Patents Issued in August 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6776492
    Abstract: A multiple reflective mirrors module is described. The module is utilized in an optical engine of a business machine, such as a projector, a laser printer, a copy machine, or a scanner. The module has a fixed reflective mirror, a first tilting reflective mirror, and a second tilting reflective mirror. The first tilting reflective mirror receives an incident light and reflects the incident light to the fixed reflective mirror. Subsequently, the light is reflected by the fixed reflective mirror to the second tilting reflective mirror. Therefore, the second tilting reflective mirror generates an output light. When the first tilting reflective mirror rotates within an angle &thgr;1 and the second tilting reflective mirror rotates within an angle &thgr;2, the output light is capable of rotating within an output angle, twice of &thgr;1+&thgr;2. The fixed reflective mirror can be replaced by another tilting reflective mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 6776493
    Abstract: A tunable optical dispersion compensator may direct a light beam onto a first optical component such as a diffraction grating to separate the light beam into discrete spatial elements. A first lens may image the spatial elements to effect a Fourier transform at a shaped phase optical structure where unwanted phase shifts between the spatial elements are compensated by changing time delays between the elements. An inverse Fourier transform may be performed on the compensated spatial elements to reconstruct a light beam for return to a fiber optical network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew J. Kuzma
  • Patent number: 6776494
    Abstract: A plane display lamp using one or two dot-like light sources. This plane display lamp comprises a plate-like light guiding member; a bottom plate covering a bottom surface of said light guiding member; a casing frame covering side faces of said light guiding member; a diffusing sheet covering a top surface of said light guiding member; and dot-like light sources provided on one side face or on two side faces opposite to each other of said light guiding member and emitting light to said light guiding member, and a light scatterer pattern is provided on a bottom surface of the light guiding member. When a side face thereof is inclined, a light scatterer pattern may be provided also on the inclined side face or just below the inclined side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouzou Fujino, Makoto Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6776495
    Abstract: The chemiluminescent device has a luminous body capable of generating light through a chemiluminescent reaction, and an outer layer for covering the luminous body. The outer layer is made of closed-cell plastic foam having a forming ratio in the range of 3 to 50%, preferably in the range of 20 to 30%. Closed-cell foamed polyethylene having no adverse environmental effect may be advantageously used as the closed-cell plastic foam. The chemiluminescent device having the outer layer made of closed-cell plastic foam provides increased luminous area, unsusceptibility to ambient temperature, and enhanced softness and shock-absorbability to achieve satisfactory luminescent effect, safety and reliability. The outer layer may have an outer surface formed with an irregularity to provide further enhanced luminescent effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lumica Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Nomiyama
  • Patent number: 6776496
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes a solid-state area illumination light source, having: a planar substrate, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer deposited on the planar substrate, the organic light emitting diode layer including first and second electrodes for providing electrical power to the OLED layer, an encapsulating cover covering the OLED layer, and first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, and extending beyond the encapsulating cover for making electrical contact to the first and second electrodes by an external power source; and a lighting fixture for removably receiving and holding the solid state-light area illumination light source in a horizontal plane, the lighting fixture including contacts for providing electrical contact between said first and second conductors and an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ronald S. Cok
  • Patent number: 6776497
    Abstract: An illumination system for a computer system. In one exemplary embodiment, a light guide panel has a first end and a second end, wherein lights from a light source enter the light guide panel from the first end and exit through the second end. A light guide tube is coupled to the second end of the light guide panel. The light guide tube captures the lights that exit the second end and reflecting the lights downward illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer system. The chassis that houses the display assembly includes a plurality of holes created along the top edge of the chassis wherein the lights captured and reflected by the light guide tube exit through the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Huppi, Thai Q. La, Walter Joseph Galbraith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6776498
