Patents Issued in June 15, 2004
  • Patent number: 6749302
    Abstract: A fast position detection system and related method for an ophthalmic instrument utilize stored geometrical relationships determined by multiple regression during instrument calibration to compute X-Y-Z alignment status of the instrument relative to a patient's eye based on local x-y position information from a pair of lateral detectors receiving corneally reflected light from a corresponding pair of lateral light sources. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral detectors are quad-cell detectors. A heads-up display image is preferably provided along an optical axis of the instrument for supplying instructive cues to an operator for moving the instrument to achieve alignment, whereby the operator sees both a macro-image of the patient's eye and the display image. The speed of the position detection system makes it particularly suitable for use in hand-held ophthalmic instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Reichert, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Percival, Douglas H. Hoover
  • Patent number: 6749303
    Abstract: An optometry apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical element 26 provided in a correction optical system 1, which has a spherical lens 24 and a cylindrical lens 25 and which corrects examined eyes E to be subjected to optometry, wherein the optical element is used so that targets are seen as if they were dispersed in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis O1 and shown simultaneously at a different distance or position in a direction of an optical axis through the eyes E to be subjected to optometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Yasufumi Fukuma, Yasuo Kato, Makoto Fujino
  • Patent number: 6749304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for improving image quality in focusing screens of an optical representation system of a movie camera, having a movably mounted translucent disk in a sandwich structure, a drive device moving the movable disk in the plane of the disk and a stationary disk mounted parallel to the plane of the movable disk with an image field marking. The drive device is connected to the movable disk and moves the movable disk at least temporarily, for instance during the “standby mode” of the movie camera, at a frequency depending on the image frequency of the movie camera, the video frequency of a video reflecting device of the movie camera or motion picture camera or the brightness of the image or subject to be recorded or with a high motion frequency independent of the operating state of the movie camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Klaus Jacumet
  • Patent number: 6749305
    Abstract: An optical module is composed of three light-guide units and a holder for the units. Each of the light-guide units is made of a mirror plane used for reflecting and transmitting light installed between two prisms via the use of circularly applied glue. The holder includes three installation areas one installation area for each light-guide unit. Additionally, the holder has two frames that are arranged perpendicularly to each other and each frame is installed perpendicularly to the joining sides of two installation areas i.e. one frame is installed perpendicular to the side where installation area 1 and installation area 2 meet and the other frame is installed perpendicular to the side where installation area 2 and installation area 3 meet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Primax Display Corpration
    Inventors: Chung-Feng Tsao, Bun-Liou Liau, Kao-Chun Huang, Yun-Liang Chu
  • Patent number: 6749306
    Abstract: A device disposed to direct a stream of air across the reflective face of an exteriorly-mounted rear view mirror on an automotive vehicle. The device is especially adaptable to large trucks whose exterior mirrors are positioned in a way to create a vacuum on the reflective face when the truck is in motion. This vacuum tends to pull moisture and foreign matter to the reflective face, thereby causing loss of vision. The device directs a stream of air over the reflective face to break the vacuum and prevent foreign matter from adhering to the face, thereby enhancing the view of the driver and reducing risk. The device is constructed in a manner to be easily mounted (only one screw is required) to a standard rear view mirror of a truck or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6749307
    Abstract: A domestic or vehicle rearview silvered mirror having a silver coating which is not covered with a protective layer of copper. The silver mirror comprises a glass sheet, tin and preferably palladium at surface of the glass sheet, a silver coating of the surface of the glass sheet and at least one paint layer covering the silver coating. Optionally, tin may be present at the surface of the silver coating adjacent the paint layer and optionally traces of silane may be present at the surface of the silver coating adjacent to the paint layer. Alternate or additional materials may be present at a surface of the glass sheet and alternate or additional materials may be present at the surface of the silver adjacent to the paint layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Glaverbel
    Inventors: Pierre Laroche, Pierre Boulanger, Christian Dauby
  • Patent number: 6749308
    Abstract: A micromirror (5), a micro-oscillating mirror in particular, having an at least largely cantilevered mirror surface (10) which may be displaced from the rest position about at least one torsional axis (17) is described. The mirror surface (10) is linked to at least one support body (11, 12) by at least two torsion beams (13, 13′), which are arranged at least approximately parallel to each other. Also described is the displacement of the micrometer from its rest position by an electrostatic or magnetic interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Niendorf, Karsten Funk
  • Patent number: 6749309
