Patents Issued in May 18, 2004
  • Patent number: 6736501
    Abstract: A platen structure for a printer includes rigid members and a plurality of support parts disposed along the platen length to support a recording medium. Any warp due to integrated molding of the platen or any aging change due to influence of environmental conditions can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Yukio Honda, Akio Hosaka
  • Patent number: 6736502
    Abstract: An expandable/contractible type portable printer is provided, including: an expandable/contractible casing including an enclosure and opposite outer jackets expandably and contractibly mounted at opposite sides of the enclosure; a printing unit disposed in the casing for printing on a recording sheet by jetting ink onto the recording sheet from a printing head mounted on a carriage which is reciprocatively movable in a primary scanning direction; and a sheet feed unit disposed in the casing for feeding the recording sheet in a secondary scanning direction, the opposite outer jackets being coupled to the enclosure by a rack-and-pinion mechanism so as to be expandable and contractible with respect to the enclosure evenly in opposite lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanobu Deguchi
  • Patent number: 6736503
    Abstract: The elastic joint for eyeglasses comprises of a one-piece flexible component that is attached to the joint between the temple and the lens frame. The one-piece flexible component has an oblong-circle profile defining a through-hole near one extremity of the oblong profile and a hinge joint at the other extremity of the oblong profile. The hinge joint on the elastic joint for eyeglasses is hinged to the joint between the temple and the lens frame with the through-hole extremity positioned at the joint between the temple and the lens frame. The elastic joint for eyeglasses will maintain a comfortable tension to retain the eyeglasses on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Ward Chen
  • Patent number: 6736504
    Abstract: A frame assembly for eyeglasses is provided having removable and interchangeable securement members. The frame assembly is preferably provided with a lense frame having mounting holes formed in the opposite ends of the frame. A pair of mounting pins are provided to be removably secured within the mounting holes. In one embodiment, a cord member is secured at its opposite ends to the mounting pins and wraps around the user's head to secure the frame assembly in place. In another embodiment, a pair of arms are secured to the mounting pins and releasably secured within the mounting holes. The frame assembly eliminate the necessity for a hinge assembly and creates a durable and adjustable eyeglass assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James Hermsen
  • Patent number: 6736505
    Abstract: A progressive power spectacle lens has a progressive power surface on at least one of a front surface and a back surface of the spectacle lens. The progressive power surface includes a distance portion corresponding to a long-distance view, a near portion corresponding to a short-distance view and an intermediate portion between the distance portion and the near portion, a refracting power gradually changes in the intermediate portion between the distance portion and the near portion. In such a spectacle lens, a shape of the progressive power surface along a main meridian is formed not to be umbilical, and the distance portion is formed to include an area where quantity of surface astigmatism decreases from a position on the main meridian to a predetermined position farther from the main meridian in the horizontal direction, the surface astigmatism then increasing at positions farther, in the horizontal direction, from the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Chikara Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6736506
    Abstract: This is an eyeglasses made-to-order system wherein an operator determines eyeglass specifications necessary for ordering eyeglasses, including necessary items relating to each structural member of the eyeglasses, with an interactive system using means including a computer-controlled display screen; wherein any of a plurality of types of basic frame designs prepared in advance is selected from the abovementioned display screen; and the optimum eyeglass specifications reflecting the consumer's preferences can be determined on and ordered from the display screen by arbitrary changes to the structural members of the eyeglasses, including frame type, lens shape, and parts, based on the selected basic frame design. Accordingly, eyeglasses with a design which are more reflective of the eyeglass consumer's preferences can be determined and ordered quickly using only the procedures deemed necessary by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Izumitani, Toshihisa Akaba, Isao Iizuka, Yasushi Sakai, Shigeru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6736507
    Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument (for obtaining high resolution, wide field of area multi-spectral retinal images) including a fundus retinal imager, (which includes optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye); apparatus for generating a reference beam coupled to the fundus optics to form a reference area on the retina; a wavefront sensor optically coupled to the fundus optics for measuring the wavefront produced by optical aberrations within the eye and the imager optics; wavefront compensation optics coupled to the fundus optics for correcting large, low order aberrations in the wavefront; a high resolution detector optically coupled to the imager optics and the wavefront compensation optics; and a computer (which is connected to the wavefront sensor, the wavefront compensation optics, and the high resolution camera) including an algorithm for correcting, small, high order aberrations on the wavefront and residual low order aberrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Alexis Kudryashov, Andrey Viktorocvich Larichev, L. John Otten
