Patents Issued in February 13, 2007
  • Patent number: 7175255
    Abstract: An ink jet recording head having a recording element substrate including three or more discharge port arrays comprising a plurality of discharge ports and recording elements for discharging ink from the discharge ports and supplying heat to areas around the discharge ports; wherein each of the discharge port arrays matches one or another of a plurality of types of ink whose viscosity decreases with a rise in temperature, and the discharge port arrays matching the most viscous of the inks to be discharged being arranged between other discharge port arrays to enable ink drips to be discharged stably, and an ink jet recording apparatus using the same are to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Okito, Keiichiro Tsukuda
  • Patent number: 7175256
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly comprises an elongate support aligned with a support axis. There is also provided a plurality of carriers which are mated together along the support. Each carrier is supported by the support and has complementary ends which provides for the mating of adjacent carriers together. In addition, each carrier has an elongate printhead which is aligned parallel to the support axis. In one embodiment, the printheads are alternately arranged on a pair parallel printhead axes along the length of the support, with the printhead axes being laterally displaced with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7175257
    Abstract: An ink-jet printhead and a manufacturing method thereof include a substrate on which an ink chamber having a predetermined volume is formed, a passage for supplying ink to the ink chamber which is formed on a bottom of the ink chamber, a nozzle plate which includes a nozzle corresponding to a center of the ink chamber and at least two insulating layers formed on the substrate, a bubble guide formed inside the nozzle plate and extending from the nozzle into the ink chamber, and a heater which surrounds the nozzle and is disposed between the two insulating layers. A hydrophobic coating layer is formed on a surface of a uppermost layer of the nozzle plate, and a droplet ejecting portion that has a diameter smaller than that of the nozzle of the nozzle plate and is disposed on the same axis as the nozzle, is formed in the hydrophobic coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-ha Park, Seo-hyun Cho, Myung-jong Kwon, Yong-shik Park, Kyong-il Kim, Jae-sik Min
  • Patent number: 7175258
    Abstract: A doubly-anchored thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device such as a liquid drop emitter or a fluid control microvalve is disclosed. The thermal actuator is comprised of a base element formed with a depression having opposing anchor. A deformable element, attached to the base element at the opposing anchor edges, is constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The deformable element has anchor portions adjacent the anchor edges and a central portion between the anchor portions wherein the flexural rigidity of the anchor portions is substantially less than the flexural rigidity of the central portion. The doubly-anchored thermal actuator further comprises apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element that causes a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Antonio Cabal, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7175259
    Abstract: An inkjet recording method comprising ejecting an ink composition comprising a dispersion medium and charged particles containing at least a colorant by utilizing an electrostatic field, wherein the method comprises preparing as the ink composition, an initial feeding ink composition and a replenishing ink composition in which solid content concentration is controlled higher than solid content concentration of the initial feeding ink composition, and replenishing the replenishing ink composition in order to compensate decrease in concentration of the charged particles due to ejection of the initial feeding ink composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keitaro Aoshima
  • Patent number: 7175260
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead chip includes a wafer substrate (116). Drive circuitry is positioned on the wafer substrate. A plurality of nozzle arrangements is positioned on the wafer substrate. Each nozzle arrangement includes nozzle chamber walls (132) and a roof wall positioned on the wafer substrate to define a nozzle chamber (134) and an ink ejection port (124) in the roof wall. A micro-electromechanical actuator (128) is connected to the drive circuitry. The actuator includes a movable member (130) that is displaceable on receipt of a signal from the drive circuitry. The movable member defines a displacement surface that acts on ink in the nozzle chamber to eject the ink from the ink ejection port. An area of the displacement surface is between half and twice a cross sectional area of the ink ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7175261
