Patents Issued in November 27, 2007
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Patent number: 7300136Abstract: An ink jet printer includes a carriage mounted on a guide. The carriage provides a transverse movement to a printhead. The carriage includes an upper carriage component adjacent to a rear support wall of the ink jet printer and a lower carriage component mounted to the upper carriage component. A slider is disposed between the upper carriage and the rear support wall. The slider includes a rigid substrate with a hole or an eyelet forming a hole. A pin secured to the carriage engages the hole and allows the slider to rotate up to 360 degrees around the pin. The slider includes a fabric with extended fibers secured to the substrate or directly to the carriage in order to resist static charge accumulations and lower friction.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert S. Patterson, Jason S. Dewey
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Patent number: 7300137Abstract: A liquid-discharge recording head includes large nozzles for discharging large liquid drops and medium and small nozzles for discharging medium and small liquid drops that are smaller than the large liquid drops. The large nozzles are arranged on one side of an ink-supply opening and the medium and small nozzles are arranged on the other side of the ink-supply opening. The number of large nozzles is greater than the number of medium and small nozzles, and the liquid-discharge recording head performs high-speed printing using the large nozzles, high-speed photo printing using the medium and small nozzles, and high-quality photo printing using the small nozzles.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Yamanaka, Tomoyuki Inoue, Torachika Osada, Michinari Mizutani, Hiroshi Yamada
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Patent number: 7300138Abstract: An ink container for an ink jet printer adapted to supply ink via a tube to an ink jet cartridge. The cartridge includes a bottle, a cap engaging the bottle to form an ink containing cavity, an ink exit channel from the ink containing cavity through the cap, an air inlet channel through the cap into the ink containing cavity, and an air entrance opening from the air inlet channel into the ink containing cavity. The air entrance opening has a perimeter to area ratio that is greater than 2/R where R is the equivalent radius of the air entrance opening. This perimeter to area ratio (or shape factor) allows for easy formation and break off of bubbles at the air inlet channel. If such bubbles remain attached to the air inlet opening they can prevent some of the ink in the container from flowing therefrom for printing.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David M. Corner, John C. Love
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Patent number: 7300139Abstract: The ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet head that causes an electrostatic force to act on ink containing charged colored particles based on an image signal to eject an ink droplet on a recording medium, an ink supply unit that supplies the ink to the ink jet head, an ink collection unit that collects the ink not ejected from the ink jet head and a particle diameter distribution narrowing unit that narrows a particle diameter distribution of the charged colored particles contained in the ink. The narrowing unit includes an electrode cleaning unit that cleans an electrode for generating electrophoresis in the ink.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Yusuke Nakazawa
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Patent number: 7300140Abstract: A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment supplying a printhead assembly with an array of nozzles is provided. The refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, an ink outlet, and a repressurizing arrangement. During use, the ink storage compartment is maintained at a negative pressure to avoid inadvertent ink leakage from the nozzles. Accordingly, upon engagement of the refill unit with the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement causes part of the ink storage compartment to be inwardly depressed as the ink from the body is drawn into the ink storage compartment through the ink outlet by the negative pressure until pressure equalization. Further, upon subsequent disengagement of the refill unit from the ink storage compartment, the repressurizing arrangement releases the inwardly depressed part of the ink storage compartment to re-establish the negative pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian MacKey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
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Patent number: 7300141Abstract: A printhead assembly for a pagewidth inkjet print engine includes an elongate duct assembly dimensioned to span a print zone, the elongate duct assembly having at least one ink duct that extends a length of the duct assembly and at least one ink inlet in fluid communication with the, or each respective, ink duct. An elongate ink distribution assembly is mounted on the duct assembly and has at least one mounting formation for a respective printhead integrated circuit and defines a plurality of ink flow paths with inlets in fluid communication with the, or each, ink duct, and outlets at the, or each, mounting formation. At least one printhead integrated circuit is positioned in the, or each respective, mounting formation. The, or each, mounting formation is dimensioned and oriented so that the at least one printhead integrated circuit spans the print zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7300142Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer having a housing having at least one wall. The ink cartridge further has at least two ink chambers for containing different ink accommodated in the housing. Ink supply ports are formed in one wall of the housing within each of the ink chambers. Each of the ink supply ports has an inner opening and an outer opening. The distance from the inner opening of a first ink supply port to that of a second ink supply port adjacent to the first ink supply port is different from a second distance from the outer opening of the first ink supply opening to that of the second ink supply port.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Minoru Usui, Satoshi Shinada, Takahiro Naka, Hisashi Miyazawa, Takeo Seino, Hisashi Koike, Takao Kobayashi, Masahiro Kanai, Yasuko Hirano, Yasushi Akatsuka, Takayuki Iijima, Noriaki Okazawa, Hitoshi Matsumoto, Yasuhiro Ogura
