Patents Issued in May 20, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040094653
    Abstract: Method and winding apparatus for winding a coil that may be used in a high voltage coil assembly. The method allows providing a bobbin. The bobbin may include at one end thereof a start wedge having a wedge angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the bobbin. Relative alignment is provided between the bobbin and a wire feeder device so that a strand of wire from the wire-feeder device is fed perpendicular relative to a layer of winding that, upon rotation of the bobbin, progressively propagates along the longitudinal axis of the bobbin with a predefined winding angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Roderick D. Fair, Stuart W. Perry
  • Publication number: 20040094654
    Abstract: A precision method is defined for identifying defective sections of a spoolable material for removal. Defective sections are noted during manufacture and the spool containing the material is subsequently unwound to allow removal of the defective sections. The invention uses rotation data corresponding to the location on the spool where the fiber contains defects. A process controller records rotational positioning data from the take-up spool during manufacturing and uses the information to locate the defect when unwinding the spool. In addition, the pitch of winding the fiber onto the spool may be altered during manufacturing to indicate the beginning and end of a defective section. In this instance, the defective portion of the fiber can be determined during unwinding by monitoring the pitch width of the material. Finally, an algorithm for defining cut out bands adjacent to the defective sections aid in ensuring that no remaining defective fiber remains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher Timothy Gallagher, Jason W. Shiroishi, William H. Sleigher, Zhi Zhou
  • Publication number: 20040094655
    Abstract: An expanding mandrel is useable for rotatably mounting a strip of material that is wound around a sleeve or core. The expanding mandrel includes an ejecting device that is useable to strip the sleeve or core from the mandrel. The ejecting device includes at least a first part, which is rotatable about an axis together with the sleeve or core, and a non-rotatably mounted second part. The first part can strip the sleeve or core from the mandrel by actuation of the second part. That second part is a piston which can be driven by a fluid under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Hartwig Horst Trutschel
  • Publication number: 20040094656
    Abstract: Winding machine and method for shielding the winding machine relative to debris during a winding operation are provided. The method allows providing at least one winding assembly. The method further allows feeding a respective strand of wire to the winding assembly, wherein the strand of wire is fed into the assembly through the bottom thereof. A shield is provided for the winding assembly. The shield is configured to include a window at the bottom thereof for allowing passage of the strand of wire. The shield further includes lateral and top sections configured to partially enclose the assembly, wherein the lateral section extends sufficiently beneath the assembly so that any debris therein egresses from the assembly through the window and is prevented from being propelled into any adjacent assemblies, thus reducing the occurrence of debris-induced faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Stuart W. Perry, Roderick D. Fair
  • Publication number: 20040094657
    Abstract: A reversible angle bar device for a web printing press having a web with an entering web centerline has a support, a first angle bar portion angled with respect to the first entering web centerline on a first side of the entering web centerline, and a second angle bar portion angled with respect to the entering web centerline and being located on a second side of the entering web centerline opposite the first side, the first and second angle bar portions being fixed to the support. A moveable angle bar portion is selectively attachable to either the first angle bar portion or the second angle bar portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: David Clarke Pollock, Jatinder Singh Sappal
  • Publication number: 20040094658
    Abstract: This machine is a mutated creature of all or most technology to produce either a platform that can be bolted to an existing power supply; as well as could be a complete unit that produces the same result of the ability to fly, hover, &/or drive. This solves many problems by offering an alternative; many parking lots already have helicopter pad(s) so being able to fly in & then hover to a parking spot is an asset. Then if you only add the ability to drive on existing streets/highways; you get the most universal transportation available. Later calculating in the factor that you can convert your existing motorcycle or ATV that is in your garage, into this highly sophisticated futuristic flying machine keeps cost down for a smooth transition is the “Pas-Key” to the future. Imagine driving out bound on the freeway & at the fly zone limit, you flip a switch and fly right off the pavement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: William Dale Pas-Key
  • Publication number: 20040094659
    Abstract: An airfoil having a fore airfoil element, an aft airfoil element, and a slot region in between them. These elements induce laminar flow over substantially all of the fore airfoil element and also provide for laminar flow in at least a portion of the slot region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Dan M. Somers
  • Publication number: 20040094660
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for extending the range of fire of a fin-stabilized artillery missile. The fin-stabilized artillery missile (1), which is fired in a ballistic trajectory, has fins (3-6), which have been given a sawtooth-shaped leading wing edge (7) that has been found to give the missile (1) an extended range of fire and improved manoeuvrability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Torsten Wik
