Patents Issued in December 7, 2004
  • Patent number: 6827455
    Abstract: A precision optical devices having pin mounted reflector(s) are provided. The precision optical device, comprising first and second side panels, the first side panel having a hole formed therein, a first reflector comprising a first reflecting surface and a mounting pin extending from a first edge of the first reflector, the mounting pin received within the hole formed in the first side panel for mounting the first reflector between the panels at a first end of the panels, and a second reflector comprising at least a second reflecting surface, mounted between the side panels at a second end thereof in an orientation so that an incident light ray reflecting off of any of the reflecting surfaces is reflected to and off the other(s) of the reflecting surfaces in a direction substantially parallel to the incident light ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: PLX, Inc.
    Inventor: Zvi Bleier
  • Patent number: 6827456
    Abstract: The transreflectors may comprise a transparent substrate having reflective surfaces and other light transmissive surfaces for respectively reflecting and transmitting a greater portion of the light striking opposite sides of the substrate. Alternatively, the transreflectors may comprise two or more transparent substrates of different indices of refraction bonded together, with a pattern of optical deformities in the mating side of one of the substrates and an inverse pattern of optical deformities in the mating side of an other substrate in mating engagement with each other. The transreflectors are used in a transreflector system or display to transmit more of the light emitted by a backlight or other light source incident on one side of the transreflectors and reflect more of the light incident on the opposite side of the transreflectors. The transreflectors and backlight may be tuned to each other to enable the transreflectors to better transmit more of the light emitted by the backlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Timothy A. McCollum
  • Patent number: 6827457
    Abstract: A light pipe having a plate-like substance having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an incidence side surface, and an end surface opposite to the incidence side surface, the plate-like substance including a light output device formed in the upper surface so that light incident on the incidence side surface is made to exit from the lower surface through the light output device, the light output device being constituted by fine grooves arranged discontinuously so as to face the incidence side surface, each of the fine grooves having a length of not larger than 250 &mgr;m and a depth of not larger than 50 &mgr;m and not larger than ⅕ as large as the length, each of the fine grooves being constituted by a combination of an optical path changing slope inclined to the lower surface at an angle in a range of from 35 to 48 degrees and a steep slope facing the optical path changing slope and inclined to the lower surface at an angle of not lower than 60 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Umemoto, Toshihiko Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 6827458
    Abstract: A planar light source device including a light guide pipe with one surface thereof serving as a light radiation surface, a light extracting mechanism provided to the light guide pipe, a light source provided to a side edge portion of the light guide pipe, and a light reflection sheet arranged to an opposite surface side from the light radiation surface of the light guide pipe such that the light extracting mechanism serves as a mechanism for radiating out, toward the light reflection sheet side, at least 65% or more of light beams radiated out from the light guide pipe, and the light reflection sheet is formed with an arrangement of multiple substantially identical and/or substantially similar base units composed of sloped reflection surfaces at a pitch of 5000 &mgr;m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yukadenshi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Suga
  • Patent number: 6827459
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward an apparatus that includes a first layer and a second layer attached with one another via sets of fastening elements formed on the layers. The fastening elements may comprise hook-like elements that engage one another in an interlocking arrangement to attach the layers, or alternatively, the fastening elements may take any form envisioned by a designer. In any case, the apparatus may also form a light guide that can be illuminated with a light source to transmit light by total internal reflection (TIR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Brian E. Spiewak, Jennifer R. Yi, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 6827460
    Abstract: A light-guiding plate has an incidence surface, an end surface formed on the side opposed to the incidence surface, and an optical surface having a surface opposed to the emission surface. The optical surface is constituted by a large number of continuous optical elements, each optical element having a curved surface which refracts part of light introduced from the incidence surface toward the end surface at a low angle along a plane parallel to the emission surface, and an inclined surface which refracts part of light refracted by the curved surface toward the emission surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6827461
    Abstract: A backlight module. The backlight module comprises a hollow frame and a light guide plate. The hollow frame includes a protrusion that projects inwardly. The light guide plate, including a concave portion, is disposed in the hollow frame in a manner such that the protrusion engages with the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hannstar Display Corp.
