Patents Issued in December 14, 2004
  • Patent number: 6830333
    Abstract: A system for imaging eyeglasses having lenses, and obtaining data indicative of the outline of the eyeglasses and designated locations associated with the outline. The system includes a positioning device for placing the eyeglasses. The system further includes a short focal length imaging device for acquiring an image of the eyeglasses. The system further includes a processor and a display configured to calculate an editable outline for each eyepiece of the eyeglasses and display the outline and the image, such that the editable outline can be compared to a respective eyepiece of the image. The processor is further configured to calculate supplemental locations linked to the outline for manufacturing holes and/or slots that anchor clip-on parts that include bridge and legs, and for providing data indicative of the specified outline and supplemental locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Opti-Clip International LLC
    Inventors: Zvi Feldman, Eyal Peleg
  • Patent number: 6830334
    Abstract: A system (10) for measuring a diameter of a limbus of an eye (12). An image recorder (14) is at a known location apart from the eye and records an illuminated limbus image. An illumination source (16) at a known location relative to the image recorder (14) illuminates the limbus. A computer device (18) connected to the image recorder (14) determines the diameter of the limbus from the recorded illuminated limbus image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregg D. Niven, Timothy N. Turner
  • Patent number: 6830335
    Abstract: A binocular indirect laser ophthalmoscope is provided comprising binocular eyepieces each having an optical axis defining an optical plane, the ophthalmoscope having a central viewing axis lying in the optical plane; and an optical element adapted to position a laser beam into the optical plan substantially on the viewing axis and substantially parallel to the viewing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Litechnica Limited
    Inventors: John Robert Gutridge, Timothy Ralph Snellgrove
  • Patent number: 6830336
    Abstract: A method of acquiring images of the ocular fundus includes software processing acquired images to determine which areas of the fundus have been imaged and comparison software for determining which regions of the fundus need to be imaged but have not been thus far. Based on the processing and comparison, audible or visible feedback is provided to the patient prompting them to shift their line of sight so as to enable the capturing of the remaining regions of the fundus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Inoveon Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen R. Fransen
  • Patent number: 6830337
    Abstract: A device for rotating a body about two axes that includes a collector ring coupled to both a rotatable body and an axial movement drive mechanism for transmitting axial movements, so that rotary movements of the rotatable body about two axes are caused via axial movements of the collector ring, wherein a stator of the collector ring is seated, fixed against relative rotation, on a support body, and a rotor of the collector ring is connected with the rotatable body. At least one electrical unit, which is fixed against relative rotation with respect to the support body and is in electrical contact with the rotatable body via the collector ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Dr Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Angerpointner
  • Patent number: 6830338
    Abstract: A projector includes a light source, a beam splitter for splitting a light irradiated from the light source into a plurality of partial light beams, a polarization converter for converting the light beam irradiated from the beam splitter into a predetermined linear polarization light beam, and a lens array for transmitting the plurality of partial light beams irradiated from the polarization converter to a light modulator, where the polarization converter and the lens array are integrated by a holding frame and are fixed to a fixing portion of a support, so that the polarization converter and the lens array can be attached to the fixing portion of the support while adjusting position of the integrated component relative to the fixing portion, thus reducing trouble for position adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunori Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6830339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for optical polarization recuperation for producing a substantially polarized light beam from an unpolarized light beam comprising first and second polarizations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Barco N.V.