    Abstract: Footwear or foot-driven articles with speed threshold indicative luminous signal generator in which luminous signals are emitted when the motion speed of the footwear or the foot-driven article has reached a pre-determined threshold. The luminous signals above the threshold can be varied according to the speed above that threshold in a pre-determined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Kwok Piu Yeung
  • Patent number: 6776499
    Abstract: A handle has a rod body and a handle. The rod body and the handle are installed with an illuminating device and driving structures. The rod body is formed by a first driving rod and a second driving rod. One end of the rod body is formed with a driving structure which is formed by a teethed half ball. One end of the second driving rod is installed with an opener head and another end of the second driving rod is formed with another driving structure which is a teethed half ball. The driving structure of the first driving rod and the driving structure of the second driving rod are engaged and then they are sleeved by the sleeve; thereby, the rod body can be bent with a predetermined angle and has a function of illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Tsung-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 6776500
    Abstract: A luminescent extension is provided for connecting a box-ended wrench with a socket. The luminescent extension includes a cylinder, an upper tubular insert, a light assembly, a cover and a lower tubular insert. The upper tubular insert 11 extends from an upper end of the cylinder for releasable connection with the box-ended wrench. The light assembly is installed in the cylinder. The cover is rotationally mounted on the upper end of the cylinder between an OFF position for turning off the light assembly and an ON position for turning on the light assembly. The lower tubular insert extends from a lower end of the cylinder for releasable connection with the socket. Light can emit from the light assembly through the lower tubular insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Patent number: 6776501
    Abstract: An electrically powered illuminating handle/strap for lifting, pulling, carrying, opening, holding or whatever. The light source is the handle/strap. Illumination can occur in different ways by aiming the light emitting means. Directions can be: generally, as in all directions; partially, such as drown into a container, at what it is attached to, or towards the person using it; specifically, such as at signage or a keyhole on or adjacent to what it is attached to; or in a combination of several directions at once. Different or combinations of light emitting means can be used. The handle can be rigid or flexible. This is a simple cost effective way to increase visibility and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lane E. Burnidge
  • Patent number: 6776502
    Abstract: A newly constructed fishing lamp is disclosed. It is capable of reducing the production cost and simplifying fabrication process by fabricating several essential parts integrally in one piece so as to save use of extra separated components. Several O-rings are employed to hermetically seal the lamp housing to assure the perfect watertight feature. A durable, colorful, and power saving LED-flash is selected as the light source to emit diffused light-imitating as that of planktons to tempt fish group approaching with the consumption of very small amount of power. A specially designed 360° turnable bearing including a suspension ring to hang the fishing lamp thereby capable of preventing lamps from overturning in the water stream incurring kinking of fishing rope or curling of fishing line that leads to a broken rope or line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Wen Hung
  • Patent number: 6776503
    Abstract: A three-in-one handheld lighting device includes a casing unit, a torch unit, a whistle unit, and a thermometer unit. The torch unit includes actuating and press pieces, a lamp member having first and second leg terminals, and a battery unit having positive and negative terminals. The torch unit is in an off state when the actuating piece is disposed at a first position. The torch unit is in an on state when the actuating piece is moved to a second position, wherein the press piece pushes the first leg terminal to contact electrically the negative terminal such that the positive terminal is in electrical contact with the second leg terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Gin-Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 6776504
    Abstract: An elongated perimeter light is disclosed, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. The present invention also discloses systems for lighting structural features, with one system according to the present invention comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights. The perimeter lights are electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, James J. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6776505
    Abstract: An illuminated image night light comprised of a frame for mounting an image such as a picture or a photograph and a receptacle attached to the back of the frame for installing a high-intensity, low heat light source. The light source is preferably a rope light mounted in a serpentine fashion in the receptacle and spaced a short distance in the receptacle behind the image. The image is produced on a heat-resistant material such as cotton canvas or a polyester film. In an optional embodiment, illumination is provided by a plurality of LEDs in series mounted on a board attached to the inside back wall of the receptacle mounted on the back of the frame. The advantages of this illuminated image night light is that any picture, photograph or other type of image can be mounted in the frame and illuminated to provide an attractive display in a night light without fear of damage to the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Shane DeWitt
