Patents Issued in May 27, 2008
-
Patent number: 7378600Abstract: A composite support for fabricating a prototype electrical circuit has a rectangular planar board with a plurality of rows and columns of double sided annular toroidal connection eyelets. The planar board is mounted on a rectangular support tray having a well. The connection eyelets of the planar board have a diameter of from 1.30 mm to 1.80 mm. A high temperature sheet material adhered to the entire undersurface of the planar board, which is pierced by leads of electrical components inserted into the connection eyelets. A spongy retainer block or a breadboard may also be located in the support tray well.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: Eric K. D. Chan, King Sum Chu
-
Patent number: 7378601Abstract: A signal transmission structure is provided. The structure mainly comprises at least a conductive via, at least a via land and a conductive wall. One end of the conductive via is connected to the via land. The conductive wall covers only a portion of the inner wall of a through hole in the core layer of a circuit substrate. The conductive wall has a semi-circular or a C-shaped structure. Therefore, when a signal passes the conductive via and the via land of the circuit substrate through the conductive wall in the interior of the via, because of a more continuous impedance between the via land and the conductive wall, signal reflection due to impedance mismatch along the signal transmission pathway can be reduced to enhance signal transmission quality.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jimmy Hsu, Chi-Hsing Hsu
-
Patent number: 7378602Abstract: A multilayer core board 10 includes tapered first via hole conductors 51 extending from the outer surface of a first insulating layer 24 to conductive portions 42a of a power source layer 42, second via hole conductors 52 extending from the outer surface of a second insulating layer 26 to the conductive portions 42a of the power source layer 42, tapered third via hole conductors 53 extending form the outer surface of the second insulating layer 26 to conductive portions 40a of a ground layer 40, and fourth via hole conductors 54 extending from the outer surface of a center insulating layer 22 to the conductive portions 40a of the ground layer 40. The first via hole conductors 51 are tapered, and thus the interval distance to the adjacent first via hole conductor 51 is shorter than straight-shaped first via hole conductors, and thus the pitch of the first via hole conductor 51 at the positive pole side and the fourth via hole conductor 54 at the negative pole side can be sufficiently reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Ikeda
-
Patent number: 7378603Abstract: An improved method and a cassette assembly for protecting electronic components, comprising of a housing that encloses the electronic components disposed over an insulator. The housing also encases a scissor jack component that can move from a first to a second position to enable actuation and unmating of the cassette assembly, such as to a next level of packaging. The housing has an overhang design, having complementary upper openings and lower cable shroud areas for supporting cable connections and for providing heat dissipation relief and EMC containment. Alternate designs provide for other components such as a honey comb screen and an EMC gasket to further enable EMC containment. In addition, other components such as an actuation trap door, a retention feature and card support members or support struts can be added to the design to enable better actuation and provide for an improved structural rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gary F. Goth, John J. Loparco, Andrew Rybak, John G. Torok
-
Patent number: 7378604Abstract: A weight measurement module operatively coupled to a piece of luggage for determining the weight of the luggage and its contents. The weight measurement module includes one or more load cells, a processor operatively coupled to the one or more load cells, and a display operable to display the weight of the luggage and its contents.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Ricardo Beverly HillsInventor: Peter D. Truong
-
Patent number: 7378605Abstract: In the present invention, an input component is provided. The input component includes a first area performing a first function while pressed with an external force, and a second area disposed around the first area and performing a second function while the first and the second areas simultaneously pressed with the external force.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignees: Giga-Byte Communications Inc., Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Jung Lo
-
Patent number: 7378606Abstract: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through, a film positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel and having at least one key button positioned on the upper surface thereof, and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joo-Hoon Lee, Sun-Tae Jung, Kyoung-Youm Kim, Byung-Duck Cho, Dong-Hoon Jang
-
Patent number: 7378607Abstract: Disclosed is a key sheet efficiently diffusing local heat generated by a device mounted on a board. A base sheet of a key sheet is provided with a heat diffusion sheet. The heat diffusion sheet is provided with a graphite sheet and a resin film and, in some cases, a thin metal plate. The base sheet itself thus constitutes the heat diffusion sheet, so even if no member for heat diffusion is provided between a board and the key sheet, it is possible to diffuse local heat generated by a semiconductor device in the face direction of the base sheet. Thus, with the key sheet, it is possible to meet the requirement for heat diffusion to eliminate local heat storage in electronic apparatuses and to meet the requirement for a reduction in the thickness and further in weight of electronic apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Koyano, Yutaka Nakanishi, Motoki Ozawa