    Inventor: Hung-Chen Kao
  • Patent number: 6827462
    Abstract: An assembly and apparatus having a night light and adapted to provide electrical power to a portable electrical device. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for connecting a portable electrical device to a power source through an electrical outlet, the apparatus comprising: a housing compartment having an electroluminescent cell disposed on said housing compartment; a circuit within said housing compartment, said electroluminescent cell electrically connected to said circuit; means for electrically connecting said circuit to said electrical outlet; and means for electrically connecting said circuit to a port of said portable electrical device. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a lamp instead of an electrolumiscent cell and the means for electrically connecting said circuit to said electrical outlet is a power cord. In yet another aspect, the invention is an assembly comprising said apparatus above and said portable electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hypercel Corp.
    Inventors: Duane Wangenheim, David Nazar
  • Patent number: 6827463
    Abstract: Refrigeration system has a display case defining a display space. The display space has a top area, a bottom area, a front viewing area, and a back area. A cooling element provides cool air to display space. An air outlet directs a cool air curtain to an air inlet, across the front viewing area. A light source is located near the back area away from the air curtain. A reflector is spaced from the light source and reflects light through the display space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Sue-Li “Kingsley” Chuang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6827464
    Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SuperVision International, Inc.
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Richard Heiner
  • Patent number: 6827465
    Abstract: A display lighting system is provided that assembles and installs easily. Luminaires of the system include a pair of arms and a wireway enclosure positioned between the arms at one end of the arms. The enclosure is dimensioned to enclose electrical wiring and at least one electrical component, such as a ballast or transformer. A lamp housing can be attached to the arms at the end opposite the enclosure. An uplight lamp housing is easily mounted to the arms anywhere between the wireway enclosure and lamp housing. Wiring between the enclosure and lamp housings is carried inconspicuously in a trough along the inside of one or both arms. Wiring between adjacent luminaires runs conveniently through nipple connectors connecting adjacent enclosures. Optional accent lighting is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, Paul R. Ford, David B. Miller
  • Patent number: 6827466
    Abstract: A color-varying decorative lamp has a hollow body. A luminous member is received in the hollow body and emitting lights with at least two monochromatic colors. A control unit is electrically connected with the luminous member for controlling brightness of the luminous member and times to power on/off the luminous member. Thus, various mixed colors can be seen outside the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 6827467
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus having a light source, an optical unit disposed on the object side of the light source having a lens portion having positive refractive power in the central portion thereof, incidence surfaces on which light from the light source is incident and reflecting surfaces for totally reflecting the incident light, on both sides of the lens portion, and an emergence surface from which the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces emerges, wherein a beam emerging from the lens portion and a beam emerging from the emergence surface intersect with each other substantially at the same place in their condensed state, and a second optical unit having a plurality of prism portions, wherein the relative interval between the optical unit and the second optical unit are changed to vary an irradiation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
  • Patent number: 6827468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting head assembly that incorporates a high intensity LED package into an integral housing for further incorporation into other useful lighting devices. The present invention primarily includes two housing components, namely an inner mounting die and an outer enclosure. The inner and outer components cooperate to retain the LED package, provide electrical and control connections, provide integral heat sink capacity and includes an integrated reflector cup. In this manner, high intensity LED packages can be incorporated into lighting assemblies through the use of the present invention by simply installing the present invention into a housing and providing power connections thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Robert D. Galli
  • Patent number: 6827469
    Abstract: A solid-state lamp has a base formed to be received into a socket, and the base has a retainer receptacle formed therein. An axially extending support is fitted into the base. The support is formed of an electrically conductive, heat-sinking material and has a retainer engaging the retainer receptacle. An electrically insulating coating is formed on the support and electrically conductive traces are formed on the insulating coating. A plurality of solid-state light sources are formed on the support and are electrically connected to the traces, at least two of the traces providing electrical connection to the base whereby electrical connection can be made to the socket. The plurality of solid-state light sources are formed in a selected area of the support and in a preferred embodiment mimic the dual filaments of a prior art lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Steven C. Sidwell, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 6827470
    Abstract: A thermally conductive lamp reflector is provided that dissipates heat from a light source within the reflector. The reflector assembly includes a shell having a metallized layer on its surface. The shell is made from a composition including about 30% to about 80% by volume of a base polymer matrix and about 20% to about 70% by volume of a thermally conductive filler material. The reflector has a thermal conductivity of greater than 3 W/m° K and preferably greater than 22 W/m° K. The reflectors can be used in automotive headlamps, flashlights, and other lighting fixtures. A method of forming the lamp reflector is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cool Optins, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6827471
    Abstract: A recessed light fixture for mounting into an opening made in a ceiling, wall or the like comprises a pot having a peripheral edge abutting the area adjacent a hole made in the ceiling or wall and one or more flexible retaining clips for securing the fixture to the ceiling, wall or the like. Each retaining clip comprises an upper connecting portion with a threaded hole extending therethrough and a lower action adapted to contact the lower end of a slot in the side wall of the pot. A bolt extends through the threaded hole of the upper connecting portion and its rotation causes the clip to flex and unflex to secure or unsecure contact with the ceiling, wall or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bazz Inc.