  • Publication number: 20040094661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for shells (1a, 1b) fired from launch weaponry, using some of the barrel pressure built up in the barrel during the launch phase for an additional active function over and above that of giving the shell (1a, 1b) in question its trajectory velocity. According to the invention, during the launch phase, some of the propellant powder gas accelerating the shell is therefore introduced into a chamber (12, 38, 60) which is arranged in the same and which is delimited in at least one direction by an element (8, 31, 58, 52, 53) which is movable relative to the rest of the shell and on which the barrel pressure acting on the shell simultaneously acts to maintain the original direction as long as the shell is located inside the barrel during the launch phase. This technique can thus be used to remove protective casings covering the fins, in order to push out fin units and to deploy initially retracted fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Stig Johnsson, Ulf Hellman, Ulf Holmqvist
  • Publication number: 20040094662
    Abstract: Unusual Flying Object (UFO) with Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities including foward flight with a quiet electric, battery powered, Linear Induction Magnetic Bearings (LINB) power drive used for, manned or unmanned, small cargo tansport, recreational vehicle or aerial surveillance; aerial reconnaissance, coastal surveillance, law enforcement, traffic management, estate or park patrol, geographical or geological survey, border or pipeline patrol, communications relay platform, search and rescue, media coverage support. The invention is capable of imodifications in various respects, all without departing fron the invention Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: John K. Sanders, J. Kenneth Sanders, Arturo Jr. Aviles, Arturo F. Aviles
  • Publication number: 20040094663
    Abstract: A tug device for moving small aircraft having front wheels. A portable drill is connected to a drive wheel and a frame is attached to the wheel. The device is compact and easily assembled for use and disassembled for storage. The device includes a pair of drive wheels and is steerable when a locking latch is released. The locking latch provides rigidity to the device under load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur K. McVaugh
  • Publication number: 20040094664
    Abstract: Aircraft engine nacelles and methods for structurally attaching them to aircraft structures, such as aircraft wings. In one embodiment, an aircraft engine nacelle is attached to a wing between a trailing edge region of the wing and an aft deck region of the wing. In one aspect of this embodiment, the engine nacelle includes a forward portion having first and second structural attach points offset from each other in a first direction at least generally perpendicular to a central axis of the engine nacelle. The first and second structural attach points can be configured to fixedly attach the engine nacelle to the wing at least proximate to the trailing edge region. In another aspect of this embodiment, the engine nacelle includes a side portion having at least a third structural attach point offset from the first and second structural attach points in a second direction at least generally parallel to the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Harrison, Donald T. Powell, James R. Schnelz, Brett D. Whitmer
  • Publication number: 20040094665
    Abstract: The invention proposes to address the vibration transfer function transmitted by a turbo-fan engine or equivalent to the aircraft structure, with two types of isolators mounted on a unique assembly but with a different physical response to the transfer function, an absorbing one and a resonating one. The difference in nature of such responses induces a non-interaction effect between the two isolators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ivan Roson, Luigi Max Maggi
  • Publication number: 20040094666
    Abstract: An aircraft autopilot is automatically engaged to execute an emergency flight profile upon loss of cabin pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Rogitz
  • Publication number: 20040094667
    Abstract: The cockpit access protection system relies upon pass codes for an aircraft and utilizes the galley area as a security area to verify a person's identity before allowing access to the cockpit. The system includes normal operation to insure that unauthorized personnel do not gain access to the cockpit. Upon breach of security, the cockpit door is automatically locked by personnel on the ground. A false signal of security breach can be overcome by an authorized flight crew member communicating with ground control upon verification that the report of a false security breach is not made under duress. The system also allows emergency access to the cockpit in the event of a medical or other similar emergency. The method of operating such system is also unique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Graham R. D'Alvia
  • Publication number: 20040094668
    Abstract: A footrest system for supporting the user's feet in the storage space located under an aircraft seat. The system comprises a foot pad with longitudinally aligned strap members that extend from it's opposite ends. Attached to the distal ends of the two strap members are clip's that selectively attaches the strap member to the framework or underside surface of seat or to a portable stand that may be included with the system. In one embodiment, the strap member includes a buckle that enables the user to adjust the length of the strap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Alicia Jarosz
  • Publication number: 20040094669
    Abstract: Optimised method for assemblling two substantially flat parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Konan Koffi, Jacques Huet, Eric Bouchet