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Patent number: 7300143Abstract: A fluid reservoir apparatus including a housing having input ports in a rear portion of the housing and output ports in a front portion of the housing, fluidic chambers and fluidic channels extending from the input ports to the output ports, a heater structure disposed in the housing, a plurality of datum standoffs having rounded datum ends disposed at the rear portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Steven R. Slotto, Brian E. Sonnichsen, Eric Segerstrom, David R. Koehler
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Patent number: 7300144Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case; an ink chamber situated within the cartridge case; an ink supply opening formed in the cartridge case for supplying ink from the ink chamber to an exterior of the cartridge; and a lever mechanism provided in the ink chamber, the lever mechanism including a light blocking member at a first end of the lever mechanism, the lever mechanism being rotatable about a rotation point on the lever mechanism, and the light blocking member being movable in association with rotation of the lever mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Katayama, Toyonori Sasaki, Tomohiro Kanbe, Katsunori Nishida
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Patent number: 7300145Abstract: The invention provides a treatment liquid for ink jet, which includes at least an organic acid having a pKa value of 4.5 or less, a nonionic substance, and water, wherein: (I) the treatment liquid has a pH value of 1.5 to 5.5, (II) the nonionic substance has a weight-average molecular weight of 300 or more but less than 5,000, and (III) a difference in solubility parameter (SP value) between a fundamental skeleton part of the organic acid excluding its acid group and the nonionic substance is 0.01 to 0.75.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takatsugu Doi
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Patent number: 7300146Abstract: A printing device including a plurality of cartridges, at least one cartridge including a visible ink and at least one cartridge including a clear ink; a print portion; and an accessory module in connection with the print portion; wherein the clear ink of at least one cartridge has a longer drying time than the visible ink of at least one cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Carrie Roberts
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Patent number: 7300147Abstract: In an inkjet printer, the print head does not print images directly to the print medium. Rather, the print head prints the image to an intermediate transfer member, for example a transfer belt or drum. The transfer member then transfers the image to the print medium to produce the desired hard copy document. By printing to an intermediate transfer member and then transferring the image to the print medium, additional time is provided for the carrier fluid of the ink to evaporate or be absorbed by the transfer member before the image is transferred to the print medium. In this way, less carrier fluid is eventually deposited to the print medium than if the image had been printed directly on the print medium. Consequently, cockle formation is decreased.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Bruce G. Johnson
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Patent number: 7300148Abstract: A flexibly supported printer includes a printer and a flexible support supporting the printer. Movement of internal components of the printer causes the printer to move by flexing the flexible support.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Luis Elenes
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Patent number: 7300149Abstract: This invention is directed to a device of “wide-angle diving lens”, primarily comprises a lens; and characterized by: the lens is made by a main lens and extended with a plurality of different angles of sub-window lens, or at the inner edge of the lens arranged Fresnel lens, or at the outer edge of the lens chamfered with embedded joint. Accordingly, the present invention “wide-angle diving lens” not only takes advantage of the multi-angles of lens to increase visible range and enhance the structure solidity but also applies Fresnel lens to modify the light refraction angle to enlarge visible range; and further assembly conveniently as well as no visible range disrupt.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Wen-Tong Hwang