    Inventor: Simon-Victor Benghozi
  • Patent number: 6827472
    Abstract: Combination light fixture/HVAC duct/ad card holder for transit vehicle has roof mounted light fixture having a housing extending inboard to receive roof fasteners readily accessible through a cover strip. A single panel provides ad display serves as air duct with air vents and is supported by a detachable hinge at the light housing. In another embodiment the lamp housing is below the card panel. Combination outboard extrusions form a wiring trough and attachment for duct lower wall, and inboard extrusions form detachable hinge, supporting display panel and card holder. Upper bracket extrusion receives panel and card. Extrusions are attached to display panel by double-sided adhesive tape. Light fixture has ballast member accessible from inside lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Herman Myburgh
  • Patent number: 6827473
    Abstract: A projection-type headlamp serving also as an infrared light-emitting lamp assuring a sufficient intensity of infrared light irradiation ahead of a vehicle while preventing glare to oncoming vehicles in the adjacent lane. The headlamp is provided with an ellipsoidal reflector, a light source, a shade in the form of an infrared light-transmitting film for reflecting visible light and while allowing infrared light to pass through, and a projection lens for forming simultaneously a predetermined visible light beam pattern and a predetermined infrared light beam pattern, in which an upper edge portion of the shade is positioned above the optical axis of the reflector. A cut line and a hot zone of the visible light beam pattern are set beneath the horizontal line on a light distribution screen so that the visible light beam cannot cause glare for drivers of oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane, and a hot zone of the infrared light beam pattern is set on the horizontal line on the light distribution screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6827474
    Abstract: A candle, lantern, or the like, having one or more light pipes. Reception faces of the light pipes gather light from the flame arena, and emission faces of the light pipes emit the gathered light at another location. The other location may be an exterior surface of the candle, or a decorative fixture. Multiple sets of light pipes may come into play at various times during the life of the candle. The reception faces may move as the candle burns, to stay in the flame arena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Owen Clapper
  • Patent number: 6827475
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting light from an LED and transmitting it in a near-uniform column incudes a conical reflector about the base of the LED for collecting light emitted to the sides of the LED, and a lens specially designed to focus the collected light into a near-collimated beam. The lens has opposite, substantially elliptical surfaces to collect and collimate the rapidly diverging light from the LED and the reflector, and each lens surface includes a flat spot to prevent shadows from forming, thereby producing a more uniform beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Robert Vetorino, Russell E. Sibell
  • Patent number: 6827476
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the mixing of dough ingredients in a mixer, dough ingredients are mixed. The amount of power supplied to the mixer is measured in specified time intervals. Data relating to the amount of power supplied are stored. Based on the stored data, a decline in the amount of power supplied to the mixer is identified and the mixer mixes the dough ingredients for a predetermined period of time after the decline is identified. A mixer of the present invention includes a mixing device, a motor coupled to the mixing device, a power source coupled to the motor, and a mixing-time controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: HDN Development Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Lowry, Garcie McCall, Richard B. Batté
  • Patent number: 6827477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compounder comprising a mixing unit, which can be mechanically driven by a drive module and is provided with one or more feed devices (5) for the material to be processed and one or more additives that are to be mixed with this material. The mixing unit is located in a supporting frame configured as a three-dimensional framework, and the supply and discharge lines required to operate the mixing unit, for the material being processed, and auxiliary materials or operational materials and energy as well as for the measurement, control and regulation technologies are substantially completely installed in or on the supporting frame and are connected to the mixing unit. The supporting frame is configured both as a transport frame for transporting the compounder to the job site and as a mounting frame for the placement of the operational compounder on a substructure at the job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Berstorff GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Chszaniecki
  • Patent number: 6827478
