Patents Issued in August 7, 2007
  • Patent number: 7252406
    Abstract: A gas discharge lamp includes a plurality of gas discharge bulbs arranged on a base along a perimeter defining a middle region and at least one reflective mirror positioned in the middle region and operative to reflect light outward from the middle region. Alternatively, at least one light pipe can be positioned in the middle region and configured to gather light and redirect the light outward from the middle region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Purespectrum LLC
    Inventor: Earl F. Crandall
  • Patent number: 7252407
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus is provided comprising a light source (10), the light source being encapsulated in a protective medium (11) to seal the light source against ingress of moisture, the lighting apparatus having a heat sink (12, 13), the heat sink having a first region (12) in communication with light source (10) to receive heat from the light source (10) and a second region (13) which projects externally of the protective medium, such that the heat sink can dissipate heat to the ambient area. The invention provides light apparatus which is particularly suitable for use with caving lamps, although other uses are possible, for example in traffic lights or the lights of a motor vehicle, where the encapsulation would provide protection against rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Lewis
  • Patent number: 7252408
    Abstract: A packaged LED array for high temperature operation comprises a metal base, the metal base including an underlying thermal connection pad. One or more layers of ceramic overly the metal base. The array includes a plurality of LED dice, each LED die having electrodes. And, the LED thermally coupled to the metal base. A driver circuit is electrically connected to the LED die electrodes and controls the LED array current. An LED driver is mounted within the LED array package, and thermally coupled to the metal base. In a second embodiment, one or more of the LED dice can be switched from the driver to a measurement circuit and used as a photodetector to measure the light output of the LED array. The measured photodetector signal can further be used as a feedback signal to control the LED array light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Lamina Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Mazzochette, Greg E. Blonder
  • Patent number: 7252409
    Abstract: A backlight unit of a hybrid structure is disclosed, to improve heat-sink efficiency, that includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps oriented in one direction inside a cover bottom; a metal PCB attached to an inner surface of the cover bottom; a plurality of LED lamps each positioned between the fluorescent lamps and on the metal PCB; a hole in a portion of the cover bottom that exposes a rear surface of the metal PCB; and a heat-sink plate directly attached to the metal PCB through the hole in the cover bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In Jue Kim
  • Patent number: 7252410
    Abstract: A projector includes an illumination system including a light source having an ellipsoidal reflector and an arc tube having a luminescence center in the vicinity of a first focus of the ellipsoidal reflector, and an integrator rod having a light incidence plane in the vicinity of a second focus of the ellipsoidal reflector and converting light from the light source to light having a more even intensity distribution; a relay optical system that guides the light from the illumination system to a region being illuminated; a micromirror modulator that modulates the light from the relay optical system in accordance with image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the micromirror modulator. The arc tube includes an auxiliary mirror that reflects the light radiated from the arc tube toward the region being illuminated into a direction of the ellipsoidal reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7252411
    Abstract: A device for depicting a linear optical marking (36, 38) in a room, including a housing (11) with a light source (16, 18) that emits the light along an optical axis (15, 17), as well as a lens (28, 30) that both reflects the light and allows it to pass through, that is arranged in front of the light source and through which the optical axis extends. In order to be able to illuminate an area of the room with simple design measures, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Busam, Gabriel Kallabis
  • Patent number: 7252412
    Abstract: The luminaire has a reflector (10) having a light emission window (15), near to first opposed edges (16) of which respective sets of strips (25) are present to create a cut-off angle ?. The reflector (10) is closed by a hood (30) which, along first walls (31) thereof close to the first edges (16), have refracting elements (35) to cause the luminaire to emit light at small angles to the light emission window (15), within the cut-off angle ?. The luminaire is suitable to be used for under canopy lighting of a petrol station and to signal to the distance that the station is open, without dazzling oncoming drivers. The method involves the use of the luminaire mounted to the ceiling of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop
  • Patent number: 7252413
    Abstract: A light fixture is described. The light fixture includes a socket housing and a reflector housing. The socket housing includes a socket for receipt of a lamp, and a reflector housing mounting surface. The reflector housing includes a direct reflector for providing direct light onto a target lighting area and an indirect reflector for providing indirect light onto the target lighting area. The direct reflector includes a direct reflector first end, a direct reflector second end, and a direct reflector body extended between the first end and the second end. The direct reflector body extends sufficiently far to provide a cut off angle between a lamp provided in the socket and the direct reflector second end of less than about 50°. The indirect reflector extends from the direct reflector around a circumference of the direct reflector in an amount sufficient to shield a lamp provided in the socket. A facility having a plurality of ceiling mounted light fixtures, and a reflector housing are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Orfield Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Orfield, Michael R. Role
