Patents Issued in October 2, 2007
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Patent number: 7277211Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed wherein, even if the multiplicity in multiplexing of recording data is increased, positioning of data upon reproduction can be performed with a high degree of accuracy without decreasing the recording capacity. Interference fringes generated by interference of a light beam spatially optically modulated by a spatial light modulator on which a marker data page is displayed with reference light are recorded at a recording spot on a hologram recording medium. Similarly, interference fringes corresponding to recording data page are recorded at another recording spot on the hologram recording medium. The multiplicity of such marker data pages upon recording is set to a value with which recognition of markers upon reproduction can be performed with a high degree of accuracy so that, even if the multiplicity of the data pages is raised, positioning information of high accuracy can be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shigeyuki Baba, Nobuhiro Kihara
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Patent number: 7277212Abstract: An optical scanning unit includes a light source that emits a light beam, a light deflector that deflects the light beam from the light source, and a scanning optical system that focuses the light beam deflected by the light deflector on a scanning surface. The light beam from the light source is at an angle in a secondary scanning direction with respect to a normal to a reflecting surface of the light deflector. At least one surface of the scanning optical system does not have a curvature in the secondary scanning direction, being tilted and decentered in the secondary scanning direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Naoki Miyatake, Seizo Suzuki, Shigeaki Imai
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Patent number: 7277213Abstract: An aperture plate includes an opening and a surface adjacent to the opening. The opening passes electromagnetic energy such as light to a reflector that is aligned with the opening and that directs the electromagnetic energy to a location. The surface reflects incident electromagnetic energy away from the location in a direction that is outside of the range of directions. Such an aperture plate insures that electromagnetic energy, e.g., light, strikes only the desired portions of the reflector, and that peripheral light that is outside of the aperture opening is reflected away from the location, e.g., display screen, toward which the reflector directs the electromagnetic energy. Furthermore, because such an aperture plate is mounted near the reflector, the alignment tolerances are typically less stringent than for an aperture plate mounted near the energy source.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mathew D. Watson, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7277214Abstract: The tiltable-body apparatus including a frame member, a tiltable body, and a pair of torsion springs having a twisting longitudinal axis. The torsion springs are disposed along the twisting longitudinal axis opposingly with the tiltable body being interposed, support the tiltable body flexibly and rotatably about the twisting longitudinal axis relative to the frame member, and include a plurality of planar portions, compliant directions of which intersect each other when viewed along a direction of the twisting longitudinal axis. A center of gravity of the tiltable body is positioned on the twisting longitudinal axis of the torsion springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Yasuda, Hidemasa Mizutani, Takayuki Yagi, Yasuhiro Shimada, Futoshi Hirose, Takahisa Kato
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Patent number: 7277215Abstract: A method of determining the transmission state of an electrochromic device includes applying a voltage across the electrochromic device, using the applied voltage and current for calculating leakage current of the electrochromic device and determining ionic current as the difference between the applied current and the leakage current. The method includes using the ionic current for determining the transmission state of the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sage Electrochromics, Inc.Inventor: Bryan D. Greer
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Patent number: 7277216Abstract: A differential interferometric light modulator and image display system comprises a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization displacement device and a linear array of MEMS optical phase shifting devices to modulate a line image. The polarizing beam splitter acts as both the polarizer and the analyzer in an interferometer. The polarization displacement device divides polarized light from a polarizer into orthogonal polarization components which propagate parallel to one another. The MEMS optical phase shifting device array imparts a relative phase shift onto the polarization components and returns them to the polarization displacement device where they are recombined and sent to the analyzer. The MEMS optical phase shifting devices are electronically controlled and convert electronic image data into actual light modulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Alces TechnologyInventor: David M. Bloom
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Patent number: 7277217Abstract: Bearing portions having an approximately arc shape are provided on a lower surface of a plate-shaped member. In the bearing portions, stoppers of a regulating member are embedded. With the engagement of the lower surface of the plate-shaped member and the apex of a pivot member and the engagement of an inner surface of the bearing portions and a lower surface of the stoppers, the plate-shaped member is rotatably supported with the apex of the pivot member as a center. With a side surface of the regulating member 109 facing a side surface of the bearing portions, the position of the plate-shaped member in a rotation axis direction is regulated.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Katoh, Takeshi Nanjyo, Koichi Ohtaka