    Abstract: A method of automated preparation and characterization of liquid multicomponent systems comprising at least two, preferably three components comprises the automated preparation of a mixture by combining at least two, preferably three components in a vessel, at least one component being metered in an automated fashion into the vessel, and the automated homogenization of the mixture with subsequent automated measuring and evaluation. The apparatus for conducting this method comprises at least one metering station, one closing station, one homogenizing station, one measuring station for determining formulation properties, and one evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Günter Etzrodt, Martin Könemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
  • Patent number: 6827479
    Abstract: A uniform small particle homogenizer for liquid product comprising a pair of intensifier cylinder pumps (20) driven by a hydraulic system (22). The pumps have a power stroke side and a suction stroke side, and a pair of proximity sensors (24) that interface with each pump to detect forward and rearward movement. A microprocessor (26) with timing capabilities controls the sequential operation of each pump with the power stroke of each pump timed to alternately produce a flow of the liquid product with a precisely timed flow overlap period from the alternating pumps. Since the power stroke takes a longer time than the suction stroke, the instant each power stroke is started the opposite pump is timed to hesitate and slightly overlap until a constant product flow-rate is produced from the alternating pumps, which eliminates large variances in pressure and therefore achieves uniformity in product particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Zhishi Xia, Mary Ziping Luo, Jack Yongfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 6827480
    Abstract: In a mixer for fluids, of the type including at least one clamping assembly (1) operable selectively for clamping, in use, a container of fluid products, a device is provided for controlling the clamping of the container which includes a sensor (8) mounted on the clamping assembly (1). The sensor (8) is disposed in a region of the clamping assembly (4) subjected, in use, to a force in a predetermined direction due to the compressive forces exerted on the container in the clamping state. The sensor (8) is further adapted to emit a continuous signal proportional to the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Corob S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emanuele Morselli
  • Patent number: 6827481
    Abstract: A partitioning device is provided on a mixer wherein a bowl is held on the front side of the pillar of the machine body, and a mixing tool is rotated in the bowl by a mixing shaft which extends downward from a head protruding forward from the upper part of the pillar. The partitioning device includes a partitioning member, which has an annular rail and a surface member, a fixed roller(s) and a movable roller(s), which fit with the rail of the partitioning member, a fixed roller supporting means, which supports the fixed roller so that the fixed roller is prevented from shifting in relation to the machine body, and a movable roller supporting means, which supports the movable roller so that the distance between the movable roller and the fixed roller can be varied, and biases the movable roller in a direction to move toward the fixed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aicohsha Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisao Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6827482
    Abstract: A blending device for mixing a content of a bag in combination with a collection member, the blending device comprising a casing defining a chamber and comprising a mixer and a door. The collection member is adapted to receive therein a bag with a content to be mixed by the blending device and is adapted to be installed in the blending device. When the collection member and the bag are positioned in the chamber and the door is closed, the mixer is operated to act on the bag and cause the content thereof. If the bag ruptures while in the blending device, its content will be collected by the collection member. The collection member is detachably secured at an upper end thereof to the blending device. The collection member typically takes the form of a flexible collection bag that is open-ended at its upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Labplas Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle Lafond, Steve Jalbert
  • Patent number: 6827483
    Abstract: A spectrum spreading communication system including a radio base station includes a receiving section, a correlation detecting section, a rake synthesizing section and a control section. The receiving section receives a radio signal to produce a digital burst signal. Transmission data of the radio signal respectively include different pilot patterns and data, are subjected to spectrum spreading using a single spreading code, and are transmitted on a same frequency band. The correlation detecting section performs a tracking operation to the burst signal for each of paths to produce a tracking resultant data. The paths are specified based on a path data. The correlation detecting section also detects a component of the burst signal correlated with the spreading code for each path based on the tracking resultant data. The rake synthesizing section performs rake synthesis to the components from the correlation detecting section for each of the pilot patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6827484