  • Patent number: 7252414
    Abstract: An illuminating balloon with an inflatable envelope contains an illumination system having at least one electric light bulb, and inflating means equipped with an integrated fan designed to suck air in from the outside and to inject it into the envelope while keeping the latter in the inflated state. The assembly formed by the bulb and fan is covered by a bowl made of transparent or translucent plastic material, forming an explosion-proof isolating shield and a deflector of the discharge air for inflation of the envelope via passage apertures provided in the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Airstar
    Inventor: Pierre Chabert
  • Patent number: 7252415
    Abstract: A ballast housing has a bottom wall, a sidewall extending in a first direction from the bottom wall, and a first compartment that is defined between the bottom wall and the sidewall, with a first access opening remote from the bottom wall. The housing further includes an interior wall extending from its bottom wall in the first direction and is located completely within the first compartment, and a second compartment that is defined by the interior wall and is isolated from the first compartment by the interior wall. The second compartment includes a second access opening adjacent the bottom wall. A first component can be disposed in the first compartment and a second component can be disposed in the second compartment with the second compartment isolating the second component from the first component in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • Patent number: 7252416
    Abstract: Reduction of noise is achieved by devising an arrangement of heat generating parts such as a light valve element, an electric power source, a light source, etc. and an arrangement of cooling fans. In cooling the light source, the electric power source and liquid crystal panels, a cooling wind path for the liquid crystal panels and the electric power source is made separate from and independent of a cooling wind path for the light source that generates much heat, a cooling air volume is optimized for the respective cooling wind paths, and noise accompanying the rotation of the cooling fans is reduced. Also, by arranging the cooling fans substantially centrally of the respective cooling wind paths, that volume of noise, which leaks from air intake ports and air exhaust port that are opened to a housing of a unit, is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Katayama, Hideharu Saito, Keiichiro Tokushige, Tatsuo Morita
  • Patent number: 7252417
    Abstract: The bonding light and dipped beam headlamp for a motor vehicle comprises at least two light sources with at least one first source having a cut-off of the dipped beam type and at least one second source having a cut-off of the flat type, which is placed outside the first source so as to illuminate into a turn to its side; means that are sensitive to the trajectory of the vehicle so as to supply a signal that depends on the nature of the route followed by the vehicle; and means for increasing the brightness of the flat cut-off source in the event of a turn to the side of this source, in response to the supplied signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Ravier
  • Patent number: 7252418
    Abstract: Lights, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising at least one light source and a cover that is arranged in front of the light source in the direction of radiation, wherein the cover includes an electric diffuser which may change the optical properties thereof to generate multi-functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Enders
  • Patent number: 7252419
    Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle headlight with multiple degrees of freedom enables the rider to aim the light where it is needed, as well as facilitating the factory assembly process by enabling fine adjustment after the headlight is mounted. The motorcycle headlight is attached to the frame via a ball and socket structure cooperatively coupled to at least one positioning arm provided in tandem with the ball and socket structure for accommodating and stabilizing the movement of the ball and socket joint and locking same in position. The positioning arm includes a series of straight segments rotatably attached to one another via adjusters which can be loosened to enable adjustment, and tightened to affix the positioning arm into place. The combination of the ball and socket joint with a pair of positioning arms also provides a stable, robust three-point attachment mount for the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jesse G. James
  • Patent number: 7252420
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a first light source focused on a first reflective zone and a second light source focused on second reflective zone. The first light source is able to emit light both in the direction of the first reflective zone and part of the second reflective zone, the light coming from the light source and reflected by the two reflective zones corresponding to a DRL daylight light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Etienne Pauty, Jean-Paul Ravier, Patrice Collot, Claude Penn
  • Patent number: 7252421