    Inventor: Bart Maximus
  • Patent number: 6830340
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image-rendering device for an image projector. The image-rendering device includes a body having an image receiver adapted to alternatively receive a first interchangeable data transfer device and a second interchangeable data transfer device. Each interchangeable data transfer device is adapted to enable transfer of an image to the image-rendering device. The body may further include a projector connector adapted to operably couple the image-rendering device to the image projector and a processor configured to automatically transmit the image from the image receiver to the image projector for display. In some embodiments, the image-rendering device includes a peripheral device connector configured to enable at least one peripheral device to be operably linked to the image-rendering device. The peripheral device connector may be configured to transmit an image from the at least one peripheral device to the image projector, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Jorell A. Olson, Robin Hoeye, Jason Lewis
  • Patent number: 6830341
    Abstract: A projector is often positioned so that its optical axis is at an imperfect orthogonal angle with respect to a projection screen. This position causes a keystone distortion as well as imperfect focus in the projected image. To correct these undesirable problems, initially, a lens and/or an image-forming plate is independently repositioned to bring the projected image into focus based upon user input data. The keystone distortion is also corrected by redrawing the image on an image-forming surface based upon additional user input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Ejiri, Takao Yamaguchi, Shin Aoki, Haike Guan
  • Patent number: 6830342
    Abstract: There is provided a display device in which an optical efficiency is improved using a color drum. The display device includes a road lens for totally reflecting an incident light and changing a path of the light. The display device further includes a color drum having a plurality of cell filters arranged cylindrically to face the path of the light outputted from the road lens. Here, the cell filters are in a linear shape. Since the light reflected by the color drum is not lost to the outside, the light efficiency can be enhanced. According to the invention, the linear scroll is possible due to the cell filters that are in the linear shape, so that signal process algorithm can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seung Gyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6830343
    Abstract: The present invention is a color wheel and a projector apparatus using the same. The projector apparatus includes a lamp, a color wheel, and a driving device. The lamp generates a beam directing into the color wheel. The driving device drives the color wheel to rotate, to radially move, or to axially move. The color wheel includes a plurality of filter devices. At least one filter device includes a first filter and a white filter connected to the first filter. A boundary arc is defined at the connection of the first filter and the white filter. The ratio of the area of the first filter to the area of the white filter for each filter device is predetermined, and the ratios among the filter devices are selectively the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Pei-Lun Song
  • Patent number: 6830344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wearable display means (202) of projector type and to a garment (700). The invention relates specifically to a miniature projector (202), which is worn by the user and whose application is compatible with wearable electronic data processing systems (220, 222, 224). One concept of the invention is to project the electronic information generated by wearable electronic devices (220, 222, 224) connected to the projector (202) in the user's field of vision by means of the projector (202). The projector (202) of the invention is equipped with a matrix consisting of at least one Resonance Cavity LED or a micro-mirror and with electronics (300) and optics (314) necessary for projecting. The projector (202) and the electronic devices (220, 222, 224) are integrated in the garment (700) of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Clothing Plus Oy
    Inventors: Akeseli Reho, Jussi Impiƶ
  • Patent number: 6830345
    Abstract: An imaging device is proposed which is adapted for optically imaging an object (O) to be imaged so as to generate object image (OI) and which is adapted for optically projecting a display image (DI) so as to generate a projection image (PI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sony International (Europe) GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Kamm, Evangelos Zoidis
  • Patent number: 6830346
    Abstract: In order to provide an optical element which prevents fogging of a surface and has an antireflection characteristic and morphological stability, an optical element of the present invention includes: a substrate; and a first water absorption layer containing a water-absorbing polymer and inorganic particles, a high refractive layer, and a second water absorption layer which are formed on a substrate in this order, in which the water absorption layer is made of a material containing a mixture of a water-absorbing polymer and an inorganic substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Ukuda
  • Patent number: 6830347
    Abstract: The invention is a hand-held eye viewing device adapted to be readily positioned in an operative radial displacement, angular orientation and axial standoff position relative to an eye. The eye viewing device includes an eye cup extending from a patient end of the device having a patient end adapted to be received at a patient's eye orbit. By allowing the eye viewing device to be stabilized against an eye orbit the eye cup eases the task of maintaining an operative position once an operative position has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc
    Inventors: Steven R. Slawson, Chris R. Roberts, Allan I. Krauter, Ervin Goldfain
  • Patent number: 6830348
