Patents by Inventor Robert Blake

Robert Blake 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).

  • Publication number: 20030034395
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith, The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Constantine J. Tsikos, C. Harry Knowles, Xiaoxun Zhu, Michael D. Schnee, Ka Man Au, Allan Wirth, Timothy A. Good, Andrew Jankevics, Sankar Ghosh, Charles A. Naylor, Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, William Svedas, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Pirooz Vatan, Russell Joseph Dobbs, George Kolis, Mark C. Schmidt, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz,, Barry E. Schwartz, Steven Y. Kim, Dale Fisher, Jon Van Tassell
  • Publication number: 20020145042
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: C. Harry Knowles, Mark C. Schmidt, Xiaoxun Zhu, Shawn Defoney, Edward Skypala, Constantine J. Tsikos, Ka Man Au, Barry E. Schwartz, Allan Wirth, Andrew Jankevics, Timothy A. Good, Sankar Ghosh, Michael D. Schnee, George Kolis, Thomas Amundsen, Charles A. Naylor, Robert Blake, Russell Joseph Dobbs, Jeffery Yorsz, Patrick A. Giordano, Stephen J. Colavito, David W. Wilz, William Svedas, Steven Y. Kim, Dale M. Fischer, Jon Van Tassell
  • Patent number: 6412700
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Blake, Carl H. Knowles, George B. Rockstein, David M. Wilz
  • Publication number: 20010000615
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, George Rockstein, David M. Wilz, Carl H. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6209789
    Abstract: A novel optical filtering system for a laser bar code scanner having narrow band-pass characteristics is disclosed. The optical filtering system has two different optical filtering elements which are disposed in a scanner housing in a spatially separate relationship. One of the optical filtering elements is positioned inside of the scanner housing in front of and close to the light detection element. The other optical filtering element is positioned in the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing and forms the scanning window. The optical filtering characteristics of the scanning window obscure the internal components of the scanner from plain view making the scanner appear more aesthetically pleasing. Together the optical filtering element cooperate to form a narrow-band pass filter to provide for better light collection and scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, George Rockstein, David M. Wilz, Sr., Carl H. Knowles
  • Patent number: 6114371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 3-(cyclohexano-heteroarylidenyl)-2-indolinone compounds and physiologically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof which are expected to modulate the activity of protein tyrosine kinases and therefore to be useful in the prevention and treatment of protein tyrosine kinase related cellular disorders such as cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sugen, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Cho Tang, Li Sun, Gerald McMahon, Robert A. Blake
  • Patent number: 6029894
    Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner employing a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction is disclosed. A first optical filtering element is installed in the light transmission aperture of a bar code scanner housing. A second optical filtering element is installed inside the scanner housing near the light detecting element. The first and second optical filtering elements have wavelength selective properties such that taken together they cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass optical filtering system which allows only transmission of light at and around a certain predetermined wavelength into the photodetector element. The present invention also hides aesthetically unappealing electro-optical components mounted in the scanner housing from plain view and the optical filtering elements of the system can be easily and inexpensively manufactured without compromising the performance of the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, George Rockstein, David M. Wilz, Sr., Carl H. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5886337
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5837989
    Abstract: A portable data collection device for selectably receiving and collecting bar code symbol character data from the data-output communication port of a hand-holdable bar code symbol reader, and transmitting the collected bar code symbol character data through the data-input communication port of a data-receiving host device. The portable data collection device comprises a data storage memory, a data input communication unit, a data output communication unit, a programmed microprocessor, a battery-powered storage unit and hand-holdable housing for housing these components in a portable unit. The data storage memory stores data, including bar code symbol character data, received from the hand-holdable bar code symbol reader. The data output communication unit is operably associated with the data storage memory, and receives bar code symbol character data from the hand-held bar code reader and storing the received bar code symbol data in the data storage memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5825012
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5789731
    Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner embodying a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction. A first optical filter element is installed over the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing, and has wavelength selective properties which transmit only light having wavelengths from slightly below a predetermined wavelength in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., greater than slightly below 670 nanometers). A second optical filter element is installed within the housing, along the focused laser return light path between the light focusing element and the light detecting element, and transmits only light having wavelengths from slightly above the predetermined wavelength (e.g., less than slightly above 670 nanometers). Collectively, the first and second optical filter elements cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass filtering system centered about the predetermined wavelength, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Carl H. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5789730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar code symbols using a substrate hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5740224
