Patents Issued in June 24, 2008
  • Patent number: 7390051
    Abstract: A window assembly cooperating with a window frame on a golf car includes a first window pane selectively coupled to the window frame. A second window pane is selectively coupled to the window frame and offset from the first window pane. An intermediate window pane is arranged between the first and second window panes and is movable between an upright position wherein the first, second and intermediate window panes collectively define a transparent barrier at the window frame and a collapsed position wherein the intermediate window pane is moved to a position alongside the second window pane thereby defining a passage at the window frame between the first and second window panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kent H. Bruntz, Donald Hanson
  • Patent number: 7390052
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a hull coupled to a chassis where the hull is formed by coupling pre-formed panels together using two piece channel members, and/or the chassis is formed by mechanically coupling pre-formed segments together. In some instances, the two piece channel members will interconnect substantially perpendicular panels such as by coupling wall panels to a floor panel, to a ceiling panel, and to adjacent wall panels. Such a vehicle can be quickly assembled from space efficient pre-formed pieces by lower skilled assemblers than are typically required in manufacturing a recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Bertoch, Ken Biddle, Larry Budica, Scott Craig
  • Patent number: 7390053
    Abstract: A load-carrying floor for a truck or trailer includes a plurality of extruded aluminum hollow floor panels wherein each panel includes spaced apart inside and outside walls connected to each other by spaced apart first and second end walls. A primary cross-member is located between and extends parallel to the first and second end walls and interconnects the inside and outside walls. The panels are abutted with each other to define a floor section including: (i) an inner load-carrying surface; (ii) an outer surface; (iii) a plurality of seams; and, (iv) opposite left and right edge regions. One-piece extruded aluminum left and right rails are connected by welding to the left and right edge regions of the floor section, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: East Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Howard D. Booher
  • Patent number: 7390054
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle slide door apparatus including an opening formed on a side portion of a vehicle body; a slide door which opens and closes the opening by moving in the fore-and-aft direction; an upper rail extending along an upper side of the opening; and an upper arm having one end guided by the upper rail in the fore-and-aft direction and the other end fixed to the slide door, wherein an engaging device provided on the upper arm and an engaged device provided on the vehicle body engages in case of side collision of the vehicle so as to effectively secure the safety for passengers by decreasing the deformation if collided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7390055
    Abstract: An engine hood structure including a hood panel, and a porous metal layer disposed on an inside of the hood panel. The porous metal layer has a density increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure. The porous metal layer is constructed such that a plateau stress generated in the porous metal layer upon a compression test is increased in a direction extending from an outer periphery of the engine hood structure toward a central portion of the engine hood structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Tsushima, Yutaka Mekuchi, Masaki Kuno
  • Patent number: 7390056
    Abstract: An automotive body structure member is formed through a hydroforming manufacturing process that incorporates an angularly oriented mounting face for the attachment of a pre-assembled modular component. The mounting face can be formed to recess into the surrounding structure of the structure member or to project outwardly therefrom. The mounting face is oriented obliquely to both the horizontal and vertical faces of the structure member to permit the insertion of fasteners into the mounting face at an angle that facilitates the mounting of the pre-assembled component. The assembly of the component to the structure member can be accomplished by a tool without interference with the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Ken Garbinski, Neal Lipman, Ken Maltby, Paul Luskin
  • Patent number: 7390057
    Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, or screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Argent International, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Autterson
  • Patent number: 7390058
    Abstract: A headrest apparatus for a vehicle includes a headrest rear portion supported by a seatback, a headrest front portion movable between a fully closed position in which the headrest front portion is close to the headrest rear portion, and a fully open position in which the headrest front portion is away from the headrest rear portion, a driving means for moving the headrest front portion, and a controlling means for controlling the driving means so as to move the headrest front portion. The controlling means is configured to control the driving means so as to move the headrest front portion to the fully closed position at a predetermined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morio Sakai, Kiyoka Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 7390059
    Abstract: Vehicle seat with a cushion body and a cover attached thereto that includes at least one medallion cover piece and at least one side cushion cover piece, which are attached to one another at the attachment points. At the attachment points a groove is provided in the cushion body. Vehicle seat of this type that makes it possible not only for a manufacturer but also for a consumer, namely an automobile owner or driver, to individually configure a seat. The medallion cover piece and the side cushion cover piece are attached to one another by use of a slide fastener that is integrated into the attachment. The side cushion cover piece can be separably hooked into the structure of the vehicle seat at its end that is opposite the slide fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dagmar Brockschnieder, Silvia Krömer, Benno Kauls
