Patents by Inventor Marco Brandestini

Marco Brandestini 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: 9091663
    Abstract: Device for determining wear in a carbon ceramic brake disk. The device includes a coil arrangement having at least one coil structured and arranged to generate a magnetic field in the brake disk and to detect an eddy current in the brake disk, and an arcuate measuring area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: PROCEQ SA
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Peter Stierli
  • Publication number: 20130015849
    Abstract: Device for determining wear in a carbon ceramic brake disk. The device includes a coil arrangement having at least one coil structured and arranged to generate a magnetic field in the brake disk and to detect an eddy current in the brake disk, and an arcuate measuring area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: PROCEQ SA
    Inventors: Marco BRANDESTINI, Peter STIERLI
  • Patent number: 8261620
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described that determine the compressive strength of a solid by rebound. The method and apparatus have a reduced sensitivity to error sources, i.e. gravity, internal friction and operator interference (unsteady holding of the instrument). The improvements are achieved by contactless measuring of the quotient of rebound to inbound velocity recorded immediately before and after the impact. Matching the mass of the mallet (3) to the plunger (5) yields higher efficiency, less angular variation of the impact energy and lighter weight. Added benefits of the invention are: Extended range of measurement and simplified mechanical adjustments, calibration and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 8074496
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an actuator (23) that can be pushed from an extended position to a depressed position. When doing so, the actuator (23) first releases an impact body (32) to impinge against the sample (2), and then a catcher (40, 42) to be moved to the released impact body (32) for bringing it back. The passage of the impact body (32) is detected by a reed switch (28), which wakes up the processing circuitry and switches the same between two modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuitry displays a device status, and in the second mode a measuring result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Publication number: 20100307258
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described that determine the compressive strength of a solid by rebound. The method and apparatus have a reduced sensitivity to error sources, i.e. gravity, internal friction and operator interference (unsteady holding of the instrument). The improvements are achieved by contactless measuring of the quotient of rebound to inbound velocity recorded immediately before and after the impact. Matching the mass of the mallet (3) to the plunger (5) yields higher efficiency, less angular variation of the impact energy and lighter weight. Added benefits of the invention are: Extended range of measurement and simplified mechanical adjustments, calibration and maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Proceq SA
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Publication number: 20100192680
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an actuator (23) that can be pushed from an extended position to a depressed position. When doing so, the actuator (23) first releases an impact body (32) to impinge against the sample (2), and then a catcher (40, 42) to be moved to the released impact body (32) for bringing it back. The passage of the impact body (32) is detected by a reed switch (28), which wakes up the processing circuitry and switches the same between two modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuitry displays a device status, and in the second mode a measuring result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 6304344
    Abstract: A transporting system for an image digitizer can handle both positive and negative transparent film material. The transport features accurate linear motion with high resolution in a single compact unit. For the processing of individually framed slides, an automatic eject mechanism is provided. Both manual and motor driven focus adjustments are provided. Individual images can be oriented by an angular adjustment option. A special carrier allows the system to process negatives in uncut strips. The transport can manage larger number of images using either a slide tray or roll feed attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard A. Ferraro, Masashi Tazawa, Eisaku Maeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Osamu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6044180
    Abstract: A scanner system digitizes 35 mm transparencies or negatives, and converts the image to a format compatible with popular microcomputer systems. This scanner system can accommodate various formats, and has variable zoom, pan and window size. Color separation is accomplished by an illumination arrangement causing rapid sequential generation of red, green and blue components. A low wattage light source is used, and color balance is achieved by adjusting the respective exposure times of the three primary colors. The system has internal calibration to achieve repeatable color balance. The system implements a wide variety of color coding schemes ranging in resolution from 1 to 24 bits. An adaptive process compresses the data in order to optimize the color selection process. The illumination optics are anamorphotic for high efficiency. Mechanical and electrical interfaces are compatible with a conventional 51/4" floppy disk drive standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5926289
    Abstract: A transporting system for an image digitizer can handle both positive and negative transparent film material. The transport features accurate linear motion with high resolution in a single compact unit. For the processing of individually framed slides, an automatic eject mechanism is provided. Both manual and motor driven focus adjustments are provided. Individual images can be oriented by an angular adjustment option. A special carrier allows the system to process negatives in uncut strips. The transport can manage larger number of images using either a slide tray or roll feed attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard A. Ferraro, Masashi Tazawa, Eisaku Maeda, Nobuhiro Fujinawa, Osamu Ikeda, Toshiya Aikawa
  • Patent number: 5880683
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert absolute angular or linear position to digital information utilizes a ternary coding scheme. The code is arranged along a single track. Sensors placed at essentially equal intervals distinguish three states per position. The sensor outputs are converted from ternary to binary data by combinatorial logic. The sensors may be mechanical contacts, optical detectors, magnetic detectors, or capacitive detectors. Such an encoder may be used as a potentiometer, multiposition switch replacement, shaft encoder, or length measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 5751230
    Abstract: An absolute position encoder converts absolute mechanical position to a digital output value. A single-track, rotary embodiment of the encoder includes several conductive pick-up segments that are symmetrically arranged along a circular pick-up track, with each pick-up segment connected to a respective output terminal. A metallic rotor of the encoder comprises a plurality of contacts that are positioned in alignment with the pick-up track such that the contacts slidably contact different pick-up segments as the rotor is rotated. The contacts on the rotor are conductively interconnected, and are maintained at a common voltage via a sliding connection between the rotor and a collector ring. The output of the encoder is a cyclical Gray code sequence, which may be used in combination with a ROM look-up table to accurately track position. Linear and multi-track embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 5739775
