Abstract: A method and apparatus for refurbishing used ink jet cartridges. The apparatus utilizes an interchangeable cradle attachment arrangement that can hold virtually any type of ink jet cartridge. After the ink jet cartridge is placed in an ink jet cartridge cradle, a vacuum is applied to the print head of the cartridge to drain any excess ink. After draining excess ink, the ink jet cartridge can be replenished using the fill gun that is included in the ink jet cartridge refurbishing system.

Abstract: An ink cartridge for a printing apparatus providing ink to a print head through a tapered ink supply needle and removably attached to the print head. The ink cartridge comprises an ink chamber for containing ink, an ink supply port, a packing member and a valve device. The ink supply port supplies ink from the ink chamber to the print head of the printing apparatus, the ink supply port comprising an external opening. The packing member is provided in the ink supply port and forms an ink channel for allowing a flow of ink. The packing member seals the ink supply needle of the printing apparatus by fitting therewith. The valve device is contained in the ink supply port and elastically abuts against the packing member. The valve, device selectively opens and closes the ink channel in conjunction with the ink supply needle.

Abstract: In an ink jet printer of the present invention, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost, an inexpensive EEPROM enabling only sequential accesses is applied for storage elements incorporated in a black ink cartridge and a color ink cartridge. The data array of a memory cell included in each of the storage elements mounted on the ink cartridges is determined in such a manner that a second storage area, in which rewritable data, for example, data on remaining quantities of inks in the ink cartridge, are stored, is accessed prior to a first storage area, in which read only data are stored. This configuration enables the rewritable data to be securely written into the second storage area even after a power-off operation. The second storage area has two memory divisions allocated to each ink, that is, a first ink remaining quantity memory division and a second ink remaining quantity memory division. Latest data on the remaining quantity of each ink is alternately written into these two memory divisions.

Abstract: A cartridge body partitioned into foam chambers and ink chambers and having a first welding part and a second welding part, a lid having a third welding part engaged and welded with the first welding part of the cartridge body and a fourth welding part formed on the bottom thereof in which the second welding part is inserted. Ink heads provided on the bottom of the cartridge body eject ink, and ink filters provided on upper sides of the ink heads to prevent foreign materials or bubbles from flowing in. The first welding part has a first section horizontally protruded in cross-section and a second section vertically protruded to the first section, and the third welding part has a third section vertically protruded, a fourth section horizontally protruded, and a fifth section in a diagonal cross-sectioned shape connecting the third section and the fourth section.

Abstract: In a system for laser welding upper and lower work pieces along a weld interface, the upper work piece being transparent to laser light and having a non-uniformly thick dimension, compensation plates and compliant members are taught that mate or otherwise contact the upper work piece such that a combined thickness of the upper work piece and the compensation plate or compliant member is substantially uniform in a region at least above the weld interface. In this manner, substantially consistent amounts of laser light reach the weld interface. The upper work piece may include positive projections, negative voids, contoured profiles, surface imperfections or other that cause the non-uniformity. In one embodiment, the compensation plate is fashioned together with a compliant member. In another embodiment, the upper and lower work pieces comprise inkjet printhead lids and bodies, respectively.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus minimizing adhesion of ink mist to a recording medium due to electrostatic attraction of a belt conveying the recording medium. The apparatus includes a liquid applying device applying a processing liquid to a position on the recording medium corresponding to an attracting-force generating device provided on the conveying belt. The apparatus discharges the processing liquid to the position before the ink is discharged on the recording medium. Since moisture of the processing liquid reduces surface charges of the recording medium, the amount of ink mist adhering to the recording medium can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for light filtration is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure. A lens is coupled to the support structure. The lens includes a first portion for performing light filtration, and a second portion. The second portion performs substantially less light filtration than the first portion or performs no light filtration. A distinct separation zone can be located between the first portion and the second portion. An apparatus for light filtration having an associated viewing area is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure, and a lens coupled to the support structure for performing light filtration. A portion of the lens is cut-out to allow for a portion of the viewing area to receive no light filtration. A method of making the same is disclosed.