  • Patent number: 7390060
    Abstract: A recliner has a frame having a pair of longitudinally extending and transversely spaced side beams having confronting inner faces and head and foot ends, a middle cushion on the frame between the ends thereof, a head cushion on the frame at the head ends, and a foot cushion on the frame at the foot ends. Respective head and foot hinges couple the middle cushion to the head and foot cushions for relative pivoting about respective transverse axes. A pair of transversely spaced followers on the middle cushion ride on respective longitudinally extending nonstraight guides on the side-beam inner faces. Supports, e.g. rollers, on the foot end of the frame slidably support the foot cushion thereon. Two rigid arms each have one end pivoted on a respective one of the side-beam head ends and an opposite end pivoted on the head cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Stanzwerk Wetter Sichelschmidt GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Kristen
  • Patent number: 7390061
    Abstract: A device for adjustment of the level of inclination of the back part of a motor vehicle seat having a device part (2) connected to the seat part and a device part (3) connected to the backrest, which can be pivoted opposite to each other about a pivot axis (14), wherein both device parts (2,3) have parts of gearings (4,5) forming a swash mechanism, which roll over each other under the influence of cam means (11) that can be rotated about a pivot axis (14). The drive of the cam means (11) is provided via a two-part carrier, comprised of a metal carrier boss (17) and a metal carrier plate (18) non-rotatingly connected therewith. The carrier boss (17) has a collar (17.2) for axial bracketing of the device parts (2,3) on one side of the device for adjustment of the level of inclination (1). The object is to configure this type of device for adjustment of the level of inclination, so that no longer requires an additional locking ring for axial bilateral bracketing of the device parts (2,3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Lange
  • Patent number: 7390062
    Abstract: A seat includes a base portion and an upright portion pivotable with respect to the base portion. The seat includes a reclining mechanism that includes first and second toothed members that are selectively engaged and disengaged to resist and permit, respectively, the angle of the upright portion with respect to the base portion. The first and second toothed members are engaged and disengaged through rotation of a cam mechanism. The seat also includes a bottom seat cushion height adjustment mechanism that permits raising and lowering of the bottom seat cushion with respect to a base portion of the frame. The bottom seat cushion height adjustment mechanism includes a slidable member that is slidable with respect to the base frame, and a plurality of cams that convert linear motion of the slidable member into vertical movement of the bottom seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Seats Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 7390063
    Abstract: Seat structure for a motor vehicle seat includes upper rails, which are longitudinally displaceable relative to lower rails mounted fixedly to the motor vehicle that include longitudinal slots, and a seat frame, which includes insertion tabs, which are inserted in the longitudinal slots of the upper tracks. To facilitate a quick and secure assembly at a low cost, the seat frame includes a front and back crossbeam, on which the insertion tabs are present. The insertion tabs each include a notch, which engages an upper rail and fixes it vertically. The crossbeams are fixed longitudinally on the upper rails by formfitting fasteners, and a seat pan is fastened to the crossbeams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Meinhard Behrens
  • Patent number: 7390064
    Abstract: A juvenile restraint system includes a juvenile seat and a tether coupled at one end to the juvenile seat and at an opposite end to an anchor provided in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William Horton, Stephen Oltman, Eugene Balensiefer, Richard Glover
  • Patent number: 7390065
    Abstract: A dumping cart having an article retaining bed, a first set of wheels, a second set of wheels and a chassis. The first set of wheels is operably attached to the article retaining bed. The second set of wheels is operably attached to the chassis. The chassis is pivotally attached to the article retaining bed intermediate the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tricam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Pieschel, Craig L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7390066
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a degradation drum comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising inner and outer diameters. At least one degradation assembly is disposed on the outer diameter and it comprises a holder and a pick shank secured within a bore of the holder. At least one lubricant reservoir is disposed within the inner diameter and is in fluid communication with the bore of the holder through a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir maintains a fluid pressure on the pick shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Tyson J. Wilde, Jad A. Mills
  • Patent number: 7390067
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to balance a wheel which rotates around an axle. The wheel has a rim having an outer surface and an opposite interior surface positioned circumferentially around the axle. A plurality of rotor drive keys are mounted at the interior surface of the rim. At least one rotor drive key having a different weight than the other rotor drive keys is mounted approximately opposite an abnormal weight in order to balance the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Tong, Jon T. Beehler, James R. Bunton, John R. Vance
  • Patent number: 7390068