-
Patent number: 7378608Abstract: The present invention provides a stretchable fabric that may serve as a switch device or coupling to an electronic device and a power source by merely stretching or pusing the fabric. The stretchable fabrics may be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it can be incorporated to close a circuit. Through a releasable stretching or pushing action by the user, electrically conductive strips integrated in the fabrics come in contact to activate related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Giang Truong Vu, Katherine Pulford
-
Patent number: 7378609Abstract: A metal dome switch assembly with a good snap ratio and having a desired click characteristic near to that of an isolated metal dome includes a carrier base layer and adhesive layer which have a plurality of holes bounded by annular sections which engage the lower outer surfaces of the domes and are larger than the keypad actuation posts, at positions corresponding to fixed contact points on a circuit board. The switch array is especially important in cell phone designs where the snap ratio, tactile feel, is desirable. The switch array can also incorporate an electroluminescent (EL) lamp while still improving the snap ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: John Fedorjaka
-
Patent number: 7378610Abstract: A mail sorting and distributing transfer system, which smoothly conveys mail on a mail sorting line having a compound curve whose line is not in a plane, but is three-dimensional, whereby the mail can be reliably transferred to a conveyor basket and conveying power savings are achieved. The system 100 receives mail in a transfer basket 120 hung at an outer circumferential edge of a mail sorting and distributing turn table 110 and transfers the mail through a transfer port 122 to a conveyor basket 130, which circulates on a mail sorting line O. The conveyor basket 130 includes an inner circumferential side carriage 131 and an outer circumferential side carriage 132, which respectively travel on an inner circumferential side rail 142 and an outer circumferential side rail 143 of the mail sorting line O while hanging a basket body 133 by both sides in a carried state.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Kenji Umezawa, Shogo Okamoto, Masahiro Asukai, Masahiko Yoshida
-
Patent number: 7378611Abstract: A work station for an electrical discharge machining apparatus, including a first mechanism for retaining a workpiece in a predetermined position, at least one electrode for forming a feature on the workpiece, and a second mechanism for positioning the electrode in a manner that is movable into and out of engagement with a designated portion of the workpiece. A portion of the second mechanism is connected to the first mechanism so as to automatically align the electrode with the designated portion of the workpiece. The second mechanism is configured so that the electrode is electrically insulated from the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Marion Vau, Rudi Oskar Krenz
-
Patent number: 7378612Abstract: Accommodating a welding control cable for connecting a welding power supply and a robot main body and a wire feeder sensor cable connected to a wire feeder encoder in a robot main body driving power cable connecting the robot main body and the robot controller of an arc welding robot. This configuration saves the number of cables to be connected thus improving the installation workability in system deployment on site as well as reducing the overall cost.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Takahashi, Yasushi Mukai, Kazunori Matsumoto, Toshiyuki Mishima, Takashi Nagai
-
Patent number: 7378613Abstract: A robot main body is provided with a protection cover. The robot main body can be swung by a rotary pipe shaft holding a wire feed device and including a hollow portion and is structured such that a connecting cable and/or a gas hose are guided through the hollow portion of the rotary pipe shaft and are then guided through the forearm portion and base portion thereof. The protection cover covers the portions of the connecting cable and/or gas hose ranging from the connecting portion of the wire feed device and connecting cable and/or gas hose to the rotary pipe shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Mishima, Yaushi Mukai, Wataru Takahashi, Takashi Nagai, Takayasu Ohara
-
Patent number: 7378614Abstract: A heat rod assembly for preheating internal air of a vehicle by using heat generated from a positive temperature coefficient (PCT) device and a pre-heater for vehicles including the same, in which components of the heat rod assembly and the pre-heater are grouped as module units so that a width and a volume of the heat rod assembly or the pre-heater can be variously formed so that the heat rod assembly or the pre-heater is adaptable for various kinds of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Woory Industrial Company Ltd.Inventor: Sung-Young Lee
-
