Patents by Inventor Michael C. Sweaton

Michael C. Sweaton 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: 6726335
    Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion. A mirror can be positioned behind the projection screen so that a person can view the reflection of themselves in the mirror when the screen is transparent, and an image can be projected when the projection screen is made to be substantially translucent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton, Alexei Tikhonski
  • Publication number: 20030174295
    Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion. A mirror can be positioned behind the projection screen so that a person can view the reflection of themselves in the mirror when the screen is transparent, and an image can be projected when the projection screen is made to be substantially translucent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton, Alexei Tikhonski
  • Patent number: 6616284
    Abstract: A method and system for projecting an image. An image projection system may include a sensor configured to detect the presence of an observer within a proximity of a medium, e.g., screen, window. In response to the sensor detecting the presence of an observer within a proximity of the medium, one or more portions of the medium may be switched from a transparent state to a substantially translucent state. At a substantially concurrent time as switching the one or more portions of the medium to a substantially translucent state, an image may be projected onto such portion(s). Hence, an image may be displayed in response to detecting an observer within the proximity of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton
  • Patent number: 6588909
    Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion. A mirror can be positioned behind the projection screen so that a person can view the reflection of themselves in the mirror when the screen is transparent, and an image can be projected when the projection screen is made to be substantially translucent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton, Alexei Tikhonski
  • Publication number: 20030011754
    Abstract: A method and system for projecting an image. An image projection system may include a sensor configured to detect the presence of an observer within a proximity of a medium, e.g., screen, window. In response to the sensor detecting the presence of an observer within a proximity of the medium, one or more portions of the medium may be switched from a transparent state to a substantially translucent state. At a substantially concurrent time as switching the one or more portions of the medium to a substantially translucent state, an image may be projected onto such portion(s). Hence, an image may be displayed in response to detecting an observer within the proximity of the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton
  • Publication number: 20020186353
    Abstract: An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion. A mirror can be positioned behind the projection screen so that a person can view the reflection of themselves in the mirror when the screen is transparent, and an image can be projected when the projection screen is made to be substantially translucent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: SI Diamond Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Michael C. Sweaton, Alexei Tikhonski
  • Patent number: 5532894
    Abstract: A power supply is provided for a presentation system having a light source which allows for overdriving of the light source, but protects against transient surges on the input line when overdriving the light source. The power supply includes an input line connected to the external ac source, two output lines, and a relay selectively connecting the input line to one of the two output lines. The relay is indirectly controlled by a voltage sense circuit which converts the ac source voltage to a dc output voltage. The dc output voltage is examined to determine whether the input line is in a low- or high-voltage state, the high-voltage state corresponding to a surge on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Michael C. Sweaton
  • Patent number: 5231434
    Abstract: An overhead projector (OHP) presentation system uses a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel to project electronically stored graphic images. The OHP preferably includes an integrated computer having a plurality of output ports for connection to various peripheral devices. A novel interface card is also used to provide electrical connections between the computer and the LCD panel, providing the further benefit of aligning the transmissive portion of the panel with the stage of the overhead projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James K. Kennedy, Gary L. Tritle, Michael C. Sweaton