Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
  • Patent number: 7377642
    Abstract: A fundus camera which includes an illumination optical system for projecting an illumination light to a fundus of a subject's eye: a photographing device for photographing the fundus; and light-receiving optical systems, which include a focus lens disposed in a light-receiving optical path for focusing the photographing devices with respect to the fundus and diopter compensation lenses disposed for being inserted into or withdrawn from the light-receiving optical path for guiding reflected light from the fundus to the photographing devices; a controlling device for determining whether a feasible focusing range of the focus lens is surpassed; and driving devices for inserting the diopter compensation lenses into or withdrawing them from the light-receiving optical path. The controlling device controls the driving devices in a defined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kasisha Topcon
    Inventors: Mutsutaka Ishihara, Taisaku Kogawa
  • Patent number: 7377643
    Abstract: A method for capturing an image of an eye having an iris, including the steps of determining a plurality of measurement origins in the image; detecting an edge of the iris; determining a distance from each measurement origin to the edge of the iris; and, outputting a final image when each of the determined distances is equal to respective one of a plurality of predetermined lengths. A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the above-described method is also described. An apparatus having an image sensor and a processor for performing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Q Step Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest P. Chock, Dale E. Winther
  • Patent number: 7377644
    Abstract: A slit lamp includes a rest for receiving a patient's face such as the patient's forehead. The slit lamp further includes an optical portion for observing the patient's eye. A fixation light is positioned near the optical portion to direct the patient's view toward the optical portion. A sensor secures to the rest and detects proximity of the user's face to the rest. The output of the sensor controls the fixation light such that the fixation light is turned on upon detecting the positioning of the user's face at the rest. In one embodiment, a shield secures to the optical portion and first and second fixation lights secure to the shield at either side of the optical portion. First and second flanges secure to the shield proximate the fixation lights and such that each fixation light is only viewable when directly in front of the patient's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Davis
  • Patent number: 7377645
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement for generating a variable illumination and irradiation for diagnosis and therapy, particularly for the human eye (1), and to a method for the application thereof. The object to be illuminated can be an artificial object or biological tissue. The arrangement for carrying out the illumination/irradiation of a human eye (1) comprises an illumination unit (2, 3), an optical imaging system (4), an evaluating unit, a central control unit (6) and an output unit (7). The illumination unit (2, 3) generates an illumination which is variable with respect to time and/or space and which is adapted to the diagnostic results. The solution according to the invention is provided chiefly for post-operative fine adjustment of the refractive power of photosensitive plastics already implanted in the eye (1). The latter can be optical lenses as well as other optical elements which are placed in a specific manner in the cornea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Walter Wrobel, Ingo Koschmieder, Karl-Heinz Donnerhacke
  • Patent number: 7377646
    Abstract: A perimeter for examining a state of a visual field of a patient's eye includes: a target presenting unit that presents a stimulation target for examination to the eye, a presentation position and a presentation brightness of the target being variable; a first arithmetic unit that obtains a threshold of sensitivity with respect to the presentation brightness at each examination point on a retina corresponding to each presentation position; an input unit that inputs function information at each examination point, the function information at each examination point being objectively obtained by processing a first fundus image of the eye taken before irradiation onto a fundus of the eye and a second fundus image of the eye taken after the irradiation; and a determining unit that determines an initial reference value of the presentation brightness at each presentation position based on the input function information at each examination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7377647
    Abstract: The invention includes a method for clarifying an optical/digital image of an object to perform a procedure on an object having the steps of applying to the object a light beam formed of incoherent light and reflecting the applied incoherent light beam from the object to provide a reflected light beam and providing electrical signals representative of the reflected light beam. An image quality metric is determined in accordance with the electrical signals and an image is determined in accordance with the image quality metric. The procedure is performed in accordance with the image quality metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Philadelphia Retina Endowment Fund
    Inventors: Michael A. Della Vecchia, Larry Donoso, Mikhail A. Vorontsov
  • Patent number: 7377648