Patent number: 7378615Abstract: A steering wheel heating apparatus includes a steering wheel that includes an annular member and a pair of supports that are attached to and extend inwardly from the annular member. Each of the supports is attached to a steering column of a vehicle. A covering is removably positioned on and is coextensive with the annular member. At least one elongated heating element extends along a length of the covering. The elongated heating element is positioned between a top side and a bottom side of the covering. A power supply is electrically coupled to the heating element. An actuator is electrically coupled to the power supply and is configured to selectively turn the heating element on or off.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Jason A. King
-
Patent number: 7378616Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for heating a semiconductor device during bonding of electrical contacts onto the device is provided, which includes a heating plate that is provided for heating the semiconductor device and a layer of compliant material extending over at least a portion of the heating plate for mounting the semiconductor device. A holding mechanism secures the semiconductor device on the layer of compliant material during bonding of electrical contacts onto the semiconductor device while it is being heated by the heating plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Tin Kwan Bobby Chan, Choong Kead Leslie Lum
-
Patent number: 7378617Abstract: A heating system for a cooking appliance includes a first upper heating element and a second upper heating element positioned within a cooking cavity defined by a cabinet of the cooking appliance. The cooking cavity is configured to support a food item therein during a cooking process. Each of the first upper heating element and the second upper heating element is positioned with respect to an upper portion of the food item. A lower heating element is positioned within the cooking cavity. The lower heating element is positioned with respect to a bottom portion of the food item. A controller is operatively coupled to the lower heating element and the first and second upper heating elements. The controller is configured to asynchronously energize the first upper heating element and the second upper heating element to heat the upper portion of the food item.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Sherry Leigh Layne Brockman
-
Patent number: 7378618Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally processing a substrate is described. The apparatus includes a substrate support configured to move linearly and/or rotationally by a magnetic drive. The substrate support is also configured to receive a radiant heat source to provide heating region in a portion of the chamber. An active cooling region comprising a cooling plate is disposed opposite the heating region. The substrate may move between the two regions to facilitate rapidly controlled heating and cooling of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Khurshed Sorabji, Alexander N. Lerner
-
Patent number: 7378619Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: William Rogers
-
Patent number: 7378620Abstract: Oven control system, including a display screen, a data input means and a calculation unit able to send instructions to the display screen and to receive instructions from the data input means, the said calculation unit including a means for grading cooking programs at least as a function of a first criterion of family of products to be cooked, of product to be cooked within a family, or of recipe or of method of cooking, and a means for adjusting the cooking program according to at least one second internal final criterion and one third external final criterion, the display screen being able to simultaneously display the selected values of the said criteria or the values of the said criteria currently being selected by a user, with a zone for displaying the values of the second and third criteria and which is designed to also display unselected values of the said criteria in such a way that the selected values can be read graphically, the said display zone being able to display a window adapted to each typeType: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Thirode Grandes Cuisines PolignyInventor: Yves Lubrina
-
Patent number: 7378621Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical resistance element of the molybdenum silicide type that includes two terminals (1, 2) for the supply of electric current and at least one leg (3) which extends between the terminals and which includes a glow zone. The invention is characterized in that the glow zone has different diameters along different sections (6-11, 14-17) of the leg (3; 4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property ABInventor: Lars Göran Johansson
-
Patent number: 7378622Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Gateway Engineering, Inc.Inventors: James R. Dydo, Sergei P. Yushanov
-
Patent number: 7378623Abstract: A dual wall cookware article is formed by bonding a ferromagnetic metal base plate to an assembly that includes an inner vessel, a thermally conductive layer and an outer vessel frame. The outer vessel frame has upright walls that surround a bottom having plural perforations. The bonding process causes the softer thermally conductive material to flow through the perforations and bond ferromagnetic metal base to the outer vessel frame and the inner vessel.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Meyer Intellectual Properties LimitedInventor: Roberto Tarenga
-