    Abstract: A wheel, by which a base is configured to be wheeled across a floor, includes a tread and a hub. The hub has an inner surface that surrounds an axis and defines a bore. The hub further has an outer surface surrounding the inner surface and a slot extending radially outward from the bore to the outer surface. A shaft is centered on the axis and coupled to the base. The shaft is configured to be received in the bore and has a groove. A clip is configured to be attached to the hub in an installed position in which the clip extends from within the groove outward through the slot to secure the hub to the shaft. The installed position is axially between the base and the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: David Scott Smith, Carl M. Barr
  • Patent number: 7390069
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble (RTA) modular desk has multiple clasp connectors, two desk assemblies a door and at least one pedestal drawer. Each desk assembly has a pedestal, and a desktop having a bottom surface. The pedestal and a stand are constructed and mounted detachably on bottom surface of the desktop by using the clasp connectors. The desk assemblies are connected detachably to the each other using multiple latch assemblies. The door is mounted detachably on one of the pedestals. The pedestal drawers are mounted detachably in one of the pedestals. Therefore, the RTA modular desk can be assembled without using tools in a variety of orientations, allowing a person to customize the RTA modular desk to their needs and easily change or disassemble the RTA modular desk without using tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Grace Chance Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Te Ho
  • Patent number: 7390070
    Abstract: An ink-jet printer including: an ink-jet head in which are disposed a plurality of nozzles that are divided into a plurality of nozzle groups; a plurality of actuators which are provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of nozzles and which are divided into a plurality of actuator groups respectively corresponding to the plurality of nozzle groups; a plurality of drive circuits which are provided respectively for the plurality of nozzle groups and each of which outputs a drive signal used for ejecting an ink, to the plurality of actuators of a corresponding one of the plurality of actuator groups; a controller which controls the ink-jet printer to perform printing such that, by driving any of the plurality of actuators which are determined on the basis of print data, the ink is ejected, toward a recording medium, from any of the plurality of nozzles that correspond to said any of the plurality of actuators; and an adjusting portion which adjusts the drive signal to be outputted from each of the plu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuhei Hiwada, Tomoyuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 7390071
    Abstract: A printer controller for supplying data to a printhead module including at least one row of printhead nozzles, at least one row including at least one displaced row portion, the displacement of the row portion including a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed, the printer controller being configured to control order and timing of the data supplied to the printhead such that the dropped row is compensated for during printing by the printhead module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Simon Robert Walmsley, Mark Jackson Pulver, Richard Thomas Plunkett, John Robert Sheahan, Kia Silverbrook, Michael John Webb
  • Patent number: 7390072
    Abstract: A controller generates printing data to be printed by the printing nozzles of at least first and second adjacent printing nozzle arrays out of a plurality of printing nozzle arrays on the basis of tone information of image data to be printed. In particular, the controller generates printing data to be printed by each of the first and second printing nozzle arrays in the range in which the influence of an air flow generated along with ink discharge from the first and second printing nozzle arrays is admissible. Printing by the first and second printing nozzle arrays of the printhead is controlled on the basis of the generated printing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiichiro Takahashi, Osamu Iwasaki, Minoru Teshigawara
  • Patent number: 7390073
    Abstract: A method of performing alignment for printing with a printhead includes bidirectionally printing a plurality of rows of alignment blocks, wherein a bidirectional offset of a plurality of bidirectional offsets is different for each row of the alignment blocks; optically measuring each row to obtain measurement data; determining a statistical data value for each row based on the measurement data; and applying a respective bidirectional offset of the plurality of bidirectional offsets corresponding to a row having the lowest statistical data value of the plurality of rows to align the printhead for printing with the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bailey, Michael A. Penrod, Zanyao Yan
  • Patent number: 7390074
    Abstract: A plurality of long narrow rectangular plate like nozzle heads are inclined together in a direction relative to that in which they are disposed side by side in a line in the line head for permitting ink that also gets into gaps between adjacent nozzle heads to be wiped away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignees: Natsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Miyakoshi Printing Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsuba, Yoshinobu Ishimoto, Tetsuya Matsuzaki, Hideo Izawa, Takao Namiki
  • Patent number: 7390075
    Abstract: A capping assembly caps a pagewidth printhead of an inkjet printer by retracting into and out of a body. The body is configured to extend the length of the printhead, and a capping element housed within the body and movable with respect to the body between a first and a second position. The first position is where a portion of the capping element extends from the body, and the second position is where the capping element is contained within the body. The capping element is biased into the first position to keep the printhead capped when the printer is powered down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian Mackey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