    Abstract: Systems and methods analyze, diagnose, and/or treat a patient's eye using modified forms of the point spread function (“PSF”) tailored to the vision system. Factors that alter perception of visual aberrations can be included and/or volumetric point spread functions calculated, often using point spread function calculations throughout a range of optical distances to more fully indicate the variation in visual perception of optics at different distances. A variety of visual affects of the human optical system can be simulated, analyzed, and modeled, including: single versus multiple wavelength sources, chromatic aberrations, retinal resolution, wavelength-dependent visual response, Stiles-Crawford effects, and/or non-linearity of retinal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Gross, Guangming Dai, Charles Campbell
  • Patent number: 7377649
    Abstract: A projector arrangement is provided wherein a spectral splitting and recombination unit (SSR) includes a first and a second polarization selective or polarizing beam splitting device and a wavelength selective optical element (WSOE) which are sufficient to realize the main and/or the entire functionality of said spectral splitting and recombination unit (SSR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Kamm, Zoltan Facius
  • Patent number: 7377650
    Abstract: A real environment during which a feedback between the position of the information and the projection thereof ensues with means for image processing and/or pattern recognition. The feedback ensues in such a manner that the information is positioned at a predetermined position in the real environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Simon
  • Patent number: 7377651
    Abstract: A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7377652
    Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 7377653
    Abstract: A color display apparatus having a virtual single light origin is disclosed. The color display apparatus includes an illumination lens system, a combining system, a Fourier filter and a projection system. The illumination lens system converts a plurality of light beams, which are radiated from a plurality of light sources, into linear, parallel light beams. The combining system produces a plurality of diffracted light beams having a plurality of diffraction orders by modulating each of the parallel light beams incident from the illumination lens, and outputs the plurality of diffracted light beams so that the diffracted light beams have a same virtual light origin and are adjacently located. The Fourier filter passes only some of the diffracted light beams, which have desired diffraction orders, therethrough. The projection system focuses the diffracted light beams, which are passed through the Fourier filter, on an object, and then allows the focused diffracted light beams to scan the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haeng Seok Yang, Dong Ho Shin, Kwan Young Oh, Jun Won An, Sang Kyeong Yun
  • Patent number: 7377654
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunaga Miyazawa, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7377655
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus includes: a reflection type light valve; a polarization beam splitter that emits light obtained through polarization split executed thereat on light from a light source toward the reflection type light valve, analyzes light modulated at the reflection type light valve and includes a light blocking portion disposed near an outer edge of an exit surface through which the analyzed light exits; and a projection lens through which the analyzed light is projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Manabe, Tetsuo Hattori
  • Patent number: 7377656
    Abstract: A projector of rear-projection type including a light source that outputs a laser beam and a scanner that scans a screen with the laser beam. When a laser beam with energy exceeds an accessible emission limit due to failure of the light source or the scanner, at least one optical member located in an optical path of the laser beam is arranged so as to be broken or altered in quality and to prevent or discourage the beam with energy exceeding the accessible emission limit from being output from the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Nojima, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Takashi Takeda, Tetsuro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7377657
    Abstract: An image presentation device (100) includes a set of color light sources (122, 124, 126) and a micro-display panel (150) capable of operating in both image processing and non-image processing modes. A sensor (170) is coupled to the micro-display device (150) to convert light received from the light source (122, 124, 126) into a signal value representing the output from the light source (122, 124, 126). A controller (110), responsive to the signal value, selectively and/or collectively varies the input to each of the individual light sources (122, 124, 125) to provide for consistent operating performance over the life of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    Inventors: Israel J. Morejon, Robert J. Pantalone, Chandrika Sugrim, Patrick J. Verdon, Toon Diels
  • Patent number: 7377658
    Abstract: An information handling system projector tracks lamp usage to generate a lamp order form for order of a replacement lamp when lamp usage is a predetermined usage. The lamp order form is automatically generated and displayed to include lamp usage and projector identification information so that a user need not manually input that information into an order form. A network module of the projector supports queries for lamp usage from a lamp management module running on an information handling system. A projector processor interfaced with the network module reads the lamp usage and projector identification information from firmware of the projector and provides the lamp usage and projector identification information to the lamp management module for automatic generation of the lamp order form display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Subramanian Jayaram, Jeffrey S. Layton