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Patent number: 7300150Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses with a unitary appearance by having the connecting piece concealed includes three parts: a lens-seat, two connecting pieces, and two temple assemblies. The unique alignment of the three parts in assembly allows for variegated design in the temple assembly, which can also be a restraining buckle strap. The adjustable temple assemblies can be easily assembled with the lens-seat without tools, which is rotatable relative to the lens-seat via different positions in meshing between the parallel teeth of the retaining piece (extending outwards from the temple assembly), and the protruding teeth of the connecting piece, thereby permitting an optimal adjustment of an inclination angle of the temple assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Joy Chen
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Patent number: 7300151Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing ocular surface abnormalities. This apparatus includes a frame containing at least one lens and at least one seal. The frame, lens, and seal provide an area about the eyes of a user that is at least partially enclosed from a surrounding environment when worn. Humidity and temperature are increased in the area about the eyes of the user to provide a microenvironment in the area about the eyes of the user. The microenvironment is capable of reducing or preventing ocular surface abnormalities, alleviating ocular discomfort, and improving ocular health. The seal may be removable and may attach to prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and so on. The seal may also contain a filter, such as a HEPA filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: SeeFit IncorporatedInventor: Richard Yee
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Patent number: 7300152Abstract: The invention provides lenses that are designed by taking into account one or more of pupil size, field, and decentration.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Larry G. Jones, James W. Haywood
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Patent number: 7300153Abstract: A double progressive spectacle lens in which a first prescribed progressive surface can be freely designed. The second progressive surface is then optimized in relation to the first prescribed surface. Thereby, the resulting spectacle lens avoids the need to employ a classic hourglass design progression zone and produces optical and geometric advantages such as an overall height of the progressive lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Rodenstock GmbHInventors: Edda Wehner, Andrea Welk, Gregor Esser, Helmut Altheimer, Walter Haimerl
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Patent number: 7300154Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmologic image taking apparatus with which an image of the eye to be examined can be taken with an appropriate light intensity and at an appropriate gain. In the case where an observation of an eye to be examined is conducted when it is detected that an image taking switch is turned on, an image taking light source emits light after a lapse of a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time required to completely switch a gain from a gain obtained by AGC to a fixed gain and a time which is not influenced by blinking of the eye to be examined.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeaki Ono
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Patent number: 7300155Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a projection-type display apparatus, which can address or realize a reduction in weight and size, a reduction in power consumption, and a reduction in noise, and address or realize a reduction in price, and a control method for the projection-type display apparatus, as well as a control program for the projection-type display apparatus. The projection-type display apparatus includes a solid-state light source that emits light, a mirror device that controls an emitting direction of the incident light to thereby subject the incident light to temporal modulation, and a projecting device that projects the modulated light.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasunaga Miyazawa, Hiroshi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7300156Abstract: A prism assembly is provided. The prism assembly comprises a first prism component having a triangular cross-section along an optical path, a second prism component having a first quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a third prism component having a second quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a first dichroic interface between the first and second prism components and along the third prism component and configured to reflect a first range of wavelengths of the light, and a second dichroic interface between the first and third prism components and along the second prism component and configured to reflect a second range of wavelengths of the light.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Scott Lerner, Anurag Gupta, James W. Ring
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Patent number: 7300157Abstract: A projection display system includes a projection lens assembly that has multiple projection lens elements that are configured to receive light imparted with display information by a pixelated display device. The projection lens elements project the light toward a display screen. A pixel-shifting element is included within the projection lens assembly to cyclically shift between at least two positions within the projection lens assembly to form at a display screen at least two interlaced arrays of pixels. An electro-mechanical transducer is coupled to the pixel-shifting element to impart on it the cyclic shifting between positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Arlie R. Conner, Gary B. Kingsley