    Abstract: There is disclosed an ink jet printhead assembly which has a plurality of structures laminated together, one of the structures being a printhead with a plurality of nozzles and one or more heater elements in a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each nozzle. Each heater element is configured to heat a bubble forming liquid in the printhead to a temperature above its boiling point to form a gas bubble therein. The generation of the bubble causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid through an ejection aperture in each nozzle, to effect printing. The remaining structures including a plurality of passages for the ejectable liquid, the passages extending from the inlets on the printhead to openings configured for connection an ejectable liquid supply. Adjacent structures within the laminated structure are laminated together so that the passages funnel the ejectable liquid to the inlets of the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7175262
    Abstract: A liquid-jet head, a manufacturing method thereof and a liquid-jet apparatus are provided, the liquid-jet head capable of preventing damage to a vibration plate, easily and surely preventing damage to a piezoelectric element attributable to an external environment, simplifying a manufacturing process and improving a withstand voltage of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Furuhata
  • Patent number: 7175263
    Abstract: A twin-nozzle print head for a continuous inkjet deflection printer comprises an ink drop generator assembly having two inkjet ejection nozzles, each of the nozzles having an ejection axis. Charge electrodes, deflection electrodes deflecting charged drops and a single ink drop recovery gutter for both nozzles are also provided. The ejection axes of nozzles converge at a point located on an axis of a single inlet orifice of the single recovery gutter in the vicinity of this orifice or upstream of this gutter. A printer equipped with this head prints swathes of large width with good juncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IMAJE SA
    Inventors: Thierry Colombat, Paul Bajeux
  • Patent number: 7175264
    Abstract: A device for continuously supplying ink under constant pressure comprising an ink storage tank and an ink feeding pipe connecting an ink chamber with a print head. The ink storage tank includes a container having a relatively large ink chamber which has a gas passage connected with the atmosphere. Inside the ink storage tank is a first chamber and a second chamber. A gas inlet port connected with the atmosphere is provided inside the first chamber. At the lower part of the partition between the two chambers, there is provided a gas-liquid exchange entryway that allows gas in the first chamber to enter into the second chamber and allows ink in the second chamber to flow into the first chamber. Utilizing an equilibrium principle of gas pressure, constant pressure processes can be designed and manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Print-Rite.Unicorn Image Products Co., Ltd. of Zhubai
    Inventors: Xiao Qingguo, Jin Benyou
  • Patent number: 7175265
    Abstract: A flexible beltlike member in which a plurality of ink channels are formed interconnects a carriage and an ink cartridge. A first turn unit is formed in the flexible beltlike member, wherein the turn unit is in U shape seen from top. A carriage side holding apparatus for holding the beltlike member in the carriage includes a holder unit operable to change position of the flexible beltlike member from a horizontal position to a vertical position by making the flexible beltlike member extend from the carriage in a substantially horizontal position, by bending the turn unit at center of the U-shaped construction, and by maintaining the bent construction so that a side extending from the bend to the ink cartridge is perpendicular to a side extending to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Tsuyama, Takayuki Shiota
  • Patent number: 7175266
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include wireless electronic memory devices formed within plugs for sealing the filling ports of containers of consumable substances; containers incorporating the plugs; and related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Brian L. Helterline
  • Patent number: 7175267
    Abstract: An ink cartridge adapted for an ink jet printer includes a housing, a top cover and an ink porous member. The housing has a bottom wall, a plurality of upstanding side walls extending from edges of the bottom wall, a plurality of upstanding baffles extending from a middle of the bottom wall to define an inner chamber and an outer chamber and an ink outlet port in communication with the inner chamber for containing ink therein. The ink porous member is arranged within the inner chamber of the housing for being impregnated with the ink, and the ink is filled in the outer chamber thereby to storage with a higher quantity of ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Monitek Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Pui Kuong Lui
  • Patent number: 7175268
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording ink ensuring (1) excellent weather resistance (image preservability), (2) less blurring of image drawn and (3) high ejection stability. This object of the present invention can be attained by an inkjet recording ink, including an aqueous medium having dissolved therein at least two water soluble coloring materials sharing one spectral absorption region selected from a region of 500 to 580 nm and a region of 580 to 600 nm as the main absorption region in the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7175269