    Abstract: A vehicular light assembly including a dichroic lamp, a socket, a cradle and an optional support to mount the assembly to a vehicle. The dichroic lamp includes a reflector which reflects light emitted by the bulb forward but allows radiant heat to pass rearwardly through the reflector. The dichroic lamp also includes an electrode electrically coupled with a socket which defines at least one of a recess and an aperture, the socket including an electrical connector. The cradle defines a chamber, and the socket and dichroic lamp both are positioned in the chamber. The cradle includes a locating pin that registers with the at least one of a recess and an aperture to selectively locate the dichroic lamp within the cradle. A related installation method includes: joining the light assembly cradle with a vehicle, and aligning the lamp assembly so that it focuses light on a pathway of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: A & L Assembly, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Dawson, Lance L. Wilson, Gregory A. Matheson
  • Patent number: 7252422
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a head lamp module of an automobile comprises the head lamp module, a bracket, and a clip. The head lamp module, configured to be coupled to the font surface of a carrier of the automobile, has a fixing panel piece integrally formed at an upper position thereof to be fixed at the carrier, and a pair of rearward-protruding semi-circular loops defining fitting bores, respectively. The bracket has a pair of rectangular holes which allow the loops of the head lamp module to pass there through, so as to position the fitting bores in front of the bracket, and a pair of bolt holes, which allow the bracket to be bolted to the front surface of the carrier. The clip is configured to be inserted downward through the fitting bores of the loops passed though the holes of the bracket, so as to allow the head lamp module to be mounted to the front surface of the carrier via the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myeong-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7252423
    Abstract: A candle and base combination with a decorative light element is provided. The candle body preferably has a first substantially opaque section and a second at least partially translucent section, and at least one hollow portion formed in the second section. The base body has at least one protrusion fittable into the hollow portion. The wick projects from the first section of the candle body. A light emitting device is disposed in one of the base body or the main candle body in the second section, the light emitting device having associated therewith a magnetic switch closable in the presence of a magnetic field. A magnet is disposed in the other of the base body or the main candle body in the second section. When the main candle body is placed on the base body and the magnet is aligned with the magnetic switch, the light emitting device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: The Schawbell Corporation
    Inventor: Wen Der Wang
  • Patent number: 7252424
    Abstract: The provided backlight module includes a reflection sheet, a retardation plate, a light-guide plate, a light source, and a sub-wavelength grating plate. The retardation plate is set over the reflection sheet. The light-guide plate is disposed over the retardation plate, and the surface of the light-guide plate comprises a plurality of micro-structures. The light source is set beside the light-guide plate, and the light from the light source transferring into the light-guide plate passes through one of its end and out through the micro-structures. The sub-wavelength grating plate is disposed over the light-guide plate: (i) to transmit light having a polarization oriented parallel to the rows of bars and to define a transmitted light, corresponding to the light, as P-ray, and (ii) to reflect light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the rows of bars and to define a reflected light, corresponding to the light, as S-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Chia Hsu, Jyh-Haur Huang
  • Patent number: 7252425
    Abstract: A light guide panel usable with a backlight unit is capable of enhancing brightness uniformity and reducing light loss. The light guide panel includes a transparent plate one side of which is a plane of incidence. An interior of the light guide panel is divided by a plurality of planes inclined with respect to the plane of incidence, and each of the respective inclined planes is partial-reflection-coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon-chan Park
  • Patent number: 7252426
    Abstract: A light guide device (1) and a backlight module (3) using the same. The light guide device includes a light guide plate (11) and a reflective mirror (10). The light guide plate has at least one light receiving surface (111), and two opposite light emitting surfaces (112,113). The reflective mirror is set between the light emitting surfaces, and is integrally manufactured with the light guide plate. The light guide device and backlight module using the same may be applied to optoelectronic devices, such as liquid crystal displays, overhead projectors, etc. The light guide device has a simple structure, and transforms light from at least one light source (31) into two surface light sources emitting light with uniform brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhy-Chain Lin
  • Patent number: 7252427
    Abstract: A light guide plate (10) includes a bottom surface (11), a light incident surface (12) adjacent to the bottom surface, a light emitting surface (13) opposite to the bottom surface, and a plurality of V-shaped grooves adjacent to the bottom surface, each of the V-shaped grooves defining two bottom angles (?, ?) and a top line (101), the bottom angles being different. The top line of each V-shaped groove is configured so as to maximize the areas of the interfaces of the V-shaped groove, having regard to the top lines of all the V-shaped grooves also being configured to provide a desired distribution of intensity of light beams that emit from the emitting surface in a desired direction. For example, the configurations of the top lines can be such that a maximum luminance of the light guide plate is at a center region of the light emission surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Hung Teng, Chiu-Lien Yang, Jia-Pang Pang
  • Patent number: 7252428