    Abstract: An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, which can be formed by a wet-coating method and which is excellent in the antireflection property, antifouling property, scratch resistance, clearness of transmitted image and planar uniformity. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided. An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, comprising a transparent support having thereon an antiglare hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.38 to 1.49, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed by a coating method, the solvent of the coating solution for forming the low refractive index layer comprises one or more solvent, and from 50 to 100% by mass of the solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or less. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakamura, Naohiro Matsunaga, Tsutomu Arai, Shinichi Otani, Hidekazu Yamazaki, Hirohisa Hokazono
  • Patent number: 6830349
    Abstract: A light trap suitable for use in an optical imaging system includes a hollow sphere, with a hollow cylindrical tube attached substantially tangent to the surface of the sphere, and forming a chimney. The interior and exterior surfaces of the sphere are coated with a low-reflective coating, such as flat black paint. A sample to be imaged is placed over the opening of the chimney with an imaging system and illumination source directed downward into the chimney itself. Light which passes through or around the sample is captured in the sphere, so that it is not reflected back into the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Institute for Technology Development
    Inventor: Gavin H. Poole
  • Patent number: 6830350
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical component (1) consisting of a base unit (3) which supports a substrate (5) with a substrate region (7) that encompasses an optically functional surface, and a coating (9) which covers the substrate region (7) and at least part of the base unit (3). The substrate region (7) and a reference point (13) in the base unit (3) are oriented relative to each other in predefined fashion. The optical component (1) is produced by assembling the base unit (3) and the substrate (5) prior to the coating process, preferably by means of an assembly device (17). The assembled component is subsequently coated by employing a vacuum coating technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Unaxis Balzers Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Thuli, Stefan Schrauf, Heinz Good
  • Patent number: 6830351
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure for an automobile's central rearview mirror which includes an electronic vibration-dampening device. The reinforcing structure includes Piezo electric elements attached to a support structure, a clamping mechanism to stabilize the reflective mirror element and electronics including LEDs to dissipate energy extracted from the mirror. The vibration-dampening features include Piezo electric crystals attached to a support structure to press against the central rearview mirror housing and a circuit card with various components to dissipate unwanted vibration. Also, the invention includes a spring loaded, pivoted clamping system to further stabilize the entire structure. The invention achieves dampening mainly through the application of an inertial dampening system that utilizes Piezo crystals and weights to adequately absorb excess vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan Force Newcomb
  • Patent number: 6830352
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a holding component and clamping parts to clamp the mirror assembly to the holding component. Alternative embodiments of the holding component and clamping parts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 6830353
    Abstract: A smoothly operating tilting device (11) for a support plate (12) of a motor-adjustable motor vehicle exterior mirror is disclosed. The plate (12) has an articulating joint to a housing (13), for a rigid mounting. A drive motor (17) is furnished, for each of the both, orthogonal to each other (although arrangeable in any special disposition) tilting directions, which are connected to, at least in parts, flexible positioning rods (18). The above run in an arched guide (22) and are turned from the plane disposed parallel to the plate (12) in to the transverse direction, in order to bridge the mounting gap and connect with an articulated joint to the face of the back side, or the interior of the plate (12), for the transfer of pushing or pulling movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Oechsler AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Wolf, Josef Boegelein, Wolfgang Seiboth, Heinrich Lang
  • Patent number: 6830354
    Abstract: A relatively small-diameter aperture fluorescent lamp is manufactured easily with high yield and at low cost. An aperture portion is formed in a manner that a thread-like member is inserted into a glass tube having an ultraviolet ray reflection layer and a phosphor layer formed on its inner surface, the glass tube is bent in a predetermined shape by using a bending jig, the thread-like member is pressed to the phosphor layer formed in a predetermined region in the bending member side of the glass tube while both ends thereof are pulled tight, the thread-like member is reciprocated, and phosphor of the phosphor layer in this region is exfoliated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ichirou Ono
  • Patent number: 6830355
    Abstract: An elevator cab lighting assembly comprising a refractive sheet mounted on the interior of the elevator cab. A light source is mounted at and conducts light into an outer edge of the refractive sheet. The light received at the outer edge of the travels along the refractive sheet and passes out of the planar surface and inner edge of the sheet exposed within the interior of the cab. The refractive sheet may be randomly sanded or sandblasted to provide diffuse light. The sheet may be etched or routed in standard or custom designs to provide accent highlighting. The lighting assembly is housed within a transom assembly that may be accessed from the exterior of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Thyssen Elevator Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Bass, John W. Koshak, Aranggi Soemardjan
  • Patent number: 6830356
    Abstract: A magnifying and illuminating apparatus which can both be fitted onto existing lecterns or used as an integral part of an improved lectern and which combines a light source and a magnifying element in order to improve visibility of the viewable material placed under it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: AndrƩ Larocque
  • Patent number: 6830357