  • Patent number: 7390076
    Abstract: A method of sealing a nozzle. First, a device comprising a chamber, a nozzle, and a nozzle plate is provided, wherein the nozzle plate is installed on the chamber and the nozzle passes through the nozzle plate and connects the chamber. The chamber is then filled with ink. Residual ink on the nozzle plate is then removed by water. After that the nozzle plate is dried, a solution is then coated on the nozzle plate, wherein the solution has higher surface tension than the ink and has smaller contact angle with the nozzle plate than the water. Next, the nozzle plate is dried. Finally, a flexible material is bonded on the nozzle plate to seal the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Tong Ma, Yu-Chang Shen
  • Patent number: 7390077
    Abstract: A first shaft member extends in a first direction. A second shaft member extends in the first direction. A carriage body is disposed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member. A first slider comes in contact with a circumferential part of the first shaft member to allow the carriage body to slide on the first shaft member in the first direction. A second slider comes in contact with a circumferential part of the second shaft member to allow the carriage body to slide on the second shaft member in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Miyazaki, Atsushi Sumii, Hideyuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7390078
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a micro-fluid ejection head for a micro-fluid ejection device. The head includes a semiconductor substrate, a fluid ejection actuator supported by the semiconductor substrate, a nozzle member containing nozzle holes attached to the substrate for expelling droplets of fluid from one or more nozzle holes in the nozzle member upon activation of the ejection actuator. The substrate further includes a thermal insulating barrier layer between the semiconductor substrate and the fluid ejection actuator. The thermal insulating barrier layer includes a porous, substantially impermeable material having a thermal conductivity of less than about 1 W/m-K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron V. Bell, Robert W. Cornell, Yimin Guan, Burton L. Joyner, II
  • Patent number: 7390079
    Abstract: A device mounting structure includes: a base; a unit having a mounting area on which a device is mounted; a projection formed on a face of the unit; a first wiring disposed on the unit and between a top part of the projection and the mounting area; a groove provided in the base, the groove incorporating at least part of the projection; and a second wiring disposed at a bottom part of the groove in the base and electrically connected to the first wiring. The first wiring has a resin layer containing metallic particles, and a metal film on the resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Yoda
  • Patent number: 7390080
    Abstract: An ink refill unit is provided for replenishing an ink cartridge in an inkjet printer. The ink cartridge has an interface for engaging the ink refill unit and the ink refill unit has a body containing a quantity of ink, and an ink outlet for engaging an ink inlet in the interface. A feature of the ink refill unit and a feature of the interface form a pair of complementary features that have a keyed connection with each other when the ink refill unit engages the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Akira Nakazawa, Christopher Hibbard, Paul Ian MacKey, Norman Micheal Berry, Garry Raymond Jackson
  • Patent number: 7390083
    Abstract: An inkjet recording ink including an aqueous medium having dissolved or dispersed therein a dye having a specific property or structure, and containing at least one antiseptic is provided, which can ensure excellent ejection stability and color hue even after long-term aging of the ink and exhibit excellent weather resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7390084
    Abstract: An ink jet printer has an intermediate transfer drum that rotates past a print head and a downstream transfixing station. The surface of the drum is coated with a release agent. The print head ejects ink droplets onto the coated drum surface to form images thereon. The images are identified for either simplex prints or duplex prints. The transfixing station has separate simplex and duplex operating modes. A movable transfixing roll at the transfixing station is moved into and out of contact with the drum to form a periodic transfixing nip. The nip is formed with separate timing relationships with the approach of the leading and trailing edge of a transported recording medium and the approach of the image on the drum surface, depending upon whether a simplex or duplex print is to be transfixed by the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Folkins
  • Patent number: 7390085
    Abstract: On a medium transporting surface, a dimple extending continuously from a transportation upstream end of a medium to a transportation downstream end are formed. Hereby, a leading end of the medium, after pulled into the dimples once, is transported in the pulled state. Therefore, it is prevented that the leading end of the medium is curled up by a conventional partition wall provided in the direction perpendicular to the medium transporting direction, so that it is possible to prevent a stain on the medium caused by contact with a recording head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishii, Yoshitaka Shimada
  • Patent number: 7390086
    Abstract: An eyeglass frame assembly for coupling clip-on auxiliary spectacles to primary spectacles. The primary spectacles having a pair of cavities formed on one of the frame and the inside surface of rear extensions. The clip-on spectacles having a pair of insertable members mounted on a pair of hinged extensions, wherein the insertable members are capable of positively engaging the cavities. The hinged extensions allow the clip-on spectacles to swing up and to place the auxiliary lenses mounted within the clip-on spectacles to be outside the vision path of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jung I. Lee