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Patent number: 7300158Abstract: The invention concerns a display apparatus with an imager illuminated by an illumination system and with an imaging system projecting an image on a viewing screen, wherein the brightness of the image on the imager has a variation over a given direction, and wherein the illumination system has light controlling elements for controlling the light distribution over the given direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Thomsom LicensingInventors: Valter Drazic, Eugene O'Donnell, Pascal Benoit, Arno Schubert
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Patent number: 7300159Abstract: A scrolling color projection system, comprising a pulsed lamp (4) and a color scanner (6, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9) for generating a light beam (5b) with a plurality of scrolling color fields, arranged to illuminate a display device (1, 3) to produce a projection of an image generated by the display device, wherein the frequency of the lamp is controlled so as to be related to the frame rate of the display device. By controlling the lamp frequency in relation to the frame rate, a generated interference pattern can be controlled to be distributed over several frame periods and over the entire height of the display. In particular, the pattern can be controlled in such a way that it is not perceptible to the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Gerardus Johannes Josephus Vanlier
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Patent number: 7300160Abstract: A projection screen including a polarized-light selective reflection layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure that causes selective diffuse-reflection of a specific polarized-light component, and a substrate for supporting the polarized-light selective reflection layer. The polarized-light selective reflection layer includes three partial selective reflection layers, each of which contains molecules of a liquid crystal made from an organic compound, forming an organic film as a whole, and has a cholesteric liquid crystalline structure that causes selective diffuse-reflection of a specific polarized-light component. Each partial selective reflection layer of the polarized-light selective reflection layer is ordered according to wavelength of the range of light reflected. Beginning from the observation side, the order is as follows: blue (B) color wave range, green (G) color wave range, and red (R) color wave range.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Kazuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7300161Abstract: The present invention is a portable, configurable, inexpensive large scale projection system. The system is comprised of a plurality of projectors mounted on a structure and a display screen. The structure can be reconfigured to hold more or fewer projectors, and can be disassembled for easy transportation and reassembled. In an embodiment, the structure is comprised of containers and the projectors are mounted on calibration tables.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Roy Alan Feigel, Barry Alan Feigenbaum
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Patent number: 7300162Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Andrew G. Huibers
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Patent number: 7300163Abstract: A system and method for determining whether one or more slides are loaded properly within a cassette. Each slide includes one or more transparent regions and one or more non-transparent regions. The slides are between a light source and a sensor. The light source generates light that is directed towards the sensor through the slides. If the sensor is able to detect light from the light source, then the slides are properly loaded in the cassette. Slides are not properly loaded if the light is blocked by a non-transparent region before reaching the sensor. The sensor or a separate controller can generate a signal or data to provide an indication to a user or to processing equipment that the slides are or are not properly loaded. For example, a speaker or an indicator light can be used to provide an indication to the user. The signal or data can also be used for other functions, such as displaying a message on a screen indicating whether the slides are properly loaded.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Cytyc CorporationInventor: Steven A. Scampini
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Patent number: 7300164Abstract: A morphing light guide has a body with a consistent cross-sectional area that extends from an entry aperture with a first geometric shape to an exit aperture with a different second geometric shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Franc Potekev
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Patent number: 7300165Abstract: The invention provides new reflective markers, reflectors, and delineators with a variety of mounting apparatuses for attaching the same onto standard guardrails in an efficient and effortless manner, without affecting the safety feature, display utility, and visibility of the marker/reflectors/delineators mounted thereon. The present invention also provides a new guardrail reflector/delineator that is particularly useful in situations, locations, and/or places with limited or no lighting, for example, cloudy days, foggy areas, dark places, streets with no lights at night, etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Worldwide Safety, Inc.Inventor: Guadalupe C. Garcia