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicle wreath incorporating a direct lighting system energized by a vehicle's battery or combined with a one of a variety of power sources, such as a solar panel or wind driven electricity generator to energize the lighting system. The illuminated wreath may be fitted to an exterior or interior of a vehicle, and preferably to a grill of a vehicle using one or more ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Gerardo Lopez
  • Patent number: 6830358
    Abstract: An LED light string employs a plurality of LEDs wired in block series-parallel, where the one or more series blocks, each driven at the same input voltage as the source voltage (110 VAC or 220 VAC), are coupled in parallel. The LED light string interfaces to the source voltage using a common household plug; it may also include a corresponding common, household socket, coupled in electrical parallel, to enable multiple light strings to be connected to each other from end to end. In order to directly drive a network of diodes without current-limiting circuitry, the voltage of each series block of diodes must be matched to the input source voltage. This voltage matching requirement for direct AC drive places fundamental restrictions on the number of diodes on each diode series block, depending on the types of diodes used. For the voltage to be “matched,” in each series block, the peak input voltage must be less than or equal to the sum of the maximum diode voltages for each series block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fiber Optic Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6830359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminating or indicating device, including at least two light sources, each light source being associated with a first optical system. According to the present invention, each first optical system, at finite distance, forms a real image of the light source, the images of the light sources being coincident at a common point constituting a secondary source, and a second optical system having an optical axis passing through the secondary source forms an illuminating or indicating beam from this secondary source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Benoist Fleury
  • Patent number: 6830360
    Abstract: An illumination device, comprising in combination an elongated portable carrier including a housing and a longitudinal elongated window; multiple LEDs carried to emit light toward and through the window; and circuitry associated with the housing to supply electrical power to the LEDs, the circuitry incorporating resistor, capacitor and diode elements to reduce AC input voltage to a level for supply to the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: National Electric Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Galvez
  • Patent number: 6830361
    Abstract: An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a plurality of bulbs, and a refracting layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the bulbs are installed on the frame to serve as lighting ornaments, and the rod frame is coated with a refracting layer of a transparent material. A formed lighting fixture so constructed can offer a dazzling effect to thereby reduce bulb amount and facilitate production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jessica Wang
  • Patent number: 6830362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens retaining clip designed to hold a lens in place in the light path of a light bulb. This invention has two preferred embodiments designed to work with either an MR-16 light bulb or a PAR-36 light bulb. The primary difference between the embodiments is the shape and function of the retaining arms spaced around the perimeter of the retaining clip. Each embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally circular main bracket, and one or more, preferably three equally spaced, retaining arms. The main bracket is narrow in relation to the total diameter of the top member so as not to obstruct the light path of the light bulb. Retaining arms are attached to the outer edge of the main bracket and each are designed with an indented portion designed to “clip” onto the light bulb and retain the lens retaining clip on the bulb. In operation, the lens retaining clip secures a lens of generally the same shape and size as the lens retaining clip against a light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Nate Mullen
  • Patent number: 6830363
    Abstract: A glow illumination device and system which utilizes a plurality of the devices to make bicycles more visible in low light conditions. The glow illumination devices include a translucent glow tube which fits in a coaxial, radially spaced position around respective support tubes of the bicycle frame, front forks, and handlebars. An elongate, doughnut-shaped annular glow chamber is formed between the glow tube and the associated support tube to permit light propagation therethrough. A pair of end caps each have an inner flange defining a central hole of a size sufficient to receive the associated support tube and an outer flange at an outer periphery to retain the glow tube engaged between the end caps. A plurality of light emitting diodes are retained to each end cap, and are operatively connected to a common battery pack affixed to the bicycle frame through sheathed wires to illuminate the entire length of the glow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Richard L. Pisula
  • Patent number: 6830364
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly includes a reflector having apertures formed in a circumferential wall thereof which are configured to accept light emitting diodes therethrough in an orientation generally perpendicular to the circumferential wall. The reflector includes a reflective protuberance, which is typically multi-faceted, extending upwardly from an interior surface of the reflector and generally centered with respect to the light emitting diodes. Each facet of the protuberance directs light from the light emitting diodes to an upper lens. Multiple ridges extend upwardly from the interior surface of the reflector at approximately forty-five degree angles with respect to the light emitting diodes for directing the light emitted from the light emitting diodes to the lens. The configuration of the reflector enables the use of fewer light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Zorak Ter-Oganesian
  • Patent number: 6830365
    Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial tree for use outdoors that includes a tree with trunk, branches and twigs protected from moisture penetration and a plurality of optical fibers also protected from the outside element. A housing encloses a light source assembly and a fan with a hood for protection from overheating. The housing includes a sloped overhang for moisture protection. A collar with a transparent closed end is inserted into an opening in the housing. The trunk of the tree fits into the collar with its bottom end and one end of every fiber abutting the transparent closed end of the collar. When the light source assembly is on, the tree is lit by the optical fibers and the light assembly is protected from moisture and overheating. An added protective feature is that the housing sits on legs such that there is clearance between the housing and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6830366
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes at least two light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements having at least two light-emitting zones which are disposed in a regular pattern throughout the entire length and allow light to be emitted in different light-emission intensities, each of the light-emitting elements allowing light to be emitted in continuous sequence from the light-emitting zones in one direction, wherein adjacent light-emitting elements are positioned with a predetermined distance deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Shinichi Irie
  • Patent number: 6830367
    Abstract: A low-profile tank and system for mixing dry chemicals with water to form a concentrated hemodialysis solution, the tank having a fluid supply nozzle projecting into a cylindrical side wall of the tank, and a drain connection at an apex of a conical bottom wall of the tank. A cavity having a ramp-like bottom wall extends from the cylindrical side wall of the tank. A venturi eductor provides for transfer of dry chemicals to the tank using compressed air to aspirate the chemicals and deliver them to the tank. A plurality of load cells may be used to measure the weight of the tank and contents. Manual transfer of dry chemicals to the tank is facilitated by the low profile of the tank. A tapered shipping container is provided for nesting when empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Roger A. Peterson, John J. Matta, Bert Walter
  • Patent number: 6830368
    Abstract: A mixing valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of helical members. An agitation chamber is formed in the valve body. The plurality of helical members are disposed substantially in parallel in the valve body and have a number corresponding to a number of fluid supply ports. The plurality of helical members have helical passages on their outer circumferential surfaces and have ends facing the agitation chamber. Fluids are supplied from the fluid supply ports and pass through the helical passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Fukano
  • Patent number: 6830369
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a tubular blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis; and tapers from the first end to the second end. The inner surface of the blade and the second end define an inside blade diameter “ID” and the outer surface of the blade and the first end define an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each cycle, wherein 175≦0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T≦250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Enersave Fluid Mixers Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Haughton, Martin Behr, Tom Ostrowski
  • Patent number: 6830370
    Abstract: A cavitation generating device, wherein the chordal side edges of a pair of semi-elliptic vane panel disposed in a pipe body allowing fluid to be force-fed are crossed aslant with each other, a space between code side edges on the upstream side of the crossed part is closed by a partition plate dividing a pipe body cross-section into two parts, an opening part formed between a chordal edge of one semi-elliptic vane panel on the downstream side of the crossed part and a chordal edge of the other semi-elliptic vane panel on the upstream side of the crossed part is closed partially by restricting means such as a baffle board so as to form a guide vane, and an arc side edge of the semi-elliptic vane panel of the guide vane is connected to the inner wall of a fluid force-feeding pipe body; a fluid mixing device, wherein a plurality of projections are projected radially from the inner peripheral board surface of the pipe body on the downstream side of the guide vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ohr Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideto Uematsu
  • Patent number: 6830371
    Abstract: An accuracy adjustment apparatus for a timepiece has an accuracy adjustment data input control section including a case-mounted switch such as a crown of the timepiece. A crown state detection signal is used to determine the state of the crown. When an accuracy adjustment data input mode is indicated based on the position of the crown, an indicator of the timepiece is driven to provide a visual indication of accuracy adjustment data selectable by operation of the crown. When the proper accuracy adjustment data has been selected, the data is stored to a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Masaki
  • Patent number: 6830372
    Abstract: A thermal testing control system for notebook computers, remotely controlled by a control means, is described. An enclosure can test notebook computers in its inner space under a predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor, mounted in the testing room is electrically connected to the control means. A blower is mounted in one opening, and electrically connected to the control means. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature, the blower begins to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Tai-Sheng Liu, Chi-An Wu
  • Patent number: 6830373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature measurement device, particularly to a temperature measurement device for the cold junction of a non-contact temperature measurement element, characterized in that a plurality of electrical-conductive pins is provided on the bottom surface of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Opto Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Te Lin, Chung-Nan Chen, Chih-Hsiung Shen
  • Patent number: 6830374