Patent number: 7378624Abstract: A method of welding plastic components using an induction weldable plastic material to a wall of a hollow plastic vessel entails providing a metal disk to a first plastic component, providing the first plastic component with a weldable plastic material, inserting the plastic component through a hole in a wall of the hollow plastic vessel, the inserting being from an exterior of the vessel to an interior of the vessel, positioning the first plastic component against or proximate an interior wall of the hollow plastic vessel, orienting an electro-magnet about the exterior of the vessel, orienting an induction coil about the electro-magnet such that the induction coil encircles the electromagnet; energizing the electro-magnet so that the metal disk of the first plastic component is secured against the wall of the vessel, and energizing the induction coil so that the induction weldable plastic material welds to the vessel wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Powell
-
Patent number: 7378625Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Ball CorporationInventors: Michael Richardson, Jason Kaanta, Vincent Hirsch
-
Patent number: 7378626Abstract: An agile, high-power, reliable DIRCM system that is easily extended to address sophisticated UV or UV-visible capable multi-band threats includes a missile warner having missile warning receivers (MWRs), one or two-color suitably in the mid-IR range, that detect likely missile launch and pass the threat coordinates to a pointer-tracker having a Roll/Nod gimbal on which the IR laser transmitter is mounted. The pointer-tracker slews the gimbal to initiate tracking based on the threat coordinates and then uses its detector to continue to track and verify the threat. If the threat is verified, the pointer-tracker engages the laser to fire and jam the missile's IR seeker. By slewing the gimbal based on unverified threat coordinates to initiate tracking the system is highly agile and can respond to short and near simultaneous MANPADS shots.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Donald R. Fetterly
-
Patent number: 7378627Abstract: A semiconductor light receiving element has: a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of photodiodes formed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to receive respective lights of different wavelengths; and an anti-reflection film provided on light receiving surfaces of the plurality of photodiodes. A structure of the anti-reflection film on at least one photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes is different from a structure of the anti-reflection film on another photodiode of the plurality of photodiodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Seiji Kawata
-
Patent number: 7378628Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo radiation intensity sensor (1) comprising a housing (2) having a lens (4), and a printed circuit board (7) placed in such way in the housing (2) that one of its edges (37) faces the lens (4), where at least a first and a second sensing element (5a, 5b) are placed at a first side (7?) of the printed circuit board (7), where the first and second sensing elements (5a, 5b) are separated by a first flange (8), serving as a shading element. Further, at least a third sensing element (5?; 5c) is placed at a second side (7?) of the printed circuit board (7), arranged to detect both the direction and the intensity of the radiation source and for producing corresponding output signals. The present invention also relates to a calibration and measurement method.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Accel ABInventor: Arvydas Antanas Maldziunas
-
Patent number: 7378629Abstract: The invention relates to a detection device, comprising a parabolic mirror (1) and several radiation detectors (2-5). The detectors are placed in the focal plane (O, X?-X, Y?-Y) of the mirror with respective spacings in a common fixed direction (Y?-Y). The detection device further comprises a selector system, connected to each of the detectors (2-5), embodied to successively select each of the detectors and to transmit a received signal from the selected detector. The separations of the detectors (d2-d5) are selected such that a gain diagram, for the reception of said device, has a gain minimum, between two successive gain maxima, each corresponding respectively to one of the detectors, of less than 3.0 dB less than said gain maxima. Such a device permits a sweeping of a zone with several adjacent sub-sweeps from a machine overflying said zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Astrium SASInventors: Jean-Marc Goutoule, Carine Bredin
-
Patent number: 7378630Abstract: A light emitting unit which radiates auxiliary light to a subject to be imaged, said light emitting unit comprising: a plurality of light emitting elements disposed so as to have radiation areas different from each other, said light emitting elements being electrically connected in series; and a changing device which changes the number of light emitting elements in a light emitting state in said light emitting elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventor: Hideo Yoshida
-