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Patent number: 7277218Abstract: This invention relates to a novel electrophoretic composition having improved colloidal stability, switching performance and temperature latitude.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: SiPix Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Jiunn Jye Hwang, HongMei Zang, Yajuan Chen, Xin Weng, Jack Hou, Rong-Chang Liang
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Patent number: 7277219Abstract: A particle movement type display device includes a plurality of pixels each of which is constituted by a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other with a spacing therebetween, charged particles disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in contact with the spacing. An image is displayed by moving the charged particles under application of an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is formed on the first substrate at a part of a portion corresponding to each pixel, and a non-electrode forming portion at which the first electrode is not formed is provided on the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsutomu Ikeda
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Patent number: 7277220Abstract: A laser apparatus including a laser generating portion that generates pulse light having a single wavelength within a range from an infrared band to a visible band. An optical amplifier is optically connected to the laser generating portion, and includes a plurality of fiber optical amplifiers to amplify the pulse light a plurality of times. A wavelength converting portion is optically connected to the optical amplifier, and includes cylindrical lenses and a plurality of non-linear optical crystals to wavelength-convert the amplified pulse light into ultraviolet light. The amplified pulse light is incident on the cylindrical lenses through one of the plurality of non-linear optical crystals and is incident on a different one of the plurality of non-linear optical crystals from the one non-linear optical crystal through the cylindrical lenses.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tomoko Ohtsuki, Soichi Owa
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Patent number: 7277221Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for controlling a gain of a bidirectionally-pumped Raman fiber amplifier having both forward optical pumps and backward optical pumps. The overall gain is controlled by adjusting the forward optical pumps, while the power levels of the backward optical pumps are essentially fixed. Gain circuitry operates in an opened loop configuration and uses a predetermined function relating a power variation of at least one wavelength region with a pump power adjustment for at least one forward optical pump. Two approximate linear relationships between the input signal power variations and the required pump power adjustments are utilized in controlling the Raman fiber amplifier. Each approximate linear relationship includes at least one linear coefficient that relates a power variation for a specific wavelength region and a power adjustment of a specific Raman pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: AT&T Corp.Inventors: Xiang Zhou, Martin Birk
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Patent number: 7277222Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for simultaneous optical wavelength conversion and optical clock signal extraction using semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs).Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Dong Churl Kim, Min Yong Jeon, Young Ahn Leem, Eun Deok Sim, Kyung Hyun Park, Sung Bock Kim
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Patent number: 7277223Abstract: A telescope capable of motorized focus and/or collimation. The telescope includes control electronics capable of correcting the focus and/or collimation based on identified information, such as, for example, information about optical or other elements of the telescope, information about a user or imaging device, or the like. In various embodiments, such identified information is acquired through radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. In other embodiments, an automated system controls the actuators based at least in part upon identification information, such as through user or device recognition.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, Brian Tingey, Ghassan El-Khatib
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Patent number: 7277224Abstract: The binoculars include a pair of displaceable optical elements, which are at least parts of objective optical systems, respectively, a focusing mechanism used to move the displaceable optical elements for focusing, a pair of guide rails that guide the displaceable optical elements, respectively, when they are moved. The pair of guide rails have inclined portions, at least parts thereof, which incline with respect to the optical axes of the objective optical systems, respectively. A pair of engagement portions are formed on a pair of frames of the displaceable optical elements, respectively. The engagement portions are engaged with the guide rails, respectively. When the displaceable optical elements are moved for focusing with the pair of engagement portions being engaged with the inclined portions of the pair of guide rails, respectively, a distance between the optical axes of the pair of displaceable optical elements changes, thereby a convergence value being compensated.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Satoru Nemoto, Ken Hirunuma