    Abstract: This invention concerns a thermocouple which is protected by an outer sheath comprising inner and outer tubes with the annular space filled with low temperature sintering refractory material which is preferably beaded before filling in the space and in which the outer tube is constricted to compact the material. The refractory material will include borosilicate and boric acid powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Temperature Management Systems (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Adrian L Gray
  • Patent number: 6830375
    Abstract: An anti-collision method and apparatus for use with a C-arm x-ray imaging machine to prevent damage to the imaging apparatus and injury to patients and health care workers includes a load cell, a differential buffer and integrator, an analog to digital converter, and a microcontroller controlling the motor drive. The present invention also provides a method for controlling the apparatus via a microcontroller and includes the steps of determining whether an up/down switch is actuated, reading and comparing a value with a tabulated value, halting the C-arm if the difference between the tabulated value and the recorded value exceeds a threshold value and reversing the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Piyush Vijay Deshpande
  • Patent number: 6830376
    Abstract: A radioactive image apparatus and a method of controlling a focus thereof. The radioactive image apparatus includes a radioactive ray generating unit, a robot table, and a radioactive ray detecting unit. The focus control method includes obtaining a radioactive transmission image of a test pattern, defining a circle with a given radius in the radioactive transmission image of the test pattern, detecting values of pixels located on a circumference of the circle, calculating the standard deviation of the values of the pixels located on the circumference of the circle, and determining the radius of the circle to be an index factor of a resolution in response to the calculated standard deviation being smaller than a preset threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Wan Kim, Jae-Hyun Jung, Hyeong-Cheol Kim, Jun-Bo Kim, Won Choi, Hyoung-Jo Jeon
  • Patent number: 6830377
    Abstract: A flexible zipper incorporating a layer of gas-impermeable thermoplastic material in one or both flanges. The zipper is installed in the mouth of a reclosable package or bag made of gas-impermeable material shaped to form a receptacle. The gas-impermeable web material of the receptacle and the layer of gas-impermeable material of the zipper form a substantially gastight enclosure for preserving the perishable contents of the package. Flexible zippers having a layer of gas-impermeable thermoplastic material joined to a layer of gas-permeable thermoplastic material are preferably manufactured by a coextrusion process. The resulting gas barrier inside the receptacle has a zone of preferential tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6830378
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a rolling element string wherein a smaller rolling element string can be manufactured easily at low cost, and a rolling element string being superior in the tensile strength and the flexural strength even after downsizing can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Michioka, Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Hiroshi Nakabayashi, Katsuya Iida, Daisuke Yatsushiro
  • Patent number: 6830379
    Abstract: A rotation-speed sensor device is provided to comprise an encoder supported by a rotating race of a rolling bearing unit for vehicle wheel support to be concentric with the rotating race and having a detected portion the characteristics of which are alternately changed in a circumferential direction, a rotation detection sensor supported by a non-rotating member on the vehicle chassis side and having a detecting portion facing the detected portion to produce a detection signal, a wireless transmission device for sending the detection signal from the rotation detection sensor to a controller provided on the vehicle chassis side, and a self-diagnosis circuit to judge whether there is an error or not in the rotation detection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Morita, Ikunori Sakatani, Shigeru Endo, Hiroya Miyazaki, Junshi Sakamoto, Yuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6830380
    Abstract: Two thrust races are separated by a plurality of rolling elements for relative rotation of the thrust races about a common axis. A spring washer is positioned axially outward of the two thrust races for engaging a support surface and for applying an axial load to one of the two thrust races. The two thrust races, the rolling elements and the spring washer are retained together as an assembly, for example by an axially extending case with radially extending lips, to facilitate handling and installation of the thrust bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Joseph F. Kennedy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6830381
    Abstract: An axial bearing unit made up of a cage (2) and races (3, 4) is in which the collar (5) located at the outer peripheral edge of the race (3) is extended by a first flange (7) and a protruding rib (8) is formed in an area made up of the collar (5) and the flange (7). The protruding rib faces inwardly to radically contain the cage (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Charles M. Schwab, J. Kevin Brown
  • Patent number: 6830382
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a connector element that comprises a connector body and a fiber optic ferrule slidably positioned inside the connector body. The ferrule holds at least one optical fiber. The connector element carries an optical sub-assembly including a photonic device and a spacer and includes a connector sleeve for receiving the connector element. The sleeve includes a ridge that operates as a first stop for the connector body and includes an alignment projection that coarsely aligns the fiber optic ferrule. The ferrule includes a pair of openings configured to receive a pair of alignment pins to provide fine alignment of optical fibers with corresponding photonic devices. The connector element is engaged with the connector sleeve to position the ferrule with respect to the optical sub-assembly such that the optical fiber is correctly positioned relative to a corresponding photonic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Deane, Luu T. Nguyen, William P. Mazotti, Bruce C. Roberts, Christopher J. Smith, Janet E. Townsend, John P. Briant, Michael R. Nelson, Stephen Jacob