  • Publication number: 20040094670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a panel in a closed position and releasing a panel upon application of changes resulting from a pressure change in an area adjoining the panel. The apparatus includes a latch mechanism attached to a structure having a bolt for engaging corresponding panel. The latch mechanism may be retained on the corresponding panel with the bolt engaging the structure. A pressure responsive device is provided to detect a change in pressure on one side of the panel and facilitating release of the bolt in response to a pressure change of a predetermined range or force. The latch mechanism and pressure responsive device vent to or communicate with only one side of the panel. A reservoir on one side of the panel communicates with a pressure responsive chamber of the pressure responsive device. The reservoir is generally on the same side of the panel to provide a pressure volume which is generally isolated from ambient pressure, such as during a decompression event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Pratt, Timothy S. Rozema
  • Publication number: 20040094671
    Abstract: An inflatable emergency evacuation slide system comprises a slide pack (60) with an emergency evacuation slide (10) stored in an uninflated, folded condition together with an inflator (30). A manual inflation lanyard (38) having a mechanical stop (44), such as a crimped ferrule located along its length, is routed in a conventional manner to a point proximal the girt bar (64) securing the evacuation slide (10) to the aircraft (20). The manual inflation lanyard (38) is routed through a grommet (46) at one end of an automatic inflation lanyard (50), the other end of which is attached to the aircraft exit door (18). In operation, when the aircraft exit door (18) is opened in the armed condition, the evacuation slide pack (60) is released from its storage compartment and is dropped from the emergency evacuation exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ramon J. Moro, Luther D. Ware
  • Publication number: 20040094672
    Abstract: A stores ejection system for retaining stores on the underside of an aircraft and forcibly jettisoning the stores away from the aircraft is disclosed. The ejection system includes a plurality of ejector mechanisms for releasably holding and jettisoning the stores away from the aircraft, a plurality of storage devices for storing pressurized gas to actuate the ejector mechanisms, and a central control system for maintaining the pressure of the gas, and actuating the release of the gas. The central control system monitors the pressure of the storage devices and heats only those storage devices that have a pressure below the operatingpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus Jakubowski, John K. Foster, Gary T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040094673
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device forming a mechanism, in particular for use in the space industry, characterised in that it comprises in combination: two structural elements (100, 200) capable of relative displacement, locking means (300) adapted to prevent initially the relative displacement between the two structural elements (100, 200), and means (400) for controlled locking of the locking means (300) designed to prevent initially the release thereof, then when activated, successively, in a first phase, a sliding action in controlled amplitude of the locking means (300), for limited release between the two structural elements (100, 200), then in a second phase, complete release of the locking means (300) and hence of the structural elements (100, 200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Guy Valembois, Dominique Medus
  • Publication number: 20040094674
    Abstract: The invention recites an exhaust pipe clamp for clamping at least two pipes. The clamp includes a band formed to at least partially surround each of the two pipes, the band defining an internal volume. A reaction block is interconnected with the band and disposed substantially within the internal volume. The exhaust clamp also includes a clamping member operable to reduce the internal volume of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Bozmoski, Brian Campbell
  • Publication number: 20040094675
    Abstract: A holding device for securing a shoe element of a pipeline section includes at least two claw members (11.1, 11.2; 61) each having a claw section (31) for engaging around a support edge (127.1, 127.2), a bearing section (32) adjoining the claw section (31) for supporting the claw member (11.1, 11.2; 61) on an outer side of the support (3), and a flange section (21; 62; 118.1, 118.2); and includes a plurality of holding-down members (12.1, 12.2; 51; 71; 81; 91; 101; 119.1, 119.2), with at least one of the holding-down members being secured on each of the at least two claw members and being formed as a separate part securable on the flange section (21; 62; 118.1, 118.2) of the claw member with a fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Mirsberger, Ulrich Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20040094676
    Abstract: The present invention is a microscope support system for use in dental surgery or oral surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard M. Cuomo
  • Publication number: 20040094677
    Abstract: A book holder for use with automobile steering wheel is not only fastened to the rim of an automobile or truck steering wheels so as to hold printed matter and various electronic devices, but also is foldable to smaller size for storage. The book holder can also be used as a desk to read and write on it and can be installed or removed from the steering wheel within seconds. This book holder includes two built-in elastic bands to prevent unexpected book turning pages and two elastic loops for holding the pens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: James Guo, Wendy Zang
  • Publication number: 20040094678
