Patents Issued in July 29, 2008
  • Patent number: 7406206
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for encoding key value data of an orientation interpolator representing the rotation of an object in a keyframe image are provided. The apparatus includes a rotational differential data generator which generates, using a rotational transformation value of a current keyframe and a restored rotational transformation value of a previous keyframe, a rotational differential value used to rotate the object by as much as a difference between rotational transformation applied to the object in the current keyframe by key value data and rotational transformation applied to the object in the previous keyframe by key value data, and outputs rotational differential data by quantizing the rotational differential value, a circular DPCM operator which selectively performs a linear DPCM operation or a circular DPCM operation on rotational differential data, and an entropy encoder which entropy-encodes the rotational differential data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-kyoon Kim, Seok-yoon Jung, Euee-seon Jang, Sang-oak Woo, Shin-jun Lee, Mahn-jin Han, Gyeong-ja Jang
  • Patent number: 7406207
    Abstract: A scene of an image sequence is transmitted that has been compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property 1, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7406208
    Abstract: An edge enhancement system, including a selective edge controller for determining one or more properties of an edge of image data, and for generating one or more weighting factors on the basis of properties of the edge; and a scaling module for scaling an edge enhancement signal by the weighting factors to control the degree of edge enhancement. The image data may represent a still or moving (i.e., video) image. A max-min search circuit determines maximum and minimum turning points closest to the center of the data processing window and that are located on opposing sides of the window, to determine values and locations of maximum and minimum pixels of the edge. An edge-directed pre-filtering circuit reduces the amplification of edge fuzziness by smoothing close the edges vertical prior to enhancement. An aliasing protection circuit reduces the visibility of saw-tooth defects on predominantly horizontal diagonal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Patricia Wei Yin Chiang
  • Patent number: 7406209
    Abstract: A method of coding a moving picture is provided that reduces blocking artifacts. The method can include defining a plurality of defining pixels S0, S1, and S2, which are centered around a block boundary. If a default mode is selected then frequency information of the surroundings of the block boundary is obtained. A magnitude of a discontinuous component in a frequency domain belonging to the block boundary is adjusted based on a magnitude of a corresponding discontinuous component selected from a pixel contained entirely within a block adjacent the block boundary. The frequency domain adjustment is then applied to a spatial domain. Or, a DC offset mode can be selected to reduce blocking artifacts in smooth regions where there is little motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Mun Kim, Jong Beom Ra, Sung Deuk Kim, Young Su Lee
  • Patent number: 7406210
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing image data to accomplish tuning or adjustment of images, so as to modify at least the darkness thereof, using compact, efficient methods and designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Handley, André Blaakman, Anthony Lanza, Francis Tse, Xing Li, Aron Nacman, David J. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7406211
    Abstract: In CT (computed tomography) images, streak artifacts caused by the presence of metal implants and inhomogeneous estimation of tissue density are reduced or eliminated. The algorithm has two basic steps: 1) illumination correction and 2) adaptive 3D filtering. The algorithm starts by estimating the direction of the streak and the degree of inhomogeneous densities by gray scale morphology dilatation. Then, it proceeds to estimate the correct densities based on the estimations and to reduce the streak by an adaptive 3D filtering whose parameters depend on the streak direction and the local image contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: VirtualScopics LLC
    Inventors: José Tamez Peña, Saara Marjatta Sofia Totterman, Kevin J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7406212
    Abstract: In a parallel computation of a Hough transform of an array of input data values, the transform space of the Hough transform is partitioned dynamically or statically into a number of sub-spaces. Each sub-space of the transform is stored in a sub-space of memory locations. Data values from the array of input data values are passed to a plurality of processors, each processor associated dynamically or statically with a sub-space of memory locations. Each processor, acting in parallel with the other processors, updates constituent elements of the Hough transform stored in the associated sub-space memory locations dependent upon the input data value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Magdi A. Mohamed, Irfan Nasir
  • Patent number: 7406213
    Abstract: A representative point for pixel value adjustment at which the same pixel value is to be set is selected from each of a correction image to be corrected and a reference image of a mosaic image. A tone curve that defines an output pixel value with respect to an input pixel value is generated by a line that passes through a pixel-value-conversion coordinate point defined by pixel values indicating the representative points selected from the correction image and the reference image, which are set as input and output values. This line is generated by a spline curve. The pixel value of the correction image is converted based on the generated tone curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7406214
    Abstract: A wireless phone is equipped with a 2D optical sensor, enabling a variety of applications. For example, such a phone may also be provided with a digital watermark decoder, permitting decoding of steganographic data on imaged objects. Movement of a phone may be inferred by sensing movement of an imaged pattern across the optical sensor's field of view, allowing use of the phone as a gestural input device through which a user can signal instructions to a computer-based process. A variety of other arrangements by which electronic devices can interact with the physical world are also detailed, e.g., involving sensing and responding to digital watermarks, bar codes, RFIDs, etc. Other novel arrangements are also detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Tony F. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7406215
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of determining a correction for a misalignment between at least two images in a sequence of images due at least in part to sample movement. The methods are applied, for example, in the processing and analysis of a sequence of images of biological tissue in a diagnostic procedure. The invention also provides methods of validating the correction for a misalignment between at least two images in a sequence of images of a sample. The methods may be applied in deciding whether a correction for misalignment accurately accounts for sample motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Clune, Philippe Schmid, Chunsheng Jiang