  • Patent number: 7377659
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deformable system comprising a part of a rectangular block shape, such as a beam, coupled to an actuator enabling the part to be deformed by generating curvature in the length direction, the system being characterized in that said part presents a main portion to be deformed, which main portion carries projections at its ends such that, in longitudinal section, the part presents an elongate U-shape, and in that the actuator presents levers coming to bear against said projections in order to transmit thereto a force suitable for producing deformation of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Systemes Optiques
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Ferme, Jean-François Carre
  • Patent number: 7377660
    Abstract: A photographing assisting apparatus is used when a subject is photographed using a photographing apparatus. The photographing assisting apparatus has a planar light source that, while in a state covering a to-be-photographed area on the subject, shines light on the to-be-photographed area on the subject and that is translucent in the direction pointing from the to-be-photographed area on the subject to the photographing apparatus, and a support portion that supports the photographing apparatus such that the distance between the subject and the photographing apparatus is kept fixed. The photographing assisting apparatus permits the subject to be illuminated with more evenly distributed brightness and permits a given illumination condition of the subject to be obtained stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Izumi
  • Patent number: 7377661
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and arrangement for illuminating an under mount sink disposed subjacent a counter. A light source is disposed below a top surface of the counter and proximate to the under mount sink. The under mount sink is affixed to the underside of the counter and power is supplied to the light source. The under mount sink is illuminated by the light source when the power source is activated. The invention also provides a device that may be used for illuminating an under mount sink, while keeping the light source from contact with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John Michael Douglass
  • Patent number: 7377662
    Abstract: An illuminable, interchangeable water-resistant tip for a walking cane includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a lower end of a walking cane. The housing includes a shroud at an upper end that is superimposed on a plurality of peripherally positioned LED's. By placing the housing on the ground and rotating the cane, a user can activate the LED's with an internal switch means to assist a user with ambulating in darkness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen R. Bernstein, Kevin J. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7377663
    Abstract: Safety garments and safety vests are for enhancing the visibility of a wearer in low-light conditions. The safety garment has a first layer, a reflective layer, and a plurality of lights electrically connected to a power source. The lights are attached to the reflective layer and positioned within an aperture of a protective cover such that the light does not protrude past an outer surface of the protective cover. The reflective layer may be removable. The lights may emit non-visible light. The garment may comprise an audible alarm, a pouch for packing and carrying the garment, a removable lighted patch for displaying any one of various messages or beacons, and fiber-optic thread to further illuminate the safety garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Charmaine Desjardin
  • Patent number: 7377664
    Abstract: A lighting device is provided having a light source and a blinder device to block incident light from the light source. In one form, the lighted device is a light module including a housing having an LED at one end with a blinder extension extending adjacent to the LED. The light module can be mounted adjacent to a lens with the blinder extension extending between the LED and the lens. The lens may be either of a refractive or non-refractive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Waters
  • Patent number: 7377665
    Abstract: A belt buckle with an embedded power source, such as battery(s), and an attached or embedded light source, such as light emitting diodes, for illuminating an area in front of a user, such as a hiker, climber, or trail-runner. The buckle is typically a side-release plastic buckle, and is typically mounted centrally on a pack's hip-belt. The light is adjustable vertically, or has a lens to produce a tall, narrow beam of light for the purpose of illuminating a large section of trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Keith Allan Langenwalter
  • Patent number: 7377666
    Abstract: An illuminated ear protector, comprising a pair of ear covers, each ear cover comprising a translucent rigid shell having an open end and a closed end, a circuit board attached within the rigid shell comprising at least one battery connector thereon, at least one and preferably two light emitting diode lights electrically connected to the circuit board, a switch connected to the circuit board controlling the at least one light emitting diode light, a first reflector located at the open end and oriented such that substantially all light from the at least one light emitting diode light is directed towards the closed end, a plate attached to the open end which supports the reflector, a peripheral sealing ring for contacting one of the ears and cushioning the ear cover there against which is attached to an opposite side of the plate from the reflector, and a headband attached to each of the ear covers which extends over the head of the user and secures each of the ear covers over one of the ears of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Tyler