  • Patent number: 7390087
    Abstract: A pair of industrial safety glasses comprises: a glasses frame comprising: a connection means connected to each of both ends thereof; a first coupling part on at least one of the connection means; and a second coupling part corresponding to the first coupling part for coupling thereto; and a wearing means having two ends respectively connected to two ends of the connection means, and the wearing means comprising an adjustable unit so as to adjust the length of the wearing means for being suitable for different workers having different sized heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Lin-Yun Chen
  • Patent number: 7390088
    Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying or enhancing vision are described. In exemplary embodiments, neural or neuromuscular activity is analyzed to determine a focus or other quality of a visual input, and this focus or quality information used as a basis for controlling an adjustable lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Searete LLC
    Inventors: Eleanor V. Goodall, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7390089
    Abstract: A device for establishing a desired alignment between a patient's eye and a laser system to facilitate an engagement therebetween includes a light source to illuminate the eye. A moveable platform is provided to move the patient relative to the laser system. To establish alignment between the eye and the laser system, a reference marker is based on the laser system. An image of the marker, along with reflections from the illuminated eye, is then transmitted to the system controller. There, the image and reflections are processed to determine a measured alignment that is then compared to the desired alignment. An error signal that is indicative of an alignment difference is then generated and used to incrementally move the platform, or the patient, in an appropriate direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: 20/10 Perfect Vision Optische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Frieder Loesel, Fritz Meisel, Bernhard Gress, Tobias Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7390090
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement apparatus for measuring a property of an eye of a subject, having a target arranged to be viewed by the subject, the target including a first light and a second light arranged to undergo a modulation in anti-phase, the modulation decreasing from an initial modulation frequency at which an initial flicker of the first light and second light is not perceivable by the subject; and an indication device allowing the subject to indicate when a flicker is perceived, the modulation frequency at which the subject indicates that the flicker is perceived being defined as a threshold modulation frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Murray, David Carden
  • Patent number: 7390091
    Abstract: A vision test apparatus includes a viewing assembly connected to a chassis wherein the viewing assembly creates an optical path between an image display and at least one front lens. A near/far assembly includes a secondary lens selectively operable with the front lens to create virtual visual distances. An optional transparent panel intersects the optical path and operates at least partially obscure the image display so that the vision testing apparatus has a means to isolate a portion of the image display. A lifting mechanism is operable to raise or lower the viewing assembly for patients of various heights. The viewing apparatus is also rotatable independently of said chassis to present natural lines of sight to a patient during near and far testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Sperian Protection Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Clemons, Philip Remedios
  • Patent number: 7390092
    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: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7390093
    Abstract: A single panel display may have discrete, dedicated segments associated with each of the primary colors. The segments may not be equally sized in some embodiments. The light from a light source may be split into color portions that are adjusted to accommodate to the differently sized segments dedicated to different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia S. Bell, Martin Randall
  • Patent number: 7390094
    Abstract: An absorptive layer is added to an image display system. The absorptive layer is selected to compensate for tint in a black state of a displayed image. In a Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS) based light engine, blue wavelengths may cause a predominate tint in black portions of an image (or an entirely black image is tinted blue), and the absorptive layer is calculated to absorb an amount of blue equivalent to the tint. The absorptive layer is, for example, an unbalanced magenta dichroic, or a yellow filter. The yellow filter may be placed at any point in the light chain, including input/output of a kernel, input/output of a projection lens, or portions of a light engine or display screen. An unbalanced magenta may be constructed by adding a yellow filter to an existing magenta dichroic in the kernel design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: LightMaster Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Berman, Ying-Moh Liu, Samson Yang
  • Patent number: 7390095
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a projector that includes three optical modulators which modulate respectively red light, green light, and blue light, a color-synthetic optical system which synthesizes the light modulated by the three optical modulators, and a projection optical system which projects the light synthesized by the color-synthetic optical system. The color-synthetic optical system can include a first reflection film that reflects the green light, and a second reflection film that reflects the blue light, the first reflection film and the second reflection film are arranged in the shape of an X character, and a wavelength in which a reflectance factor of the first reflection film comes to 50% can be longer than a wavelength in which a reflectance factor of the second reflection film comes to 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kanji Yoshida, Hidemasa Yamakawa, Joji Karasawa, Masafumi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7390096