  • Patent number: 7406216
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for intelligent distributed analyses of images including capturing the images and analyzing the captured images, where feature information is extracted from the captured images. The extracted feature information is used in determining whether a predefined condition is met, and the extracted feature information is transmitted for further analysis when the predefined condition is met. The extracted feature information is stored and is used to generate statistical information related to the extracted feature information. Further, additional feature information is provided from other databases to implement further analysis including an event detection or recognition. Accordingly, distributed intelligent analyses of images is provided for analyzing captured images to efficiently and effectively implement event detection or recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Baer, John Stewart Wenstrand
  • Patent number: 7406217
    Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Roderick A. Hyde
  • Patent number: 7406218
    Abstract: An FBG sensor system which has a wavelength-tunable light source for emitting light wavelength-swept at a predetermined sweep period, a photodetector for receiving reflected light of measurement light directed to be incident on an optical fiber including an FBC, a processing unit for measuring the wavelength of the reflected light received by the photodetector, and optical pulse generator means that generates a pulse having a predetermined period in synchronism with the sweep period in order that the light from the wavelength-tunable light source is converted into an optical pulse. The sweep period is such that a receipt time of the reflected light in the photodetector is after termination of incidence of the optical pulse on the optical fiber. The predetermined period of the pulse is such that an incidence time for a next optical pulse is after the receipt of the reflected light in the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7406219
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hitpoint sensor for a surface of interest, the hitpoint sensor having an optical fiber which is wound around or otherwise covering the surface, and a data processor connected to the ends of the optical fiber. When a collision with the surface occurs, light is generated which passes through the optical fiber. The ends of the fiber are connected to the data processor which uses arrival time information of the light signals arriving at the processor to determine the impact location on the surface. There are several modes in which the processor can operate to make this calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Leo R. Gauthier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7406220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for steering at least one of two or more optical input beams and forming a combined optical output beam are disclosed. A system has a waveguide, one or more phase controlling devices and one or more beam steering devices. The waveguide is configured to combine the optical input beams. The one or more phase controlling devices are configured to control a phase of at least one of the optical input beams. The system can form a coherently combined optical output beam. The one or more beam steering devices are configured to laterally steer, angularly steer, or laterally and angularly steer at least one of the optical input beams. The waveguide, in conjunction with the one or more beam steering devices, is configured to form the combined optical output beam that is angularly steered, laterally steered, or angularly and laterally steered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Christensen, Iain T. McKinnie
  • Patent number: 7406221
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multiplexer/demultiplexer capable of preventing a decrease in multiplexing/demultiplexing efficiency due to an error in wavelength or due to a crosstalk with other wavelengths. A two-dimensional photonic crystal having holes 22 cyclically arranged is provided with an input waveguide 23 and an output waveguide 24. Located between the two waveguides are two point-like defects 25 and 26, each consisting of a region devoid of the holes 22. From the light including various wavelengths and propagating through the input waveguide 23, the two point-like defects extract a ray of light having a wavelength determined by the shape of the point-like defects and introduce it into the output waveguide 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Japan Science & Technology Agency, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Noda, Takashi Asano, Yoshihiro Akahane
  • Patent number: 7406222
    Abstract: A composite evanescent waveguide can include a first structured dielectric layer and a second dielectric material oriented adjacent one another to form a wave propagation interface between the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material. Each of the first structured dielectric layer and second dielectric material are formed of materials such that the wave propagation interface can be capable of propagating an all-evanescent surface wave. The resulting propagating surface waves tend to have low losses and can be suitable for optical communications, surface analysis, sensors, and a variety of other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Pavel Kornilovich
  • Patent number: 7406223
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element capable of preventing a ghost in the use for a sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. In the optical element including an optical function surface of high surface accuracy and a flange formed around the surface, the optical function surface having an optical surface diameter somewhat larger than an effective diameter in order to secure high surface accuracy for the effective diameter, a parting diameter of a molding die is made larger than the optical surface diameter and a parting position is disposed outside the optical surface diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 7406224
    Abstract: A diffractive coupler coupling light between an opto-electronic element and a waveguide minimizes variation in coupling over an offset range, while providing good coupling efficiency. The offset range may be along the optical axis and/or radial. The diffractive coupler has a long depth of field and no best focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tessera North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James E Morris, Michael R Feldman
  • Patent number: 7406225