    Abstract: An apparatus detects image information ans surface quality of a subject image and for forms a copy with an image and surface quality corresponding to that of the subject. The apparatus generates image data and surface quality data, forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and forms a surface textures on the sheet according to the surface quality data. The surface treatment optionally forms a non-uniform surface quality corresponding to a non-uniform surface quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Kito
  • Patent number: 7175270
    Abstract: A novel frame construction for eyeglasses is provided wherein the upper frame member is formed to have greatly enhanced flexibility to increase the overall adjustability, comfort and fit of the eyeglasses. The upper frame member includes areas wherein the material is selectively weakened to create predetermined flex points periodically within the frame member. Additionally, the weakened areas may be filled and/or covered with a second material that is more flexible than the base material used to form the frame member. The enhanced flexibility allows the upper frame member to flex as the temple members of the eyeglasses are stretched outwardly providing a comfortable fit for a wide range of wearers. Further, the top edge of the eyeglass lens may include formations that provide clearance for the deflection of the top frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bacou-Dalloz Eye & Face Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Curci, Laurent Froissard, Michael J. Jobin, Gregor Mittersinker
  • Patent number: 7175271
    Abstract: Sunglasses with securement bows which are somewhat transmissive to ultraviolet light are taught which allow outdoor exposure without the sharp untanned lines normally seen on the side of the wearer's head. Eyeglasses with securement bows which are somewhat transmissive to ultraviolet light are taught which allow outdoor exposure without the sharp untanned lines normally seen on the side of the wearer's head. Eyeglasses and sunglasses with ultraviolet transmitting nose bridges are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Lori C. Kroll
  • Patent number: 7175272
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spectacles and sunshade clip assembly using magnets. The magnets serve to detachably attach the sunshade clip to the spectacles. The spectacles comprises a pair of lens frames connected to each other by means of a nose bridge, and temple arms connected, respectively, to the lens frames by means of magnetically-induced hinges. The sunshade clip comprises a pair of sunshade lenses formed by cutting a colored plastic plate into a desired lens form, and a sunshade bridge formed by injection molding and adapted to connect the sunshade lenses to each other. Two magnet ribs are coupled to opposite outer ends of the sunshade lenses to extend in opposite directions. Each of the magnet ribs is configured to substantially coincide with the outer contour of the hinge provided at the spectacles and has a magnet mounted to face the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Suk-Jae Lee et al.
    Inventors: Suk-Jae Lee, Ju-Jae Lee, Hyun-Jun Lee, Sung-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 7175273
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses includes a rim, two temples, and a light emitting device; the rim has a groove thereon while each of the temple has a groove thereon; the light emitting device has several light emitting elements positioned in the grooves of the rim and the temples, and it has a power supplying unit electrically connected to the light emitting elements for supplying power to make the light emitting elements shine; thus, the eyeglasses have light emitting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 7175274
    Abstract: An eyeglasses assembly includes an eyeglass frame, a temple member, a first lens and a second lens. The first lens is connected to the frame and is positioned to allow a wearer of the frame to look through the first lens. The second lens is moveably connected to the frame such that the second is moveable from a first position to a second position. The first position allows a wearer to look through the first lens and the second lens, and the second position is substantially away from the first position in a direction toward the temple member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey F. Markson
  • Patent number: 7175275
    Abstract: A pair of spectacles includes a main frame having a magnetic bridge piece. An auxiliary inner frame is secured by a magnetic member to the bridge piece and an outer auxiliary lens is similarly secured by a magnet to the bridge piece and at lateral locations onto edges of the main frame. The auxiliary outer lens is secured by a magnetic button which is inserted through an aperture in the outer lens and has a magnetic member an a head which is sized to overly the aperture. The magnetic member embedded in the button attracts the magnetic bridge piece thereby attaching the button to the main frame, the head overlies the aperture and secures the outer frame to the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Chic Optic Inc.