  • Patent number: 6776506
    Abstract: A connector for decorative lamp racks includes a band having a plurality of adjoined elements. Each of the elements has at least one edge flexibly connected to adjacent one of the elements and has an end defining a hole therein. The band is provided with a clasp for releasably joining ends of the band together after the band having been looped. The connector can connect the decorative lamp racks so as to form a stable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-Jen Tseng
  • Patent number: 6776507
    Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative table lamp. The table lamp may include a base of the lamp. The base contains in its lower portion power supplying cords and a cylindrical container in an upper portion of the base. The table lamp also includes two or more rod-shaped illuminating devices placed within and preferably extending out from the cylindrical container. The rod-shaped illuminating devices are conductively coupled to the power supplying cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ying Zhu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 6776508
    Abstract: A landscaping light fixture including a housing containing a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or LED, that produces light when powered, a lens through which light from the passes and a multi-colored wheel, strip or shutter juxtapositioned between the lamp and lens such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter and then through the lens, the wheel, strip or shutter including a translucent material of different segmented color or of a graduated color and being operatively positioned within the housing of the landscaping light fixture to be movable to align the colored segment or graduation of the wheel, strip or shutter into alignment with the lamp such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter prior to shining through the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6776509
    Abstract: A light fixture having a relatively narrow light emitting aperture in a bottom thereof, includes a pair of elliptically shaped reflectors mounted therein, wherein first terminating ends of each reflector are connected, the elliptically shaped reflectors extending in parallel along the housing. Disposed inwardly from each reflector and spaced therefrom are light sources, each said light source extending in parallel relation. The ellipsoidal reflectors being positioned to reflect light through the narrow width aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Chris Warner
  • Patent number: 6776510
    Abstract: A light source apparatus in which an optical arrangement of a light source and a concave mirror is properly adjusted without requiring a large-scale device and a method for manufacturing the same, an adjusting device for adjusting the optical arrangement in the light source apparatus, and a lighting system and a projection display system using the light source apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuusaku Shimaoka, Shinya Sannohe, Takamasa Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6776511
    Abstract: There are three different embodiments of lamp assemblies according to this invention that can be exposed to forms of moisture and still be protected against a potentiality of short-circuiting. The first embodiment has the lamp shade oriented below a horizontal plane. The lamp shade is secured to a base with an o-ring mounted there between, and this secured connection-is covered by a base cap. The base cap and o-ring prevent water from entering the lamp shade at the connection with the base, and the orientation of the entire assembly below the horizontal plane prevents water from entering the open end of the lamp shade. The second embodiment has the lamp shade resting in a base cap and the socket and base of the electrical components are arranged in the fixture such that the top of the socket and base rise above the top edge of the base cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lance Trimble Lindsay
  • Patent number: 6776512
    Abstract: To replace an old lamp unit, first, resilient projections are pushed outward through engaging holes of a resin frame with some tool and the lamp unit is pulled out through a lamp unit guide hole. Then, a new lamp unit is inserted with the resilient projections deformed to the lamp side by utilizing their resiliency. When the lamp unit is inserted to the regular position, the projections are opposed to the respective engaging holes of the resin frame and return to their original shapes because of their resiliency to go into the respective holes. As a result, the lamp unit is positioned with respect to the resin frame and fixed to the latter. Even when external impact acts on the liquid crystal display device, the lamp unit does not fall off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Advanced Display
    Inventors: Akihiro Mori, Seiji Sakai
  • Patent number: 6776513