    Abstract: A prism sheet of an LCD includes a body part made of a transparent resin material and a plurality of polypyramid-shaped optical unit structures formed in a intaglio type on the body part. The plurality of optical unit structures have intaglio-type polypyramid shapes in an inside of their polygonal structure. A center of the intaglio portion corresponds to a vertex of the polypyramid, thereby forming a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Gou Lee, Chang Jong Kim, Young Gun Kim, Yun Ho Choi, Ho Sung Chin, Bong Taek Hong, Kab Jin Hwang, Ung Sang Lee, Chul Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7252429
    Abstract: A rotary fluid agitator is provided. The rotary fluid agitator essentially comprises a fluid conduit that is positioned vertically within a storage tank holding a quantity of fluid, such as a drilling fluid. At least one nozzle is attached to the fluid conduit for jetting a stream of fluid into to the fluid contained within the tank. A drive means is connected to the fluid conduit and rotates the conduit to sweep the nozzle through a 360-degree arcuate path at a predetermined rotational frequency. A fluid pump is attached in fluid communication with the interior volume of the tank and pumps a quantity of drilling fluid through a fluid circulation line and through the fluid conduit to be jetted out of the nozzle. As the nozzle is swept through the arcuate path a conically shaped fluid flow path is created in the fluid contained within the tank causing the jetted fluid to tangentially act upon the fluid thereby keeping all solid particulates mixed with the fluid in suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: John David Yungblut
  • Patent number: 7252430
    Abstract: An ergonomic watch case, time display and setting crown are provided, with the case shaped generally in the form of an obtuse triangle and attached to a watch strap. A horizontal bisector through the case and time display is offset by a predetermined angle out of perpendicularity with a vertical bisector through the watch strap to improve alignment with a viewer's line of sight when reading the time. An apical setting crown is located at the apex of one of the two acute angles of the case to improve rotation of a crown knob in either direction with minimal resistance or obstruction from the watch case. A chime melody and icon are provided to sound a pleasing wake up call or other time set to be heard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Equitime, Inc.
    Inventors: Berj A. Terzian, Robert Alfred Brodman
  • Patent number: 7252431
    Abstract: An apparatus generally including a housing, a power source, a temperature sensor, a display and a circuit. The housing may have a bore adaptable to receive a flow of water. The power source may be operational for generating electricity and coupled to the housing. The temperature sensor may be coupled to the housing and in thermal contact with the water flowing through the bore. The visual display may be coupled to the housing and configured to display a temperature of the water. The circuit may be powered by the electricity and configured to control the display in response to reading the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: A. Gregory Caramanna
  • Patent number: 7252432
    Abstract: A multi-channel remote diode temperature sensor includes a variable current supply configured to provide a base or an elevated current, a bias circuit, an analog-to-digital converter having a first and second input terminals, a logic block and a switch arrangement. The switch arrangement cooperates with the logic block to electrically connect the current supply, bias circuit and analog-to-digital input terminals to first and second data pins. Pairs of anode-to-cathode connected remote diodes in electrical communication with the data pins are monitored by measuring the difference in forward voltages at the two currents. Reversal of the configuration of the switch arrangement paths permits monitoring of the other member of the anode-to-cathode remote diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Henderson, Mehmet Aslan
  • Patent number: 7252433
    Abstract: An x-ray apparatus that accepts an x-ray radiator therein has shielding for the x-ray leakage radiation originating from the x-ray radiator that is an Integral component of (built into) the x-ray apparatus. An x-ray radiator with an x-ray tube and a housing in which the x-ray tube is contained is composed only of materials that are not suitable for absorption of x-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Deutscher, Matthias Seufert, Karin Söldner
  • Patent number: 7252434
    Abstract: A phantom for rotational radiation therapy machines allows beam fluence and energy to be measured at a variety of beam angles without intervening adjustment of the phantom. The phantom in the preferred embodiment provides two half cylinders directed along the axis of rotation of the machine abutting about a common center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Hazim Ahmed Jaradat
  • Patent number: 7252435
    Abstract: A linear motion guide unit is disclosed which makes it possible to a long-lasting steady application of lubricant and also makes sure of preventing effectively occurrence of particles of dirt. The linear motion guide unit is comprised of a guide member, more than one rolling element, and a slider supported for linear movement along the guide track rail by virtue of rolling elements, the slider being made therein with a fore-and-aft hole in which a sleeve fits to allow the rolling elements to roll through there. The sleeve is made of a cellular member impregnated with lubricant in vacuum atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Takahashi, Kazunori Hayashida, Akihiko Kamimura
  • Patent number: 7252436
