Patents Issued in January 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7323639
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate that are both configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar Maltby
  • Patent number: 7323640
    Abstract: A shield cable, in which a winding looseness of a shield layer due to twisting can be decreased and a short-circuit between a shield layer and signal conductor as well as a disconnection of the signal conductor is prevented, and a wiring component and information apparatus having the shield cable are provided. A twisted conductor is covered with an insulator to form an insulated wire with an outer diameter of 0.3 mm or less. This insulated wire is covered with a shield conductor and a sheath so as to form a shield cable. The shield conductor consists of a plurality of shield layers. The first shield layer at an inner most part is formed by winding conductors spirally with a scroll pitch of 7 to 13 mm. One shield cable may contain two insulated wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takahashi, Seiji Saiki, Kiyonori Yokoi
  • Patent number: 7323641
    Abstract: A wired circuit board holding sheet that can permit easy judgment on whether a cutting notch formed has a predetermined depth, and a production method of the wired circuit board holding sheet that can produce the wired circuit board holding sheet simply and easily. In the wired circuit board holding sheet 1 comprising a sheet 2 holding therein a plurality of separable wired circuit boards 3, the respective wired circuit boards 3 are held in the sheet 2 via joints 4 to be cut, and cutting notches 6 to facilitate cutting of the joints 4 and marking notches 7 to indicate that the cutting notches 6 have a predetermined depth to cut the joints 4 are formed simultaneously in both front and back surfaces of the joints 4 by using punches having combination of a main punch portion 13 and a sub-punch portion 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Naotaka Higuchi, Kenkichi Yagura
  • Patent number: 7323642
    Abstract: Provided is a thin printed circuit board (PCB) for manufacturing a chip scale package (CSP). The thin printed circuit board includes a plurality of unit printed circuit boards, each of which is comprised of a circuit pattern, to which a semiconductor chip is adhered, and a substrate surrounding the circuit pattern. The unit printed boards are arranged in a row and includes a support molding, which is spaced a predetermined interval apart from the circuit pattern of each unit printed circuit board on the substrate of each unit printed circuit board and formed in a ring shape along the edge of the thin printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Sung Hwang, Ho-Tae Jin, Hwan-young Jang
  • Patent number: 7323643
    Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Valka Ehf
    Inventor: Helgi Hjálmarsson
  • Patent number: 7323644
    Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus housing therein a load cell for measuring the weight of material stored in a material storage tank in which the tank has a material feeding opening. The tank includes a shoulder frame fixed to only the tank and a support arm penetrating through the tank so as not to contact the tank and firmly supported at its both ends at the outward of the tank, and a load cell provided so as to be directly supported between the shoulder frame and the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Matsui Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazunari Hanaoka, Takayuki Okuda, Hiroshi Hara
  • Patent number: 7323645
    Abstract: A balance (1, 101) has a weighing pan (4, 104) for receiving a load (5, 6, 25) to be weighed, and an electronic weighing module (27) which includes a measuring unit (28). The balance is equipped with an electrostatic sensor (10) which is arranged so that accumulated electrostatic charges which reside on the load can be detected as the load is placed or about to be placed on the weighing pan. The balance is operated by using the electrostatic sensor to detect electrostatic charges, transferring information on a value characterizing the magnitude of the detected electrostatic charges to the measuring unit, comparing the value against a threshold value, and triggering an action of the electronic weighing module based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Arthur Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 7323646
    Abstract: A hand operable switch includes an operating knob that is movable longitudinally or rotationally about a longitudinal axis of the hand operable switch. The operating knob is accessible from any circumferential location of the hand operable switch. A housing includes switching elements wherein movement of the operating knob moves an activation rod relevant to the switching elements for activating a switching element that corresponds to movement of a controlled device. A converter converts the hand operable switch into a foot operable switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Conntrol International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Braaten
  • Patent number: 7323647
    Abstract: A modular device for a telephone network interface apparatus having separate connection and plug-actuated testing compartments. The compartment for connection having at least one pair of contact wires for connection to a subscriber premises line and at least one pair of contact wires for connection to an incoming telephone company line, and an arm member mounted for insertion in the connecting compartment and into engagement with the subscriber and telephone company contact wires effecting the connection between the pair of subscriber contact wires and the pair of telephone company contact wires and for being withdrawn from the connecting compartment causing the subscriber contact wires to be disconnected from the telephone company contact wires to provide a point for demarcation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: TII Network Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Peter A. Arcati