Abstract: An transparent or semitransparent plastic eyeglass frame contains a photochromic moiety and has photochromic properties.

Abstract: An arrangement of eyeglasses and laser generator circuit assembly is disclosed to include a laser generator installed in the frame of a pair of eyeglasses between the two rims, a battery cell mounted in one temple of the pair of eyeglasses, and two sets of metal contacts respectively installed in one temple and one rim of the pair of eyeglasses and respectively electrically connected to the battery cell and the laser generator for closing the circuit between the battery cell and the laser generator to cause the laser generator to emit a laser beam when the user wears the pair of eyeglasses.

Abstract: A lens system and optical devices that provide enhanced vision correction are disclosed. The lens system includes an electro-active layer that provides correction of at least one higher order aberration. The higher order correction changes dynamically based on a user of the lens system's needs, such as a change by the user's gaze distance, pupil size, or changes in tear film following blinking, among others. Optical devices are also described that use these and other lens systems to provide correction of higher order aberrations. An optical guide is also described that guides the user's line of sight to see through a lens region having a correction for a higher order aberration.

Abstract: A system for improving vision that can diagnose monochromatic aberrations within a subject's eyes, apply the wavefront correction, and then enable the patient to view the results of the correction. The system utilizes a laser for producing a beam of light; a corrector; a wavefront sensor; a testing unit; an optic device for directing the beam of light to the corrector, to the retina, from the retina to the wavefront sensor, and to the testing unit; and a computer operatively connected to the wavefront sensor and the corrector.

Abstract: A method for isolating and quantifying impairments of a subject's gaze stabilization system is provided. A subject's static visual acuity is measured to arrive at an assessment. The subject's visual acuity is then measured when the subject's head is moving and a display object is fixed to arrive at a first dynamic measurement. The subject's visual acuity is also measured when the subject's head is fixed and the display object is moving to arrive at a second dynamic measurement. The assessment and the first and second dynamic measurements are then used to determine an impairment of the subject's gaze stabilization system.

Abstract: The present application describes a retarder stack color switch using a single polarization analyzer for reflective-mode projection displays. The single polarization analyzer permits additive mode switching, which optimizes the chrominance of the additive primary outputs and the black state. Moreover, the single analyzer color switch provides a white state, which is frequently used in sequential systems. The single analyzer color switch overcomes some of the cost and manufacturing challenges associated with conventional transmissive full color switches based on retarder-stack-filters. The single analyzer color switch according to an embodiment uses a split-path so that relatively weak colors can follow a “high-efficiency” path.

Abstract: Distortion of an image that is projected to a screen is suppressed by an image processing apparatus including a vertical reduction section for performing reduction and correction in the vertical direction with respect to image data of the projected image and a horizontal reduction section for performing reduction and correction in the horizontal direction with respect to image data on which reduction and correction were performed in the vertical reduction section.

Abstract: A light fixture includes an adjustable shutter to illuminate a desired area. The fixture resides substantially behind a room surface (e.g., a ceiling) and includes a fixed portion residing on and behind the surface, and a movable portion which is extendable from the surface for adjustment of the shutter. A tilting member rotates in a rotating member to allow two axis of adjustment. A light bulb mounts in the tilting member, and light from the bulb is reflected by a mirror or prism to provide a compact fixture. A four part shutter is imposed between the bulb and the mirror or prism to adjust the shape and area which is illuminated.

Abstract: A prismatic retroreflective article has a transparent body portion and a layer of internally reflecting cube-corner optical elements having an open air-exposed rear surface at least a portion of which is more hydrophobic, more oleophobic, or both more hydrophobic and more oleophobic than the underlying cube-corner optical element. The article may be made by providing a transparent body portion bearing a layer of internally reflecting open air-exposed cube-corner optical elements; treating or coating at least a portion of the cube-corner elements to make the treated or coated portion more hydrophobic, more oleophobic, or both more hydrophobic and more oleophobic than the underlying cube-corner optical elements; and leaving such treated or coated portion exposed to the open air.