    Abstract: The invention proposes a motor-vehicle headlamp (10), of the type including a main optical system (23) which comprises, arranged from back to front overall along a main optical axis (A—A), a main light source (16), a main reflector (14) of the elliptical type, and a converging main lens (18), characterised in that it includes a secondary optical system (36) comprising: a secondary light source (48) which is arranged behind the main lens (18) and off the path of the light rays emitted by the main light source (16); and an optical distribution element (42) which is interposed between the secondary light source (48) and the exit surface (19) of the main lens (18), in such a way as to form, at the exit from the main lens (18), a secondary regulatory beam for indicating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6776514
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp including a reflector, which has a light source and is housed in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a front lens, and a shade, which is attached at its first and second legs to the reflector so as to be in front of the light source. The first leg is fastened to the reflector by a screw; and the second leg is connected to the reflector by an engaging piece of substantially an L-shape that is formed at an end of the second leg and is engaged with an engaging hole formed in the reflector. The engaging piece extends from shoulder portions of the second leg, and the length between the shoulder portions to a head portion at the tip end of the engaging piece is set to be substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the engaging hole of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 6776515
    Abstract: A bulb shield for use in an automotive headlamp assembly, and a method for making same. The bulb shield includes a cup portion and a portion which extends from the cup portion and is configured for mounting to a reflector of the automotive headlamp assembly or to another, proximate structure. When the bulb shield is mounted, the cup portion is generally horizontally aligned with a headlamp bulb in the automotive headlamp assembly, thereby eliminating a “hot spot” which would otherwise be viewable when looking into the headlamp beam. The bulb shield includes a part made of a glass and polymer blend, and at least a portion of the part includes a vacuum aluminized coating. Such a bulb shield is relatively inexpensive and easy to make, yet can withstand the high temperatures which are typically experienced in an automotive headlamp assembly. Additionally, the bulb shield may include a complex cup shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6776516
    Abstract: There is provided a mixer for a capsule for dental restoration material used for mixing a powder component and a liquid component in a capsule accommodating therein the powder component and the liquid component for restoration of a tooth in the dental remedy field, by rendering a mixing compartment in vacuo so as to make it in a good state where the mixture does not substantially contain air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Suzuki, Shuji Aoyagi, Masaaki Kaneko, Yoshihisa Mukasa
  • Patent number: 6776517
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6776518
    Abstract: A container for storing and transporting field controllable fluid is disclosed. The field controllable material may be mixed and remixed in the container and the field controllable material may be flowed into or discharged from the container chamber without opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Gartland, Donald A. Nixon, Gary W. Adams, K. Andrew Kintz, Eric T. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6776519
    Abstract: The bezel (2) allows the same reading direction to be kept for the indications (20) carried by a ring (4) able to rotate freely on a base (6) to which it is affixed to bring a selected indication (20) opposite a determined marking of the base (6) or of a dial (3). The indications (20) are marked on the outer surface of studs (10) each kept free in rotation about their rotational axis (10a) in a housing (30) provided through the thickness of the ring (4) and opening onto the base (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Luciano Eleuterio, Sébastien Hostettler, Domenico Leo
  • Patent number: 6776520
    Abstract: A method for determining the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of a specimen. The specimen is placed in the tester and a tensile force is applied to the specimen. The specimen is equilibrated at a first temperature and then elongated. After reaching a desired elongation, the specimen is equilibrated at another temperature. The tensile force on the specimen is changed to a predetermined value or until the specimen fails. A force-displacement curve is generated from the stressed specimen. The force-displacement curve is converted into a stress-strain response, from which the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents
    Inventor: Han Zhu
  • Patent number: 6776521
    Abstract: In a data carrier (1) having an electrical circuit (2), indication means (3) are implemented by means of the electrical circuit (2), which means are arranged so as to determine the occurrence of a change in a parameter influencing the data carrier (1) in relation to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value dividing a first parameter range from a second parameter range, and which means are arranged so as to give a permanent indication of the change during the time following the first occurrence of said change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Martin Buehrlen
