Patents by Inventor Michael T. Davis

Michael T. Davis 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: 7252391
    Abstract: A method of producing an image comprising impinging a beam of light on first region of a dynamic filter. The dynamic filter comprising at least two regions having different light transmission characteristics. A first region of the dynamic filter transmits a first transmitted portion of the beam of light and reflects a first reflected portion of the beam of light. Impinging at least some of the first reflected portion of the beam of light on a second region of the dynamic filter. The second region of the dynamic filter transmitting a second transmitted portion. The first and second transmitted portions are modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane S. Dewald, Steven M. Penn, Michael T. Davis
  • Patent number: 7230656
    Abstract: A sequential color filter and display system. The sequential color filter comprising: a set of at least three color filters (102). The color filters can be arranged in a cylindrical configuration and may have a cooling fan (506) attached. The set of color filters typically comprises a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter, and can comprise a red filter, a green filter, a blue filter, and a clear filter. A motor may be connected to the set of color filters for rotating the set of color filters and the cooling fan about a common axis. The color filters may be arranged in a spiral configuration when a cylindrical sequential color filter is provided. The preceding abstract is submitted with the understanding that it only will be used to assist in determining, from a cursory inspection, the nature and gist of the technical disclosure as described in 37 C.F.R. ยง 1.72(b). In no case should this abstract be used for interpreting the scope of any patent claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven M. Penn, Michael T. Davis
  • Patent number: 7118226
    Abstract: A method for transmitting light in an image display system includes generating a beam of light from a light source. The beam of light is directed at a first segment of an electronically-switchable filter. A first portion of the beam of light is accepted by the first segment of the electronically-switchable filter, and a second portion of the beam of light is rejected by the first segment of the electronically-switchable filter. The first portion of the light beam is modulated to produce at least a portion of a displayed image. The second portion of the light beam is recycled to redirect the second portion of the light beam at a second segment of the electronically-switchable filter. The second portion of the light beam is accepted by the second segment of the electronically-switchable filter. The second portion of the light beam is modulated to produce at least a portion of the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Steven M. Penn
  • Patent number: 7066605
    Abstract: A sequential color display system using a white light source to create a full color image projected onto an image plane. A dynamic filter, typically a series of moving dichroic filters, generates a series of primary colored light beams that are swept across the surface of a spatial light modulator. Typically all three primary colors are produced simultaneously by the dynamic filter. The illuminated portion of the dynamic filter is imaged onto the modulator and controller provides appropriate image data for each portion of the modulator in synchronization with the sweep of the primary color bands across the modulator surface. The primary color bands are modulated by the spatial light modulator and the modulated light is focused by lens onto the image plane. The viewer integrates the light arriving at each portion of the image plane over a frame period to provide the perception of a full-color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane S. Dewald, Steven M. Penn, Michael T. Davis
  • Patent number: 7066608
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a reflector (102) holding a lamp element, or burner (104). The reflector (102) typically is an ellipse, with the burner arc positioned at one foci of the ellipse. A reflector extension (108) is designed to mate to the reflector (102). The reflector extension (108) has a first open end toward the reflector (102). The first open end typically is in contact with the reflector (102) to form a seal around the perimeter preventing glass shards from escaping between the reflector (102) and reflector extension (108). Preferably, the reflector extension (108) contacts the reflector (102) around the perimeter of the reflector (102). The second end of the reflector extension (108) also is open to allow the light from the arc to exit the reflector extension (108). A transparent plate (110) placed across this second open end prevents glass from leaving the reflector extension (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Chris A. Triska, John T. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6974647
    Abstract: A fuel cell fluid distribution layer, in one embodiment, comprises perforated graphite foil. The fluid distribution layer can have one or more reactant flow field channels formed in one or both major surfaces, one or more manifold openings, conductive filler on one or both major surfaces, conductive filler at least partially filling some or all perforations and/or an electrocatalyst one or both major surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Juergen Stumper, Stephen A. Campbell, Michael T. Davis, Gordon Lamont
  • Patent number: 6840633
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a reflector holding a lamp element, or burner. A reflector extension is designed to mate to the reflector. The reflector extension has a first open end toward the reflector. The first open end typically is in contact with the reflector to form a seal around the perimeter preventing glass shards from escaping between the reflector and reflector extension. The second end of the reflector extension also is open to allow the light from the arc to exit the reflector extension. A transparent plate placed across this second open end prevents glass from leaving the reflector extension. The transparent plate typically is glass, and may have an antireflective coating applied to the plate to limit the light reflected by the plate. Ventilation ports in the reflector extension allow cooling airflow into the cavity around the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Chris A. Triska, John T. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6813087
    Abstract: A multi-mode color filter 400 having an inner hub region 402 used to mount the color filter 400 to a motor shaft. A first track 404 and a second track 406 of color filter segments arc formed on the color filter, as is an optional clear track 406. The first and second tracks each have a different set of color filters. One set of filters is chosen to improve image brightness, another set is selected to improve color saturation. Typically, the set of filters used to improve brightness includes one or more clear segments, while the set of filters selected to improve color saturation does not. Depending on the image being projected, the user or the display controller moves the color wheel to select a particular filter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael T. Davis
  • Patent number: 6771325
    Abstract: A sequential color display system using a white light source (202) to create a full color image projected onto an image plane (214). A dynamic filter (206), typically a series of moving dichroic filters, generates a series of primary colored light beams that are swept across the surface of a spatial light modulator (210). Light rejected by the dynamic filter (206) enters a light recycler (204) and is reapplied to the dynamic filter (206). The light recycler is typically one or more reflective surfaces, including mirrors, baffles, enclosures, lamp reflectors, TIR surfaces, or specially coated material arranged in such a way as to encourage light toward an aperture separating the light recycler (204) and the dynamic filter (206). Typically all three primary colors are produced simultaneously by the dynamic filter (206).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane S. Dewald, Steven M. Penn, Michael T. Davis