    Abstract: A cloud point monitoring device which includes thermal conductive surface, cooler, temperature sensor, detection volume, detection wall unit, fiber optic cables for transmitting light, lighter emitter, light detector, and a data acquisition and control unit. The cloud point monitoring device provides an instrument to accurately measure the cloud point of diesel fuel indicate the approximate level of crystallization in diesel fuel that has been chilled beyond its cloud point and indicate the approximate energy content of diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring device design allows it to be made small enough to be mounted in a fuel system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Y. Tsang, Gordon S. Y. Chiu
  • Patent number: 6827485
    Abstract: A turbine engine temperature sensing assembly includes a temperature sensor probe mounted relative to a surface of a turbine engine and subjected to air flow. The air moves past the temperature sensor probe in a first direction. A deflector post is mounted adjacent to the temperature sensor probe, and is spaced upstream of the temperature sensor probe to change air flow patterns around the temperature sensor probe and to intercept particles moving with the air flow toward the temperature sensor probe. The temperature sensor probe and deflector post are shown supported in a flow duct formed by a temperature sensor probe housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Isebrand
  • Patent number: 6827486
    Abstract: An automatic insertion device includes a temperature sensing element structured to provide direct contact between the fluid in a pipeline and the sensor or sensing element. A valve assembly is provided to seal the interior of the conduit from its exterior when the sensing element is in its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventor: Brian H. Welker
  • Patent number: 6827487
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature within a body from a body surface at a different temperature, comprising: a heat shield for application to the body surface, comprising an outer heat-conducting portion (52), and an inner heat-insulating portion (50); a heater or cooler (41) to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of said heat shield to the temperature of the body surface; a first temperature sensor (37) positioned on a surface of the inner heat-insulating portion (50) of the heat shield which is applied to the body surface; a second temperature sensor (38) positioned to measure the temperature of the outer portion (52) of the heat shield; a heater or cooler control circuit to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of the heat shield towards the temperature measured by the first the first temperature sensor (37); and a second control circuit to forecast the first temperature sensor (37) equilibrium temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Per Lennart Baumbach
  • Patent number: 6827488
    Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus includes a releasable probe chamber for housing a thermometry probe in which the chamber is isolated from the remainder of the thermometry apparatus. Preferably, the probe chamber is releasably attached to the apparatus and causes engagement or disengagement of at least one control switch of the apparatus depending on whether a probe is being removed or inserted into the probe chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan S. Knieriem, David E. Quinn, Thaddeus J. Wawro, John Lane
  • Patent number: 6827489
    Abstract: A system and method for improved imaging of a patient through the use of low-dose exposure aided positioning is provided. The patient is positioned in the X-ray system and them imaged with a low-dose pre-shot to verify the positioning of the patient. If the patient's positioning is acceptable, the patient is then imaged with a full-dose X-ray exposure. If the patient's positioning is not acceptable, the patient is repositioned and re-imaged with a low-dose pre-shot until the patient's positioning is acceptable. The low-dose pre-shot may take the form of a low-dose X-ray imaging sequence. The present invention thus provides for rapid verification of the proper positioning of the patient in the X-ray system in order to provide for optimal X-ray image quality. Additionally, the X-ray imaging system thus minimizes the additional exposure to X-ray radiation on the part of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Francois Serge Nicolas, Vincent S. Polkus, Kenneth Scott Kump, Remy Andre Klausz
  • Patent number: 6827490
    Abstract: A web of bags for use in an automatic bagging machine is formed from a single layer of plastic film or a flattened tubular plastic film. When formed from the tubular material, the bags are doubled walled. The bags have lateral slits therein to accomodate opening of the bags in an automatic bagger. The bags are further configured to be received upon a track having an expandable portion that laterally displaces the bags in the web, causing them to open beneath a filling head for receipt of articles. A latter portion of the track allows the bags to resume their normally closed posture, where they are sealed and separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Poly-Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony D. Baker
  • Patent number: 6827491
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag (10a, 10b) having a front wall (12) and a rear wall (14), opposed sides (16, 18) and an open top end (24) has a zipper (22) extending across the front and rear walls (12, 14) from side to side at the bag top. The zipper (22) includes first and second profiles (17, 19) having mating interlocking portions (26, 28). A camber inducing member (30, 32) is provided at the bag top on at least one of the profiles (17, 19) or the front and rear walls (12, 14) to urge the top end of the front wall (12) away from the top end of the rear wall (14) when the mating interlocking portions are disengaged from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Kohl, Edward Berich, Duane Piechocki