  • Patent number: 6776522
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the temperature of a high voltage conductor includes an electrically and thermally conductive fixture for attachment to a high voltage conductor, and a high voltage insulator having a high voltage end and a reference potential end. The insulator is connected at the high voltage end to the fixture. The insulator contains a fiber optic cable in a fiber optic cable passageway from the reference potential end to the high voltage end. The cable extends beyond the insulator. An optical temperature sensor head is optically coupled to the cable the high voltage end. The sensor head includes a sensor crystal which transmits light that varies with temperature of the sensor crystal. An electrically and thermally conductive enclosure enclosing the sensor head is supported in the fixture for thermally conductive contact with the high voltage conductor effective to couple the temperature of the high voltage conductor to the sensor crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Steven J. Syracuse, Roy Clark
  • Patent number: 6776523
    Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Eric Adles
  • Patent number: 6776524
    Abstract: A thermocouple probe assembly is provided that includes at least one ball bushing placed along the length of the assembly to dampen vibrations and thereby reduce mechanical stress on the assembly. A rake thermocouple is provided that includes a plurality of probe tubes arranged parallel to one another, and each probe assembly is placed into an individual probe tube. Each probe tube has a window defined therein, and an air inlet port extending from the window generally perpendicular to the probe tube. The rake also includes a mated end cap and cup bushing with a defined gap between the inside diameter of the cup bushing and the outside diameter of the end cap to further dampen mechanical stress on the rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Park, John V. Ginkus
  • Patent number: 6776525
    Abstract: A gel covered dental film for bettering the flavor of x-ray film includes an x-ray film slide having a first side edge, second side edge, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A gripping member is attached to the lower edge of the slide. A sleeve is extended over and is attached to the gripping member. The lower edge of the film is positionable in the sleeve when the gripping member and film are generally co-planar. A flavored gel is positioned on and generally coats the gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Frances M. Green
  • Patent number: 6776526
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating x-ray image data for medical navigation using a calibration instrument that is detected and tracked by a medical navigation system and has a plurality of localization structures that are detectable in x-ray images. The localization structures are arranged on at least two spaced supports. The method includes producing an x-ray image without a patient of the localization structures while the calibration instrument is tracked by a medical navigation system. After the x-ray image is registered in the medical navigation system using the localization structures, at least one of the spaced supports is removed from the calibration instrument. A second x-ray image is taken of a patient together with the calibration instrument with the support removed. The two images are compared to determine whether there is sufficient correspondence of the localization structures visible in the two images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: BrainLAB AG
    Inventor: Mario Zeiss
  • Patent number: 6776527
    Abstract: A table docking system including a table having a base supported by at least two wheels, and at least one docking station having a plate, and a guide wall positioned and oriented with respect to the plate such that a pathway for the wheels of the patient table is defined between the guide wall and the plate. Another docking system constructed in accordance with the present inventions includes a table having a base defining a groove, and at least one docking station having a plate and at least one vertical projection extending from the plate and sized for receipt within the groove of the base of the patient table. Systems of the present inventions can be used, for example, to quickly and easily move a patient table between multiple tomography scanners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Robert F. Riemer, Robert M. Williams, Eric Bailey
  • Patent number: 6776528
    Abstract: Cooperating strips respectively having loop-type and hook-type connector surfaces are passed through loops forming handles of carrying bags to retain the carrying bags as a group. The ends of the strips, which are typically taken from supply rolls have saw tooth ends, and are heat sealed for protection against fraying. In one embodiment, the strips are aligned end to end. In another embodiment, the loop-type and hook-type connections are staggered so that a first end of one of the strips lies intermediate the ends of the other strip, and whereby the opposite end of the first strip, after being passed through the handles of the bags is brought around so as to lie adjacent to the first end of the first strip. A method is provided for forming the hook-type and loop-type strips to prevent fraying due to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: David V. Wills