  • Patent number: 6712475
    Abstract: A display system based on a spatial light modulator (SLM). Various embodiments of the invention all involve some sort of articulating element, such that the display system has a stow position that is more compact and different from its operating position. In the operating position, the image formed by the SLM is re-oriented, if necessary, to a position suitable for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, John T. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6619804
    Abstract: An optical engine (15) for an SLM-type display system, which may be either a front or rear projection system (10, 20). The optical engine (15) provides for a high contrast, telecentric illumination angle to the SLM (33) without compromising brightness by vignetting due to offset in the pupil. The resulting offset pupil is converted to a telecentric, on-axis image by a relay path (34) between the SLM (33) and the projection lens (37). The relay path (34) places the image at an intermediate image plane accessible by a the projection lens (37), which permits the projection lens (37) to be telecentric without an offset pupil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Douglas W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030151836
    Abstract: A multi-mode color filter 400 having an inner hub region 402 used to mount the color filter 400 to a motor shaft. A first track 404 and a second track 406 of color filter segments are formed on the color filters as is an optional clear track 406. The first and second tracks each have a different set of color filters. One set of filters is chosen to improve image brightness, another set is selected to improve color saturation. Typically, the set of filters used to improve brightness includes one or more clear segments, while the set of filters selected to improve color saturation does not. Depending on the image being projected, the user or the display controller moves the color wheel to select a particular filter set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Michael T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020164518
    Abstract: A fuel cell fluid distribution layer, in one embodiment, comprises perforated graphite foil. The fluid distribution layer can have one or more reactant flow field channels formed in one or both major surfaces, one or more manifold openings, conductive filler on one or both major surfaces, conductive filler at least partially filling some or all perforations and/or an electrocatalyst one or both major surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Juergen Stumper, Stephen A. Campbell, Michael T. Davis, Gordon Lamont
  • Patent number: 6474819
    Abstract: A projection display that combines both overhead projector and electronic display functionality in a single projector. This invention provides a single comprehensive solution, which addresses both overhead projection display needs, as well as electronic projection display needs and further provides a new function that allows superimposed images from the two functions to be captured and stored for future projection through the electronic display function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lars A. Yoder, Frank J. Moizio, Michael T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020094470
    Abstract: A fuel cell comprises a pair of separator plates and a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between the separator plates. At least one of the fluid distribution layers comprises a sealing region and an electrically conductive, fluid permeable active region, and a polymeric material extending into each of the sealing region and the active region. An ion exchange membrane is interposed between at least a portion of the fluid distribution layers, and a quantity of electrocatalyst is interposed between at least a portion of each of the fluid distribution layers and at least a portion of the membrane, thereby defining the active region. Melt-bonding the thermoplastic and/or other polymeric material in the sealing region renders the at least one fluid distribution layer substantially fluid impermeable in a direction parallel to the major planar surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Juergen Stumper, Stephen A. Campbell, Michael T. Davis, Gordon Lamont
  • Publication number: 20020093499
    Abstract: A sequential color filter and display system. The sequential color filter comprising: a set of at least three color filters (102). The color filters can be arranged in a cylindrical configuration and may have a cooling fan (506) attached. The set of color filters typically comprises a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter, and can comprise a red filter, a green filter, a blue filter, and a clear filter. A motor may be connected to the set of color filters for rotating the set of color filters and the cooling fan about a common axis. The color filters may be arranged in a spiral configuration when a cylindrical sequential color filter is provided. The preceding abstract is submitted with the understanding that it only will be used to assist in determining, from a cursory inspection, the nature and gist of the technical disclosure as described in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). In no case should this abstract be used for interpreting the scope of any patent claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Steven M. Penn, Michael T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020085181
    Abstract: An optical engine (15) for an SLM-type display system, which may be either a front or rear projection system (10, 20). The optical engine (15) provides for a high contrast, telecentric illumination angle to the SLM (33) without compromising brightness by vignetting due to offset in the pupil. The resulting offset pupil is converted to a telecentric, on-axis image by a relay path (34) between the SLM (33) and the projection lens (37). The relay path (34) places the image at an intermediate image plane accessible by a the projection lens (37), which permits the projection lens (37) to be telecentric without an offset pupil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Douglas W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020064046
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a reflector (102) holding a lamp element, or burner (104). The reflector (102) typically is an ellipse, with the burner arc positioned at one foci of the ellipse. A reflector extension (108) is designed to mate to the reflector (102). The reflector extension (108) has a first open end toward the reflector (102). The first open end typically is in contact with the reflector (102) to form a seal around the perimeter preventing glass shards from escaping between the reflector (102) and reflector extension (108). Preferably, the reflector extension (108) contacts the reflector (102) around the perimeter of the reflector (102). The second end of the reflector extension (108) also is open to allow the light from the arc to exit the reflector extension (108). A transparent plate (110) placed across this second open end prevents glass from leaving the reflector extension (108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Chris A. Triska, John T. McKinley
  • Publication number: 20020024637
    Abstract: A display system based on a spatial light modulator (SLM). Various embodiments of the invention all involve some sort of articulating element, such that the display system has a stow position that is more compact and different from its operating position. In the operating position, the image formed by the SLM is re-oriented, if necessary, to a position suitable for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, John T. McKinley
  • Publication number: 20020021419
    Abstract: A projection display that combines both overhead projector and electronic display functionality in a single projector. This invention provides a single comprehensive solution, which addresses both overhead projection display needs, as well as electronic projection display needs and further provides a new function that allows superimposed images from the two functions to be captured and stored for future projection through the electronic display function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Lars A. Yoder, Frank J. Moizio, Michael T. Davis