  • Patent number: 6736508
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an optical coherence tomography (“OCT”) application apparatus that performs an OCT application on an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Carl Zeigs Medike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing-Gang Xie, Markus Kohnle, Jay Wei
  • Patent number: 6736509
    Abstract: A wavefront-sensing device for measuring ocular aberrations includes, among other things, a retinal illumination component and a wavefront imaging component (e.g., a microlens array for a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor). The retinal illumination component includes a laser source and a fixed collimating lens. In one embodiment, an improved device has a beam path between the retinal illumination component and the patient's eye containing no refracting, diffracting, or phase altering components for focusing the illumination beam on the retina. In another embodiment, the retinal illumination component provides a beam having a diameter on the retina that is smaller than the diffraction limit of the wavefront imaging component over a refractive focus range of the patient's eye of between about −12D to +6D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Bausch and Lomb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Martino, David F. Prelewitz, Kevin Kearney
  • Patent number: 6736510
    Abstract: A system for measuring the eye comprising a light source 10 which sends a narrow collimated beam of light 12, to reflect from a beam splitter 14. The beam of light 12 enters the eye 16 through the pupil 17 where it is focused to a point 20 on the retina 18. The light 12 is reflected from the retina 18 where it passes through a series of relay lenses 22, 24. The light then passes through one or more reticles 26, 28. A CCD camera 30 records the shadow pattern formed by reticles 26, 28. The shadow pattern is digitized into a computer and algorithms are created to calculate the distortions. As a result of the above steps being performed, the refractive power of the eye can be measured at many points, simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ware Tec Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Van Heugten
  • Patent number: 6736511
    Abstract: The invention utilizes a virtual reality display to present a random noise stimulus to a patient. Using an input device a patient indicates the location of disturbances in the random noise display. In a preferred embodiment, a scanning retinal laser projects the random noise stimulus directly onto a patient's eye(s). The image is preferably presented at virtual infinity and can be imaged over the peripheral retina. A patient is directed to centrally fixate on the random noise display. A visual aid, such as a cross hair, may be included in the generated display to facilitate this focus. With a scanning laser virtual reality device having a narrow exit, the failure of a patient to centrally fixate causes the image presented to be distorted, incomplete or disappear from view. While a patient views the random noise display, the patient is directed to indicate any areas of disturbance using an input device. A preferred input device is a computer pen and tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel J. Plummer, Dirk-Uwe G. Bartsch, William R. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6736512
    Abstract: A pixel element for a 3D display, wherein multiple substantially collimated controllable light beams are emitted in multiple directions, with each light beam associated with a predetermined viewing direction. A set of substantially point type sources are individually addressable and are arranged in a line. The light sources are serially addressed; and the light from each source is imaged in a collimated light beam and deflected in a predetermined individual deflection direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbH
    Inventor: Tibor Balogh
  • Patent number: 6736513
    Abstract: This invention discloses a projection type image display apparatus that includes a color separation optical system which separates illumination light into a plurality of chromatic rays of light, a plurality of image forming panels illuminated with the plurality of chromatic rays of light, respectively, a color synthesizing optical system which synthesizes rays of light emitted from the plurality of image forming panels illuminated therewith, and a plurality of cooling units which cool areas around the plurality of image forming panels, respectively, in which a cooling capacity (for example, specifications of a cooling unit or type of air-blowing fan) of at least one of the plurality of cooling units is different from those of the other cooling units. Thereby, cooling can be carried out most suitably for each color optical path, and cooling that is superior in efficiency and in balance can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehiro Koyama, Kiyohide Wada
  • Patent number: 6736514
    Abstract: A display apparatus (10) for projection of a color image from digital data onto a surface (140) comprises a first modulation system which provides a first modulated beam. The first modulation system comprises a first spatial light modulator for modulating a first incident light beam in order to form the first modulated beam according to the digital data; a first light source provides a first color beam as the first incident light beam; and a second light source provides a second color beam as the first incident light beam. A second modulation system provides a second modulated beam. The second modulation system comprises a second spatial light modulator for modulating a second incident light beam in order to form the second modulated beam according to the digital data; a third light source provides a third color beam as the second incident light beam; and a fourth light source provides a fourth color beam as the second incident light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Horvath, James E. Roddy, Robert J. Zolla