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Patent number: 7277225Abstract: Binoculars which include a pair of observation optical systems each having an objective optical system, an erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The binoculars include a focusing mechanism that is used to move a part of the observation optical system for focusing, and a convergence value compensating mechanism that compensates for a convergence value by displacing displaceable optical elements which are at least parts of the objective optical systems, respectively, in association with actuation of the focusing mechanism. In this structure, a distance between optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems is adjustable in line with a width between eyes of a user. A maximum value of a distance between optical axes of the displaceable optical elements is smaller than a minimum value of the distance between the optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Satoru Nemoto, Ken Hirunuma
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Patent number: 7277226Abstract: A 3D display may comprise a rotating optical diffuser screen; and a projector for projecting images through the rotating optical diffuser screen. The rotating optical diffuser screen may be structured to optically create an exit pupil, said exit pupil having a limited horizontal viewing angle for displaying 3D images in specific viewing zones as the rotating optical diffuser screen rotates.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Actuality Systems, Inc.Inventors: Oliver S. Cossairt, Joshua Napoli
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Patent number: 7277227Abstract: A Fresnel lens sheet has an entrance surface (1a) and an exit surface (1b). A plurality of prisms (2) each having a refraction surface (3) and a total-reflection surface (4) are formed on the entrance surface (1a). Light rays projected by a light source (M) disposed on the side of the sloping refraction surfaces (3) onto the entrance surface (1a) are refracted at the refraction surfaces (3), and the refracted light rays are totally reflected by a total-reflection surfaces (4) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a sheet surface (1c). Angles (?) between the refraction surfaces (3) and the total-reflection surfaces (4) corresponding to the refraction surfaces (3) of all the prisms (2) are substantially equal to each other. The angle ? between the refraction surface (3) of the prism (P2) farthest from the light source (M) and the sheet surface (1c) is approximately equal to a right angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 7277228Abstract: In an optical filter, a thin film is formed by laminating low refractive index layers alternatingly from a substrate side with high refractive index layers. The thin film is provided with first, second, and third laminated portions. In the first laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers become gradually higher. In the second laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers are substantially equal to the highest refractive index of the high refractive index layers constituting the first laminated portion. In the third laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers become gradually lower, and the refractive indices of the low refractive index layers are substantially equal to the lowest refractive index of the low refractive index layers constituting the second laminated portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Yorio Wada, Ken Kawamata, Nobuyoshi Toyohara, Yoshiki Shinta
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Patent number: 7277229Abstract: An optical system includes semiconductor lasers arranged in the direction of the slow axis of the laser beam, an optical means which makes parallel the collimated laser beams, an optical member which is provided with inlet and outlet faces which are positioned in perpendicular to the optical axis of laser beams and total reflection surfaces which are opposed to each other at a space where the component in the direction of the slow axis of the laser beam entering from the light inlet face repeats internal reflection, and emits from the light outlet face a slow axis uniform laser beam, and an imaging optical means which images the slow axis uniform laser beam on a surface as a linear line beam extending in the direction of the slow axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kiichi Kato
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Patent number: 7277230Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine. The method comprises forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one substituted or unsubstituted phenolphthalein, at least one substituted or unsubstituted primary hydrocarbyl amine, and an acid catalyst; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of less than 180° C. to remove a distillate comprising water and form a crude 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine product; where the 2-hydrocarbyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine has a formula: where R1 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group, and R2 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, and a halogen.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Veeraraghavan Srinivasan, Suresh Shanmugam, Gautam Chatterjee, Anantharaman Dhanabalan, Vinod Kumar Rai
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Patent number: 7277231Abstract: A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus has a correction device which can correct photoinduced imaging errors without optical elements having to be removed for this purpose. The correction device includes a first optical element and a second optical element, whose surface facing the first optical element is provided with a local surface deformation for improving the imaging properties of the projection objective. In a wall, which seals an intermediate space formed between the first optical element and the second optical element, an opening is provided through which the intermediate space can be filled with a fluid. By modifying the refractive index of the fluid adjacent to the surface, the effect of the surface deformation can be modified in a straightforward way.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AGInventors: Karl-Heinz Schuster, Hans-Juergen Rostalski, Aurelian Dodoc