    Abstract: A roller bearing cage is disclosed, which is provided inexpensively from basic minimum quantity of row material. The roller bearing cage is made with a production method using rolling operations, which is the absence of the formation of chips, while ensuring the strength and stiffness of the cage. A circular inside surface of the cage is made to give an advantage to the rolling operations. The circular inside surface is circularly recessed to have a concaved surface of just one radius of curvature R. A diametral dimension across diametrically opposing bottoms of the circular recess is made larger than the pitch circle distance P.C.D. Pillars of the cage have inside retainer lips, which are hard to make any engagement with their associated rollers, which might worsen the engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Yokota, Kengo Hidano, Shouji Nagao
  • Patent number: 7252437
    Abstract: Fiber optic wet connector acceleration protection and tolerance compliance. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system for use in a subterranean well includes two assemblies, each having a fiber optic connector. A biasing device applies a biasing force which maintains the fiber optic connectors operatively connected to each other while the assemblies are secured to each other in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 7252438
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly is provided herein for the coupling of at least a pair of fiber cables. A connector is installed to an end of a fiber cable. The connector is then inserted into a through channel of a coupler. A spring-loaded latch inside the through channel is used to force the cores of the fiber cables to be tightly joined together, reducing the power loss of the light signal transmission over the pair of coupled fiber cables. The coupling assembly is structurally simple, has a smaller form factor, and is able to increase installation efficiency and reduce production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Chong-Nien Wang
  • Patent number: 7252439
    Abstract: A blade-type optical transmission apparatus includes a plurality of main-signal blades, each of which is provided with an external optical signal interface unit, a cross-connect unit, and an internal optical signal interface unit, a blade enclosure in which the plurality of main-signal blades are enclosed, and a back plane which is situated inside the blade enclosure and provides a ring connection for the internal optical signal interface unit between the main-signal blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Takeuchi, Hirotaka Morita
  • Patent number: 7252440
    Abstract: An optical module free from the mechanical stress and used in an optical transceiver is disclosed, even the position of the module is fixed with respect to the housing not only from the viewpoint of the optical alignment but also the heat conduction. The optical module comprises the sleeve portion and the box portion. The sleeve portion is directly fixed to the housing, but the box portion is indirectly fixed to the housing via the support member. Between the box portion and the support member is filled with the thermal grease in one end thereof, while the other end is pressed by the elastic member that presses the box portion against the support member. The box portion is free from the mechanical stress when the sleeve portion is rigidly fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazushige Oki
  • Patent number: 7252441
    Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7252442
    Abstract: A tape printer prints a text on a print label in such a way that the right side position of a character “A” corresponding to the beginning data of the text is moved to the final position of a liquid crystal display, and then an image of a leading end of the print label is displayed on the liquid crystal display as an initial display state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Okochi, Yuichiro Suzuki, Jun Itakura
  • Patent number: 7252443
    Abstract: A printer includes a ribbon supply end including a shaft, a ribbon retrieving end, and a ribbon. The two ends of the ribbon are installed on the ribbon supply end and the ribbon retrieving end respectively. The printer further includes a print head, a driving module for driving the ribbon supply end and the ribbon retrieving end so as to move the ribbon from the ribbon supply end to the ribbon retrieving end, a sensing module installed at one side of the ribbon supply end including a first contact sensor, and a second contact sensor installed between the first contact sensor and the ribbon supply end, and a control module for controlling the printer according to whether or not the second contact sensor can contact the shaft of the ribbon supply end when the first contact sensor contacts the ribbon on the ribbon supply end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang-Huei Huang
  • Patent number: 7252444
    Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Norman M. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 7252445
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus for forming an image on printing paper by rolling up the printing paper around a cylindrical or column-shaped member without any fixture, that can measure with a high accuracy the length of the printing paper during transport thereof. The image forming apparatus of the present invention forms an image on printing paper in a state in which the printing paper is rolled up around an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical or column-shaped member, and includes a sensor for detecting a front end or a rear end of the printing paper on the outer circumferential surface and a controller for calculating a length of the printing paper. The sensor, after having detected the rear end with the printing paper completely rolled up around the member, detects the front end along with rotation of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Sakai
  • Patent number: 7252446