  • Patent number: 6736515
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reflection- or transmission-type liquid crystal display method enabling color synthesis without employing a dichroic prism or a polarizing beam splitter. Reflection-type display devices are formed on a reflective substrate. Each reflection type display device is composed of a barrier element consisting of a group of small liquid crystal shutters arranged two-dimensionally, microlens elements two-dimensionally arranged corresponding to the liquid crystal shutters, and a reflective surface of the reflective substrate, wherein the reflective surface is positioned on the focal plane of the microlenses. Parallel light beams of red, green and blue colors introduced obliquely respectively enter the reflection-type display devices exclusive for the respective colors and are mutually superposed on a plane distant from the display devices to achieve color synthesis. A projection lens is focused on the plane and projects an image on a screen provided in a distant position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Hara
  • Patent number: 6736516
    Abstract: A projection apparatus is disclosed having a first vertical member and a second vertical member disposed parallel to the first vertical member, the second vertical member substantially the same length as the first vertical member. An upper crossbar member is disposed between the first and second vertical members and perpendicular thereto. An intermediate crossbar member is disposed between the first and second vertical members and perpendicular thereto and below the upper crossbar member to define a viewing area bounded by the first and second vertical members, the upper crossbar member and the intermediate crossbar member. A viewing screen is disposed over the viewing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Technological Systems Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Le Roy Francis Kepley, Jr., William K. King, Scott A. Herkimer, Robert W. Jones
  • Patent number: 6736517
    Abstract: A dual mode laser projection system having a film mode and an electronic mode that can be used to project an image onto a screen. In the film mode an image is projected by illuminating film with lasers, and in the electronic mode an image is created by modulation of with lasers with data to project an electronic image. The laser source may comprise a plurality of lasers each providing a different color, such as red, green, and blue. Laser-CRTs may be used. In some embodiments the laser source is synchronized with the film aperture so that the laser source is modulated to illuminate the film aperture only while a frame of the film is stopped. In some embodiments the color temperature of the light illuminating the film can be selected by increasing and/or decreasing the relative light intensity contribution of each of the lasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Principia Lightworks Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn H. Sherman, Michael D. Tiberi
  • Patent number: 6736518
    Abstract: A cube corner reflector is oriented so that incident and reflected beams either entirely miss the edges at the intersections of reflective surfaces or so that the beams have only peripheral portions incident on the edges. A symmetry plane of the cube corner reflector is midway between the incident and reflected beams of the cube corner reflector and contains the central axis of the cube corner reflector and one of the edges between the reflective surfaces. For a minimum size reflector that permits the tight beam spacing, trimmed surfaces perpendicular to the symmetry plane are at different distances from the central axis. The edges, variations in the orthogonality of the reflective surfaces, and beam walk off cause less wavefront distortion that could affect measurements in systems such as interferometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Todd Belt, John J. Bockman
  • Patent number: 6736519
    Abstract: A see-through retroreflective structure includes a transparent polymeric film, an array of retroreflective elements attached to the polymeric film, and an array of apertures through the retroreflective structure within the array of retroreflective elements. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes a metalized reflective layer formed on the transparent prism elements and a support layer, such as a fabric, is attached to the metalized reflective layer. The method includes providing a transparent polymeric film. An array of retroreflective elements is attached to the polymeric film. The array of retroreflective elements and the transparent polymeric film are perforated through the retroreflective structure to form an array of apertures, thereby forming a retroreflective structure. The apertures are of sufficient size and spacing to provide a see-through capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventor: Peter R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6736520
    Abstract: A forward looking mirror device is disclosed which is useful for vehicles having side mounted rear view mirrors. The forward looking mirror device consists of first and second mirrors which are pivotally mounted in a housing, the first mirror moveable to collect an image from the front of the vehicle and the second mirror moveable to reflect the image from the first mirror to the driver. The first and second mirrors are mounted adjacent the rear view mirror of the vehicle. The second mirror is separated from the rear view mirror by a distance which is pre-selected to prevent the driver from focussing on both the rear view mirror and the second mirror simultaneously. The mirror assembly is mounted to the vehicle by adjustable arms, the length of said arms being adjustable to position the second mirror at the driver's eye level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Anthony Howie, Christopher Michael Howie, James Hubert Howie