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Patent number: 7300166Abstract: This invention focuses on electrooptic devices and in particular on electrochromic devices with many aspects directed towards automotive EC mirrors. There are several ways to improve these products and their processing using this invention and some of the prominent ones are outlined below. This invention improves on the devices by disclosing new compositions for electrodes and methods of depositing them. It also addresses novel ways to provide busbars to power these devices in order to improve their performance. The device processing attributes and performance are also improved by adhesive compositions and solid electrolytes disclosed herein. In addition sensors are also disclosed which are novel for use in electrochromic mirrors. The invention also discloses how the electrolytes comprising ionic liquids have no adverse effect on attributes of commercial EC mirrors and often result in improved performance and/or feature enhancements.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: ElectroChromiX, Inc.Inventors: Anoop Agrawal, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi, Robert S. LeCompte, John P. Cronin
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Patent number: 7300167Abstract: An adjustably opaque window including an external pane, an internal pane, a light transmission control layer and a shock-absorbing layer is provided. The external pane and the internal pane provide a cavity between them, and the light transmission control layer and the shock-absorbing layer are positioned in the cavity. The shock-absorbing layer is a flexible sheet that supports and protects the light transmission control layer. The light transmission layer consists of liquid crystal cells. The transmission ratio of the cells can be controlled variably.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: LCT Enterprises, LLCInventors: Primal Fernando, Noel Clark, Jiuzhi Xue
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Patent number: 7300168Abstract: A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: James F. Nagy
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Patent number: 7300169Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a viewing system having an upright member, a first mirror coupled to the upright member, a light source coupled to the upright member, and a retractable mirror assembly coupled to the upright member. The retractable mirror assembly includes a horizontal support coupled on one end to the upright member, an adjustable vertical support coupled on one end to the other end of the horizontal support, and a second mirror coupled to the other end of the adjustable vertical support. A user can adjust the position of the second mirror by retracting or extending the adjustable vertical support. The system can include a remote control or a control switch coupled to the adjustable vertical support to control the extension and retraction of the adjustable vertical support. The second mirror can be foldable to allow for multiple viewing angles.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Chi Yau Yue
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Patent number: 7300170Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for viewing the operating panel of an electronic device, such as a printer, scanner, copy machine, facsimile machine, multi-function device and the like, wherein the apparatus is adapted to allow a person to view the operating panel from a line of sight that extends from an elevation lower than an elevation of the operating panel. The apparatus can reflect and/or refract an image of the operating panel to place it within the line of sight of the person, and can use one or more mirrors and/or prisms to perform this function.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Clyde D. Jasmin, Ronald C. Knapp
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Patent number: 7300171Abstract: A multifunction hydration container accessory system having a hydration container of generally cylindrical shape having a planar bottom surface with bottom edges and having a top for filling and dispensing hydration liquids and comprising an accessory system having a plurality molded cavities for holding a plurality of accessories such as a compass, safety signal reflective material, thermometer, barometer and a container storage module.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Brian Sutton
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Patent number: 7300172Abstract: An illuminable attachment for a tube having a clamp movable from an open position to a closed position engaging the walls of said tube. The illuminable element is comprised of a housing having a lamp, power supply, switch and circuit means within said housing mountable by said clamp to a tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Jo Ann Lefler
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Patent number: 7300173Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a solid state light emitter and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent light bulb applications. The disclosed embodiment is directed to the retrofitting of small flashlights using miniature bulbs, such as the Mini Maglite®. Because the emitter and driving circuitry cannot readily fit within the envelope of the bulb being replaced, the volume occupied by the module needs to be acquired from within the flashlight's interior, such as from part of the volume occupied by the reflector. In that case, the invention includes a replacement reflector supplied with the module. The invention provides that no original functionality of the flashlight is sacrificed. Consideration is also given to the conduction of heat from the light emitter and module.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Technology Assessment Group, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