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Patent number: 7277232Abstract: An object is to provide a zoom lens system having compactness of about a normal lens, small number of lens elements, a zoom ratio about 2.9, good productivity, and high optical performance. The system includes, in order from the object, a first lens group with negative power and a second lens group with positive power. Zooming is performed by varying a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group includes at least a negative lens and a positive lens. The second lens group includes a front lens group with positive power and a rear lens group with positive power. The front lens group includes a positive lens and a cemented lens constructed by a positive lens cemented with a negative lens. The rear lens group includes a cemented lens constructed by a negative lens cemented with a positive lens. Given conditions are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Haruo Sato
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Patent number: 7277233Abstract: The invention relates to a small-format yet high-performance two units or three units type zoom lens with a negative unit at the front, which has a zoom ratio of about 3, an angle of view of as wide as 60° at the wide-angle end and high image-formation capability, and is much less susceptible to chromatic blurring, with a compact lens barrel. The zoom lens comprises a first lens unit G1 of negative refracting power and a second lens unit G2 of positive power, wherein zooming is implemented by varying the space between the lens units. The first lens unit G1 is made up of one negative lens L11 and one positive lens L12, two in all, and satisfies specific conditions with respect to their refractive index and Abbe constant.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.Inventor: Tomoyuki Satori
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Patent number: 7277234Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed, comprising, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit with a positive refractive power, a second lens unit with a negative refractive power, a third lens unit with a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit with a positive refractive power, wherein a distance between the respective lens units is changed during zooming. The third lens unit consists of, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens sub-unit including a positive lens with an object-side surface which has a convex shape and having a positive refractive power, an aperture stop, a second lens sub-unit including a negative lens and having a negative optical power, and a third lens sub-unit including a positive lens and having a positive optical power.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Hoshi
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Patent number: 7277235Abstract: Providing a zoom lens system that has a high zoom ratio, high optical performance, and compactness, and is easy to be manufactured. The zoom lens system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. Zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state is carried out by moving each lens group along the optical axis such that a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group decreases, a distance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group decreases. A zoom ratio is 5.0 or more. Given conditional expressions are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Takayuki Sensui
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Patent number: 7277236Abstract: A zoom lens having an effective focal length fw for the wide angle mode comprises a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group. The first lens group has a negative effective power and an effective focal length f1, wherein 2.1<|f1/fw|<2.6. The first lens group comprises a first lens and a second lens. The first lens has a first negative power and at least a first concave aspheric lens surface. The second lens has a first positive power. The second lens group has a first positive effective power and an effective focal length f2, wherein 1.5<|f2/fw|<1.8. The second lens group comprises a third lens and a fourth lens. The third lens has a second positive power and at least a second aspheric lens surface. The fourth lens has a third positive power. The third lens group has a second positive effective power.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: BenQ CorporationInventor: Ming-Kuen Lin
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Patent number: 7277237Abstract: An AF control apparatus for a zoom lens system includes a movable lens group serving as a zooming lens group and a focusing lens group in the zoom lens system; a focusing table which stores focusing data for the movable lens group; a zooming table which stores zooming data for the movable lens group, the zooming table having different data from the focusing table; and a driving device for moving the movable lens group in an optical axis direction of the zoom lens system according to data stored in the focusing table and the zooming table.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Noboru Saito, Takamitsu Sasaki, Hideyuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7277238Abstract: An imaging lens array that has stable performance and improved precision, wherein a first lens is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side; a second lens is a negative meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side; a third lens is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing image side; and fourth lens is a positive meniscus lens with a convex surface facing the object side. When the second, third and fourth lenses are double-sided aspherical lenses, the respective lenses of the present invention can be ensured to have an appropriate power, it also can minimize error, and improve the image quality.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Largan Precision Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sayuri Noda