  • Patent number: 7377667
    Abstract: A light device (10, 30) is described which comprises a first portion (12) configured so as to partially define a housing, the first portion (12) being arranged so as to at least partially pass light therethrough and the first portion (12) including first electrical contacts (46, 48) and a first locking device (50), a light emitting element (15) disposed in the first portion (12) and being electrically connected to the first electrical contacts (46, 48) and a second portion including a battery compartment (56), second electrical contacts (52, 54) arranged so as to be in electrical connection with batteries disposed in the battery compartment during use, and a second locking device (62, 64) engageable with the first locking device (50) so as to releasibly fix the second portion (13) to the first portion (12) during use and thereby close the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
  • Patent number: 7377668
    Abstract: An accent light is provided that easily mounts directly to a linear luminaire across its light-emitting opening and in front of the luminaire's lamp(s). The accent light has one or more mounting devices that easily engage the luminaire. The accent light can be advantageously installed without disrupting a continuous row of linear luminaires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, Paul R. Ford, Long Dam Quang
  • Patent number: 7377669
    Abstract: An LED module provides one or more LEDs mounted in a circuit board assembly, which circuit board assembly includes first and second conductive areas located at each end of the circuit board assembly to attach to electrical connectors mounted on branch wiring to extend to branch LED modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: U.S. LED, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Farmer, Christiaan Coenraad Joubert Smit
  • Patent number: 7377670
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a second reflector attached to a sealing portion so that its reflection surface may surround substantially the front half of a light emitting portion, the heat capacity of a front-side electrode surrounded with the second reflector is made larger than that of a rear-side electrode, an electrode shaft which supports the front-side electrode surrounded with the second reflector is made thicker and/or longer than an electrode shaft which supports the rear-side electrode, the front-side sealing portion to which the second reflector is attached is made thicker than a rear-side sealing portion, and the front-side sealing portion, to which the second reflector is attached is coated with a heat radiation material which has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the material of this sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7377671
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus for use generating illumination is provided that comprises a reflective base, a first light source positioned proximate the reflective base, and a reimaging reflector positioned partially about the first light source, where a percentage of light emitted from the first light source is reflected from the reimaging reflector to the reflective base adjacent the first light source establishing a first real image. The reimaging reflector can further comprise a first sector of a first ellipsoid and a second sector of a second ellipsoid, where the first and second sectors establish the first and a second real image. Further embodiments provide a lens that includes a reimaging reflector that receives light and reflects the light establishing a first real image. The reimaging reflector can further comprise a plurality of sectors that reflect light to establish first and second real images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Minano, Pablo Benitez, Waqidi Falicoff, Yupin Sun, William Parkyn, Roberto Alvarez
  • Patent number: 7377672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which rotation of a lighting device chassis is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Jerold Tickner
  • Patent number: 7377673
    Abstract: A safety light is mounted retractably in a handlebar of a bicycle and has a housing, a retaining clamp, a sleeve, a lamp assembly and a spring. The retaining clamp is mounted in the housing. The sleeve is mounted around the housing. The lamp assembly is mounted slidably in and selectively protrudes from the housing and comprises a lamp housing, a retaining post and a light assembly. The lamp housing is mounted slidably in the housing and has an inner end, an outer end and at least one lamp hole. The retaining post is formed on the inner end the lamp housing and is engaged by the clamp. The light assembly is mounted in the lamp housing and comprises a circuit board and at least one lamp. The at least one lamp is mounted on the circuit board. The spring is mounted between the lamp assembly and the retaining clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Yu-Hsiu Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7377674
    Abstract: An article carrier apparatus for a vehicle includes a cross rail interconnected to an exterior surface of the vehicle, a heat sink positioned within the cross rail, and a light source positioned within the cross rail. The light source is thermally connected to the heat sink such that the heat sink will absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by operation of the light source. The cross rail will structurally support an article attached to the exterior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Klinkman, Winston Fowler, Robert H. Miller, Timothy A. Danczuk, Robert E. Burnham, William R. Henderson, Ronald G. Saward