    Abstract: The present invention is a mounting bracket for the construction of a deck. The mounting bracket has a separating flange, a joist-fastening portion, a support flange, and a plank-fastening flange. The separating flange and the plank-fastening flange are generally located in a first plane. The joist-fastening portion is generally located perpendicular to the first plane. The joist-fastening portion has a joist-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a vertical joist. The support flange includes an access hole to provide access through the support flange to allow an installer to install a first fastener in the joist-fastening hole. The plank-fastening flange includes a plank-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a horizontal plank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Paul Burgess
  • Publication number: 20040094679
    Abstract: A bracket system with a first bracket portion movably coupled to a second bracket portion for mounting a generally horizontal surface to a generally vertical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick T. Rose, Roger M. Rassche
  • Publication number: 20040094680
    Abstract: The invention concerns a suspension part (1) comprising ends supporting connecting rods (8 and 9) articulated to a turbojet engine (3) which is constructed such that the ends form a pair of yokes (5) separated by a slot (19) bisecting the part (1) over part of its length so as to stop fatigue crack propagation (20). The fixing elements (11) comprising lock bolts (13) are arranged in enlarged portions (15) of the yokes (5) which extend above the connecting rods (8) and (9), thereby ensuring static resistance of the yokes (5) when the counterpart has given way. Said arrangement also reduces cantilever between the fixing elements (11) and the connecting rod (8) and (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Francois Brefort, Lydie Chevalier, Jean-Louis Picard, Jean-Claude Felix Pasquer
  • Publication number: 20040094681
    Abstract: A bracket element (1) for fastening a mounting element to a support has a first member (2) and a second member (3). The support has, at least on one of its outer walls, openings in a predetermined spacing. The first member (2) is provided with an opening (4) corresponding to the openings in the outer wall of the support for fastening the bracket element (1) on the support. The first member (2) further has a guide edge (5) that is used for orienting the bracket element (1) on the support. In the oriented condition of the bracket element (1), the elongated opening (6) arranged on the second member (3) runs parallel to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Ulrich Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20040094682
    Abstract: A device for hanging up objects such as towels. The device comprises at least two partially overlapping and substantially parallel elements, which are movable with respect to each other in a resilient way, wherein the resiliency is provided by an intrinsic property of the material of the device, such that the object is held between the elements. One of the elements is provided on its side which is facing towards the other elements with a thickening, the first element extends upwardly, and the end of the first element is positioned a short distance from the upper rim of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Constantino Waterman
  • Publication number: 20040094683
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement and method for a drive motor for power seat slider rail assemblies, in which a bracket extends between a pair of right angle gear units secured to one end of a respective slider rail. The bracket has a longitudinal slot at one end engaging a headed pin on one of the gear units and a transverse slot at the other end snap fit to a headed pin on the other gear unit when the bracket is swung about the first pin and slot connection. The bracket has intermediate structure which engages the drive motor to align the same between the gear units when the bracket is swung into position and prevent rotation of the motor casing. Flexible drive shafts extend from each end of the motor to drive respective gear units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Pascal E. Garrido, Brent Hauck, Brian Moore
  • Publication number: 20040094684
    Abstract: A metal profile part, comprising two or more superimposed metal profiles (12, 14), the metal profiles having openings/holes (22, 24) in the area of the superimposed contacting surfaces (16, 18) and the metal profiles being interconnected by means of injection molded plastic material (26) through the openings (22, 24). A method to interconnect metal profiles (12, 14) to create a metal profile part (10), the method comprising insertion of metal profiles (12, 14) to be interconnected in a tool in such a way that openings (22, 24) provided in contacting surfaces (16, 18) of the metal profiles (12, 14) are lying on top of each other in a generally congruent manner, and comprising injection molding of plastic material connections (26) in the area of the openings (22, 24) through the openings (22, 24) and subsequent curing of the plastic material connections (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Gottfried Sailer
  • Publication number: 20040094685
    Abstract: A device for hanging an object from a wall is disclosed. The device comprises a push plate, a lance, and a hanger. The push plate includes a front push plate surface and a back push plate surface opposing the front push plate surface. The lance extends from the front push plate surface and has a barb, which defines a barb surface, adjacent a distal end. The hanger extends from the front push plate surface. Also, the hanger is capable of receiving the object and biasing the barb surface against the wall when the object is received. At least one of the push plate and the hanger are capable of receiving a rotational force such that the hanger is positioned to receive the object. The device is capable of digital insertion into the wall. Therefore, the device can be employed to hang the object without the use of a mechanical tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Peter G. Janssen
  • Publication number: 20040094686
    Abstract: A device for holding an object has a triangle cross section and includes a plurality of flat surfaces. One of the flat surfaces has a magnet connect thereto and a groove is defined in one of peaks of the device so as to hold a flashlight or a hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040094687