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Patent number: 7277239Abstract: A magnifier for viewing a display of a device that is external to the magnifier, the magnifier is formed having an optical magnifying lens of a type that is structured for optically magnifying an external view that is optically visible there through, and includes mechanical structure that is configured for securing the magnifying lens to an electronic device having an optically viewable display with the magnifying lens arranged in a magnified focused viewing relationship with the display.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Patent number: 7277240Abstract: A magnification apparatus having a magnifier and mechanical structure that is configured for securing the magnifier intermediately between a universally positionable mounting apparatus and a bracket of a type configured for holding an electronic device using fasteners that couple the bracket with the mounting apparatus, without compromising the security of the connection therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Patent number: 7277241Abstract: A machine for magnifying a check with a freshnel lens, a front cover and back cover hingably connected, to hold a credit card bill or restaurant check, to hold a credit card, to hold a writing utensil, and to illuminate the credit card bill or restaurant check.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: Robert Lyman Fulton
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Patent number: 7277242Abstract: A lens module includes a lens seat, an image sensor unit, a lens set, a circuit board, and a resilient interposer. The lens seat includes a top wall that is formed with a barrel hole, a side wall that extends from a periphery of the top wall and that cooperates with the top wall to define a chamber, and a lens barrel. The lens barrel has a first barrel portion disposed in the chamber and a second barrel portion extending from the first barrel portion and passing through the barrel hole in the top wall. The image sensor unit and the lens set are disposed in the first and second barrel portions of the lens barrel, respectively. The circuit board is disposed to cover an open side of the lens seat, and is connected electrically to the image sensor unit via the resilient interposer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Advanced Connection Technology Inc.Inventors: Ching-Shun Wang, Chun-Hua Hsia, Yu-Heng Liu, Yang-Kai Wang, Kuang-Yau Teng, Miy-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 7277243Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a lens assembly including a first and second element adapted to be engaged with one another in a manner to secure a first and second lens therebetween is disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: InFocus CorporationInventors: Gary Cook, Brian G. Heintz
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Patent number: 7277244Abstract: A heat sink is attached to a subject-side end portion of a barrel body of a lens barrel. The heat sink is provided with a large number of radiation fins formed in whorl. A heat pipe is disposed between the heat sink and a mount-side end portion of the barrel body. A CCD is fixed to the mount-side end portion of the barrel body. Heat of the CCD is transferred to the heat pipe via the mount-side end portion. Successively, the heat is efficiently transferred to the heat sink by the heat pipe. The heat having been transferred to the heat sink is efficiently radiated into the air by the whorl-like radiation fins regardless of conditions of the lens barrel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Takehiko Senba, Yukio Noguchi, Seimei Ushiro
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Patent number: 7277245Abstract: A write driver circuit for a magnetic storage medium that communicates with a write head having first and second nodes comprises a first driver circuit with an input and an output that communicates with the first node of the write head. A first charge pump communicates with said input and said output of said first driver circuit and provides additional current to said input of said first driver circuit during a first transition period between current flowing through the write head in a first direction and current flowing through the write head in a second direction. A second driver circuit with an input and an output communicates with the second node of the write head. A second charge pump communicates with said input and said output of said second driver circuit and provides additional current to said input of said second driver circuit during a second transition period between current flowing through the write head in said second direction and current flowing through the write head in said first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventors: Farbod Aram, Sehat Sutardja
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Patent number: 7277246Abstract: A system and method of operating a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a tape cartridge having a magnetic tape medium and a tape drive for reading and writing data to the magnetic tape medium of the tape cartridge. Performance data associated with specific operating loci (e.g., bands, directions, tracks, segments, etc.) of the tape drive and tape medium are collected, analyzed, and stored, allowing for analysis and detection of trends over time. In one example, tape usage events are monitored and when they cross a threshold the system may remove particular tapes in a preventative maintenance approach to reduce system outage. Performance data is collected and analyzed with a portion of the performance data being saved to emulated medium auxiliary memory (EMAM) on the magnetic tape, and a portion of the of the performance data saved in non-volatile storage in the drive.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Quantum CorporationInventors: Douglas F. Barbian, Christopher B. Tumblin, Mark A. Payne, Joe Ewaskowitz, Richard Chaney