    Inventor: Thierry Ifergan
  • Patent number: 7175276
    Abstract: A quick-coupled and adjustable temple for glasses includes a coupler defining a forward opened receiving cavity and having two short shafts vertically projected from an upper and a lower front end of the coupler for engaging with two shaft holes correspondingly provided at a lateral outer end of an adjacent rim of the glasses; and a temple being provided closely behind an inner front or proximal end with a centered coupling member for engaging with the receiving cavity on the coupler, and at the inner front end with a sideward projection. The temple is connected to the rim via the coupler by sliding the coupling member into the receiving cavity of the coupler to tightly fit therein. The temple could be vertically pivotally turned about the engaged coupling member and receiving cavity to different angular positions relative to the rim to meet a wearer's preference or head configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Doris Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung Hsien Hsiung
  • Patent number: 7175277
    Abstract: A central processing unit of a calculation server apparatus includes a reference design data selection unit for selecting reference design data from a plurality of reference design data stored in reference design data storage of storage memory, and an arrange design unit 123 for processing the reference design data so acquired on the basis of prescription data. The reference design data has point groups having coordinates of points and obtained by dividing a progressive surface as a reference into a lattice form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Shinohara, Tadashi Kaga, Kazutoshi Kato
  • Patent number: 7175278
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and software for generating a wavefront elevation map using Fourier transformation algorithms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. The surface gradients from the transmitted image are measured across the optical tissues of the eye. A Fourier transform algorithm is applied to the surface gradients to reconstruct a surface that corresponds to the optical tissues of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Visx, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitri Chernyak, Charles E. Campbell, Erik Gross, Seema Somani
  • Patent number: 7175279
    Abstract: A two-stage light projection system is provided for projecting an image comprising a matrix of light pixels having modulated luminance. A first imager is configured to modulate a light band on a pixel-by-pixel basis proportional to gray scale values provided for each pixel of the image to provide a first output matrix. A second imager is positioned and configured to receive the first output matrix and modulate the individual modulated pixels of light from the first imager on a pixel-by-pixel basis proportional to a second gray scale value provided for each pixel. A relay lens system having a single-gauss lens set and a mirror positioned at the system stop focuses the modulated light output from the first imager on a pixel-by-pixel basis onto the corresponding pixels of the second imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Valter Drazic, Khaled Sarayeddine, Estill Thone Hall, Eugene Murphy O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7175280
    Abstract: A projection system including a light source, a color separator, a scrolling unit, a light valve, a wire grid polarization beam splitter, and a projection lens unit is provided. The color separator separates an incident beam according to color. The scrolling unit scrolls the color beams. The light valve processes an incident beam according to an image signal and forms a color picture. The wire grid polarization beam splitter is disposed between the scrolling unit and the light valve and transmits or reflects an incident beam according to a polarization of the incident beam. The projection lens unit magnifies the color picture formed by the light valve and reflected by the wire grid beam splitter and projects the magnified color picture onto a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-ha Kim, Kun-ho Cho, Dae-sik Kim, Hee-joong Lee
  • Patent number: 7175281
    Abstract: A transmissive LCD is placed in optical series with pixels of an image. The transmissive LCD is set to full transmissivity when bright pixels of the image pass through the transmissive LCD. Transmissivity is decreased where pixels darker than a darkening threshold pass through the transmissive LCD. A darkening curve representative of an amount of darkening performed by the transmissive LCD provides an amount of darkening to be performed on each pixel. Preferably, the darkening curve gradually darkens pixels more as the pixels themselves are darker. The darkening curve may be implemented as a formula or a look-up table in software or drive electronics that energize the transmissive LCD. Both the darkening threshold and the darkening curve may be user selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: LightMaster Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Berman
  • Patent number: 7175282
    Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a screen to display a picture thereon, an upper cabinet to support the screen, an optical engine provided in a lower portion of the upper cabinet to project an image beam toward the screen, a circuit unit to drive the optical engine, a lower cabinet to accommodate the optical engine and the circuit unit, and a partition plate provided in the lower cabinet to partition the lower cabinet into an upper accommodating portion and a lower accommodating portion to allow the lower cabinet to separately accommodate the optical engine and the circuit unit. In the projection apparatus, the optical engine and the driving circuit are separated from each other, thereby improving a cooling efficiency and a working efficiency, and providing a design having various appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-jun Jung, Woo-young Kan, Sang-hak Kim