  • Patent number: 7323648
    Abstract: A new rotary switch and new rotary switch assembly kit which has two normally open terminals and two normally closed terminals outside the surface of the switch, and also has two arm actuate steel wires and two separate electric circuits to be used in association with coin drop units that operate coin machines and similar equipment, comprising a new rotary switch and a new rotary switch assembly kit having one common terminal and two arm actuate steel wires and two separate electric circuits in an open position, which when activated by a coin will complete the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Aldo Palombi
  • Patent number: 7323649
    Abstract: A jerking-initiated switch includes two first shank members and two second shank members secured to first and second lateral sides of a base wall of an insulating frame to define a rolling path for rolling of an electrically conductive ball therealong. Two limb members are respectively and integrally formed with, and extend from, the second shank members to form a guideway along the rolling path such that the ball can slidably contact the limb members, and extend towards the first shank members to terminate at threshold regions that are spaced apart from the first shank members. The limb members have idle regions on the rolling path. Once the ball is jerked to displace from one of the idle and threshold regions to the other, the switch is placed in one of the first and second switching states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 7323650
    Abstract: A protection mechanism includes a first member connected to a switch member pivotably connected to an open top of a case so as to lift a bimetallic plate when the switch device is set to an “OFF” status, and a second member that is pivotably connected to an extension board extending form the switch member. The second member is located above the bimetallic plate and pushes the bimetallic plate downward to set the switch device to an “ON” status. The second member can be pivoted counter clockwise when the bimetallic plate is deformed upward and will not stop the deformation of the bimetallic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7323651
    Abstract: A method for isotope separation of thallium using a laser beam comprising the steps of: (a) producing photons of a first frequency by a laser system, wherein a wave length of the first frequency is about 378 nm; (b) producing photons of a second frequency by the laser system, wherein a wave length of the second frequency is about 292 nm; (c) producing photons of a third frequency by the laser system, wherein a wave length of the third frequency is in the range of 700 nm to 1400 nm; (d) applying the photons of the first, second and third frequencies to the vapor of the thallium, wherein the photons of the first frequency pump isotope-selectively a plurality of ground state thallium atoms through an excited state into a metastable state, and wherein the photons of the second frequency excite a plurality of metastable state thallium atoms to an intermediate, resonant state, and wherein the photons of the third frequency ionize a plurality of atoms in the intermediate, resonant state through continuum states; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Young Jeong, Kwang-Hoon Ko, Gwon Lim, Cheol-Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 7323652
    Abstract: The gas insulated switchgear includes a rotary shaft which penetrates a pressure vessel is connected with a moving part which is housed in the pressure vessel by way of a lever, and is connected to the moving part, and brackets which support the rotary shaft and are mounted on a mounting portion which is formed on the pressure vessel. The brackets are fixed to the mounting portion formed on the pressure vessel using a plurality of fixing bolts which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner on an eccentric circle having the center at a point x2 offset from the center of rotation x1 of a rotary shaft and hence, the brackets can be fixed to the mounting portion formed on the pressure vessel at a predetermined angular position which uses the point x2 offset from the center of rotation x1 of the rotary shaft as the center of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Yoshida, Haruhiko Kohyama, Yuji Yoshitomo
  • Patent number: 7323653
    Abstract: Welded structures having a first and a second member formed from sheet metal, tubes, and similar shapes, are economically fabricated through use of a method for joining a second member to a first member having a folded rim extending therefrom. The folded rim defines an air gap within the folded rim. The first and second members are joined together by forcing the folded rim against the second member under sufficient pressure to flatten the folded rim to a point that there remains substantially no air gap inside the folded rim, and resistance welding together the first and second members. The second member and the rim respectively define faying surfaces thereof. The air gap inside the folded rim extends generally parallel to the faying surfaces. The faying surfaces of the rim and second member are forced against one another by applying pressure through the folded rim in a direction generally perpendicular to the faying surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatasubramanian Ananthanarayanan, Desra N. Herbst, Dharmendra M. Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 7323654