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Patent number: 7277247Abstract: A library apparatus includes an enclosure enclosing at least a storage cabinet. A sound sensor is located within the enclosure. The sound sensor is designed to detect sound within the enclosure. The library apparatus enables detection of sound inside the enclosure of the library apparatus. A fall of the cartridge can immediately be determined based on the detected sound, for example. If the directivity of the sound sensor has a wider range, the sound sensor is capable of reliably detecting sound caused within the entire enclosure. The sound sensor contributes to a reliable detection of a fall of the cartridge with a simplified structure as compared with an image sensor having a narrower coverage.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Keisuke Hoshino
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Patent number: 7277248Abstract: Copying, dubbing or reproducing copyrighted digital data can be inhibited or restricted to properly protect a copyright. AV data recorded on a pre-recorded tape is output from a reproducing unit of a first digital VCR with protective information indicating whether the copy of the AV data is inhibited or not. The protective information is input with the A/V data to a second digital VCR. Copy permission information of a blank tape loaded in the second digital VCR is discriminated and the second digital VCR records the AV data supplied from the first digital VCR based on the protective information and the copy permission information.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Koichi Sugiyama, Etsurou Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7277249Abstract: It is judged whether an inclination of a spindle is out of a predetermined range, and a position of a head is controlled so as to compensate for the inclination upon detection that the inclination of the spindle is out of the range. The position of the head is controlled based on a phase correction quantity, based on an amplitude correction quantity, using a repeat control method, or using a compression filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Makoto Okamoto
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Patent number: 7277250Abstract: An optimal track zero determination method used in a hard disk drive and a hard disk drive using the method. The method has the operations: (a) performing a sequential seek operation on target tracks of a disk, in units of predetermined numbers of tracks, outwardly, from a track separate from a physical track zero position obtained in a servo track write operation, by a predetermined distance toward the physical track zero position; (b) determining whether the target tracks belong to a region where a track-following operation is normally performed, and determining whether an actuator arm connected to a transducer is in contact with a mechanical buffering unit during the sequential seek operation of operation (a); and (c) selecting as a logical track zero, the target track belonging to the region where the track following operation is normally performed and the actuator arm is not in contact with the mechanical buffering unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung-chul Park, Kwang-jo Jung
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Patent number: 7277251Abstract: Embodiments of the invention perform a stable data write operation at a low operating ambient temperature and promptly perform a write command process within a magnetic recording apparatus that employs a load/unload design. In one embodiment, write heads unloaded on a ramp are completely preheated before magnetic disks reach their rated rotation speed. This preheat operation takes time T1. After completion of write head preheating, the write heads are loaded from the ramp. This loading operation takes time T2. Since time T1 and time T2 do not sequentially elapse, it is possible to prevent a write operation from being rendered unstable by thermal protrusion while expediting a write command process.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Satoshi Ishii, Masato Taniguchi, Tetsuo Ueda, Noboru Yoshida
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Patent number: 7277252Abstract: In a method of feedback control for active damping of slider air bearing vibrations in a hard disk drive slider, a slider is isolated from ground. A slider velocity signal is filtered to acquire a vibration signal. The vibration signal is adjusted in amplitude to achieve an amplitude adjusted vibration signal. The amplitude adjusted vibration signal is applied to the slider to actively dampen air bearing vibrations in the slider.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Thomas R. Albrecht, Peter M. Baumgart, Bernhard E. Knigge
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Patent number: 7277253Abstract: A storage device configured to load and unload a head against a storage medium, includes a latch mechanism configured to latch the unloaded head, a head moving mechanism configured to move the head, a measuring part configured to measure an unlatch force necessary for unlatching the head latched by the latch mechanism, by applying a constant electrical current to the head mechanism so that the head is moved in a load direction, by measuring a back electromotive voltage, and calculating a moving speed and acceleration of the head, a storing part configured to store information indicating the measured unlatch force in the storage device, and a control part configured to apply a driving electrical current corresponding to the stored information to the head moving mechanism where the head is latched by the latch mechanism at the time of loading.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satoshi Yamashita, Takeshi Hara, Yoshifumi Obara
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Patent number: 7277254Abstract: A magnetic recording disk having a substrate, a magnetic layer formed on the substrate, a protective layer formed on the magnetic layer and a lubricant layer formed on the protective layer, the lubricant layer containing a perfluoropolyether compound having an end moiety containing a phosphazene ring and a perfluoropolyether compound having an end moiety containing a hydroxyl group, or the lubricant layer containing a perfluoropolyether compound having an end moiety containing a hydroxyl group on the protective layer side and a perfluoropolyether compound having an end moiety containing a phosphazene ring on the other surface side, and a process for manufacturing each of these magnetic recording disks.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Koichi Shimokawa, Kota Hara