  • Patent number: 6736521
    Abstract: A device 21 comprises a movable structure 44 having a first movable portion 70 hinged to frame portion 60 by a first pair of hinges 81, 82 spaced apart along a first axis 91. The first movable portion 70 has an edge 140 that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially parallel with and immediately adjacent to an edge 132 of the frame portion 60, such that a tolerance space 120 defined therebetween. At least one projection 122 extends from one or both of the edges 132 and/or 140. The projection 122 is adapted to limit translational motion of the first movable portion 70 relative to the frame portion 60 within the plane. The device 21 motion between the first movable portion 80 and a second pivot axis 112 with translational motion between the first movable portion 70 and the second movable portion 80 limited by a similar projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Arthur Monroe Turner
  • Patent number: 6736522
    Abstract: An elongate light fixture, the light fixture having an adjustable overall length, and a method of installing same. The elongate light fixture includes a first piece that includes a first reflector shroud portion and a second piece that includes a second reflector shroud portion. The first and second pieces are coupled to a frame to permit relative movement of the first and second pieces for spacing the first and second pieces at a desired distance apart to provide the desired overall length of the housing arrangement and to provide a space between the first and second pieces. The adjustable-length, elongate light fixture further includes an insert that is trimmable to fit in the space between the first and second pieces. The method of installing an adjustable-length, elongate light fixture, the method including moving a first piece, which includes a first reflector shroud, of a housing arrangement relative to a second piece, which includes a second reflector shroud, of the housing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Signage Systems
    Inventor: Samuel Cini
  • Patent number: 6736523
    Abstract: A combination flashlight and container device comprising a first casing including a battery operated, manual flashlight with a threaded end, and a second casing detachably connected to the first casing at the threaded end, the second casing having a sealable and totally enclosed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Alvey
  • Patent number: 6736524
    Abstract: The invention proposes a headlight producing a principal lighting beam with cutoff, comprising a principal light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, a shield which comprises a cutoff edge arranged in the vicinity of a second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cutoff in the principal lighting beam, and a convergent lens, a focal plane of which passes close to the second focus of the reflector, a secondary light source being arranged between the shield and the lens; comprising an optical distribution element arranged in front of the shield, so as to distribute the light rays emitted by the secondary source on the input surface of the principal lens, with a view of producing a secondary lighting beam, the secondary source being arranged outside the path of the light rays coming from the principal source and directed towards the input surface of the principal lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6736525
    Abstract: A tubular light includes a light set having a substrate with light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate so as to electrically connect to the substrate, a tubular cover made of a translucent material, the tubular cover having a receiving space defined therein, a positioning seat formed to securely receiving the substrate in the receiving space, and a securing device securely engaged with the tubular cover and adapted to securely engage to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Unity Opto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Chin
  • Patent number: 6736526
    Abstract: To provide a bulb-type lamp in which a globe is fixed to a case without a tilt, and a manufacturing method for the bulb-type lamp. The globe is bonded to a connector using a thermosetting resin, in a state where a neck part of the globe is inserted in a groove of the connector without contacting the bottom of the groove. The connector is then fixed to the case by means of a fitting construction. This makes it unnecessary to perform a heating process to cure an adhesive after an envelope is formed by the globe and the case. Hence the tilting of the globe caused by the thermal expansion of air in the envelope can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Yoshinori Kakuno
  • Patent number: 6736527
    Abstract: A xenon arc lamp for a motion picture projector is cooled by providing the anode end of the lamp with a shroud that forms part of a support for that end of the lamp. Cooling air flows into the shroud along the support arm and enters the shroud through a slot in its side wall. The shroud provides an annular air space around the anode end of the lamp and has an annular air outlet through which the cooling air leaves as a “sheet” of laminar air flow which tends to adhere to the surface of the bulb, thereby providing precise cooling. In this way, arc instability is avoided or minimized, while lamp life is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Imax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibbon, Marian Toporkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6736528
    Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Light and Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Ian Clarke, Nigel Evans, Richard Parker, Mark A. Hunt, Michael Hughes
  • Patent number: 6736529