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a supply unit for accommodating medical instruments. A middle part, which is located at an instrument (12) and is equipped with lateral guide surfaces (3), engages a height-adjustable middle part of the supply unit (1) with side cheeks (2) in an accurately fitting manner. So-called end position sensors (4), e.g., photoelectric cells, which send a signal to an evaluating and control unit when the height-adjustable middle part of the supply unit (1) has been moved upward to the extent that pins (14) arranged there are completely accommodated by complementarily designed pin mounts (15) at the middle part of the instrument (12), are provided at the middle part of the supply unit (1). The evaluating and control unit now releases a plug-type connection for the power supply (6, 7), for the data transmission (8, 9) and for the pneumatic supply (10, 11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hartmut Schmidt, Gunter Olbrich
  • Publication number: 20040094688
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a mounting means for mounting a component (1) on a mounting plate (2) that is an elastic ring (3) whose inside comprises a circumferential surface structure, whereby two axial holes (4) are provided for fastening on the mounting plate (2), [said ring] comprising a radial slot (7) that parts the ring (3) between two end sections (7), and whereby means are provided for clamping the ring (3) around the component (1). The invention is also directed to a mounting arrangement comprising the mounting means. over and above this, the invention is directed to the employment of the mounting means for mounting cylindrical components (1) on a mounting plate (2). The invention can be especially advantageously employed for mounting cylindrical components (1) such as electrolytic capacitors that comprise a bead in the region of the floor (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hartmut Michel, Rainer Hebel, Siegfried Adler
  • Publication number: 20040094689
    Abstract: An adjustable form holder, comprising a first bracket and a second bracket pivotally attached to each other by a hinge, so as to allow relative pivoting about a substantially vertical axis. The first and second brackets provide substantially vertical slots configured to receive an end of an elongate concrete form member. The hinge allows the concrete form members to be held in place on-edge at a selected horizontal angle relative to each other. The hinge may include a central aperture for receiving a form stake. Multiple form holders may be stacked for forming walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Rose
  • Publication number: 20040094690
    Abstract: A method of stable focus control for an optical drive is disclosed. When the signal processing circuit of the optical drive detects a focus drop, the rotation speed of the spindle motor is detected and compared to a predetermined rotation speed. When the rotation speed of the spindle motor is faster than the predetermined rotation speed, the spindle motor brakes to re-focus, and the focus servo mechanism is reset from open-loop control to closed-loop control. Thus, the focus point is locked on the optical disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Sun Yu-Hung, Chang Chih-Hao, Sen-Ming Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040094691
    Abstract: An autonomous light tracking device includes first and second movable light-sensitive sensors that produce respective first and second electrical signals representative of light received from a remote light source, and a first comparator that receives the first and second electrical signals and is adapted to provide a first output signal when the first electrical signal differs substantially from the second electrical signal in a predetermined manner. The autonomous light tracking device also includes a motor coupled to the first and second movable light-sensitive sensors, that selectively moves the first and second movable light-sensitive sensors in response to the first output signal so as to maintain the first and second movable light-sensitive sensors in approximate relative alignment with the remote light source over a substantial arcuate range of motion, and a power supply for the first comparator and the motor, that generates required electrical power from the remote light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael H. Redler, Dennis Rader
  • Publication number: 20040094692
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system includes a control that receives inputs from ambient and glare detecting light sensors and establishes reflectance levels of the interior mirror reflective element and exterior mirror reflective element. The control includes a sensitivity selection for establishing a sensitivity level as a function of light sensed by at least one of the ambient and glare detecting light sensors. The reflectance level of the interior and/or exterior mirror reflective element is at least a function of the sensitivity level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Kenneth L. Schierbeek
  • Publication number: 20040094693
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the sensitivity of stabilizing an optronic fuse system, which includes a controller, and, as a receiver, an avalanche photodiode (APD). In order to avoid adjustment of an analog electronic system with potentiometers, laser trimming or individual resistor fitment, the controller ascertains the temperature of the APD in such a way that the sensitivity of the APD corresponds to its reference sensitivity at any temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Andreas Ganghofer