  • Patent number: 6776529
    Abstract: A very thin lubricant coating is applied to one or both of the facing surfaces defining the gap of a hydrodynamic bearing to prevent wear of these surfaces. The lubricant film is necessarily very thin, in the range of about 10 Å to 1000 Å, so that the film is thin enough that it does not materially affect the performance of the hydrodynamic bearing gap which is about typically 1-10 &mgr;m. The thin lubricant film could be a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) or a mixture of PFPE or a phosphazine derivative. To improve the adhesion and lubricating performance, functional PFPE can be used. For pure metallic surface like steel, phosphate esters can also be used because of its affinity with the metallic surface, e.g., ferrous. For example, the film could be PFPE, or a mixture of PFPE and a phosphazine derivative. The lubricant should be chosen to be thermally stable, and non-reactive with the typical ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Raquib Uddin Khan, Gregory Ian Rudd
  • Patent number: 6776530
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extra-roll slide bearing system (20) for a paper/board machine or a finishing machine, surrounding a shaft (2) in a roll (1). The bearing system comprises a body section (5), which is formed with a bearing housing (7) provided with hydrostatic bearing elements (3, 3A) disposed around the shaft (2). The bearing elements are fitted with slide elements (4, 4A), having a sliding surface (16) directed towards the shaft (2). Between the slide elements (4) and the shaft (2) is a bushing (6), which is mounted on the shaft (2) for rotation therewith, said slide elements (4, 4A) being adapted to position themselves around the bushing (6) with the sliding surfaces (16) against the external surface of the bushing directed away from the shaft for supporting said shaft (2), and hence the roll (1), rotatably relative to the body section (5). The bearing housing (7) has its axial ends provided with end caps (8, 9), along with packing elements (12, 14) therefor, for sealing the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Juha Vimpari
  • Patent number: 6776531
    Abstract: A rolling bearing with seal plate for transmission comprising: an inner race that has an inner ring raceway around its outer peripheral surface in the middle in the axial direction; an outer race that has an outer ring raceway around its inner peripheral surface in the middle in the axial direction; a plurality of rolling bodies that are located between the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway such that they rotate freely; and a seal plate that is made of synthetic resin and has one of the peripheral edges attached to part of one of the inner race and outer race, and the other of the peripheral edges made to come in sliding contact with a cylindrical surface of the other of the inner race and outer race therearound in parallel to the central axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Tsuchida, Masao Takeda, Takahiko Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6776532
    Abstract: A needle roller bearing includes a plurality of needle rollers that each have first and second end portions and that are disposed circumferentially around a shaft, a cylindrical first retainer member having a plurality of first notches each respectively adapted to rotatably support the first end portion of a respective one of the rollers, and a cylindrical second retainer member located spaced apart from and opposite the first retainer member and having a plurality of second notches each respectively adapted to rotatably support the second end portion of a respective one of the rollers. A plurality of voids are provided to form grease-containing spaces between the adjacent rollers and between the first and second retainer members so that the roller bearing is sufficiently lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Isel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6776533
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector system includes first and second mateable connectors (12, 14) with fiber blocks (32,72) that hold optical fiber termini (50), wherein forward (F) movement of the second connector housing (70) toward the first housing (30) results in automatic latching together of the fiber blocks with the latches taking the forces of termini springs that have been partially compressed. The second fiber block (72) can slide within the second housing (70) between front and rear positions, and is held in the front position by a cam (90) that engages a free end (104) of a cam follower arm (103) of the second housing. As the connectors mate, a rigid second fiber block latch (100) deflects a resilient first housing latch end (62) and rides forward of it until faces of the blocks are close together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Daniel Gherardini
  • Patent number: 6776534
    Abstract: An optical attenuator includes a holding sleeve, a pair of ferrules inserted into and fixed to the holding sleeve such that the ferrules oppose each other at base ends thereof at a predetermined distance between each base end, and an attenuating fiber inserted into and fixed to the pair of ferrules such that ends of the attenuating fiber are exposed. The optical attenuator is also provided with an opening in the holding sleeve so as to communicate with the outside. A filler is supplied into the sleeve through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Takahashi, Tsuguo Sato