Abstract: An active hybrid optical component includes a substrate including a mounting surface; a replicated optical surface mounted on the mounting surface; and a plurality of actuators for deforming the substrate to impose a predetermined finished optical shape to the replicated optical surface.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including: a camera, which picks up an image of a subject, arranged in a main body of the apparatus; a first light source which emits first light in conjunction with a flash of the camera; a second light source which emits second light for indicating status regarding various functions; a single lens arranged toward a light-outgoing side of the first and second light sources; and a housing portion which, as well as supporting the lens, houses the first and second light sources.

Abstract: An illuminated knob is provided. The knob includes a light source attached to a carrier assembly that is attached to the knob such that the light source is positioned within the interior of the knob. The carrier assembly provides an electrical connection between the light source and a base assembly such that when the knob is operated, the contact wipers maintain the electrical connection with the base assembly.

Abstract: In a backlight apparatus for an LCD, a plurality of bar-shaped first LED light sources are arranged on the reflective plate to laterally emit light. A plurality of light shades are arranged above the first light sources. A transparent plate is placed above the light shades. Scattering patterns are formed in the bottom of the transparent plate in positions corresponding to the light shades. A bar-shaped second LED light source is arranged at a side of the transparent plate to emit light into the transparent plate. The light source arranged at the side of the transparent plate prevents the formation of dark areas as a problem in the prior art, thereby enhancing the entire uniformity of light. Then, the backlight apparatus can be maintained thin even when applied to a large-sized LCD.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lamp that is designed to reliably remove snow, etc. adhering to a lens. A carbon-based heating element is mounted within a lamp body so that the heat rays radiated from the heating element irradiate a rear surface of the lens.

Abstract: A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display device includes a light source and a reflective means, the reflective means having a plurality of sloping reflective surfaces for reflecting light emitted from the light source to a light-irradiation surface of a liquid crystal panel at an angle of about 30° or less with respect to a line perpendicular with the light-irradiation surface of the liquid crystal panel thereby to improve light efficiency.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light-emitting surface having N divided regions, N being a positive integer and the divided regions being symmetrically arranged along a vertical center line and a horizontal center line of the light-emitting surface, one of a plurality of fluorescent lamps in each of the divided regions, each of the fluorescent lamps having at least one bent portion and two electrodes respectively at two ends thereof, and an LED lamp arranged along one of the vertical center line and the horizontal center line and at a region where bent portions of the fluorescent lamps meet.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish includes a light source for emitting a green light. The light source is disposed within an enclosure which is removably attached to a rigid structure at a predetermined distance above a water surface and includes a diffuser capable of passing the emitted light therethrough. The light source is electrically connected to a power source capable of supplying 120 volts AC. Control switch disposed intermediate the light source and the power source selectively controls supply and termination of the voltage to the light source. The emitted light penetrates the diffuser and the water surface and is transmitted to a predetermined distance below the surface of water.

Abstract: An aquatic garment carries a safety light and circuit attached to the garment so that it may not be detached without damage. The circuit times an interval in response to change of state of an acceleration switch. The circuit causes the light to light at least once during said interval.

Abstract: A rechargeable triangular light emitting wand having a base tube (1) and a light tube (4). The base tube contains a rechargeable stored-energy unit (2) in addition to being a handle and a daytime signaler. The light tube (4) contains a light emitter which includes a plurality of light-emitting diode units (18) on a circuit board (14) having at least three sides to permit a person to see the light-emitting diode units (18) from any angle. The light tube has a push button (3) for selective switching of current for the light emitter. Moisture-proof pivotal attachment of the light tube to the base tube, moisture-proof construction of the light tube and moisture-proof construction of the base tube render the entire wand moisture-proof.

Abstract: A pocket flashlight includes a base member, a light emitting member, and a support member. These members lie pivotally connected to one another. The light emitting member includes a light source, a power source connected to the light source, and a housing for containing the light source and the power source.