  • Patent number: 7175283
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an optical device, optical device manufacturing method, and projector that can easily position an optical modulation element in a predetermined position. The optical device includes an optical modulation element holder to hold an optical modulation element thereon so as to be able to transfer heat to cooling fluid within cooling chambers, a plurality of fluid circulation members connected in communication to the cooling chambers, and a cooling fluid relay section that, disposed at a predetermined position relative to the optical axis of a luminous flux emitted from a light source, relays cooling fluid transferred via the plurality of fluid circulation members. Out of the plurality of fluid circulation members, fluid circulation members whose one-side end are connected in communication to the cooling chambers of the optical modulation element holder are formed so that the another-side end thereof protrudes toward a luminous flux emergent side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Kitabayashi, Hidetoshi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 7175284
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus includes a housing having a first side having an air intake opening and a second side having an air exhaust opening, a light source for supplying light, and a light valve device which modulates the light output from the light source. A centrifugal fan is associated with the air intake opening so as to draw air from the air intake opening. A first ventilation path is coupled with the air intake opening so as to lead air flow from the air intake opening toward a lower portion of the light valve, and a second ventilation path is formed from the lower portion of the light valve to an upper portion of the light valve. An exhaust fan is associated with the air exhaust opening so as to draw out air flowing from the second ventilation path through the air exhaust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Fuse, Mikio Shiraishi, Yasuo Otsuka, Nobuyuki Kaku, Hidehiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7175285
    Abstract: A system for adjusting keystoning in a projector may include sensing using an imaging device at least two boundaries defining a projection screen and determining a transformation to adjust the keystoning of an image projected from the projector. The image may be modified from the projector in accordance with the transformation and projecting the modified image from the projector, wherein the imaging device and the projector are maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Baoxin Li, Shigeru Kojima, Toshinori Furuhashi, Kazuya Arakawa, Ryohichi Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 7175286
    Abstract: A projector determines horizontal and vertical tilt angles. Using the tilt angles and the inherent properties of the projector, keystone correction corner points for the image can be computed. The keystone correction corner points can be used to perform keystone correction on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pixelworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongde Wang, Tianbing Brian Teng
  • Patent number: 7175287
    Abstract: A projection display device is provided. The projection display device may include an image generation device configured to generate an image and a wide angle lens system having an optical axis configured to receive the image and project the image along an optical path for display above the display device. The projection display device further may include direction changing optics configured to fold the optical path such that the optical path changes direction from a first direction to a second direction. In some embodiments, the image generation device may be positioned below the optical axis of the wide angle lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Gohman
  • Patent number: 7175288
    Abstract: A projector includes a lamp, a ballast, a micro controller unit and an optical engine. The lamp emits a light ray. The ballast starts the lamp and selectively outputs an operating power and a blanking power to the lamp. The micro controller unit controls the ballast. The optical engine receives the light ray and outputs a projecting image to a screen outside the projector. When the projector enters a blanking mode from a normal operating mode, the micro controller unit outputs a control signal to the ballast, and the power supplied from the ballast to the lamp is changed from the operating power to the blanking power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsun Wu
  • Patent number: 7175289
    Abstract: An optical relay comprising a first mirror and a second mirror is provided. The first mirror is configured to receive modulated light from a first spatial light modulator and reflect the modulated light onto the second mirror. The second mirror is configured to reflect the modulated light onto the first mirror, and the first mirror is configured to reflect the modulated light onto a second spatial light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott A. Lerner, Conor D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7175290
    Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated glass for vehicles exerting the functions that are difficult to be made compatible in combinations such as (1) a shade band in an interlayer and an optical device such as a CCD camera, (2) a heat shielding interlayer and an optical device, and (3) a heat shielding interlayer and a combiner. In this laminated glass for vehicles, the interlayer includes a first region and a second region that is either enclosed by the first region or formed by partially recessing an edge portion of the first region. The first region is provided with a light reducing function that imparts a light transmittance loss at least of visible light, and in the second region, the interlayer has a light transmittance loss of visible light that is smaller than that in the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuya Noguchi, Satoshi Furusawa
  • Patent number: 7175291
    Abstract: An automobile rearview mirror with an LCD display comprises a front panel, a mount, a display unit housed between the front panel and the mount, a front frame, a rear shell, and a mirror. The display unit, the front panel, the mount and the mirror are contained between the rear shell and the mirror. The automobile rearview mirror thereby assembled can be installed at the location of a rearview mirror in an automobile. There are two springs disposed between the mount and the rear shell that provide the force needed to pull down the front panel and the display monitor. The slide motion is further assisted by rail sectors, corresponding slide elements, gear sectors and oil-pressure gear wheels. The automobile rearview mirror is further provided with locking pieces and releases for properly retained the position of the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shin-Nan Li
  • Patent number: 7175292
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a motor vehicle with a base (16) and an adjustable mirror head (12) and a pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) on the base (16) allowing manual adjustment of the mirror head (12) with respect to the base (16). The pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) has a ball joint (22, 26) to enable pivoting and frictionally engaging faces (36, 38, 42) spaced apart from the ball joint (22, 26) on the base (16) and the mirror head (12) to provide vibration absorption. The respective faces (36, 38, 42) are part spherical surfaces resiliently urged together by resilient means (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Darryl Flynn
  • Patent number: 7175293
    Abstract: A decorative article (10) capable of being used in combination with an article having a light source (21) and of remarkably improving the decorative effect together with the light source. The decorative article (10) is attached to an article having a light source (21), and comprises, at least, an appearance-providing layer (15) defining an appearance of the decorative article, and a light-storage layer (16) which is disposed under the appearance-providing layer (15) and is able to store the light from the light source (21) and generate afterglow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ken Egashira, Motoaki Muraoka, Hirofumi Nitta
  • Patent number: 7175294
    Abstract: An insulated and luminescent drinking vessel for use as a safety device by walkers, joggers and bikers having a transparent tubular outer vessel having a top side and a bottom side. A lamp is connectable to the outer vessel bottom side. A conical inner vessel is connected to the outer vessel top side, the lamp is for illuminating the inner vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond M. Estrada, Sa'd Ball
  • Patent number: 7175295
    Abstract: A hands-free apparatus for illuminating an area surrounding a user's body includes a plurality of flexible tubes having mateable proximal end portions and spaced distal end portions positionable at a predetermined spatial relationship disposed forwardly of the proximal end portions. A power supply source is internally situated within the flexible tubes. A plurality of light-emitting sources are connected to the flexible tubes and electrically coupled to the power supply source respectively. The light-emitting sources each include a switch operably connected to the power supply sources such that a user may independently toggle each light-emitting sources between operating and non-operating modes. The switches are preferably connected to a plurality of housings encasing the light-emitting sources and are positioned distal to a maintaining mechanism medially attached to the flexible tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bretz, Andrea Thomas
  • Patent number: 7175296
    Abstract: A flat-panel lamp and fixture having a removable flat-panel lamp having at least two externally accessible electrode contacts and a fixture for removably receiving the flat-panel lamp and providing electrical connections to the at least two externally accessible electrode contacts. At least one rotating element that rotates to hold the flat-panel lamp in alignment within the fixture such that the electrical connections are connected to the externally accessible electrode contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ronald S. Cok
  • Patent number: 7175297
    Abstract: An in-grade light fixture, comprising a below grade light fixture having a light opening substantially at grade level. An optical chamber is arranged within the light fixture housing and holding a light source generating light that passes through the light opening. A faceplate mechanism mounted over the light opening and to the optical chamber, and is held in place by mounting screws. The faceplate mechanism is at least partially rotatable over the light opening so that the location of said mounting screws can be adjusted around the light opening. An adjustment mechanism is included to adjust the height and angle of the faceplate mechanism to match the height and angle of the surrounding grade level and angle. A holding mechanism can also be included for holding the light fixture housing at the desired height within a hole prior to being buried. An anti-condensation valve can also be included on the optical chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Hagen