  • Patent number: 7377675
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7377676
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for illuminating the surface of a wheel with one or more light source assemblies positioned within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. The amount of light from the light source assemblies reflected from the wheel surface is greater than the amount of light, from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include a shield to reduce the amount of light that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include various light-directing devices to direct light toward the wheel surface and to help reduce the amount of light from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The surface of the wheel may be modified to help direct the light, reflected from the wheel surface, to a specified observation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Set Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Thomas, Joel Osias
  • Patent number: 7377677
    Abstract: A backlight assembly with excellent light efficiency and a display device provided with the backlight assembly is provided where the backlight assembly includes a plurality of light sources longitudinally arranged in parallel to each other, and a fixing member receiving the plurality of light sources. When a display area, formed by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, is divided by the plurality of light sources into a plurality of display area sections, an average area of the display area sections between light sources adjacent to each other is less than or equal to an area of a display area section between an edge of the display area and the light source most adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Tae Kang, Yoon-Soo Kwon, Woong-Jae Chang
  • Patent number: 7377678
    Abstract: A backlight module including a diffuser, a reflector, a side light source, a prism lens and a TIR (total internal reflection) lens is disclosed. The reflector is disposed under the diffuser. The side light source is disposed on a side between the diffuser and the reflector. The prism lens is disposed between the side light source and the reflector. The TIR lens is disposed on a bottom of the diffuser and adjacent to the side light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jyh-Haur Huang, Chih-Kuang Chen, Ko-Chia Kao
  • Patent number: 7377679
    Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surfaces of the light guides and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7377680
    Abstract: A light spreading device and a backlight module utilizing the same. The backlight module includes a light guide, a plurality of point lights, and a plurality of light spreading devices. The light guide includes an entrance surface. The point lights are disposed near the entrance surface. Each light spreading device, corresponding to one of the point lights, is disposed between the light guide and the corresponding point light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jing-Huan Liao, Mei-Fen Lin, Pang-Hsuan Liu, Chih-Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 7377681
    Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display device includes a first light-emitting unit having first and second passive light-emitting lamps; a second light-emitting unit having a plurality of self light-emitting lamps; and a light guide disposed between the first and second light-emitting units guiding an incident light from the second light-emitting unit to the first light-emitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Jeong Park
  • Patent number: 7377682
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a frame (55) including a spring element (556), a light guide plate (56) disposed in the frame including an incident surface (561), and a radiation element (59) being pressed onto the incident surface by the spring element. The spring element presses the radiation elements against the light guide plate, and thereby decreases the distance and angle between the radiation elements and the light guide plate. This improves the brightness and uniformity of the emitting luminance of the backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.
    Inventors: Chih Ching Chang, Yen-Chang Yao
  • Patent number: 7377683
    Abstract: A reflector includes a body having a reflective surface formed therein and a reflector opening defined in the body, the reflector opening having a plurality of ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John M. Koegler, P. Guy Howard
  • Patent number: 7377684
    Abstract: A blending system incorporating a blender with an operating cavity housing a plurality of elongate rod elements extending at least partially along the length of the operating cavity such that controlled relative movement between the rod elements and a multi-constituent composition within the operating cavity causes the development of predefined structures within the multi-constituent composition. The cavity within the blender incorporates a diminished cross-section in the vicinity of its terminal end. Methods to provide controlled development of microstructures and properties are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: David A. Zumbrunnen
  • Patent number: 7377685
