Patents by Inventor Richard A. Littlefield

Richard A. Littlefield 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: 5555060
    Abstract: An actuator position sensor employs a photo interrupter with an optical density gradient segment that has additional maximum and minimum density segments preceding the gradient segment. These preceding segments are sensed and sampled by a calibration circuit, preferably prior to each operation of the actuator, to generate high and low reference calibration values which are applied to a signal scaling circuit along with the gradient output signal. The scaling circuit is then able to generate a position output signal scaled between these reference values that is linearly proportional to the actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Richard A. Littlefield
  • Patent number: 5281812
    Abstract: Beam scanning system includes a rotatable element for receiving a stationary light beam at successive element facets to thereby impart a scanning motion to the light beam so as to scan a beam receiving medium. Deviation in the mechanical or optical performance related to each successive facet are corrected by use of a high-speed beam deflector operated in either a closed loop or open loop servo system. The beam deflector includes a unique piezoelectric plate and reflecting body structure, wherein parallel plates of piezoelectric material are bonded at selected locations to a reflecting body with flexible adhesive. The plates are supported by a platform and operatively connected to a plate driving means to effect motion of the body in a push-pull arrangement with respect to the platform. The resulting structure has a high resonant frequency even though a reflecting body in the form of relatively large glass mirror may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: J. Kelly Lee, Robert H. Cuffney, Richard A. Littlefield, William R. Markis