    Abstract: A system and method for recording a reflection Bragg Grating in a photosensitive target. A photosensitive target is located between transmissive members on three sides. Beams incident on one of the transmissive members pass through the other two members before creating an interference within the photosensitive target. Either two transmissive members are used and the second member limits angular mobility of the first, or three members are used and the third member limits angular mobility of the other two. The target is coupled to the transmissive members through a transmissive liquid that has a refractive index similar to the refractive index of the target. Accordingly, angular deviations in the location of the target from the intended location or in the shape of the target only negligibly impact the interference pattern of the beams in the photosensitive target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Oleg M. Efimov
  • Patent number: 7406226
    Abstract: An optical structure includes a substrate, a circular grating resonator (CGR) formed on the substrate, the CGR including a center disc and a plurality of concentric rings spaced from one another; an input planar waveguide and an output planar waveguide each formed on the substrate, the input planar waveguide and the output planar waveguide optically coupled to the CGR; and an electrode pair, formed on the substrate, coplanar with the input and output planar waveguides, the electrode pair comprising an electrically conductive material in contact with opposing ends of the center disc of the CGR so as to render the CGR capable of electro-optical control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Folkert Horst, Nikolaj Moll
  • Patent number: 7406227
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of coupling light into a light guide using error detecting and correcting systems. A rectangular light guide is mated with an X-axis optical fiber and with a Y-axis optical fiber. An X-axis photodetector senses light that couples from the light guide into the X-axis optical fiber, while a Y-axis photodetector senses light that couples from the light guide into the Y-axis optical fiber. An error detector compares the outputs of the X-axis and the Y-axis photodetectors to produces error signals that depend on the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis positional errors. The errors signals are applied to an error correcting system that adjusts the relative position of the light guide and the light directed onto the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Duncan J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7406228
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module for a light emitting device (LED) chip holder. The backlight module includes a top guide-light board, a bottom guide-light board, a chip holder with an inclined plane thereon, and a light emitting diode chip. One side of the top guide-light board and the bottom guide-light board has a reflective sheet, and the light emitting diode chip is located on the inclined surface of the chip holder, and further the light emitting diode chip is embedded in the bottom guide-light. When the light emitting diode chip emits incident light, the light produces the total reflection on the bottom guide-light board to reflect to the reflective mirror. Then, the light is reflected to the top guide-light board by the reflective sheet, and is emitted out from the top guide-light board to be a light source for the backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chu-Chi Ting, Tien-Lung Chiu, Wei-Yang Tseng, Wei-Yu Lo
  • Patent number: 7406229
    Abstract: Provided is an optical module including a light source for generating an optical signal, a waveguide for waveguiding the optical signal, a photodetector for detecting the optical signal, a first reflecting mirror on the light source for reflecting the optical signal generated by the light source to a side of the waveguide, and a second reflecting mirror on the photodetector for reflecting an optical signal emitted from the waveguide in a vertical downward direction. The photodetector detects an optical signal reflected by the second reflecting mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Dong Bae, In-Kuk Yun
  • Patent number: 7406230
    Abstract: The optical transceiver of the present invention is one type of the pluggable transceiver that is inserted into/extracted from the cage in the host system. The transceiver includes the OSA (Optical Sub-Assembly) unit, which shows the optical function, and the body unit installing the electronic circuit. The OSA unit includes the receptacle member, the tab plate and transmitting/receiving sub-assemblies. The body unit includes the base installing the circuit board, the heat conducting plate to conduct heat generated by the IC on the substrate to the rear end of the transceiver, the supplementary substrate, the supporting plate, and the cover for putting these components therein. In the present transceiver, the heat is effectively conducted to the rear end thereof the heat conducting plate, besides, the tab plate, the heat conducting plate, and the supporting plate are made only by cutting, bending and tapping without any welding and gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7406231
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interconnect cable having an electroluminescent element disposed therein in order to facilitate locating the interconnect cable. The electroluminescent element is activated by a driver that may be selectively applied to specified driver ports located on end connectors of the cable. The electroluminescent element may be incorporated within the entire length of the cable, or only along selected sections of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Alexander John Gray Beck, Jonathan R. Yee-Hang Choy, Alexander Martin Scholte, David Preshan Thambiratnam
  • Patent number: 7406232
    Abstract: A non-round fiber optic cable that has improved crush performance is disclosed. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength element, and a cable jacket having a cavity. The at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The cable jacket further includes a concave upper wall and a concave lower wall disposed on opposite sides of the cavity, thereby improving the crush performance along the major axis of the optical fiber cable. In other embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a portion of a cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Stingl, Jody L. Greenwood, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7406233
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. The at least one dry insert has a first and second portion that are connected to one another. In one embodiment, at least one fold is present between the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Seddon, Anne G. Bringuier
  • Patent number: 7406234
    Abstract: A method of determining characteristic spin parameters of a spun optical fiber by performing optical time-domain reflectometry measurements on the fiber, so as to obtain a state of polarization spatial function from a backscattered electromagnetic field, the state of polarization spatial function being defined by a plurality of components; and processing the state of polarization spatial function. The process includes calculating a further spatial function related to the spatial first derivative of at least one of the components of the state of polarization spatial function; identifying a spatial periodicity of the further spatial function; and determining the characteristic spin parameters as a function of the spatial periodicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Energia S.r.L.