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Patent number: 7277255Abstract: A head slider is designed to prevent collision against a surface of a disk due to an external impact and the like while a device is in use to avoid damages on an air bearing surface (“ABS”) of the head slider and the surface the disk. This is achieved by a structure of the head slider which produces a large positive pressure on a positive dynamic pressure generating section when the head slider comes close to the disk. More specifically, the ABS of the head slider comprises three surfaces of different positional heights, and the positive dynamic pressure generating section having a height equivalent to a mid level surface of the second highest position is provided on a portion of the head slider made of a material of high brittleness at each of locations near both side edges lateral to a tracking width of a magnetic head.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Ueno, Zhisheng Deng
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Patent number: 7277256Abstract: An actuator of a hard disk drive moves a magnetic head to record and reproduce data with respect to a disk to a predetermined position on the disk. The actuator includes a suspension supporting a slider where the magnetic head is mounted, and an arm included on a base plate of the hard disk drive to be capable of pivoting and having the suspension included at a leading end portion of the arm and a coil of a voice coil motor coupled to a rear end portion of the arm. The coil is coupled to the rear end portion of the arm by an outer mold formed to encompass an outer circumference of the coil, an inner mold formed inside the coil, and a connection mold connecting the outer mold and the inner mold is formed at least part of a surface of a non-effective portion of the coil except for an effective portion arranged to be perpendicular to a direction in which the arm pivots.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ki-tag Jeong
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Patent number: 7277257Abstract: A transducer-level microactuator selectively positions a transducer portion of a slider radially with respect to circumferential data tracks of a rotatable disc. The slider includes a slider body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a transducer body and a flexure body. The transducer body is spaced from the trailing edge of the sliding body and includes at least one transducer element. The flexure body extends from the trailing edge of the slider body and includes a first anchor point connected to the slider body and a second anchor point connected to the transducer body. The basecoat layer is deposited on the trailing edge of the slider body and substantially surrounds the flexure body wherein a gap separates the flexure body from the basecoat. A first actuation assembly is formed on the basecoat and a second actuation assembly is formed on the transducer body adjacent the slider body.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Roger L. Hipwell, Jr., Kyle M. Bartholomew, Lance E. Stover, Wayne A. Bonin, Jeremy A. Thurn, Zine-Eddine Boutaghou
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Patent number: 7277258Abstract: A dual-stage actuator disk drive has both a rotary primary actuator and a rotary secondary actuator. When the primary actuator initiates a seek there are two torque components acting on the center of mass of the secondary actuator's moving portion. The center of rotation of the moving portion is located at an optimal location relative to the center of mass of the moving portion, which results in cancellation of the two torque components and a secondary actuator that has essentially no resonant frequency in response to a seek by the primary actuator. If the optimal location can not be achieved because of assembly tolerances, then the center of rotation is placed at a distance at least as great as the assembly tolerance from the optimal location.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Toshiki Hirano, Fu-Ying Huang, Tetsuo Semba, Matthew T. White
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Patent number: 7277259Abstract: A magnetic head actuator includes a head-holding substrate having a pair of movable arms for clamping a magnetic head, and piezoelectric elements fixed along the pair of movable arms to move the pair of movable arms in response to an applied voltage. The head-holding substrate comprises a fired glass-ceramic compact containing at least one of SiO2, B2O3, and Al2O3. The piezoelectric elements are formed on the head-holding substrate with a piezoelectric material by printing and low-temperature firing.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Yamamoto, Jun-ichi Murakami, Hiroya Sawairi
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Patent number: 7277260Abstract: A magnetic head that includes a spin valve sensor of the present invention which may be a CIP or CPP device. The sensor includes a free magnetic layer that is comprised of CoFeCu. In certain embodiments the free magnetic layer may also include a sublayer of NiFe. The CoFeCu free magnetic layer preferably includes Fe in a range of 5-20 at. % and Cu in a range of 1-10 at. %. The sensor may also include a cap layer of the present invention that is comprised of ZnOx/TaOx. The CoFeCu free magnetic layer of the present invention provides improved sensor performance characteristics of reduced coercivity and generally similar GMR as compared to the prior art. Where the ZnOx/TaOx cap layer is utilized, increased GMR is obtained. Thus a magnetic head of the present invention that includes both a CoFeCu free magnetic layer and a ZnOx/TaOx cap layer demonstrates reduced coercivity and increased GMR.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.Inventors: Hardayal Singh Gill, Alexander M. Zeltser