    Abstract: A light device includes a base having two spaced flaps, a housing disposed between the flaps, and rotatably secured to the base with a retaining ring. A circuit board is received in the housing and has one or more light members, a casing is received in the housing to receive one or more batteries which may energize the light members. The base includes one or more spring blades to engage with the housing, and to retain the housing to the base at selected angular position. A cap is rotatably secured to the casing, and includes one or more latches to detachably engage with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Wen Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 6736530
    Abstract: An image display device may take the form of an illuminating picture lamp providing means by which images may be illuminated by a light source on a selectable and removably attachable basis. Using a base layer of translucent material preferably circumscribed by a transparent material, an image may be slipped between the two layers and illuminated by a light source. The sheets are used to form a lampshade and are held in place about a light source, such as a light bulb, by supports threadably engaging a mounting base. The mounting base attaches to the lamp generally below the light bulb to provide stable support for the lampshade. The image display device of the present invention provides attractive and selectable means by which images may be illuminated by a light source and articles, such as lamp shades, may be decorated on a personalized basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Alex J. Thevenot
  • Patent number: 6736531
    Abstract: The invention is a small, portable illumination device which is used to illuminate reading material or other material. The device contains a clip which a user can employ to attach the device to a book or other reading material. The clip holds the illuminating device in place relative to the material. The device uses either battery or alternating current as power and can be switched from one to the other by insertion or removal of a male plug of a 120V AC/DC adapter into or from a jack in the device. The device can be turned on or shut off when a user switches the ON-OFF switch. In addition, there is a countdown timer which the user can set to a desired number of minutes. Once the countdown timer starts, the device will illuminate the material for the number of minutes to which the user set the countdown timer. When the countdown timer reaches zero, the device shuts off automatically. A buzzer sounds when the countdown timer reaches two minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Stewart Wallach
  • Patent number: 6736532
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards a headlight assembly installed in a motor vehicle. The headlight assembly includes a reflector member, and a light source. The reflector member is coated with a first layer of a highly reflective material to reflect the light emitted by the light source. In order to protect the first layer from oxidation, a second layer of an organic carbon compound free of electronegative compound is deposited on top of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Crawley, Lawrence Francsis Wilski
  • Patent number: 6736533
    Abstract: A projector-type vehicular headlamp including a shade partially blocking light reflected by a reflector and a visor-like shield plate attached on the back of the shade. The shade has an opening near the upper edge so as to allow a light distribution pattern to be formed for overhead sign illumination by the light radiated forward through the opening. The visor-like shield plate extends obliquely downward from between the upper edge of the shade and the opening, thus allowing only the reflected light from the lower reflecting area of the reflecting surface to be directed to reach the opening of the shade, and preventing light flux of an overhead sign illuminating light from becoming excessively bright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Matsumoto, Naoki Uchida, Satoshi Yamamura
  • Patent number: 6736534
    Abstract: Entry doors having transparent insert panels such as etched glass and/or stained glass with tube lights such as 12 mm neon tube lights imbedded in framing along the outer edges of the panels inside the doors. Photo cells can be used to turn on the lights in the dark. Relays can turn on power when the door is closed and spring loaded switches can provide contact between the neon tubes and a transformer before power is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Robin L. Fite
  • Patent number: 6736535
    Abstract: The act of heating water within a contained vessel that is common to most buildings, whether residential or commercial or located in recreational vehicles, mobile homes, aircraft, ships or marine pleasure craft, causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle to the bottom of a heating or fluid containing vessel. The use of ultrasonic transmission within the vessel will agitate the water held within, preventing the normally stagnant hot water from producing calcium carbonate. Other benefits are the cleaning properties of ultrasonic transmission. Thus the internal parts of hot water heaters will enjoy a longer life. This benefit of agitation will also be found when applied to vessels that contain fluids that share similar problems as hot water heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard W. Halsall, Robert M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6736536