    Abstract: An electric discharge machining apparatus capable of precisely detecting the electric discharge in a case of performing machining by minute machining energy such as in finish machining. A voltage is applied between a tool electrode and a workpiece by repeating ON/OFF of a switching element to charge a stray capacitance between the electrodes to cause electric discharge between the electrodes by the charged voltage. The electric discharge between the electrodes in the electric discharge machining by the minute machining energy is detected. The current between the electrodes is detected by integrating an output of a sensor coil. An offset component superposed in the output of the integrator by a low-pass filter is extracted. The extracted offset component is eliminated from the output of the integrator by a differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is compared with a reference value to detect the electric discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Murai, Yasuo Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7323655
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-frequency induction plasma reactor apparatus for producing nano-powder, which is configured to continuously manufacture nano-powder in large quantities using solid-phase powder as a starting raw material and to manufacture high-purity nano-powder by completely vaporizing the material powder. The high-frequency induction plasma reactor apparatus comprises an upper body and a cover. The upper body is provided with a reaction pipe receiving a reactor extending vertically inside thereof, a high-frequency coil surrounding the outer periphery of the reaction pipe and a ceramic inner wall provided inside the reaction pipe. The ceramic inner wall is formed with a plurality of gas passing bores and defines a gas movement passage with the inner side wall of the reaction pipe therebetween for allowing the inflow of argon gas from the outside into the reactor. The cover is mounted to the upper end of the reactor and adapted to seal the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nano Plasma Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-nam Kim
  • Patent number: 7323656
    Abstract: The invention provides a laser beam machine having a light path duct with improved dust proof property. A light path system of a laser beam machine comprises a light path duct 10 having a U-shaped cross-section with the upper end opened, and a light path 12 into which clean air is fed. Gutters 110 are disposed on both sides of the light path duct 10, and liquid 120 is filled therein. The laser beam extraction unit 50 traveling on the light path duct 10 has panels 150 disposed on both sides thereof, and a skirt portion 152 formed at the end of each panel 150 is immersed in the liquid 120, thereby forming a liquid seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7323657
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microstructure device using a near field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) laser micromachining system. A microstructure device preform, including an existing feature, is provided. The NSOM probe tip is scanned over a portion of the preform selected such that a plurality of scan lines cross the existing feature. Scanned locations of the existing feature in at least two scan lines are determined. The orientation of the existing feature is determined based on the scanned locations and the shape of the existing feature. At least one expected machining location in a subsequent scan line is determined based on the shape and orientation of the existing feature. The micro-machining laser is pulsed as the NSOM probe is scanned through the expected machining location(s) during the subsequent scan lines to form at least one fine feature on the microstructure device preform, thus, completing the microstructure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 7323658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding includes one or more of a welding type power source, a feedback circuit, a wire feeder and a controller. The controller preferably has an eta control circuit responsive to the feedback. It also has a control loop having a response time responsive to the eta output. The controller detects whether or not the process is a fast-tack process, and controls the supply of power according to a first control scheme is the process is a fast-tack process, and according to a second control scheme if the process is not a fast-tack process. The controller sets the run-in wire feed speed as a percentage of weld wire feed speed, preferably obtaining the percentage from the weld wire feed speed potentiometer at start up. The controller enters a calibration mode at start up if a calibration pendant is attached and on. In the calibration mode calibration receiving values from the front panel potentiometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jody K. Rice, Richard M. Hutchison, Galen J. White
  • Patent number: 7323659
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for a welding-type wire feeder. The feeder includes at least one electronically commutated motor (ECM) configured to deliver a consumable for a welding-type process. The feeder includes a controller configured to electronically commutate the at least one ECM so as to precisely perform push and pull functions, speed and acceleration control, and wire reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Ihde, Brian L. Ott
  • Patent number: 7323660
    Abstract: Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Barry W. Robole
  • Patent number: 7323661
    Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus enables a rapid temperature rise of an object to be processed while giving an excellent economical efficiency. A heating unit heats an object to be heated by irradiating a light onto the object. A plurality of lamps are provided in a lamp house. The lamps include at least one first lamp and a plurality of second lamps each having an irradiation area smaller than that of the first lamp. The lamp house has a first lamp accommodation part at a center thereof and a second lamp accommodation part surrounding the first lamp accommodation part so that the first lamp accommodation part accommodates the first lamp and the second lamp accommodation part accommodates the second lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Masahiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7323662