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a case formed with a front face and a top face, a first accommodating portion formed in the case, an imaging unit that forms an image on a recording medium; the imaging unit being accommodated in the first accommodating portion detachably, and a front cover provided at the front face, the front cover being movable between a first position to open the accommodating portion and a second position to close the accommodating portion, the imaging unit being attached to and removed from the accommodating portion when the front cover is at the first position. The front cover is formed with a round portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Brother Kogoy Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeharu Katayama, Toshiya Inada
  • Patent number: 7252447
    Abstract: When a thermal head prints on a print tape with a tape cassette retained in a receiving section of a main body, the print tape undergone printing is cut by a stationary blade and a movable blade of a cutting mechanism, and when the thermal head performs printing on an optical disk retained in the receiving section of the main body, the cutting section does not operate to the optical disk undergone printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kimura, Yoshiaki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7252448
    Abstract: Embodiments of a platen are shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Angela Krauskopf, Robert M. Yraceburu, Steve O. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7252449
    Abstract: A capless retractable writing tool applicable to neutral and volatile writing fluids and capable of self sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Craig David Carroll
  • Patent number: 7252450
    Abstract: A writing instrument holding and retaining device comprising a wristband/bracelet (22) with one or more fasteners (24), a tether/leash (26), and a writing instrument holder (32) securing a writing instrument (30). The tether connects the writing instrument holder to the wristband. The wristband and tether may be constructed of any suitable material and may vary depending on design and aesthetic preferences. The writing instrument may also have an appropriate fastener (36). The fasteners on the wristband and on the writing instrument must be able to be attached together to secure the writing instrument to the wristband when the writing instrument is not in use. The tether (26) may also have a fastener (28), so that the tether may be kept from dangling when not in use by attaching the tether's fastener to one of the fasteners on the wristband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Mario Ramirez Aguirre, Tim Aoki
  • Patent number: 7252451
    Abstract: An automatic adjustment and control structure for writing liquid comprising a storage of writing liquid (1), an adjustment portion (2), an automatic adjustment and control element (3), a writing tip (4) and a guiding wick (5), wherein said automatic adjustment and control element is fixed within said adjustment portion and seals said storage of writing liquid, said adjustment portion defines an air aperture (21), one end of said guiding wick is deeply inserted into said automatic adjustment and control element and the other end is joined with said writing tip. The whole structure is very simple and the main performance thereof has advanced over high-class writing utensils and it is very fit for various types, purposes and classes of writing utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Hongfan Jiang, Shu Wai Chong
  • Patent number: 7252452
    Abstract: A binder including a binder body including a front cover and a rear cover directly or indirectly pivotally coupled together, and a panel located on an outer surface of the binder body to thereby form a pocket between the panel and the binder body. The panel has a free edge located adjacent to a mouth of the pocket. The mouth faces an outer edge of the binder body, and the free edge of the panel is located a variable distance from the outer edge of the binder body along the length of the free edge such that the pocket has a variable width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Africa, Erik N. Sabin
  • Patent number: 7252453
    Abstract: A robotic tool coupling system includes a first connecting unit including a piston movable along a longitudinal axis. The piston includes a multifaceted contact surface comprising a tapered locking surface; an initial actuating surface having an angle with respect to the axis not greater than the angle of the tapered locking surface; and a failsafe surface interposed between the tapered locking surface and the initial actuating surface. The system includes a second connecting unit having a plurality of rolling members disposed in a retention chamber including at least one angled surface operative to lock the first and second units together when the rolling members are forced against the angled surfaces by the tapered locking surface. The piston contact surface may additionally include a step surface, generally normal to the longitudinal axis, and a retention surface generally parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Little
  • Patent number: 7252454
    Abstract: An expansion joint system for roadway constructions is provided incorporating dampers that are designed to protect the roadway constructions from the effects of disturbances caused by seismic events and vehicular traffic by absorbing and dissipating mechanical vibration energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, David Kent Fugard
  • Patent number: 7252455
    Abstract: A multi axial asphalt heater for re-heating and recycling of old and new asphalt for permanent joint free repairs and restorations. It is possible to adjust the heating elements mechanically up and down off the asphalt surface with the lever arm mechanism. The provision of rotational movement of the heating elements permits the device to be retracted into a transport configuration. Forward and reverse motion of the heating elements permits a graduate heating process to be performed. The fold-up design with radially shaped adjustable hinges provide various angularity adjustments not only for compact convenience but also for establishing specific heat clearances, avoiding shut down delays and overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Larsen