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention employ a container having first and second chambers for receiving first and second fluids, respectively. Preferably, the first and second chambers are separated by a divider. The divider can be movable, removable, or can otherwise be opened to selectively connect and separate the first and second chambers. In this manner, first and second fluids can be inserted into respective chambers, after which time the divider can be moved to mix the first and second fluids. Preferably, the divider can be positioned to seal one chamber from the other to keep fluids in the chambers separate from one another. The first and second chambers are preferably shaped and sized to enable a user to mix the first and second fluids in a desired mixing ratio by at least partially filling the chambers with the fluids to a common level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fullfill, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Jacobs, Wilson L. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6736537
    Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Instruments
    Inventors: Jared P. Coffeen, Richard F. Huyser, Christopher M. Tague, Weston Pernsteiner, Dennis A. Stratton
  • Patent number: 6736538
    Abstract: A mixing blade (10) for mixing a drink in a cup (20) having a dome-shaped lid (30) with an opening (32) therein is provided. The mixing blade comprises tow hollow truncated cones (12, 14) attached base-to-base. A top side of one cone has an opening (18) therein for attaching to a rotatable shaft(2). The cone-shaped walls each have a plurality of openings (16) therein. To mix a drink, the ingredients are measured and placed in the cup and the lid is placed on the cup. The mixing blade is inserted through the opening in the lid and is spun or rotated for a predetermined mixing time. After the blade is removed from the drink, the drink is served and the blade is sanitized in a sanitizing solution before being used to mix another drink. The mixing blade is particularly suitable for the preparation of frozen drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated
    Inventor: John Bittner
  • Patent number: 6736539
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a kitchen machine, includes a planetary gear disposed between an electric drive unit and an output shaft or drive shaft of the appliance and the stationary toothed ring of which is supported on the housing of the appliance by support arms (13) projecting radially outwardly on the outer circumference of the toothed ring. Good damping of the noise originating from the planetary gear is achieved by virtue of the fact that an elastic element preventing direct contact between the support arms and the fixing locations is respectively inserted between the support arms and the fixing locations on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Brezovnik, Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6736540
    Abstract: A method for measuring a temperature of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes a temperature sensing element being excited by a first switched current and a second switched current. The method includes coupling a first capacitor to the temperature sensing element through a first switch and coupling a second capacitor to the temperature sensing element through a second switch. The first and second capacitors are external to the integrated circuit. The method further includes charging the first capacitor through the first switch to a first voltage when the temperature sensing element is being excited by the first switched current, charging the second capacitor through the second switch to a second voltage when the temperature sensing element is being excited by the second switched current, and measuring a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage to determine the temperature of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary E. Sheehan, Jun Wan
  • Patent number: 6736541
    Abstract: In a linear motion guide unit in which a rack-and-pinion arrangement is interposed between paired guide rail members to keep a cage against falling off from the guide rail members, the rack is made reduced in size in depth direction to fit well in even a gutter cut small in depth in the guide rail member. The rack is made up of successive teeth mating with the pinion, and side walls to join the teeth together with one another. The side walls of the rack are rendered thickened sidewise with depth while sidewise opposing surfaces defining a gutter cut in the guide rail also lean away one another with depth in a way conforming to the side walls of the rack, so that the rack can be fastened in the gutter by virtue of face-to-face engagement of the side walls with the associated surfaces in the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kamimura, Takaaki Tsuboi, Kouji Obara
  • Patent number: 6736542
    Abstract: A bearing pad for a tilt pad journal bearing assembly includes a pad body having a concave journal surface on one side and a mounting portion on an opposite side adapted to secure the pad to a bearing casing, the journal surface having undercut surfaces extending along opposite marginal edges thereof in a lengthwise dimension of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James Hudson
  • Patent number: 6736543
    Abstract: The steering set comprises an upper roller bearing (2) and a lower roller bearing (18) adapted to guide in rotation a pivot tube. Each roller bearing is (2, 18) received in a respective annular recess (14, 19) provided within a steering post (11) forming a part of a bicycle frame (12). Each roller bearing (2, 18) is associated with a respective ring (3, 24) itself resting on a support surface, and an end ring (6) surrounded the pivot tube (10) above the steering socket (11). The roller bearings (2, 18) are associated with adapters (26, 27) in the form of rings disposed between the roller bearings (2, 18) and the bottom of the annular recess (14, 19) so as to adjust the height of the recess so as to adapt it to roller bearings (2, 18) having different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Look Cycle Internationale
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Couturet
  • Patent number: 6736544