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for cooking having a steam-generating device, which is easily cleaned and hygienically used and has improved steam-generating effects. The heating apparatus includes a main body having a cooking chamber; a hot air chamber formed in at least one surface of both side and rear surfaces of the cooking chamber for supplying hot air to the cooking chamber; and a steam-generating device installed in the hot air chamber for supplying steam to the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pung Yeon Cho, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Yun Ic Hwang, Yu Jeub Ha, Cheol Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7323663
    Abstract: An oven using radiant heat at infrared wavelengths optimized for producing rapid and uniform cooking of a wide variety of foods. The infrared oven toasts, bakes, broils, and re-heats food at a much faster speed while maintaining high quality in taste and appearance of the cooked food. Optimal infrared wavelengths of the radiant heat sources are used for the best balance of cooking performance, while also reducing the time required to cook the food. Typically short to medium wavelength infrared radiant energy will result in good performance for toasting and browning of food. Medium to long wavelength infrared radiant energy is well suited for delivering more deeply penetrating radiant energy into the food. This deep penetration of radiant infrared heat energy results in a more thorough internal cooking of the food than with conventional methods of conduction and convection cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Applica Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Cavada, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega
  • Patent number: 7323664
    Abstract: A heating system includes a plurality of radiant heaters, a power source supplying electricity to the radiant heaters, and a transformer provided between the radiant heaters and the power source, wherein each of the radiant heaters includes a support plate substantially having a rectangular shape, a pair of connection terminals substantially perpendicularly extending, while having a space therebetween, from one surface of the support plate, and a strip-shaped heater element arranged between the pair of connection terminals and covering the one surface of the support plate, wherein voltage E between the pair of connection terminals is adjusted by the transformer so as to satisfy an inequality of 25 V?E?35 V, wherein a width W of the strip-shaped heater element is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 8.5 mm?W?11.7 mm, and a thickness t thereof is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 0.05 mm?t?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7323665
    Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne M. Scott, Jason A. Rittenhour, Jack Crane
  • Patent number: 7323666
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heating component having a composite material coated on a support. The composite material includes a fluorinated or silicone polymer and inductively-heatable particles. Additional aspects of the invention are found in a heating belt having a flexible support coated with a composite material. The composite material includes a polymer material and inductively-heatable particles. Further aspects of the invention are found in a system for heating an article. The system includes a heating belt and a field generator. The heating belt includes a flexible support coated in a composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix and inductively-heatable particles. The field generator induces a field about the heating belt. The inductively-heatable particles heat in the presence of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Dwight Spohn, Richard George Hoeck, Satish S. Sharma
  • Patent number: 7323667
    Abstract: The device and method are used for controlling eddy currents generated by an electro-magnetic heater having at least one magnetic field producing element. To control the heater, a source of heat is used to heat a Curie temperature material, located adjacent to the magnetic field producing element. This prevents heat from being generated in the object being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
  • Patent number: 7323668
    Abstract: A workpiece carrier for the inductive heating of workpieces contains ceramic materials at least at bearing surfaces which come into contact with the workpieces. The ceramic materials are distinguished by a high dimensional stability, low thermal and electrical conductivity and a high resistance to thermal shocks. A process for producing a ceramic material for a workpiece carrier obtains a suitable ceramic material by infiltrating a porous carbon skeleton with silicon. Processes for inductive heating and inductive hardening of workpieces with the workpiece carrier are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: SGL Carbon AG
    Inventor: Bodo Benitsch
  • Patent number: 7323669
    Abstract: A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Robison, Lorin R. Cole, Timothy H. Bohrer, Scott W. Middleton, Terrence P. Lafferty, Brian R. O'Hagan, Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 7323670
