition angles. By adjusting the walls of the alignment cells, uniform oblique deposition angles can be achieved on substrates held by the substrate holder assembly. The deposited film with uniform orientation can be used as the alignment layer of a liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An adjoining-type architecture and assembly method of a rear projection TV is disclosed. The TV enclosure is partitioned into interconnectable housing sections. The internal components are partitioned into interconnectable subassemblies. Each subassembly includes second adjoining devices for detachably adjoining the subassembly to corresponding housing sections. Likewise, each housing section includes first adjoining devices for detachably adjoining the housing section to corresponding subassemblies. Hence, this architecture allows low production assembly time and cost, small shipping volume, user self-assembly and self-maintenance. To effect interconnection between any two housing sections, one housing section includes third adjoining devices for mating with corresponding fourth adjoining devices provided on the other housing section. The interconnection among the subassemblies can be mechanical, electrical or an optical coupling.

Abstract: A method for forming spacers in micro-displays to eliminate dark or white spots is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a substrate for each of red, green and blue micro-displays with metallic reflective pads formed on the substrate, the pads being spaced from each other by non-reflective areas; (2) forming a coating of a transparent, non-conductive material on the substrate and over the reflective pads; (3) providing a mask associated with each substrate, each mask having a number of shielded zones that are not corresponding in location to each other; and (4) performing a lithographic operation on the transparent, non-conductive coating of each substrate of step (2) by using the associated mask of step (3) whereby portions of the transparent, non-conductive material that are corresponding to the shielded zones of the mask are left on the substrate, functioning as the spacers.

Abstract: A micro-display element used in displaying original images and reflection control module for optical projection display includes a control chip, a driving circuit, a plurality of metallic mirror surface reflection gate elements. The gate element, the driving circuit and the control chip are mounted in sequence from the top to the bottom layer, and the driving circuit is controlled by displaying control signals of the control chip so as to drive the reflection gate elements to cause, the “ON” and “OFF” control and at the outer surrounding of the reflection gate element, along the horizontal axial (X-axis) and the vertical axis (Y-axis) direction, equivalent number of adjustment pixels are provided, such that the micro-displays of R, G, B projected light, during optical module calibration, can be accurately adjusted to superimposed state by means of adjustment pixels which provide sufficient biased calibration in a horizontal axial direction in a vertical axial direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing micro-display includes the steps of testing individual chips on a base wafer forming the micro-display, and the tested “void” chips being marked, inputting the testing data into a sealant/glue machine and a laser puncher; sealant/glue forming on the external surrounding of a “passed” chip a sealant frame by the sealant/glue machine; forming an injection hole on an ITO glass panel at a position corresponding to the position of the “passed” chip, by means of the laser puncher; dispensing spacing particles within a chip's square box which has been formed with the sealant frame; position-aligning the ITO glass panel onto the wafer based on the wafer testing data; injecting a liquid crystal via the injection hole of the ITO glass panel located on the top layer of the “passed” chip to the space between the chips and the ITO glass; and sealing and dicing handling of the ITO glass panel to precisely manufacture the micro-display with a pas

Abstract: A battery recharging apparatus is specifically configured to enable a customer to exchange a discharged or partially discharged battery for a fully charged replacement. Operator-assisted and entirely automatic vending versions are disclosed. In all embodiments, a controller causes a multiple port charger to recharge one or more batteries electrically connected thereto, preferably using a time multiplexing scheme. In the operator-assisted embodiment, an attendant inputs information concerning the customer, the vehicle, or the battery, and accounting-related functions are carried out through an interface to an electric cash register or some other payment-related facility. In the automated alternative of the invention, the apparatus is entirely self-contained within an enclosure including an access panel or window through which a user may deposit a battery in turn for a fully charged unit. Alternatively, the user may simply purchase a new, fully charged battery or battery pack.

Abstract: A module containing digital compression and decompression circuitry is used in conjunction with a system whereby a video program may be communicated over a telephone line to an RF broadcaster to be received by individuals at remote locations equipped with one of the modules. In the preferred embodiment, the RF transmitter is an FM transmitter, and the video broadcasts are modulated onto a subcarrier, such as an SCA subcarrier. The module has various other inputs and outputs adapted for connection to other video-related devices and/or a personal computer which may be used for control or program production. A configuration is also described whereby multiple modules may be used in conjunction with a conference control module enabling multiple participants to view one another as part of a gathering such as a classroom instruction situation.