  • Patent number: 7175298
    Abstract: The present invention provides lanterns that have a globe or lens with portions that differ in their light transmitting characteristics such that each portion provides a different illuminating effect, and a candle or other light source held within the globe or lens on a holder that is able to swivel or rotate in relation to the globe or lens. This enables the lantern to be positioned such that light from the light source passes primarily through either one of the lens portions for the desired illumination characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Soren Schou
  • Patent number: 7175299
    Abstract: An efficient system and method for zooming the light from a flashlight is disclosed. Multiple refractive lenses are translated in unison to allow zooming of the light while reducing the size and weight of the required lenses. In another aspect, a meniscus lens is used to reduce the amount of light lost from a light-emitting diode (LED). One method includes providing a light source in a housing and translating a lens arrangement substantially along a light path of a light beam generated by the light source. The lens arrangement includes at least two refractive lenses separated by a gap, a size of the gap being maintained during translation of the lens arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Alan Uke, Steven Wright
  • Patent number: 7175300
    Abstract: The present invention provides a side-entry lamping fixture and cartridge, comprising a fixture having an upper fixture wall and a lower fixture wall, first and second sidewalls joining said upper and lower fixture walls and, at least one of the first and second sidewalls having a re-lamping aperture. The apparatus further comprises a lamping cartridge having a cover including a socket attached to the cover, a lamp in electrical communication with the socket and a fastening portion extending from the cover. The fixture and cartridge provide for a removable lamp which may be replaced without interfering with the fixture walls or a reflector therein, yet remain properly oriented when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Andrew E. Medeiros
  • Patent number: 7175301
    Abstract: A backlight module. The backlight module comprises first to fourth fixed seats, first and second conductive devices, and lamps. The first and second fixed seats have grooves. The first and second conductive devices have V-shaped scallops electrically connected with one another. Each V-shaped scallop is disposed in a corresponding groove. The lamps are disposed parallel to one another, each having a first and second ends respectively disposed in the grooves of the third and fourth fixed seats, for fixing the lamps. Depth and area of each V-shaped scallop both exceed a diameter of the lamp. A liquid crystal display device utilizing the backlight module is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Lee, Ming-Fa Wang
  • Patent number: 7175302
    Abstract: A decorative lighting apparatus includes a decorative light strand having first, second, and third wires, each with a plurality of lamps coupled in series therealong, and a return wire coupled to ends of the first, the second, and the third wires. Each lamp of the plurality of lamps has a first light-emitting diode (LED) device coupled in parallel and in reverse orientation with a second LED device. The first, the second, and the third wires are positioned together such that each lamp of the first, the second, and the third pluralities are positioned adjacent to each other but sufficiently separated such that little or no color mixing occurs between the lamps. The apparatus also includes a controller adapted to control the plurality of lamps to provide different user-selectable color schemes in various simultaneously-illuminated combinations of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Year-Round Creations, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Michael Kazar, John Jeffery Oskorep
  • Patent number: 7175303
    Abstract: An LED utility light has a hollow housing with an upper light portion and a lower handle portion, the housing being formed by a rear shell and a front shell with a lens aperture formed therein. An LED circuit board assembly disposed in the housing has an array of LEDs arranged in rows facing the lens opening. A reflector member is mounted between the circuit board assembly and the lens opening and has a plurality of light apertures formed therein corresponding to the array with each LED being visible through an associated one of the light apertures, the reflector member having a reflective front surface. A lens member is mounted in the lens opening for passing light generated by the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Alert Safety Lite Products Co., Inc
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, Paul S. Blanch, Joseph J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7175304
    Abstract: A panel, such as a component carrier or substrate, is provided with one or more penetrations. A light source associated with a surface of the panel and the corresponding end of each penetration provides light to the interior of the penetration, which guides the light to the other end of the penetration and corresponding surface of the panel. The penetration can be coated with a reflective material to improve its performance as a light guide. Alternatively or additionally, the penetration can be filled with a refractive material. A diffuser can be provided to diffuse light exiting the penetration. The light sources provides light to selected penetrations on demand such that the penetrations function as displays or elements of a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bahar N. Wadia, David W. Caldwell