Abstract: Disclose is a master-satellite assembly for retrofitting a first existing recessed strip light fixture and a second existing recessed strip light fixture in a grid ceiling, where the existing fixtures are arranged end to end and are separated by a T-bar support member. The assembly has a master retrofit fixture, a satellite retrofit fixture and a wire cover bracket. The master retrofit fixture is received within the first existing recessed strip fixture and the satellite retrofit fixture is received within the second existing recessed strip fixture with wiring running under the T-bar support. The wire cover bracket extends from the master retrofit fixture, under the T-bar support member, and to the satellite retrofit fixture in order to cover the wiring. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting utilizing the master-satellite assembly, and a retrofit reflector configuration utilizing hanger tabs extending from the ends of the retrofit reflector.

Abstract: Each light path changing member forms a first light flux by reflecting a half of light flux emitted from a particular area (central area or peripheral area) of light source in one direction using a polarizing beam splitter, and forms a second light flux by reflecting the other half of light flux, which has passed through the beam splitter, in the afore-mentioned direction using the first mirror. Then, each light path changing member transmits a half of a light flux emitted from the other light source and guided by the second mirror in the same direction as that in which the first light flux has been guided using the polarizing beam splitter, and superposes the light flux on the aforementioned first light flux, and reflects the other half of light flux, which has been reflected by the beam splitter, in the aforementioned direction using the first mirror, and superposes the light flux on the second light flux.

Abstract: A luminaire for distributing light rays from a light source may include a region configured to contain a lamp. The region may extend along a longitudinal axis of the luminaire. The luminaire may include first and second reflector portions disposed along the longitudinal axis. The first reflector portion may be configured to direct light rays in a direction away from the ceiling, and the second reflector portion may be configured to direct light rays in a direction toward the ceiling. The light source may be between the second reflector portion and the ceiling, with the second reflector portion defining a cusp disposed at a first side of the light source. The first reflector portion may extend through the second reflector portion and beyond the light source to a second side of the light source opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A compact light-beam homogenizer is realized by multiple reflections within internally-reflecting optical channels which are arranged in a folded configuration. The optical channels may be hollow with mirrored walls, or made of a solid transparent optical material. Light enters through an apertured mirror whose internally reflective surface sends back-reflected rays forward for recycling. Multiple entry ports may be provided for combining several beams or for reducing the intensity in the channels. The homogenizer may be used in reverse as a beam divider. Different shapes of the optical channels are provided for obtaining an effective emission surface of different shapes. Due to reflections from surfaces that are parallel to the optical axis, the numerical aperture of the input beams is preserved.

Abstract: A lamp is made up a reflector, a base and a cover connected along their circumferences defining an inner cavity enclosing an arc tube coaxially oriented within the cavity and mounted to the base. A shroud surrounds the arc tube and is cemented to the base. An anti-glare cap and a clamping element is arranged between an end region on the side of the cover and the anti-glare cap affixed to the shroud via a clamping element.

Abstract: A worklight support includes a platform for mounting thereon worklights and has an extension extending from on a bottom of the platform for extension into one of the stand sections. A stand includes couplers applied for combination of each of the stand sections. Each coupler includes an annular ring for receiving therein a portion of one of the stand sections and a portion of the extension of the worklight support and a pivotal handle pivotally connected to the annular ring via a threaded bolt to selectively reduce an internal diameter of the annular ring to abut an outer periphery of the extension so as to fix the extension relative to one of the stand sections.

Abstract: In a vehicle lighting apparatus in which the irradiation direction of lamps provided at the left and right portions of an automobile can be deflected to the left and right directions in association with the steering operation of a steering apparatus, the deflection angles of the left and right lamps are changed in different manners in accordance with a vehicle speed, for example. For example, at the time of steering to the right, when a vehicle speed is a predetermined value or less, only the right lamp is subjected to the deflecting operation, while when a vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined value, both the right and left lamps are simultaneously subjected to the deflecting operation. The deflection angles of the left and right lamps are differentiated in accordance with the speed change of an automobile.