    Abstract: The performance of a laser scanner is optimized in the field by automatically determining appropriate laser parameters for the scan location. A laser control system uses information such as the environmental temperature to select an appropriate range of start points for various laser parameters, such as pump temperature and laser currents. Test pulses over that range can be used to determine optimal operating parameters. In order to also meet safety regulations, the laser control system can use information such as range and pulse timing information to fire regularly spaced pulses that do not exceed acceptable exposure limits. Alternatively, the laser can be operated at a regular speed of about 24 Hz, or can be operated in burst mode where a burst of pulses creates what appears to be a brighter scan spot, but the time delay between bursts allows time for a blink reflex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems HDS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory C. Walsh, Ralph Storz, Alan Aindow
  • Patent number: 7323671
    Abstract: An improved CMOS sensor integrated circuit is disclosed, along with methods of making the circuit and computer readable descriptions of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: ESS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zeynep Toros, Richard Mann, Selim Bencuya, Chi-Shao (Sergi) Lin, Jiafu Luo
  • Patent number: 7323672
    Abstract: The ambient light sensor structure includes a power supply, a converter, and a pulse processing unit. The power supply provides a reference voltage interface, a high voltage interface and a low voltage interface. The converter includes a first current-to-pulse converter, a second current-to-pulse converter, a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The pulse processing unit comprises a signal subtraction component for circuit blocking, a counter, a digital-to-analog converter and a buffer by series connection. Without incident light, two light sensors would produce a dark current due to the material characteristics of the two photo diodes. Therefore, two current to pulse converters convert the dark current into a pulse signal and transmit the pulse signal to the signal subtraction component in order to cancel the dark current. By the method mentioned above, the dark current caused by the material characteristic of the two light sensors can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Capella Microsystems Corp.
    Inventors: Wenbo Liang, Yuh-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 7323673
    Abstract: A modulated laser light detector that converts laser light energy into electrical signals which exhibit a frequency that is substantially the same as the laser light modulation frequency, in which these signals allow the detector unit to determine a position where the laser light is impacting upon a photodiode array. A superheterodyne receiver circuit is used to provide high gain at an improved signal-to-noise ratio to improve the range at which the modulated laser light signal can be reliably detected. Various types of signal detection circuits are available. Various processing algorithms are disclosed, including a Discrete Fourier Transform with a simplified computational algorithm for use with a low-power processor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Apache Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: DuWain K. Ake, Ayman Hajmousa
  • Patent number: 7323674
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photodetector that has a structure capable of realizing a wide range gain adjustment for each of electron multiplier channels respectively assigned to a plurality of light incidence regions of a multi-anode multiplier. The photodetector comprises a multi-anode photomultiplier, and a bleeder circuit unit. The multi-anode multiplier has a dynode unit constituted by N (an integer or no less than 3) dynode plates, and n-th (an integer of no less then 2) dynode plate is constituted by a plurality of control plates respectively corresponding to the multiplier channels. The bleeder circuit unit has a primary section setting each potential of a first to (n?1)-th and (n+1)-th to N-th dynode plates, and a secondary section for individually setting a potential of each control plate at any potential within the range wider than a potential difference between the (n?1)-th and (n+1) dynode plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Hisaki Kato, Hideki Shimoi, Kazuya Horiuchi, Toshiaki Ushizu
  • Patent number: 7323675
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a packaging structure of a light-sensing device with a spacer wall, wherein a spacer wall is used to protect the light-sensing region from external pollutants or two spacer walls are used to confine the glue to therebetween lest the overflow glue pollute the light-sensing region as in the conventional technology. Further, the present invention can reduce the packaging area and can promote the yield and quality obviously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sigurd Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Po-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 7323676
    Abstract: The invention relates to a color photosensor for sensing the color contents of incident light. In order to provide a color photosensor which is cheap to produce and which allows the control of light in as well intensity as color a color photosensor is proposed comprising: a sensing unit (2) divided into four sensing areas (21, 22, 23, 24) each sensing the color content of incident light and outputting a sensing current, a filter unit (3) comprising four filter elements (31, 32, 33, 34) each being assigned and adapted to one of said sensing areas, said filter elements comprising a cyan colored filter element, a yellow colored filter element and a magenta colored filter element, and a subtraction unit (4) for separately subtracting each of the three sensing currents outputted from the three sensing areas to which one of said colored filter elements is assigned, from the forth sensing current obtaining color signals proportional to the red, green and blue content of said incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting US, LLC.