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a first fluid line for conducting an intermittently flowing first fluid and a second fluid line for conducting an intermittently flowing second fluid, the two fluid lines being connected at a junction to a third fluid line, which forwards the two, particularly mixed, fluids. Further, the apparatus comprises a first flow adjuster, inserted in the first fluid line for setting a volumetric or mass flow rate of the first fluid, and a second flow adjuster, inserted in the second fluid line for setting a volumetric or mass flow rate of the second fluid, as well as means for generating a first control signal, representing an instantaneous setting value for the first flow adjuster, and a second control signal, representing an instantaneous setting value for the second flow adjuster. To produce the fluid mixture, the first fluid and the second fluid are made to flow into the third fluid line alternately. The invention is particularly suited for mixing fluids having different viscosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Hartmut Breithaupt
  • Patent number: 7377686
    Abstract: The present invention uses one or more bags that are capable of being selectively pressurized and deflated in conjunction with a disposable bio bag such as a fermenter, mixing bag, storage bag and the like. The pressure bag(s) may surround a selected outer portion of the bag or may be contained within an inner portion of such a bag. By selectively pressurizing and deflating the pressure bag(s), one is able to achieve fluid motion in the bag thereby ensuring cell suspension, mixing and gas transfer within the bag without damaging shear forces or foam generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: John Dana Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7377687
    Abstract: A fluid temperature measurement probe, particularly for total temperature measurements in high temperature unsteady gas flows, such as in gas turbine engines. A pair of thin film resistance thermometers are deposited on the probe to sense its surface temperature at respective locations and the structure of the probe is configured such that the regions into which heat diffuses from the respective locations have different thermal products. In this way the thin film elements experience different heat transfer rates when exposed to the same fluid temperature. In one embodiment this is achieved by applying one of the elements to the surface of a solid rod of glass or ceramic and the other element to a portion which has been machined to leave an air pocket under a thin cylindrical wall of the rod material. In use the probe is exposed only temporarily to the high temperature fluid and withdrawn again before reaching its softening temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Kamaljit Singh Chana
  • Patent number: 7377688
    Abstract: An inventive method for determining the bulb temperature (T) of high pressure discharge lamps is disclosed that comprises the following steps: ascertaining a first spectral radiant power (MP) at a first wavelength (?P); ascertaining a second spectral radiant power (MC) at a second wavelength (?C) different from the first; determining the quotient (?) from the first and second radiant power; and determining the temperature (T) of the bulb on the basis of this quotient. It likewise discloses an apparatus for carrying out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Gluhlampen mbH
    Inventor: Henning Rehn
  • Patent number: 7377689
    Abstract: According to one embodiment an apparatus to monitor the temperature of a transformer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fiber optic cable having a temperature sensing probe on one end embedded in windings of a transformer. An optical converter transmits light to the probe and receives light from the probe, and converts the light received to an electrical signal. The light received back from the probe is controlled by temperature of the probe. Monitors are used to monitor different parameters of the transformer. A controller generates a simulated winding temperature based on data received from the monitors and converts the electrical signal to a direct winding temperature. The controller analyzes the operation of the transformer by comparing the direct winding temperature to the simulated winding temperature. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Qualitrol Corporation
    Inventor: Todd-Michael Balan
  • Patent number: 7377690
    Abstract: A non-electrical intermetallic thermal sensor with trigger temperatures in a range of 360° F. to about 430° F., comprising, a hermetically sealed housing including at least one layer of electronegative metal disposed in the housing, wherein the electronegative metal comprises tin (Sn), and at least one layer of active lithium/magnesium alloy disposed in the housing, wherein each layer(s) of active lithium/magnesium alloy is disposed in abutting interface with each layer(s) of electronegative metal. The intermetallic thermal sensors of the present invention further include at least one diffusion barrier means for inhibiting the diffusion of the active lithium/magnesium alloy layer into the electronegative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Amos J. Diede
  • Patent number: 7377691
    Abstract: A radiographic apparatus obtains lag-free radiation detection signals with lag-behind parts removed from radiation detection signals taken from a flat panel X-ray detector as X rays are emitted from an X-ray tube. The lag-behind parts are removed by a recursive computation on an assumption that the lag-behind part included in each X-ray detection signal is due to an impulse response formed of exponential functions, N in number, with different attenuation time constants. X-ray images are created from the lag-free radiation detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Okamura, Keiichi Fujii, Susumu Adachi, Shinya Hirasawa, Toshinori Yoshimuta, Koichi Tanabe, Masatomo Kaino, Hiroshi Koyama