  • Patent number: 6827492
    Abstract: A one-way outwardly gas and moisture vented, plural-layer bag for a product, such as a dry bulk product, in which bag a concealed valve is positioned near one side, and close to the originally open top, of the bag. Openings in the valve communicate with confronting openings in a gas and moisture impervious inner layer in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Leland B. Cook
  • Patent number: 6827493
    Abstract: The invention is a bearing unit and bearing system for supporting a large rotatable element, such as a mooring turret. The bearing unit includes a hydrostatic suspension system which enables the bearing unit to accommodate fabrication tolerances and also enables the bearing unit to conform to relative movements between the ship and the turret, thereby providing a compliant bearing system. The system includes multiple bearing units of the invention which serve as thrust and/or radial bearings for supporting the turret. By manifolding a plurality of bearing units together in a fluidly-isolated group, the pressure applied to the bearing units in that group is self-equalizing so that all the bearing units act in unison to equally support the load, while also allowing some degree of self-alignment and tilting of the load. As a result, the bearing system emulates a self-aligning bearing system and is able to compensate for axial and angular misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Prosafe Production PTE LTD
    Inventor: Alan Gregory Hooper
  • Patent number: 6827494
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing of this invention comprises a body having a load-bearing surface comprising an oil supply channel and an oil return channel positioned along respective inside and outside body diameters. A number of thrust pads are positioned along the surface that each include an oil supply groove, positioned adjacent a leading edge/upstream portion of each thrust pad and extending radially a distance from the oil supply channel, and an oil return groove, positioned adjacent a trailing edge/downstream portion of each thrust pad and extending radially a distance from the oil return channel. The oil supply grooves are separate from the oil return grooves, and the thrust pads each comprise a series arrangement of three differently configured land or pad sections. Configured in this manner, oil is provided onto the series of land sections by the oil supply groove and is collected after passing over the series of land sections by the separate oil collection groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Grover Aguilar
  • Patent number: 6827495
    Abstract: A spindle motor comprises a hollow shaft 13 having one end formed with a thrust plate 15, and a sleeve 12 provided to face the shaft 13 through a radial fluid bearing clearance R therebetween, wherein a thrust fluid bearing S is formed between the opposite flat surfaces 15s of the thrust plate 15 and the sleeve 12 facing the flat surfaces 15s. In addition, the hollow shaft 13 has a connection portion 30 at the lower end formed in a concave shape, such that the thrust plate 15 is guided by the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 30 such that it is coaxial with the shaft 15, and fixed to the shaft 13 by fitting the cylindrical portion 20b of a set screw 20 to the through hole 15b of the thrust plate 15 and the connection portion 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikunori Sakatani, Yukio Higuchi, Nobuyuki Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 6827496
    Abstract: A four-point ball bearing includes: an inner ring and an outer ring defining raceway grooves, respectively. Each of the raceway grooves is constituted by two circular arcs different in curvature provided on opposite sides of a widthwise center of the raceway groove. A plurality of balls are arranged between the inner and outer rings so that the balls can roll. In at least one of the raceway grooves, a center of curvature of one of the circular arcs and a center of curvature of the other circular arc are displaced from each other at least in a radial direction so that spin is generated in each of the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Iwata, Yoshitaka Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6827497
    Abstract: A free-wheel hub assembly includes an axle extending through a hub and having an annular axle flange projecting radially and outwardly therefrom into a right recess defined by a right end of the hub. A self-lubricating bearing is slidably sleeved on the axle flange. A sprocket-mounting member is sleeved on the axle flange, and has an annular coupling end which extends into the right recess and which is in sliding contact with the self-lubricating bearing. An inner bearing is sleeved on the axle and abuts against one end of the axle flange. An outer bearing is sleeved on the axle and abuts against the other end of the axle flange. A ratchet unit is coupled to the sprocket-mounting member and the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kung Teng Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hubert Chen
  • Patent number: 6827498