Patent number: 7378631Abstract: An image projection apparatus which adjusts a white balance in consideration of levels of light emitted from light-emitting diodes and a white balance adjustment method thereof. The image projection apparatus comprises a light source unit for sequentially emitting lights generated by a red (R)-light emitting element, a green (G)-light emitting element, and a blue (B)-light emitting element. An image generation unit generates an image using the lights sequentially emitted from the light source unit and projecting the image. A driving unit drives the light source unit and the image generation unit. A light sensor measures levels of lights generated by the R-light emitting element, the G-light emitting element, and the B-light emitting element. A controller controls a driving operation of the driving unit based on the levels of lights measured by the light sensor to adjust a white balance of the image projected from the image generation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung-cheol Hong
-
Patent number: 7378632Abstract: Provided is an image display apparatus, including: a light source for emitting a modulated light beam based on image information; a conversion optical system for converting the light beam from the light source into a convergent light beam; a scanning member for two-dimensionally scanning the light beam from the conversion optical system; a scanning optical system for imaging the light beam scanned by the scanning member onto a surface to be scanned; and an ocular optical system for observing a two-dimensional image formed on the surface to be scanned, in which the scanning optical system includes a reflective surface which is rotationally asymmetric, and the reflective surface of the scanning optical system has a positive power in a position in which a center light beam is incident on the reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 7378633Abstract: Light sensors having a wide dynamic range are used in a variety of applications. A wide dynamic range light sensor includes an exposed photodiode light transducer accumulating charge in proportion to light incident over an integration period. Sensor logic determines a light integration period prior to the beginning of integration and the charge is reset. Charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer over the light integration period is measured and a pulse having a width based on the accumulated charge is determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Jon H. Bechtel
-
Patent number: 7378634Abstract: Methods and apparatus for imaging light are disclosed. Light is imaged by collecting light, converting the collected light into a electrical charge signal, multiplying the electrical charge signal to produce multiple electrical charge signals with associated levels of gain, converting the electrical charge signals to voltage signals, and developing an output signal from one or more of the voltage signals that represents the collected light. The electrical charge signal may be multiplied using an electron multiplication device associated with multiple taps to produce the electrical charge signal with different levels of gain.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sarnoff CorporationInventors: John Robertson Tower, Peter Alan Levine
-
Patent number: 7378635Abstract: A method of operating an imager pixel that includes the act of applying a relatively small voltage on the gate of a transfer transistor during a charge acquisition period. If a small positive voltage is applied, a depletion region is created under the transfer transistor gate, which creates a path for dark current electrons to be transferred to a pixel floating diffusion region. The dark electrons are subsequently removed by a pixel reset operation. If a small negative voltage is applied to the transfer gate, electrons that would normally create dark current problems will instead recombine with holes thereby substantially reducing dark current.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gennadiy Agranov, Xiangli Li, Peter Parker Altice, Rick Mauritzson
-
Patent number: 7378636Abstract: A method of evaluating a non-linear optical crystal used for non-linear wavelength conversion of laser beam which enables the non-linear optical crystal to be evaluated before the crystal is actually used as a wavelength conversion element in order for the crystal to be constantly used for an extended time with a high conversion efficiency retained and without lowering in output when non-linear optical crystals for various non-linear wavelength conversions such as a CLBO crystal are used to convert laser beams, wherein the non-linear optical crystal is moved to changed a laser beam incident position to detect the output of a laser beam emitted from the non-linear optical crystal for each changing position.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: RIKENInventors: Satoshi Wada, Hideo Tashiro, Masataka Morita
-
Patent number: 7378637Abstract: A method for processing pulses arriving randomly in time on at least one channel using multiple peak detectors includes asynchronously selecting a non-busy peak detector (PD) in response to a pulse-generated trigger signal, connecting the channel to the selected PD in response to the trigger signal, and detecting a pulse peak amplitude. Amplitude and time of arrival data are output in first-in first-out (FIFO) sequence. An apparatus includes trigger comparators to generate the trigger signal for the pulse-receiving channel, PDs, a switch for connecting the channel to the selected PD, and logic circuitry which maintains the write pointer. Also included, time-to-amplitude converters (TACs) convert time of arrival to analog voltage and an analog multiplexer provides FIFO output. A multi-element sensor system for spectroscopy includes detector elements, channels, trigger comparators, PDs, a switch, and a logic circuit with asynchronous write pointer.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLCInventors: Paul O'Connor, Gianluigi DeGeronimo, Joseph Grosholz