    Abstract: An absolute position encoder converts absolute mechanical position to a digital output value. A single-track, rotary embodiment of the encoder includes several conductive pick-up segments that are symmetrically arranged along a circular pick-up track, with each pick-up segment connected to a respective output terminal. A metallic rotor of the encoder comprises a plurality of contacts that are positioned in alignment with the pick-up track such that the contacts slidably contact different pick-up segments as the rotor is rotated. The contacts on the rotor are conductively interconnected, and are maintained at a common voltage via a sliding connection between the rotor and a collector ring. The output of the encoder is a cyclical Gray code sequence, which may be used in combination with a ROM look-up table accurately track position. Linear and multi-track embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 5724160
    Abstract: An optical system for scanning a transparency. The optical system includes a light source that emits a longitudinally and laterally diverging beam of light. A torodial shaped mirror is positioned to refocus the light beam along both its longitudinal and lateral axes so that it becomes a focused light beam. The inwardly converging light beam is directed onto the transparency to be scanned. A complementary light sensor is positioned to receive the illuminated beam of light formed as a consequence of the transparency scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5684610
    Abstract: A scanner system digitizes 35 mm transparencies or negatives, and converts the image to a format compatible with popular microcomputer systems. This scanner system can accommodate various formats, and has variable zoom, pan and window size. Color separation is accomplished by an illumination arrangement causing rapid sequential generation of red, green and blue components. A low wattage light source is used, and color balance is achieved by adjusting the respective exposure times of the three primary colors. The system has internal calibration to achieve repeatable color balance. The system implements a wide variety of color coding schemes ranging in resolution from 1 to 24 bits. An adaptive process compresses the data in order to optimize the color selection process. The illumination optics are anamorphotic for high efficiency. Mechanical and electrical interfaces are compatible with a conventional 51/4" floppy disk drive standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5612794
    Abstract: A scanner system digitizes 35 mm transparencies or negatives, and converts the image to a format compatible with popular microcomputer systems. This scanner system can accommodate various formats, and has variable zoom, pan and window size. Color separation is accomplished by an illumination arrangement causing rapid sequential generation of red, green and blue components. A low wattage light source is used, and color balance is achieved by adjusting the respective exposure times of the three primary colors. The system has internal calibration to achieve repeatable color balance. The system implements a wide variety of color coding schemes ranging in resolution from 1 to 24 bits. An adaptive process compresses the data in order to optimize the color selection process. The illumination optics are anamorphotic for high efficiency. Mechanical and electrical interfaces are compatible with a conventional 51/4" floppy disk drive standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5579290
    Abstract: The stator of the motor comprises two pole pieces (1, 2) which are axially staggered. An axially magnetized cylindrical rotor (5) is disposed in the openings or bores of said pole pieces. The rotor (5) is provided with an external toothing (3) which is continuously engaged with an internal toothing (4) of the stator. In the unexcited stator, the rotor (5) assumes a stable position by attraction to the pole pieces (1, 2). Due to the excitation of the stator by a pulse having a suitable polarity, the rotor is displaced to a diametrically opposed stable position. The toothings (3, 4) stay in engagement during said displacement, resulting in an angular displacement of the rotor, the angle being defined by the difference of the number of teeth of said toothings (3, 4). The motor allows a miniaturization and a simple control by alternating pulses of opposed polarities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: R. Audemars SA
    Inventors: Roberto Zafferri, Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 5537229
    Abstract: A scanner system digitizes 35 mm transparencies or negatives, and converts the image to a format compatible with popular microcomputer systems. This scanner system can accommodate various formats, and has variable zoom, pan and window size. Color separation is accomplished by an illumination arrangement causing rapid sequential generation of red, green and blue components. A low wattage light source is used, and color balance is achieved by adjusting the respective exposure times of the three primary colors. The system has internal calibration to achieve repeatable color balance. The system implements a wide variety of color coding schemes ranging in resolution from 1 to 24 bits. An adaptive process compresses the data in order to optimize the color selection process. The illumination optics are anamorphotic for high efficiency. Mechanical and electrical interfaces are compatible with a conventional 51/4" floppy disk drive standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5519393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert absolute angular or linear position to digital information utilizes a ternary coding scheme. The code is arranged along a single track. Sensors placed at essentially equal intervals distinguish three states per position. The sensor outputs are converted from ternary to binary data by combinatorial logic. The sensors may be mechanical contacts, optical detectors, magnetic detectors, or capacitive detectors. Such an encoder may be used as a potentiometer, multiposition switch replacement, shaft encoder, or length measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Bouens, Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini
  • Patent number: 5191406
    Abstract: A scanner system digitizes 35 mm transparencies or negatives, and converts the image to a format compatible with popular microcomputer systems. This scanner system can accommodate various formats, and has variable zoom, pan and window size. Color separation is accomplished by an illumination arrangement causing rapid sequential generation of red, green and blue components. A low wattage light source is used, and color balance is achieved by adjusting the respective exposure times of the three primary colors. The system has internal calibration to achieve repeatable color balance. The system implements a wide variety of color coding schemes ranging in resolution form 1 to 24 bits. An adaptive process compresses the data in order to optimize the color selection process. The illumination optics are anamorphotic for high efficiency. Mechanical and electrical interfaces are compatible with a conventional 51/4" floppy disk drive standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Brandestini, Richard F. Ferraro
  • Patent number: D706655
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Proceq AG
    Inventor: Marco Brandestini