    Abstract: An axial bearing comprising two runner plates held together by a resilient retaining ring having two angled settings. The retaining ring has holding lugs whose circumcircle can be changed in diameter D1 or D2 by a resilient reversible changeover to selectively hold the runner plates together or release the holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fugel, Alexander Reimchen
  • Patent number: 6827499
    Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component by stacking a plural number of one-dimensional optical connector components using at least four parallel disposed guide pins. The positions of the guide pins are determined by at least five pieces of beams. According to this method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component, optical connector components, such as an FA, can be stacked with high precision. There is also provided a guide pin jig usable for the above-mentioned manufacturing method. The jig is provided with at least four pieces of parallel disposed guide pins, and at least five pieces of beams for determining the position of the guide pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Matsumoto, Masashi Fukuyama, Akiyoshi Ide
  • Patent number: 6827500
    Abstract: A precise fiber array is formed using a chuck to tightly hold as an array with hexagonal packing a group of precision ferrules into ones of which is inserted and bonded a fiber end. The bonding is typically performed by gluing the fiber into the ferrule. The ferrules may also be bonded to each other. Once the ferrules are bonded together, the chuck may be removed. The terminating end of the fibers may be polished. Alternatively, cleaved terminating fiber ends may be employed, with the various terminating ends being coordinated, e.g., by an optical flat. The ferrules may have a tip and a conical entrance. The chuck may hold the ferrules in a straight orientation. The fiber terminating faces of all of the ferrules may be substantially coplanar. The ferrules may be arranged in a hexagonal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Nagesh R Basavanhally, Cristian A Bolle, Paul Robert Kolodner, Rene R Ruel, John David Weld
  • Patent number: 6827501
    Abstract: To provide a fabricating method of an optical communication part in which an optical element is fixed within a hollow holder, including the step of fixing an optical element by holding the optical element in a hollow portion of a holding portion of a metal made holder and calking a portion of the holder; wherein, the step includes calking the holder by heating the holder to a temperature higher than a operating temperature or cooling the holder to a temperature lower than the operating temperature depending on whether or not a thermal expansion coefficient of the holder is larger or smaller than that of the optical element. When the thermal expansion coefficient of the holder is larger than that of the optical element, and a heating temperature in calking is set within the range of 85° C. to 95° C., while when the thermal expansion coefficient of the holder is larger than that of the optical element the cooling temperature of the holder upon the calking is set within the range of −50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimichi Yasuda, Toshihiro Takimoto, Takayoshi Morooka
  • Patent number: 6827502
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two VCSEL array mounted in a single can with a monitoring diode. One VCSEL is directed toward the can window (for coupling with an attached fiber optic in a completed subassembly) and the other is directed toward the monitor diode. The two VCSELS are electrically coupled in parallel, are connected to the same pins in the TO can, and are driven by the same source. Preferably the two VCSELS are identical or nearly identical. The current of the monitor diode is proportional to the light emitted by both VCSELs. Since the monitor diode measures incident light from the second VCSEL, no angle of reflection is affected by changes in temperature. Since the two VCSELs are coupled in parallel, the device has a naturally low impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Stefan J. Burmeister
  • Patent number: 6827503
    Abstract: An optical device package includes a substrate, optical semiconductor component, optical fiber, frame and lid. The substrate has a longitudinal notch for mounting the optical fiber and a lateral groove with a proximally facing stop surface. The frame includes at least one downwardly extending projection configured and dimensioned so as to engage a lateral end portion of the lateral groove. The frame is self-aligning and seats itself by being dropped into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dan A. Steinberg, Mindaugas F. Dautartas
  • Patent number: 6827504
    Abstract: A butt joined electronic assembly has first and second coplanar transmission structures that are independently aligned in a proximate abutting relationship. The coplanar transmission structures are formed on at least a first standoff dielectric substrate and on first and second electrical elements. The standoff dielectric substrate is positioned in an abutting relationship with one of the electrical elements. The standoff dielectric substrate and the first and second electrical elements are secured on respective independently positioned and mechanically joined first and second open end face carriers. The first and second coplanar transmission structures are electrically coupled together via substantially flat electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Kei-Wean C. Yang