-
Patent number: 7378638Abstract: Photo-sensitive element for electro-optical sensors, including at least a photodiode able to generate a current that is function of the incident light, a conversion circuit able to convert the current generated into a voltage signal, a comparator able to commute if the voltage signal reaches or exceeds a determinate threshold signal, and at least a measuring and memorization element able to measure and memorize the temporal instant of commutation of the comparator and able to be driven by a reference signal in order to render available to an output line a signal estimating the incident light. The reference signal is of the type that can be programmed from outside.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventors: David Stoppa, Andrea Simoni, Monica Vatteroni
-
Patent number: 7378639Abstract: To provide a photoelectric conversion device with low noise at low cost. The photoelectric conversion device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion circuits whose output potentials change according to an amount of incident light; a plurality of reset circuits each connected to an output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of amplification circuits for amplifying the output potentials of the photoelectric conversion circuits, the amplification circuits each being connected to the output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of signal read circuits for reading the outputs from the amplification circuits; and a plurality of holding circuits for temporarily holding the read outputs from the amplification circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Machida
-
Patent number: 7378640Abstract: To provide a photoelectric conversion device with low noise at low cost. The photoelectric conversion device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion circuits whose output potentials change according to an amount of incident light; a plurality of reset circuits each connected to an output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of amplification circuits for amplifying the output potentials of the photoelectric conversion circuits, the amplification circuits each being connected to the output of each of the photoelectric conversion circuits; a plurality of signal read circuits for reading the outputs from the amplification circuits; and a plurality of holding circuits for temporarily holding the read outputs from the amplification circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Satoshi Machida
-
Patent number: 7378641Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for identifying an object O in an opening that can be closed by means of a mobile element (12). Light is fed into at least one fiber-optic light guide (33, 34) from a light source (1, 2), and variations in the received light are detected by means of at least one receiver (Ea, Eb), the fiber-optic light guide being arranged at least partially along the edge of the opening (11). A first fiber-optic light guide sends light transversally to the length thereof, said light being then received by a second fiber-optic light guide transversally to the length thereof. The second fiber-optic light guide (34) is connected to the receiver (Eb). The fiber-optic light guides are arranged on the edge of the opening (11) in such a way that a light field (F) at least partially bridging the opening is produced.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignees: Daimler Chrysler AG, Mechaless Systems GmbHInventors: Rolf Melcher, Frank Rottmann, Gerd Reime, Andreas Rodewald, Juergen Setzer, Michael Dietz, Peter Langer
-
Patent number: 7378642Abstract: A counting system for a poultry processing plant that uses conveyors is disclosed. Two types of conveyors are addressed, one where poultry hang from the conveyor and one where the carcasses are supported above the conveyor. The sensors are located at different levels to sense elements of the carriers as well as poultry. Logic within the system compares the readings of the sensors to determine whether a chicken is present and whether to increment the total. Additionally, the sensors are recessed in steel tubing on mounting plates which support their own cover plates. The sensors can thereby be adjusted for alignment while the cover plates move with the sensors. The cover plates are easily removed for cleaning and put back into position without blocking the sensors. Air is blown through the steel tubing to keep a positive air pressure in the tubing to prevent dirt from entering the openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Clyde B. Jones
-
Patent number: 7378643Abstract: An Optical Projecting Encoder (“OPE”) having an emitter module for transmitting emitted optical radiation through a mask to a moving object, and a detector module for receiving reflected optical radiation from the moving object. The reflected optical radiation from the moving object may include a predetermined image cast by the mask and a surface texture image from the moving object. The OPE may include a transmissive layer covering both the emitter module and the detector module, where the transmissive layer covering the emitter module collimates the optical radiation from the emitter module, and the transmissive layer covering the detector module concentrates the optical radiation reflected from the moving object to the detector module. The detector module may include an optical navigation sensor that continuously acquires and compares predetermined images cast by the mask and surface texture images from the moving object.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP Pte LtdInventors: Chee Foo Lum, Sai Mun Lee, Weng Fei Wong