    Abstract: An optical element is disclosed for use in a scanning system. The optical element comprises a carbon-based substrate having a first specific stiffness, and a titanium carbide coating having a second specific stiffness. The carbon-based substrate and the titanium carbide coating form a composite having a desired shape. The composite has a third specific stiffness that is greater than the first specific stiffness and greater than the second specific stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: GSI Lumonics Corporation
    Inventors: Alvaro Kaplan, Michael B. Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 6749310
    Abstract: A system and method for providing lighting effects comprises an arrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an opening through which a camera can protrude. In one embodiment, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light-emitting crystals (LECs) are arranged on the frame in a pattern of concentric circles, with the frame being ring-shaped and having a circular opening through which a camera can protrude, and a mounting bracket and assembly for attaching the frame to a camera. The LEDs or LECs may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and may be strobed, dimmed or otherwise controlled according to manually selected or programmable patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Contrast Lighting Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy G. Pohlert, Pat Grosswendt
  • Patent number: 6749311
    Abstract: A light conductive bar has a plurality of flat portions parallel to a side surface thereof facing a light conductive plate and formed on a side surface thereof opposite to the side surface and a plurality of inclined surfaces descending from one end surface facing a spot-like light source toward the other end surface, wherein the flat portions step down gradually from the one end surface to the other end surface. When light introduced into the light conductive bar from the one end surface is repeatedly reflected at the flat portions and the side surface facing the light conductive plate, angles of reflections thereat can stay larger than the critical angle because the flat portions are parallel to the side surface. Accordingly, the light can travel to the other end surface without leakage, thereby improving the luminance of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Suzuki, Toru Kunimochi
  • Patent number: 6749312
    Abstract: Optical assembly includes a light emitter and a film through which light passes from the light emitter. The film has a uniform or variable pattern of individual deformities of well defined shape that are projections or depressions on or in one or more surface areas of the film. The deformities are quite small in relation to the width and length of the film. At least some of the deformities may have two or more surfaces that come together to form a ridge having a total length that is quite small in relation to the width and length of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Gregory A. Coghlan, Robert M. Ezell
  • Patent number: 6749313
    Abstract: Plate-type luminaire comprising a prism plate with a smooth upper plate surface and a prism lower surface formed by a plurality of longitudinal ribs; a cover plate made of translucent material resting on the prism surface; and an optical-waveguide plate on the smooth plate surfaces of the prism plate. The plates are curved continuously in the same direction of curvature, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal ribs of the prism plate, at least over most of the plate width, with the longitudinal ribs being located on the inside of the arc of curvature of the prism plate. A reflector plate may be disposed over the waveguide plate, with a smooth or a longitudinally ribbed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Ludwig Leuchten KG
    Inventors: Alexander Ludwig, Rudolf Rieger, Tibor Csizy
  • Patent number: 6749314
    Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility power jack or communication port in electrical connection with a power source. The apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or communication port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device including one or more illumination devices attached to the body and electrically connected to the utility power jack through the plug and the body. The illumination device is powered by the power source when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack. Preferably, the one or more illumination devices include one or more Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Technology Creations, Inc., Design Rite LLC
    Inventors: David Naghi, Gilbert Fregoso
  • Patent number: 6749315
    Abstract: A direct type back light device includes a plurality of luminescent lamps, upper and lower lamp holders formed to receive upper and lower opposite ends of the luminescent lamps, a lower support having lower lamp holder recesses for fixing the lower lamp holders, conductive layers formed upon an area of the lower lamp holders and lower support for receiving the lower opposite ends of the luminescent lamps to supply power to the luminescent lamps, an upper support having upper lamp holder recesses for fixing the upper lamp holders, and conductive layers formed upon an area of the upper lamp holders and upper support for receiving the upper opposite ends of the luminescent lamps to supply the power to the luminescent lamps, wherein the lower and upper supports assemble together to fix the lower and upper opposite ends of the luminescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Min Moon, Ju Young Bang
  • Patent number: 6749316
    Abstract: A side arm baton with flashlight and camera, for protection of a user from an assailant, having a cylindrical stick portion having a first and a second end, and a cylindrical handle portion extending perpendicular to the stick portion at a distance along the stick portion which is closer to the second end than to the first end. The device has a flashlight having a bulb located at the first end of the stick portion, and a camera mechanism. The buttons which activate the camera and the flashlight and the camera lens are located on the surface of the handle portion which is oriented toward the first end of the stick portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce Wong, Gregory V Glover