Abstract: An active light source operating system (10,11) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (50) that generates an initial illumination beam (54). A selective attenuation filter (27,52) forms an emitted illumination beam (56), with an associated light attenuation matrix (32,33), in response to the initial illumination beam (54). A sensor (31) detects an object and generates an object detection signal. A controller (35) is coupled to the selective attenuation filter (27,52) and said sensor (31). The controller (35) attenuates a pixel (104) in the light attenuation matrix (32,33) in response to the object detection signal.

Abstract: An interior illumination lamp includes a body 30 for being fixed to a vehicle body 11, and a lamp 50 which is angularly movably supported on a support portion 33 mounted on the body 30, and has a lens 54 capable of transmitting a beam from a light source 37 therethrough. The lamp 50 includes a first bezel 52 angularly movably supported on the support portion 33, and a second bezel 53 which holds the lens 54, and is mounted on the first bezel 52. The second bezel 53 has a reflecting surface 55 for receiving and reflecting transmitted light through the lens 54, and this reflecting surface is designed to have a low reflectance. By doing so, the light, reflected by the reflecting surface 55, is not glaring, and therefore a beam, coming into the driver's sight via a room mirror, is not glaring, and therefore will not affect the driving operation.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle includes an accessory module assembly that is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle and configured to illuminate, for example, an area inside the vehicle. The module assembly includes a single high-intensity power light emitting diode that has a luminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen per watt when the light emitting diode is operated and is preferably operated at a forward current of at least 100 milliamps. The system also includes a voltage conversion element for converting the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle to the forward operating voltage of the light emitting diode.

Abstract: A ground illuminator for an external vehicle rearview mirror comprises an electrical light bulb installed in a housing having a transparent primary lens. A secondary lens it is interposed between the housing and the primary lens, and is spaced from the primary lens. The spacing between the lenses reduces the thermal conductivity between the lenses and provides a channel for airflow between the lenses, thereby minimizing the temperature of the primary lens due to illumination of the light bulb.

Abstract: Headlight for motor vehicles, comprising at least one light source and at least one light guide associated with each light source, into which the light emitted by the light source can be coupled via a light coupling surface, wherein each light guide is associated with a light terminator body into which the light from the light guide is passed, wherein the light terminator body has a light output surface and the output light can be imaged through a downstream lens, wherein the at least one light terminator body is fixed on or to a holder and the holder can be pivoted about at least one axis and/or be displaced in at least one plane relative to the at least one lens.

Abstract: An adjusting device for head light assembly includes a motor fixed to a frame and the output shaft of the motor extends through a guiding passage in the frame and connected to a driving rod which includes outer threaded periphery. An activation rod has a spherical head at a first end thereof so as to be connected to an adjusting member of the light bulb and a hole with an inner threaded periphery is defined axially in a second end of the activation rod. The outer threaded periphery of the driving rod is rotatably engaged with the inner threaded periphery of the activation rod so that when the output shaft rotates, the driving rod is co-rotated so as to move the activation rod away from or close to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle light has at least one vehicle light housing having an open end and configured to be arranged on an inner side of a vehicle part of the vehicle. At least one illumination element is arranged in the vehicle light housing. The vehicle part has a light-transmissive area covering the open end of the vehicle light housing, wherein the light-transmissive area allows rays emitted by the illumination element to pass through to the exterior. The vehicle part can be the trunk lid or the exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle. The light-transmissive area is covered with a coating having a thickness such that, when the illumination element is switched off, the light transmissive area is invisible from the exterior of the vehicle and such that light emitted by the illumination element passes through the coating when the at least one illumination element is switched on.

Abstract: A light guiding member guides diffusion light using as a central axis a substantial center of the diffusion light emitted from a light source, and comprises a tapered rod and a pipe. The tapered rod comprises an incident end face, an emissive end face having an area larger than that of the incident end face, and a total reflection face which guides at least the diffusion light striking on the incident end face to the emissive end face by inner face reflection. The pipe is disposed in a position which is farther than a distance from the central axis to the total reflection face and comprises a reflection face or a reflection layer which coats the tapered rod.