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Patent number: 7300174Abstract: A backlight module (20) includes a light guide plate (200) and a light source (10). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (220) opposite to the light source. The light source includes a plurality of multicolor based LEDs (120) and the LEDs each includes a plurality of LED chips (120A/B/C). The light source can achieve colored light beams with fewer LEDs, and no color filter is needed in the backlight module or a liquid crystal display using the light source. Thus, the cost of the backlight module can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tai-Cherng Yu
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Patent number: 7300175Abstract: An illuminator with blue and red LEDs, a reflector upstream of the LEDs for capturing upstream light emitted out of the back surfaces of the LEDs and redirecting downstream as useful illumination, a band pass filter for conditioning the downstream light, a phosphor layer for changing the spectral properties of light from the LEDs, and a non-imaging concentrator for creating a beam of illumination over a predetermined solid angle, uniformity, and spectral content.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Innovations In Optics, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Brukilacchio
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Patent number: 7300176Abstract: An apparatus for lighting. The apparatus includes a first light source. The apparatus includes a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus includes a support structure to which the first housing is attached. The apparatus includes a reflection portion having a least two reflectors. The reflection portion attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing such that light from the first light source is directed to desired locations. Alternatively, the apparatus includes a first light source. The apparatus includes a first housing in which the first light source is disposed. The apparatus includes a support structure to which the first light source is attached. The apparatus includes a second light source. The apparatus includes a second housing in which the second light source is disposed. The second housing attached to the support structure and in spaced relationship with the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
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Patent number: 7300177Abstract: Illumination systems are disclosed, which include a plurality of light source modules, each having a light-emitting surface, and a system of optical elements configured to image the emitting surfaces onto an illumination target. The shape of the emitting surface or of the image of the emitting surface produced by the system of optical elements may substantially match the shape of the target. In addition, illumination systems are disclosed that utilize a plurality of source modules having light-emitting surfaces of different colors. Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to illumination systems including a plurality of light source modules disposed in an array within a non-radially symmetrical aperture and to illumination systems in which the light source modules and the system of optical elements are configured to form a plurality of channels aimed substantially into the illumination target.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventor: Arlie R. Conner
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Patent number: 7300178Abstract: A greeting card device which enables, by blowing, an LED to be switched off or a sound module (music, voice or noise) to be activated or deactivated, or a combination of a light and a sound to be activated or deactivated simultaneously. The device is composed of a bimetallic strip system, which the user blows on as if blowing out a candle, and which is connected to the integrated circuit of the LED or the sound module or both, as well as to a resistor and a capacitor which, by charging and discharging, allows switching on-switching off cycles to be repeated. The device according to the invention is particularly suited to the animation of greeting cards (birthdays, Christmas, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Nicolas Helou
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Patent number: 7300179Abstract: An apparatus for generating light sheets useful in flame simulators or other lighting displays. The apparatus includes first and second light strips, which may include light emitting diodes of differing colors. Each of the light strips is mounted on support members that are mounted in the apparatus to rotate such that the orientations of the light strip outputs can be adjusted. The support members are mounted on end plates that can be rotated such that the light strips can be moved to be into a single plane or into differing planes, and the support members may be rotated to set the orientation of the light strips. Positioned over each light strip is an elongate projection lens such as a cylindrical rod. The light generated by the light strips is focused by the projection lenses into a sheet of light by converging and combining the light from the light strips.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Frasier LaDuke, Mark A. Reichow