Abstract: A module containing digital compression and decompression circuitry is used in conjunction with a system whereby a video program may be communicated over a telephone line to an RF broadcaster to be received by individuals at remote locations equipped with one of the modules. In the preferred embodiment, the RF transmitter is an FM transmitter, and the video broadcasts are modulated onto a subcarrier, such as an SCA subcarrier. The module has various other inputs and outputs adapted for connection to other video-related devices and/or a personal computer which may be used for control or program production. A configuration is also described whereby multiple modules may be used in conjunction with a conference control module enabling multiple participants to view one another as part of a gathering such as a classroom instruction situation.

Abstract: In an electrically powered vehicle having an inductive pick-up configured to couple electrical power from a series of aligned and spaced-apart charging pads associated with a road surface, methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the lateral positioning of the pick-up as well as the gap between the pick-up and the charging pads as the vehicle moves along a road surface. Control of the lateral positioning and gap may be provided either separately or in combination. In the preferred embodiment, the pick-up is pivotally connected to the vehicle through an extension arm, the pivotal connection including a first position wherein vertical positioning of the pick-up is power controlled toward and away from the road surface, and a second position wherein airflow past the pick-up maintains the positioning of the pick-up relative to the road surface.

Abstract: A combined parking meter/battery charger station includes a detachable remote receiver to inform the vehicle operator of charge-level status and other information. Upon sufficient payment or credit, the remote receiver is released so that it may be carried away from the charging station. The receiver includes a visual or audible indicator which may keep the operator apprised of charge status, time remaining on the meter or account information. The audible alert may be used to indicate a full charge or to warn that little time is remaining, or other conditions. Communication from the station to the receiver may either be directly from the station or, alternatively, a station may communicate with a central office associated with a plurality of the stations and broadcast may be made therefrom.

Abstract: In a pipeline fluid tagging system, an RF transmitter enclosed within a sealed housing is immersed in one or more of the fluids being transported, and transmits information pertaining to that fluid, such as its type, destination and quantity. One or more receivers, preferably located around the joints between lengths of the pipeline receives the RF signals and communicates them to a data collection facility either by a separate RF transmitter or along land lines. To avoid damage and wear, the transmitter housing is formed into a shape that minimizes contact with the inner wall of the pipeline. This shape is used in conjunction with passive and active mechanical stabilization techniques to further ensure that the transmitter maintains its orientation along the longitudinal center line of the pipe.

Abstract: A configurable highway divider system features a plurality of markers associated with a lane of traffic, each marker including one or more indicators observable by a vehicle operator traveling on the lane associated with the markers, and a indicator changing device that can be mounted to a vehicle, enabling the vehicle to visit and interact with the markers and change the indicators for the purpose of redirecting traffic flow. In a preferred embodiment, the indicators use reflective color surfaces, and an externally-engageable member which is mechanically linked to each indicator. In an alternative embodiment, the visual attribute displayed by the markers do not change, but, instead, an alternative indicator changing device is used to turn each marker about a substantially vertical axis either with a rotatable drum/disk combination or with a magnetic actuator. Further alternative embodiments incorporate the use of acoustic, optical and thermal interactions between the marker and the changing device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle having a non-metallic body portion and equipped with an inductive charging coil for charging the vehicle's battery while the electric vehicle is moving includes a magnetic flux barrier attached to the non-metallic body portion and encompassing a passenger compartment of the electric vehicle for resisting penetration of magnetic flux into the passenger compartment. The inductive charging coil may be formed of wire wound around the body of the electric vehicle or, alternatively, may be formed of stripes etched on the body surface or of flexible adhesive conductors.

Abstract: Force-releasable elements are used in association with imprinted numerical values of weight to provide a visual indication of the weight of the contents of a receptacle. The system is extremely easy to manufacture and highly affordable, thus enabling it to be used with disposable items such as trash bags. In one embodiment, the numerical weight values are arranged as bands about the girth of the bag, with the imprinted material being gathered in and covered with a force-releasable strip of material. Each imprinted band and its accompanying force-releasable element are associated with a different value of weight, so that when the receptacle is lifted, a user may ascertain an approximate value of the weight of the contents by referring to the indicia associated with released and un-released elements. In alternative embodiments, the force-releasable elements and indicia being positioned along a cord of a strap which may be tied onto the receptacle or provided with it.