    Inventor: Rene Duijve
  • Patent number: 7323677
    Abstract: A device comprising a fiber grating loop ringdown (FGLRD) system of analysis is disclosed. A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) or Long-Period grating (LPG) written in a section of single mode fused silica fiber is incorporated into a fiber loop. By utilizing the wing areas of the gratings' bandwidth as a wavelength dependent attenuator of the light transmission, a fiber grating loop ringdown concept is formed. One aspect of the present invention is temperature sensing, which has been demonstrated using the disclosed device. Temperature measurements in the areas of accuracy, stability, high temperature, and dynamic range are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventor: Chuji Wang
  • Patent number: 7323678
    Abstract: An optical displacement transducer includes a transducing element comprising at least a first optical fiber, having a first end face substantially aligned along an axis and positioned with a small gap between said first end face and a second end face of a reception assembly, the transducer further comprising at least a light source coupled for transmission to first optical fiber and at least a photo-detector coupled for reception to the second optical fiber. The first end face and the second end face are displaceable along the axis and relatively with respect to each other, in order to follow the displacement of points associated to the first end face and second end face. The transducer is effective in detecting axial displacement simply and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignees: Istituto Superiore Mario Boella sulle Techologie dell'Informazione e delle Telecommunicazioni, Fondazione Torino Wireless
    Inventors: Silvio Abrate, Guido Perrone, Roberto Gaudino, Davide Perla
  • Patent number: 7323679
    Abstract: Procedure for the image acquisition of objects by means of a light raster microscope with line by line scanning, whereas a scanning of the probe for the creation of a probe image occurs in scanning steps and the distance between at least two scanning steps is variably adjustable and at least a second scanning of the probe occurs, during which the position of the scanning steps is shifted with regard to the scanning direction, whereas preferably a line by line scanning of the probe is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Wolleschensky, Frank Hecht, Ralf Engelmann
  • Patent number: 7323680
    Abstract: An optical fiber transmits signal light and the excitation light for driving an actuator each having a different wavelength to a probe. In the probe, the signal light and excitation light are separated from each other by an optical filter and the excitation light is irradiated to a photo diode. The signal light is supplied to a MEMS mirror unit. Then, the MEMS mirror unit is driven by an electromotive force obtained by the photo diode. In this manner, by modulating intensity of the excitation light, the signal light can be deflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Santec Corporation
    Inventor: Changho Chong
  • Patent number: 7323681
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the resolution of an electronic imaging device having an array of pixels. Sub-pixel dimension movements between an object and the array of pixels are made, and an image is formed at each position. Resulting shifted images are combined to yield an effective resolution corresponding to an array having smaller pixels. Such methods and apparatus allow optical systems with existing pixel devices to form effective images of smaller feature sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Mark F. Oldham, Austin B. Tomaney
  • Patent number: 7323682
    Abstract: A variable duty cycle ion source assembly is coupled to a continuous beam mass spectrometer. The duty cycle can be adjusted based on previous scan data or real time sampling of ion intensities during mass analysis. This provides the ability to control the total number of ions formed, mass analyzed and detected for each ion mass of interest. The frequency of the ion source can be sufficiently high (kHz range) so as to maintain accurate peak centroiding. The ion source assembly can be used for both electron ionization (EI) or chemical ionization (CI) modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Edward B. McCauley, Scott T. Quarmby, George B. Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 7323683