Abstract: A device and method for emitting light with increased brightness utilizes a lamp having a diffractive grating pattern. The diffractive grating pattern diffracts incident light that originates from a light source toward a light output region of the lamp. The diffraction of the incident light causes more of the light to impinge the light output region of the lamp at desired angles. This reduces the angular distribution of the light emitted from the light output region as output light. The reduction in angular distribution of emitted light results in an increased brightness of the device.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a light source device having a reflector including a light source lamp and an opening for emitting light for reflecting light radiated from the light source lamp arranged within the reflector to emit the light from the opening, and a glass arranged ahead of the opening of the reflector inclinedly by a predetermined angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of light emitted from the reflector. According to the light source device, the light source lamp is prevented from temperature rise and consequent overheat caused by light reflected on the glass thereby to return into the reflector.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a uniform or variable pattern of light extracting deformities of well defined shapes in or on one or more surface areas of the light emitting panel member. The size and shape as well as the depth and angular orientation and position or location of the light extracting deformities may vary along the length and/or width of a panel surface area to obtain a desired light output distribution from the panel surface area. Also, at least some of the deformities may have planar surfaces in parallel spaced relation to a panel surface area. A focused light source may be insert molded or cast within a light transition area of the light emitting panel member to focus the light on an input surface of the light transition area with predetermined ray angles to fit a particular application. Molded supports may be provided on the panel member for supporting other parts or components in spaced relation therefrom.

Abstract: A backlight system (300) includes a light guide plate (3024), a reflection plate (3023), a light source (3021) disposed at one side of the light guide plate, a diffusion plate (3025) and a reflection polarizer (3027), which allows light polarized in one certain direction to pass, and reflects light polarized in a direction perpendicular to said one certain direction. The diffusion plate, the light guide plate, the diffusion plate, and the reflection polarizer are stacked up one on top of the other. A plurality of prisms (11) are disposed on a surface of the diffusion plate, thereby defining a plurality of V-shaped grooves (not labeled).

Abstract: A backlight module (3) includes a light source group (31) and a light guide plate (32). The light source group includes at least a light source, and the light guide plate has a light input surface (321) for receiving light, a light output surface (322) for emitting light, which is adjacent to the light input surface, and a bottom surface opposite to the light output surface and adjacent the light input surface. The light source group faces the light input surface, which is curved such that its curvature matches with the light distribution of the light source group.

Abstract: This invention is related to a backlight module for a liquid crystal display device and, more particularly, to a backlight module having a frame with an impact damping design. The impact damping design can damp impact or absorb impact energy, and thereby protect the important components of the backlight module, such as the lamp or the light guide plate. The backlight module includes a light guide plate that has at least one protrusion located at its periphery, and a frame that has at least one indentation part located at its inner side edge. The indentation part engages with the protrusion to fix the light guide plate, and has at least one opening nearby to damp an impact to the indentation part.

Abstract: A valve which has a structure with at least one opening and a member which has a fixed static charge and also has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. A method for making the valve includes providing a structure with at least one opening and providing a member having a fixed static charge where the member has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. An agitator includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least one opening, and a membrane with a fixed static charge. The structure is connected to the base over the trench with the opening in the structure extending through to the trench in the base. The membrane is connected to the base across at least a portion of the trench. A pump includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least two openings, a membrane with a fixed static charge, a first cantilever arm having a fixed static charge, and a second cantilever arm having a fixed static charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for non-invasively mixing ingredients in closed containers. Mixing is performed by inducing waves in the liquid to be mixed. This is achieved by rocking the container in precise phase so as to produce resonance. With the waves moving back and forth in resonance, it is possible to mix with very low energy requirements compared to prior art. Mixing ingredients with resonant waves in a closed container eliminates the need for an invasive mixer and has obvious advantages in minimizing contamination. This makes the device ideal for biological processing that typically require sterile operation.