  • Patent number: 6749317
    Abstract: A flashlight having a light-emitting diode light source with first and second leads extending therefrom, a power source, a power source frame enclosing at least a portion of the power source; a housing containing the light source and power source, a switch located adjacent the power source and operable to close a circuit including the light source and the power source, and wherein one or all of the following may be included 1) a keyring extension extending from a power source frame or the housing with the keyring extension having an opening whereby an article can be attached to the keyring extension and includes a keyring lock wherein upon exerting a force against the keyring lock, the keyring lock is opened to permit the article to be attached to the keyring extension; 2) the housing is comprised of translucent material; and 3) the housing includes at least one side cover which is not integral with the housing and the at least one side cover being selected from anodized aluminum, anodized metal, anodized met
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, W. Clay Reeves
  • Patent number: 6749318
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a highly focused light as well as a display. The hand tool can include a plurality of different tools, and includes a polygonal housing and a conical nose section as well as an easily gripped outer surface which includes gripping protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Josue Palacios
  • Patent number: 6749319
    Abstract: A container having a light operatively connected to a motion detector. The motion detector is attached to the lid of the container and a light is attached to the inside of the container. When motion detector detects movement, the light will automatically turn on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Scott William Muse
  • Patent number: 6749320
    Abstract: Proper placement of a lighted area produced by light from a light emitting diode chip relative to a base provides for a lamp for use with conventional flashlights having a collimating reflector. At least a portion of the light produced by the light emitting diode chip then is collimated into a beam of light for projection from the flashlight. Various means are disclosed to provide for a radial distribution of the produced light wherein the produced light properly strikes the collimating reflector for concentration into the beam of light. Lens elements, scarification of an exterior surface and placement of reflective surfaces are all disclosed as examples of methods to provide for the desired distribution of light. Such methods may be used singularly or in various combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Fred Jack Hartley
  • Patent number: 6749321
    Abstract: An automatic power-generating device for decorative lamps has a weight-distributing plate or a heavy weight inside. Rotation of an exterior object produces an eccentric force (a centrifugal force) to rotate the weight-distributing plate or the heavy weight together with a coil and a magnet. The coil and the magnet rotate at different speeds due to the law of inertia to force magnetic field produced vicissitudes and to generate an inductive current (based on a principle of electromagnetic induction) to supply decorative lamps with power for lighting. Thus, the automatic power-generating device is able to save electricity and is convenient to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Yih-Wenn Luo
  • Patent number: 6749322
    Abstract: A waterproof lighting device includes a tubular transparent casing, a lamp circuit, and first and second end caps mounted to opposite open ends of the casing so as to close the opposite open ends of the casing. The lamp circuit includes a lamp board mounted on a curved base plate, a receiving space defined between the lamp board and the base plate, a light emitting member mounted on the lamp board, a ballast disposed in the receiving space and connected electrically to the light emitting member, and a power cord having one end coupled electrically to the lamp board, and an opposite end extending through the first end cap and terminated by a power plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Chuen-Shing Chen
  • Patent number: 6749323
    Abstract: A generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surface elements is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within a housing having an opening. A light source and a mirror are disposed in the housing to reflect light rays from the light source onto the mirror then to the spherical body to cause the light rays passing through the opening in the housing onto an exterior wall to simulate descending snowflakes. The mirror is adjustable in order to change the path of the simulated snowflakes on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: James L. LaChance
  • Patent number: 6749324
    Abstract: A first retainer engages with an exterior side of an interior wall member to retain a lamp unit on an interior side of the interior wall member. A second retainer engages with an exterior side of a panel body to retain the interior wall member, on which the lamp unit is mounted, on an interior side of the panel body. The second retainer includes a flexible arm having a free end portion which is flexible in a first direction parallel with the panel body and a second direction perpendicular to the panel body. The free end portion is abutted against the exterior side of the panel body when the interior wall member is mounted on the panel body. A regulator prevents the free end portion of the flexible arm from being flexed more than a predetermined amount in the second direction when the flexible arm is not flexed in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Kenji Oishi