    Abstract: An improved method and structure for setting pinion bearing preload and fastener clamp load in a vehicle differential is provided. The apparatus and method provide a preload spacer readily accessible outboard of the pinion bearings and input yoke. Pinion bearing preload is set according to the present invention by the force of the pinion gear on the inner cone of an inner bearing and the force of an input yoke on the outer cone of an outer bearing. As a nut is torqued into contact with the input yoke, a preload spacer limits the movement of the nut as the input yoke engages the outer cone. This provides for consistent preload on the bearings and allows for increased clamp load for retaining the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. DeWald
  • Patent number: 6736545
    Abstract: An underwater connector has a plug unit and a receptacle unit each containing a bladder member having an internal, oil-filled chamber in which a respective contact module is located. Each contact module has an end face having both electrical and optical contacts for contact engagement with corresponding contacts on the other module when the units are releasably mated together in an underwater environment. The bladder members each have a resilient forward end portion with an opening communicating with the respective chamber, and opposing, pivoted jaws in each unit are closed to compress the forward end portion to close and seal the opening when the units are unmated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ocean Design, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Cairns, Stewart M. Barlow, Peter R. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6736546
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly, in a preferred embodiment, having a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and at least two alignment members to align the first and second ferrules during mating is provided. The first ferrule, the second ferrule and the alignment members interact at the mating interface of the first and second ferrules to provide three constraint lines. In one embodiment, the first ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber. The first ferrule body includes a first surface portion for retaining a first alignment member and a second surface portion for retaining a second alignment member, the first and second surface portions being V-shaped. The second ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Sepehr Kiani, Ryan R. Vallance
  • Patent number: 6736547
    Abstract: An optical connector provides the reliability of a butt-coupled connection with the mating simplicity of an expanded-beam coupling arrangement. In an example embodiment, an optical fiber connector arrangement includes a first ferrule having an expanded-beam arrangement disposed therein. The expanded-beam arrangement within the first ferrule includes a first lens that is coupled to a first optical fiber and a second lens that is coupled to a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber protrudes from the first ferrule. The connector arrangement further includes a second ferrule arranged to receive the first ferrule. The second ferrule supports a third optical fiber and is shaped to receive the first ferrule. The second optical fiber is butt-coupled to the third optical fiber within the second ferrule when the second ferrule is engaged with the first ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Rick C. Stevens, Kevin J. Thorson
  • Patent number: 6736548
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug protecting cap is configured to be mounted to an optical fiber connector plug having a ferrule with an insertion hole into which an optical fiber is inserted and a holding member for holding the ferrule. The optical fiber connector plug protecting cap has a tubular cap member made of a resin material and configured to be fitted to a tip opening of the holding member to cover a tip portion of the ferrule in a non-contacting state, and a strap member having first and second end portions and comprised of an elastic body having a relatively greater flexibility than the cap member. The cap member has a connecting part having a locking hole for locking the first end portion of the strap member. The first end portion of the strap member has an engagement protrusion for engagement with the locking hole in a state in which the first end portion extends through the locking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tanaka, Yuukou Hata
  • Patent number: 6736549
    Abstract: An optical fiber fitting includes a cylindrical sleeve having a first annular groove extending normal to the axial direction on the inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve, a rod member having a plurality of channels each extending in the axial direction and receiving therein an optical fiber and a second annular groove extending normal to the axial direction, and a C-shape spring, having a radially outer surface received in the first annular groove and a radially inner surface received in the second annular groove, for locking the rod member with the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6736550
    Abstract: A lens-fiber alignment housing for passively aligning an optical fiber with a lens, for improved alignment of a laser with the fiber, via the lens. The fiber is disposed in a substantially cylindrical, annular ferrule, the bottom end of which is disposed in the first end of a ferrule sleeve. The housing has an upper cylindrical mating section at a first end for mating with the second end of the ferrule sleeve, and a bottom lens-receiving section for securely receiving and mounting a lens. The lens may be mounted into the lens-receiving section of the housing, so that, when the housing is inserted into the second end of the ferrule sleeve, the lens and fiber are automatically, passively aligned, thereby forming an aligned lens-fiber assembly that can be aligned with the laser in a single active alignment procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-Yung Wang, Hung-Lun Chang