  • Patent number: 6776535
    Abstract: A plug frame for an optical connector component comprising a ferrule for receiving an end portion of a core optical fiber of a fiber optic cable and a plug frame for floatingly supporting the ferrule. The plug frame is configured as a one-piece component. This allows reduction of the number of component parts and assembling steps, simplification of the assembling operations and reduction of the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Honda Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd., Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Miyake, Takumi Yoshida, Shin Sumida, Shuichi Yanagi, Yasuaki Ohkubo, Toshiaki Nakano, Yuji Shinagawa, Tatsuhito Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 6776536
    Abstract: An integrated optical monitoring system comprises a hermetic package and an optical bench sealed within a package. An optical fiber pigtail enters the package via a feed-through to connect and terminate above the bench. A tunable filter is connected to the top of the bench and filters an optical signal transmitted by the fiber pigtail. A detector, also connected to the bench, detects the filtered signal from the tunable filter. Thus, the entire system is integrated together, on a single bench within a preferably small package. This configuration makes the system useful as a subsystem, for example, in a larger system offering higher levels of functionality and optical signal processing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Flanders, Peter S. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6776537
    Abstract: A light source-optical fiber coupler using a gradient index rod lens 12 by which a diffused luminous flux emitted from a light source (for example, a semiconductor laser 10) is coupled onto an end surface of an optical fiber (for example, a single-mode optical fiber 14). The gradient index rod lens has a planar end surface facing the light source, and a convex spherical end surface facing the optical fiber. The gradient index rod lens has a light source side numerical aperture NA2 in a range of from 0.40 to 0.75, an effective lens radius r0 in a range of from 0.3 to 1.0 mm, and a spherical curvature radius R1 in a range of from 1.2 to 2.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Toyama
  • Patent number: 6776538
    Abstract: In optoelectronic systems, package moisture can affect stress levels in dielectric coatings on MEMS devices. Specifically, as the moisture content in these dielectric coatings changes, there are concomitant changes in the material stress. These changes in material stress can affect the operation of the overall MEMS device. Specifically, in the context of tunable filters, moisture can lead to a drift in the size of the optical resonant cavity over time as changes in material stress affect the MEMS structures. According to the invention, a getter is added to the package to absorb moisture, and thereby stabilize the operation of the optical filter, and specifically prevent uncontrolled drift in the size of its optical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Whitney, Jeffrey A. Korn, Michael F. Miller, Raymond V. Pourmand
  • Patent number: 6776539
    Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for use with a camera and a flash unit. The bracket comprises a base support member having a mounting portion adapted to engage with the bottom surface of the camera and a vertical support member having a first end portion engaged to the base support member and a second end portion. The bracket further comprises a horizontal support member having a first end portion engaged to the second end portion of the vertical support member and a second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy G. Mulcahey
  • Patent number: 6776540
    Abstract: A shutter device of the invention includes: a shutter base plate having a shutter opening; a first arm member which rotates with a first shaft as a rotation center relative to the shutter base plate; a second arm member which rotates with a second shaft as a rotation center relative to the shutter base plate; and plural shutter blades, wherein each of the plural shutter blades is joined to the first and second arm members and when the first and second arm members rotate with respect to each shaft, the plural shutter blades travel over the shutter opening in a predetermined direction, and in a state in which the plural shutter blades are positioned in their overlapping state, when an angle formed between a line connecting the rotation center of the first arm with a connecting center to the first arm member of a shutter blade, located on a front end side (opposite side to the first rotation center) of the first arm member and a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction is assumed to be &agr;, a con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6776541
    Abstract: A dual X-ray film-processing device having developer and fixer liquid receptacles connected to film processing tanks by twin chemical pumps through piping having valves therein whereby X-ray film for dental or medical use is being processed continuously thereby speeding up production while at the same time improving the resultant X-ray film surface image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jeff E. Takahashi