    Abstract: A method for manipulating ions in an ion trap includes storing ions, spatially compressing, and ejecting selected ions according to mass-to-charge ratio. An ion trap includes an injection port, an arm having a first and a second end for confining and spatially compressing the ions, and an ejection port for ejecting the ions from the second end. The arm includes two pairs of opposing electrodes, which provide a quadrupole electric field potential at any cross-section of the ion trap. The distance between opposing electrodes and the cross-sectional area of the electrodes increases from the first to second end. The electrodes may be tapered cylindrical rods or of hyperbolic cross-section. Ions selected for ejection are spatially compressed into a region at the second (wider) end. The ion trap may include one arm, with either orthogonal or axial ejection, or two arms with a central insert for orthogonal ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Andrew N. Krutchinsky, Herbert Cohen, Brian T. Chait
  • Patent number: 7323684
    Abstract: In order to provide a scanning probe microscope capable of measuring with high throughput distribution information relating to local characteristics of a sample concurrently with accurate three-dimensional shape information of the sample without damaging the sample, the speed of approach to each measurement location is increased by controlling the approach of the sample and probe by the provision of a high-sensitivity proximity sensor of the optical type. Also, additional information relating to the distribution of material quality on the sample can be obtained without lowering the scanning speed by: applying a voltage to the probe, or measuring the response on vibrating the probe, or detecting the local optical intensity of the sample surface concurrently with obtaining sample height data and concurrently with the contact period with the sample, whilst ensuring that the probe is not dragged over the sample, by bringing the probe into contact with the sample intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Toshihiko Nakata
  • Patent number: 7323685
    Abstract: When scanning by an ion beam in advance an area 24 including a reference hole 23 formed at a position other than the area to be processed 25 of a light-shielding film 21 on a glass substrate 22, a secondary ion signal of the same atom as the incident ions injected into the substrate is detected instead of detecting the secondary ion signal of the atoms included in the base film, and the position 23 of the hole is stored. Then, the area 24 including the hole formed during the processing is scanned and the secondary ion signal of the same atom as the incident ions is detected to determine the current position 26 of the hole, the position of the hole obtained by the previous detection and the current position of the hole are compared, and the amount of shift of the position of the hole is determined. This shifted amount is regarded as the drift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: SII Nano Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Aita, Osamu Takaoka, Tomokazu Kozakai
  • Patent number: 7323686
    Abstract: A sensor for monitoring the immediate vicinity of a motor vehicle comprises an infrared emitter that is arranged behind a lens and a receiver for reflected infrared radiation, as well as an evaluation unit for detecting the presence of an object in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle, wherein a signal can be forwarded from the evaluation unit to a control device in the motor vehicle. In order to also ensure the proper function of the sensor when the lens is soiled, an infrared emitter and a receiver are provided for measuring the transparency of the lens, wherein the evaluation unit is able to increase the power of the infrared emitter for monitoring the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle if it determines that the lens transparency is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Wemken, Edmund Leis
  • Patent number: 7323687
    Abstract: There are provided an infrared gas analyzer of a simple configuration, capable of taking measurements with high precision when using an infrared light source excellent in thermal responsiveness, and capable of ON/OFF operations at high speed, and an infrared gas analysis method using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nanko, Hideaki Yamagishi, Shigeru Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7323688
    Abstract: A gamma camera having a scintillation detector formed of multiple rotating bar detector modules arranged in a ring configuration, with synchronized spin motion of each module. Such a camera can be used for both PET (coincidence) and single photon imaging applications. Image reconstruction is obtained using either an inverse 3-D Radon transform or a 3-D fan-beam algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jinhun Joung