  • Patent number: 6749325
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the reflective substrate simultaneously reflects visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which are borne by the second surface and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a reflector is borne by the second surface and which directs the electromagnetic radiation emitted by some of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may pass through the reflective substrate and be viewed from a location forward of the first surface, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a remainder of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may be viewed from a location forward of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 6749326
    Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle, having a light module, at least one reflector, the module having at least one holding frame which is turnable about two axes extending substantially perpendicularly to one another in a plan parallel to a light outlet plan of the light module, the axis intersecting one another and having an intersecting point located inside the light module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Klaus Nagel, Hans-J. Schmidt, Wolfgang Krieg, Harry Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6749327
    Abstract: A discharge bulb and a discharge bulb-lighting device are connected together by a power supply cord via an opening. A waterproof wall of a cylindrical shape is formed on and projects from a portion of the body disposed near a peripheral edge of the opening. Positioning ribs are formed on and project from a portion of the body disposed with surrounding an outer surface of the waterproof wall. A waterproof rib of a cylindrical shape, which is smaller in diameter than the waterproof wall, is formed on the discharge bulb-lighting device. Restraint portions for contacting with inner surfaces of the positioning ribs are formed on the discharge bulb-lighting device. The discharge bulb-lighting device is fastened by screws to the body, with an O-ring held between the waterproof rib and the waterproof wall and also with the restraint portions held in contact respectively with the inner surfaces of the positioning ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 6749328
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow with a mixing assembly for mixing aggregate building products. The wheelbarrow has a base assembly and an open hopper mounted on the base assembly. The mixing assembly has a mixing blade positioned within the hopper, and a motor. A motor housing is positioned under the hopper, within the base assembly, and houses the motor. A shaft extends from the mixing blade through the bottom surface of the hopper into the motor housing. The shaft connects the mixing blade with the motor, and allows for rotational movement of the blade to effect cutting grooves into the aggregate substances within the hopper when the motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Killen
  • Patent number: 6749329
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing product components. The methods include directing a first jet of fluid along a first path and directing a second jet of fluid along a second path to cause interaction between the jets that forms a stream oriented essentially opposite to one of the jet paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: B.E.E. Corporation
    Inventors: Tal Shechter, Assaf Levin, Yehuda Aish
  • Patent number: 6749330
    Abstract: A powder mixing system and mixer for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells or other similar dry powder mixtures. The mixer is provided with a central recirculation jet and with annularly located alternating recirculation and mix water jets that discharge into the mixing chamber of the mixer in an overlapping fashion to effectively wet dry cement introduced into the mixing chamber. The mix water jets are formed from a set of slots provided both in a rotatable element and from another set of slots provided in a stationary portion so that when the rotatable element rotates, the size of mix water jets is adjusted. Two inlet elbows attach to the inlet of the central recirculation jet to cause the flow from the jet to rotate in a diverging pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 6749331
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hughes Product Designs
    Inventor: John E. Q. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6749332
    Abstract: To solve a problem of a height at a time of stirring a laminated tube solder by a conventional apparatus, makes it easy to keep balance at a time of rotating, and improve a stirring efficiency, a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7) are fixed to portions near both end portions of a rotation driving shaft (2) which is horizontally supported to a stand (1), the rotation driving shaft (2) is rotated by a drive motor (3), four rotary tubes (8, 8) with opening and closing lids are supported between a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7), and the rotary tubes (8, 8) are revolved around the rotation driving shaft (2) in a vertical direction while being made rotate around their own axes respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Minami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 6749333
    Abstract: A tourbillon mechanism comprises a cage (1), an escapement wheel (3), an anchor (5) and a balance wheel. The cage (1) comprises an upper portion (1a) and a lower portion (1b) with cylindrical skirts and adapted to be superposed on each other. Moreover, the cage (1) is associated with a monolithic bridge (7) ensuring the positioning of the escapement wheel (3) and of the anchor (5). The cage is of aluminum alloy treated by anodic oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Chopard Manufacture S.A.