    Abstract: The method of the present invention combines an ensemble of truncated partial cone beam projections to synthesize a complete virtual projection. The individual partial projections are obtained with CT scanners, where for each partial projection the investigated object is positioned at precise locations specified by formulas described in the present application (e.g., formulas (3), (4), (6) and (18) for linear cone beam synthetic scanner arrays or formulas (9)-(13), (20), (21) and (25)-(27) for circular cone beam synthetic scanner arrays). Prior to the actual reconstruction, the partial cone beam projections are combined to form a complete virtual projection, equivalent to a projection one would obtain by using a sufficiently large detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignees: University of Delaware, Aluminum Co. of America
    Inventors: Martin Muller, Gonzalo R. Arce, Robert A. Blake, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5663828
    Abstract: A laser beam experimentation kit, including an accessory device for modulating the intensity of the visible laser beam produced as output from a laser pointer. The accessory device comprises a printed circuit(PC) board of physically thin construction, which is adapted for slidable insertion between the conductive tip portion and the conductive housing portion of a pen-clip actuatable laser pointer. A pair of conductive pads are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the PC board. An input signal jack is mounted on PC board for the purpose of receiving a mated plug connector that is connected to a flexible cable carrying an electrical input signal. An electronic circuit and a battery power source are also mounted on the upper surface of the PC board. The function of the electronic circuit is to respond to a predetermined signal characteristic (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl H. Knowles, Robert Blake
  • Patent number: 5657872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shipping/display container which includes a tray portion having a bottom panel, two opposed end panels, and two opposed side panels One of the side panels comprises a float side panel and the other of the side panels comprises a rear side panel. The container further includes a cover portion attached to the container and disposed so as to engage the end panels and the side panels. More particularly, the front side panel includes a line of weakness defining a severable portion of the front side panel which extends in at least an intermediate portion downward to the lowermost edge of the front side panel. The severable portion includes a preformed aperture located adjacent to the lowermost edge of the front panel for initiating removable of the severable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignees: The Procter & Gamble Company, Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Blake Leftwich, Linda Susan Matthews, Timothy Paul Burda
  • Patent number: 5627359
    Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner embodying a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction. A first optical filter element is installed over the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing, and has wavelength selective properties which transmit only light having wavelengths from slightly below a predetermined wavelength in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., greater than slightly below 670 nanometers). A second optical filter element is installed within the housing, along the focused laser return light path between the light focusing element and the light detecting element, and transmits only light having wavelengths from slightly above the predetermined wavelength (e.g., less than slightly above 670 nanometers). Collectively, the first and second optical filter elements cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass filtering system centered about the predetermined wavelength, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Amundsen, Robert Blake, George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Carl H. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5528024
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5525789
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Rockstein, David Wilz, Sr., Robert Blake, C. Harry Knowles
  • Patent number: 5473464
    Abstract: A laser beam experimentation kit, including an accessory device for modulating the intensity of the visible laser beam produced as output from a laser pointer. The accessory device comprises a printed circuit(PC) board of physically thin construction, which is adapted for slidable insertion between the conductive tip portion and the conductive housing portion of a pen-clip actuatable laser pointer. A pair of conductive pads are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the PC board. An input signal jack is mounted on PC board for the purpose of receiving a mated plug connector that is connected to a flexible cable carrying an electrical input signal. An electronic circuit and a battery power source are also mounted on the upper surface of the PC board. The function of the electronic circuit is to respond to a predetermined signal characteristic (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl H. Knowles, Robert Blake
  • Patent number: 5457606
    Abstract: An improved PC Card element, particularly a flash card unit, is presented in which the unit is hermetically sealed. The unit has a metallic frame, a metallic header with glass or ceramic encapsulated through pins, and opposed outer metallic covers, all of the metallic elements being of the same metal and being welded together to form a hermetically sealed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Raymond Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Young, Robert Blake, Christopher Staehly, David Richard, Leonard Bazar