    Abstract: A lamp and illumination optics assembly interface includes an illumination optics mount having a plurality of datum features formed thereon, and a lamp, wherein the lamp is configured to be substantially directly coupled to the illumination optics housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephan Clark, Dennis Scott Prows, Sammy Lee Ekker
  • Patent number: 7390097
    Abstract: An illumination system, used for illuminating a target area, includes a plurality of light generating elements and a plurality of light collection units disposed to collect light from respective light generating elements. Imaging lens units are disposed to relay images of respective light collection units to the target area, light from different light generating elements overlapping at the target area. In some embodiments, the illumination system also includes color combining elements to combine light from differently colored light generating elements. The illumination system may be used in a projection system, with the light from the illumination system incident on an image-forming device placed at the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Simon Magarill
  • Patent number: 7390098
    Abstract: A projection lens that, though designed for right projection, shows good aberration performance and can realize specifications required for a projection display apparatus, such as a low F number, a wide angle, a long back focus, and a high relative illumination, with a rational configuration is provided. A projection lens 1 of the present invention for magnifying and projecting an optical image formed on a spatial light modulator (disposed near an image plane 5) onto a screen 4 is constituted by a front lens group 2 and a rear lens group 3 that are arranged in this order from the screen 4 side toward the image plane 5 side. The rear lens group 3 is provided with a aperture stop 6 that is eccentric with respect to an optical axis 7 common to the front lens group 2 and the rear lens group 3. Focus adjustment is performed by moving the rear lens group 3 in a direction of the optical axis 7 without rotating it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7390099
    Abstract: There are provided a hard-coated antiglare film with high hardness, high scratch resistance and good antiglare properties, a method of manufacturing the film, an optical element using the film, and an image display including the film or the optical element. The hard-coated antiglare film of the invention includes a transparent film substrate and a hard-coating layer that contains fine particles and is formed on at least one side of the transparent film substrate, wherein the hard-coating layer has a thickness of 15 ?m to 30 ?m, the fine particles have an average particle size of 30% to 75% of the thickness of the hard-coating layer, and the fine particles form unevenness with a ?a value of 0.4° to 1.5° according to JIS B 0601.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takao, Daisuke Hamamoto, Katsunori Takada, Seiichi Kusumoto, Yuuichi Kimura, Takayuki Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 7390100
    Abstract: A variable-shape mirror is provided with: a support base; a mirror portion that is disposed to face the support base and that has, on a side thereof facing away from the support base, a mirror surface which is irradiated with a light beam; fixed portions that fix the mirror portion to the support base; and piezoelectric elements that are sandwiched between the support base and the mirror portion and that vary a shape of the mirror surface. Here, the piezoelectric elements are arranged closer to a center of the mirror portion than the fixed portions are.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagashima, Hitoshi Fujii, Fuminori Tanaka, Susumu Sugiyama, Akira Ishii, Katsuhiko Tanaka, Wataru Kuze
  • Patent number: 7390101
    Abstract: An infrared telescope utilizes two mirrors in an off-axis, eccentric-pupil, re-imaging configuration. To improve the image quality of traditional two mirror telescopes, the reflective surfaces of both the primary and secondary mirrors are ellipsoidal. The ellipsoidal surface of the primary mirror has a greater eccentricity than the ellipsoidal surface of the secondary mirror. The infrared light entering through the eccentric pupil strikes the ellipsoidal reflective surface of the primary mirror. The light is reflected from the primary mirror to the ellipsoidal reflective surface of the secondary mirror. An intermediate image of the object being viewed is formed between the primary and secondary mirrors. The light is reflected from the secondary mirror to an image plane. An aperture stop is located between the secondary mirror and the image plane. The image plane is typically located within a cold shield, to reduce the likelihood that stray light will reach the image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark A. Lundgren
  • Patent number: 7390102
    Abstract: A pivot and detent mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base 30 for mounting on a vehicle; an arm 40 for supporting a mirror head 20, the arm 40 pivotally connected to the base 30 to allow angular movement of the head 20, the arm having spaced apart first and second flexible branches 44 and 44?; and a deploy detent recess and a cooperating detent member 46 set, the deploy detent member 46 engageable with the detent recess to hold the mirror head 20 with respect to the base 30 in a deployed position. The flexible branches 44 and 44? are resiliently movable with respect to each other to allow disengagement and engagement of the deploy detent member 46 from the detent recess upon the application of sufficient force to the mirror head 20 allowing the head 20 to move from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. An improved pre-loaded spring is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Mark Olijnyk