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Scheufele
  • Patent number: 6749334
    Abstract: An ear thermometer probe structure comprises a shell body. A hollow thermal absorption component is disposed in the shell body, and contacts several positioning points one the inner wall of the shell body. An air gap is formed at the part of the thermal absorption component not contacting the shell body. A wave guide is disposed in the thermal absorption component. The rear section of the wave guide tightly contacts the thermal absorption component, and the front section thereof is separated from the shell body by an air gap. A filter is disposed at the front end of the wave guide to let infrared rays be transmitted. An annular sealing pad is located between the filter and the top of the shell body. A sensor is disposed behind the wave guide and fixed on the thermal absorption component. The sensor is separated from the thermal absorption component and the wave guide by an annular air room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Radiant Innovation Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Lin
  • Patent number: 6749335
    Abstract: An adjustment and calibration system for post-fabrication treatment of an on-chip temperature sensor is provided. As explained in detail below, the adjustment and calibration system includes at least one adjustment circuit, to which the on-chip temperature sensor is responsive, and a storage device that selectively stores control information (1) associated with a state of the adjustment circuit and/or (2) from a tester that writes such control information to the storage device, where the control information stored in the storage device is subsequently selectively read out in order to adjust the adjustment circuit to a state corresponding to the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Spencer Gold, Pradeep Trivedi, Lynn Ooi
  • Patent number: 6749336
    Abstract: A temperature sensor having a capillary tube or stem, sealed at both ends, with a thin bore defined therein is applied to the measurement of temperatures having a range of about −100° to +400° Centigrade. A bulb comprising a liquid reservoir, is provided at one end of the capillary tube, in liquid communication with the bore, and is generally filled with an ionic thermometric liquid. In the operation of the temperature sensor, temperature is measured by the height of the liquid in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Banqiu Wu, John D. Holbrey, Ramana G. Reddy, Robin D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6749337
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radiographic apparatus, and its method of manufacture, that utilizes a single integral housing for providing an evacuated envelope for an anode and cathode assembly. The integral housing is preferably formed from a substrate material, such as Kovar, that has a radiation shielding layer, which is comprised of a powder metal that is deposited with a plasma spray process. The powder metal includes, for example, tungsten and iron, so that the radiation shield layer provides sufficient radiation blocking and heat transfer characteristics such that an additional external housing is not required. In an alternative embodiment, the integral housing is composed of a solidified integrated mixture of metallic powders that function together as both the integral housing wall and the radiation shielding. The integral housing is air cooled, and thus does not utilize any liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Artig, Deborah L. Salmon
  • Patent number: 6749338
    Abstract: A cover band on a linear guide for closing holes that are provided for fastening screws of a guide rail. The cover band is inserted in a longitudinal groove of the guide rail and has an outer surface in the plane of a wiping surface of the guide rail. Two retaining strips on the cover band bear inside the longitudinal groove against those lateral groove walls and are locked together. The cover band is composed of an outer facing layer and an inner deformation layer. The inner layer contains the retaining strips. The outer and inner layers of the cover band are of two different materials, e.g., steel and aluminum, which are inseparably connected mechanically by cold roll bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Roland Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6749339
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a hydrodynamic bearing assembly, which realizes the high rotation rate in a stable manner and the robust rigidity. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly has a total radial gap of 3 microns or less for preventing the contact in the thrust bearing. The thrust bearing is a pomp-out type one, and the radial bearing has offset grooves on the surface thereof to supply the fluid flow sufficiently to the thrust bearing. The grooves also eliminate a half-whirl. A depth ratio relative to the diameter of bearing is preferably 0.005 or less to avoid the reduced translation rigidity. The radial gap is smoothly enlarged from the center to both ends along the axis, and the shaft is biased to incline the shaft relative to the sleeve, so that the shaft can be rotated with the robust rigidity. Also, a pair of the thrust bearings is provided on both ends of the radial bearing so as to realize the robust rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Murabe, Makoto Otsuki, Osamu Komura, Hisao Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6749340
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for allowing a molecularly thin film to be established on a surface of the gas fluid dynamic bearing. The film can be controllably replenished so that the problem of liquid lubricant starvation is overcome. A suitable non-sludging lubricant of low surface tension is held in a porous reservoir within the stationary portion of the bearing. This fluid migrates out of the reservoir to coat the contiguous bearing surfaces. Alternatively, the lubricant may be held in a porous reservoir within the rotating portion of the bearing; due to centrifugal force, as the rotating portion spins, the fluid is spun out and coats the opposite non-rotating surface. The reservoir may be replaced by a singular reservoir such as a simple hole, depression, cavity or groove filled with lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Ian Rudd, Raquib Uddin Khan
  • Patent number: 6749341
    Abstract: A ball bearing construction including a plurality of balls supported in a cage and each ball within a row is off-set relative to each other. In certain applications the rolling surface of the balls bear against the rotating shaft and the case enclosing the bearing. The number of balls and the number of rows are predicated on the particular application. This invention is particularly efficacious for use for medical instruments. In other embodiments an inner race and/or outer race can be utilized with this configured balls and cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Anspach Effort, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Del Rio