-
Patent number: 7378644Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a stage for placing a specimen. The stage moves in first directions between a setting position where the specimen is placed and removed and a reading position for reading the specimen. The image reading apparatus also includes a light source for irradiating light onto the specimen on the stage, a photoelectric conversion device having a line shape for photo-electrically converting the light reflected from the specimen, an optical device for guiding the light from the specimen to the photoelectric conversion device, a carriage mounting the optical device, and an apparatus frame for movably supporting the stage and the carriage. The carriage moves along the stage in second directions substantially same as the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventors: Mineo Kubota, Kazuhito Dobashi, Koji Ueda, Yoshihiro Hanagata
-
Patent number: 7378645Abstract: An optical sensor with an upper surface having a photoelectric conversion device area and connection pads connected to the photoelectric conversion device area thereof; a semiconductor structure which has a plurality of electrodes for external connection; an insulating layer formed on the periphery of the semiconductor structure; and a first wiring formed on at least one of the semiconductor structure and the optical sensor and connecting at least one of the electrodes for external connection of the semiconductor structure to one of the connection pads of the optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Mihara, Hiroyasu Jobetto
-
Patent number: 7378646Abstract: An optical microbench configured to facilitate wafer-level testing of opto-electronic devices is provided. The optical microbench includes an optoelectronic device mounted to a wafer in which the optical microbench is provided. The optical microbench also includes a beam deflector provided in the wafer and disposed along the optical path of the optoelectronic device. The beam deflector is configured to deflect a portion of the optical path to lie along a direction oriented out of the plane of the wafer. The optical microbench further includes an optical feed-through disposed along the optical path between the optoelectronic device and the beam deflector. The optical feed-through is configured to conduct an optical signal between the beam deflector and the optoelectronic device. A method for testing optoelectronic devices at the wafer level is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLCInventor: David W. Sherrer
-
Patent number: 7378647Abstract: A lens-equipped light-emitting diode device of the present invention includes a lead frame in which an electrode is formed, a light-emitting diode which is mounted on the electrode of the lead frame, an outer peripheral unit which is made of a first resin, which is provided on the lead frame, and in which a hollow portion is formed while an area including at least the light-emitting diode is exposed in the outer peripheral unit, a sealing portion which is made of a second resin filled in the lead frame of the hollow portion of the outer peripheral unit, and which seals the light-emitting diode, and a lens unit made of a third resin laminated and filled in the sealing portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Shouichi Nishikawa, Tetsuro Komatsu, Hatsuo Takezawa, Yukinori Aoki
-
Patent number: 7378648Abstract: A desired ion is isolated in an ion trapping volume by applying an ion isolation signal to a plurality of ions in the ion trapping volume, including the desired ion to be retained in the ion trapping volume and an undesired ion to be ejected from the ion trapping volume. The ion isolation signal includes a plurality of signal components spanning a frequency range. The plurality of signal components includes a first component having a frequency near a secular frequency of the desired ion, and an adjacent component having a frequency adjacent to the frequency of the first component. The first component has an amplitude greater than the amplitude of the adjacent component.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Varian, Inc.Inventors: Mingda Wang, Doris Lee, Kenneth Newton, Steve Schachterle
-
Patent number: 7378649Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of optimizing operating parameters of an analytical instrument (e.g. lens voltages of a mass spectrometer) includes steps taken to minimize the method duration in the presence of substantial instrument noise and/or drift. Some methods include selecting a best point between a default instrument parameter set (vector) and a most-recent optimum parameter set; building a starting simplex at the selected best point location in parameter-space; and advancing the simplex to find an optimal parameter vector. The best simplex points are periodically re-measured, and the resulting readings are used to replace and/or average previous readings. The algorithm convergence speed may be adjusted by reducing simplex contractions gradually. The method may operate using all-integer parameter values, recognize parameter values that are out of an instrument range, and operate under the control of the instrument itself rather than an associated control computer.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Varian, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth R. Newton, August Specht