  • Publication number: 20040094694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photocathode and the like having such structure for holding a photocathode plate on a light transparent member with good reliability and workability. In the photocathode, claw portions of a holding member fixed to the light transparent member is pressed against the lower surface of a supporting plate so that a photocathode plate is sandwiched between the light transparent member and the supporting plate. Thus, the supporting plate is pressed against the photocathode plate, so that the photocathode plate is pressed against the light transparent plate by the supporting plate. This allows the photocathode plate to be held reliably by the light transparent member. This simple configuration further provides good workability in assembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Hamamatsu PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuharu Negi, Yasuyuki Egawa, Toru Hirohata, Minoru Niigaki
  • Publication number: 20040094695
    Abstract: A digital CMOS sensor includes a chip adapted to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board by multiple conducting wires. A transparent layer is fully enveloped the chip and the multiple wires. A convex lens is disposed on a top face of the transparent layer and aligns with the chip for guiding light rays penetrating the transparent layer to the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Wen Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20040094696
    Abstract: An optical wireless communication receiver comprises a dielectric totally internally reflecting concentrator (DTIRC) (1) having a convexly curved receiving surface (2) for receiving incident radiation over a wide field-of-view and a concavely curved side surface (3) from which radiation passing through the receiving surface is totally internally reflected towards a detection surface (4). A narrowband optical filter (6) is provided for filtering the radiation before it reaches the detection surface (4), and a photodetector serves to detect the radiation reaching the detection surface (4) and to provide an electrical output signal indicative of the radiation detected. Such an arrangement offer higher concentration and allows the use of small photodetectors which reduces the capacitance and the cost and improves receiver sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Roberto Ramirez-Iniguez, Roger Green
  • Publication number: 20040094697
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Elliott D. Light, Jon L. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20040094698
    Abstract: On a plate of birefringent crystal made of an LiNbO3 crystal or an LiTaO3 crystal, a conductive substance is adhered to the whole periphery of side surfaces of the plate that intersect an incident surface of a laser beam, thereby to form a wave plate. A polarizer is provided at the latter stage of the wave plate. A wavelength is monitored based on an output from the polarizer. With this arrangement, based on the use of the LiNbO3 crystal or the LiTaO3 crystal that can be manufactured by a large quantity at low cost, it is possible to obtain polarization characteristics and wavelength discrimination characteristics that are stable against environmental changes such as temperature and external stress, by suppressing the pyroelectric effect and the piezoelectric effect of these materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Masao Imaki, Syuhei Yamamoto, Youhei Mikami, Yoshihito Hirano, Makoto Satou, Kenji Masuda, Yasunori Nishimura, Yuji Masuyama
  • Publication number: 20040094699
    Abstract: An optical head device having an optical element capable of transmitting without diffracting light having a wavelength emitted from a two-wavelength semiconductor laser and capable of diffracting light having another wavelength, to provide high utilization efficiency of light in a stable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Goto, Hiroki Hotaka, Yoshiharu Ooi, Reiko Nozawa, Noriaki Shimodaira, Ryota Murakami
  • Publication number: 20040094700
    Abstract: A dichroic type narrow-band-pass filter is used as a beamsplitter inside a night vision goggle eyepiece. The filter is combined with appropriately aligned polarizers and liquid crystal type shutter rotators movable between a “P” orientation and an “S” orientation to transmit center band and side band wavelengths of the normal view or night scene for recording, transmitting or enhancing. In the enhanced low light level mode, the intensified visible image presented to the user comprises a 40 degree circular image with a 30 degree by 22.5 degree rectangular display insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Danny Filipovich, Jack Fiore, Robert O Ziv, Philip Uy
  • Publication number: 20040094701
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the quantitative analysis of the contents, in nitrogen, of hydrogen and methane by means of ionic mobility spectrometry, consisting of a) performing a measurement of the apparent hydrogen concentration in the nitrogen under examination; b) performing a measurement of the apparent hydrogen concentration in a flow of the same sample of nitrogen, purified from all impurities but methane; and c) comparing the two measures. A system is also disclosed for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Pusterla, Marco Succi
  • Publication number: 20040094702
    Abstract: An ion separation instrument includes an ion source coupled to at least a first ion mobility spectrometer having an ion outlet coupled to a mass spectrometer. Instrumentation is further included to provide for passage to the mass spectrometer only ions defining a preselected ion mobility range. In one embodiment, the ion mobility spectrometer is provided with electronically controllable inlet and outlet gates, wherein a control circuit is operable to control actuation of the inlet and outlet gates as a function of ion drift time to thereby allow passage therethrough only of ions defining a mobility within the preselected ion mobility range. In another embodiment, an ion trap is disposed between the ion mobility spectrometer and mass spectrometer and is controlled in such a manner so as to collect a plurality of ions defining a mobility within the preselected ion mobility range prior to injection of such ions into the mass spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Clemmer