  • Patent number: 6749342
    Abstract: The bearing device is formed of a bearing seat, a roller bearing, and a squeeze element. The squeeze element rests over a large surface area on the outer ring of the roller bearing and rests only regionally on corresponding regions of the bearing seat. The regions are preferably linear or striplike and are oriented substantially axially. This facilitates the insertion and removal of the roller bearing into and out of the bearing seat and prevents rotation of the outer bearing ring even if the bearing seats are provided with relatively generous tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Memminger-IRO GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Leins, Hermann Schmodde, Attila Horvath
  • Patent number: 6749343
    Abstract: A power roller bearing for rotatably supporting a power roller of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, having: an inner ring; an outer ring; a plurality of balls respectively interposed between the inner and outer rings; and, a retainer for holding the balls therein, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of pockets for storing the balls therein at equi-distant positions in the peripheral direction of the retainer, and the inner peripheral portions of the pockets are respectively formed of elastic material that, when the power roller rotates, allows the balls to shift from the equi-distant positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Hisashi Machida, Masayoshi Shimizuya
  • Patent number: 6749344
    Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hamm, Robert J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6749345
    Abstract: Electro-optical packages that embed the electronics of the packages directly to the optical cabling, provide short electrical connection paths for high performance, and that provide a robust interconnects. A first electro-optical package includes an integrated circuit and a connector sleeve configured to receive a plug-in optical assembly from the underside of the PC board. The plug-in optical assembly includes a backing piece and an opto-electric device mounted onto the backing piece. An electrical connection is provided between the opto-electric device and a contact location on the backing piece and a contact is provided between the contact location on the backing piece and the integrated circuit. With a second electro-optical package, an integrated circuit having an active surface facing in a first direction and an opto-electric device having contact points facing a second direction are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Andrew Gee, Luu Thanh Nguyen, Ken Pham, Jia Liu, William Paul Mazotti, Bruce Carlton Roberts, Peter Deane
  • Patent number: 6749346
    Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected form the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: David L. Dickensheets, Gordon S. Kino
  • Patent number: 6749347
    Abstract: A laser diode module including a laser diode assembly having a laser diode and a holder, a lens-fiber assembly having a lens and an optical fiber fixed in a given positional relationship, and a sleeve. The lens-fiber assembly includes a casing having a first hole and a second hole offset from the first hole. The lens is inserted and fixed in the first hole, and a ferrule in which the optical fiber is embedded is press-fitted with the second hole. The ferrule has a slant polished first end and a second end projecting from an end surface of the casing by a given distance. The lens and the ferrule are fixed in the casing so that a given distance is defined between the lens and the first end of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ichihara, Takashi Shiotani, Toshiya Kishida
  • Patent number: 6749348
    Abstract: A first blade is made up of two arms and three blades supported by the arms, wherein one of the arms is rotated in the clockwise direction by a driving pin pressing a pressed portion thereof only when a first-blade driving member is rotated by the force from a driving spring, and the other arm is reciprocally rotated by an output pin fit to a slot when a motor is reciprocally rotated. A second blade is made up of two arms and three blades supported by the arms, wherein one of the arms is reciprocally rotated by a driving pin fit to a slot when a second-blade driving member is reciprocally rotated. One of two action methods can be selected by determining a driving sequence for the first-blade driving member and the motor as to the first blade. Thus, the present invention provides a focal-plane shutter for a digital still camera which can take a picture with both the normally-open method and the normally-closed method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nidec Copal Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Seita
  • Patent number: 6749349
    Abstract: A sector blade driving device includes a plurality of sector blades which define an adjustable photographic aperture, and a cylindrical member which surrounds the periphery of the sector blades to prevent harmful light from entering the photographic aperture from outside of the sector blade driving device. At least part of the cylindrical member which the sector blades press against when the plurality of sector blades are fully opened is made of a resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6749350
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera including a writer adapted to couple information to a film in use in the camera, the information relating to an ISO rating setting for a particular image captured by the camera. The invention also relates to photographic processing system, comprising reading means to identify from magnetic information stored on a film to be processed the ISO rating setting at which images on the film were captured and a developer stage to receive the film to be developed. The photographic processing system also includes a control unit to select a development time for the film in dependence on the identified ISO rating setting. The invention enables optimisation of image quality to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Henry H. Adam
  • Patent number: 6749351
    Abstract: A developer supply nozzle moves from a first end toward a second end of a substrate for supplying a developer to the overall main surface of the substrate. After a lapse of a required developing time, a rinse discharge nozzle moves from the first end toward the second end of the substrate for supplying a rinse to the overall main surface of the substrate. A partition plate is provided for preventing the rinse discharged from a slit discharge port of the rinse discharge nozzle onto the substrate from flowing frontward in the direction of movement of the rinse discharge nozzle or washing away the developer supplied onto the substrate frontward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Sanada, Masahiko Harumoto