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Patent number: 7300180Abstract: A lighting assembly with a lamp housing and a component housing which have corresponding mechanical connectors for releasably attaching the housings to one another and which have corresponding electrical connectors for releasably providing electrical connection between the housings. The lamp housing has a lamp frame, at least one lamp socket for receiving at least one lamp and lamp wiring for supplying power to the at least one lamp. The lamp housing has an electrical connector operably attached to the lamp wiring. The lamp housing further has a mechanical connector. Mounted to the component housing are electrical control components, electrical ballast and a power supply socket. The component housing has an electrical connector operable to releasably connect with the electrical connector of the lamp housing. The component housing has a mechanical connector operable to releasably attach to the mechanical connector of the lamp housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: P. L. Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Hutchison, David L. White
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Patent number: 7300181Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a lamp fixture configured to be coupled to the housing, an element extending from the lamp fixture and configured to be received in the housing, and a sealing member defining an aperture for receiving the element therethrough. A periphery of the aperture forms a fluid-tight seal around the element. In another aspect, a lighting unit includes a housing and an enclosure coupled to the housing and configured to define an interior space, wherein the interior space is sealed from an interior of the housing. In another aspect, a method for sealing a lighting unit includes providing a housing, an enclosure coupled to the housing, and an opening in the housing in communication with the enclosure, placing a seal between the housing and the enclosure, and applying a sealing member to the opening to seal the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: Patrick Stephen Blincoe
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Patent number: 7300182Abstract: In accordance with the invention a light source for an image projection system comprises one or more LEDs packaged for high temperature operation. Advantageously, the LED die are disposed on a package comprising a ceramic coated metal base including one or more underlying thermal connection pads, and underlying electrical connection pads, each LED die thermally coupled through the metal base to a thermal connection pad and electrically coupled to electrical connection pads. The LED can be mounted directly on the metal of the base or on a thin coating of electrical insulator on the metal. Arrays of LED die thus packaged are advantageously fabricated by the low temperature co-fired ceramic-on-metal technique (LTTC-M) and can be referred to as LTTC-M packaged arrays. The LEDs are advantageously mounted in an array of cavities having tapered sides to reflect light from the LEDs. The high temperature LED light sources can substitute for HID lamps in a variety of front and rear projection systems and displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Lamina Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Mazzochette
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Patent number: 7300183Abstract: On a front wall of a mold resin (13) sealing a light emitter (12), a direct emission region (18), through which the light emitted from the light emitter (12) directly passes to the outside, and a total reflection region (19), by which the light emitted from the light emitter (12) is totally reflected, are formed. The direct emission region (18) is formed into a shape of a convex lens. A light reflection portion (20) which is made of a concave mirror is provided on the rear face of the mold resin (13). When a part of the light emitted from the light emitter (12) passes through the direct emission region (18), it is affected by the lens to be emitted to the front direction. After another part of the light emitted from the light emitter (12) is totally reflected by the total reflection region (19), it is reflected by the light reflection portion (20) to be emitted to the front direction through the total reflection region (19).Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Hironobu Kiyomoto, Hayami Hosokawa, Naru Yasuda, Kenji Homma, Yukari Terakawa
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Patent number: 7300184Abstract: In a planar light guiding device and a display device, plural light guiding rods are arranged in parallel to one another in a housing having an opening portion serving as a light emission face at the upper surface thereof, and a point light source (LED) 2 is disposed so as to oppose to at least one of both the end faces 1a of each light guiding rod through a space, thereby constituting a light source unit. These light source units are arranged in the metal housing to thereby form the planar light guiding device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Ichikawa, Seiji Sakai, Toshiyuki Yoneda
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Patent number: 7300185Abstract: A reflector for focusing light emitted from a light source in a generally planar direction is disclosed. The reflector is matched with the light source that is preferably a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a substrate. The reflector is mounted over the LED on the substrate. The reflector is made of a clear material. The reflector has a semi-cylindrical front surface and a back surface with an indentation that is compatible with the light source. The reflector has a top reflecting surface divided into two quadrants and a bottom reflecting surface divided into two quadrants. The top quadrants and bottom quadrants are symmetrical in shape and reflect light emitted from the light source in a substantially horizontal plane. The reflecting surfaces may be TIR based or they may be coated with a reflective material in order to focus light from the LED.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Opto Technology, Inc.Inventors: Marvin Ruffin, Craig Fields