    Inventor: Luca Palmieri
  • Patent number: 7406235
    Abstract: A graded-index multimode fiber includes a core made of silica glass, the core having a central region and an outer peripheral region, and a cladding which is provided at an outer periphery of the core. The central region contains one of germanium and phosphorus, and the outer peripheral region contains fluorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Ning Guan, Katsuhiro Takenaga, Kuniharu Himeno
  • Patent number: 7406236
    Abstract: An optical fiber that includes a core containing a first concentration of germanium, an inner cladding arranged on the core, the inner cladding containing a second concentration of germanium and having a first diffusion coefficient, and an outer cladding arranged on the inner cladding, the outer cladding having a second diffusion coefficient, where the first diffusion coefficient is larger than the second diffusion coefficient, and where the first concentration of germanium is about 200% or more of the second concentration of germanium. An optical fiber constructed in this manner can be spliced with an optical fiber having a different MFD, such as a single-mode optical fiber or an erbium-doped optical fiber, with low splice loss and a sufficient splicing strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Ikeda, Masakazu Nakayama, Kuniharu Himeno, Masaaki Ohtsuka, Masakazu Oohashi, Daiichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7406237
    Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber having a core surrounded by a cladding. The core may have only a central segment, or a central segment and an annular segment surrounding the central segment. The central segment has a positive relative refractive index profile. The annular segment has a negative relative refractive index profile. The relative refractive index of the optical fiber provides an LP02 cable cutoff less than 850 nm and an LP21 cable cutoff less than 850 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Robertson Bickham, Snigdharaj Kumar Mishra
  • Patent number: 7406238
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a large graded index core of Ge doped silica for an increased bandwidth-length-product of over 100 MHz-km. A cladding layer of non-doped silica is formed on the core during the preform process and subsequently during drawing the preform an ultraviolet light curable polymer first coating is overlaid on the cladding layer. The first coating is sufficiently hardened to match the fracture characteristics of the silica core and cladding layer to facilitate crimp and cleave termination. The first coating is additionally provided with an index of refraction greater than the cladding layer to enable mode or energy stripping from the cladding layer. A second polymer layer may optionally be applied during draw for protection and to provide a tough outer layer of the optical fiber for the deformable features of a connector to hold onto after crimping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam S. Hokansson, Jie Li, Xiaoguang Sun
  • Patent number: 7406239
    Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson, Harold E. Rude
  • Patent number: 7406240
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus and method that enables fiber optic network installers to mount fiber optic connections in raised floor locations that would otherwise be unsuited to the task. The method and apparatus permit using a de facto standard raised floor enclosures to accommodate fiber optic connections while maintaining bend radius considerations. In an exemplary embodiment, a patch panel includes a panel face defined by a bottom edge, a top edge and opposing side edges each joined to the bottom and top edges; a cable management bar operably coupled to the panel face, spaced apart from at least one surface side defining the panel face and extending a substantial length defining a length of the panel face; and a pair of mounting brackets extending from the opposing side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • Patent number: 7406241
    Abstract: Methods and devices for the installation of a fiber optic cable to a house or other building structure are provided. The method may include identifying a preferred location of a customer through an indication left by the customer either on the interior side or exterior side of a wall, forming a through opening in the wall near or at the preferred location, and installing the in-wall termination device in the opening. The in-wall termination device may include a wall plate for attaching to an interior surface of the wall. The wall plate includes one or more connectors for receiving ends of cables extending from the exterior and connecting those cables to other cables extending through the interior of the building structure. The method may allow for the installation of the cable without requiring the presence of the customer or requiring access to the interior of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Verizon Laboratories Inc., Verizon New England Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Opaluch, James P. Dacey
  • Patent number: 7406242
    Abstract: An interconnect device for optical fibers includes an enclosure. A first termination panel is mounted in the enclosure. The first termination panel has a plurality of optical fiber connection members, ones of which are associated with respective subscriber locations. A second termination panel is mounted in the enclosure that has a plurality of optical fiber connection members, ones of which are associated with respective input optical fibers associated with a service provider. A cross-connect module mounted in the enclosure has a loop of an optical fiber retained therein with a first and opposite second connectorized end of the optical fiber extending from the cross-connect module. The first and second connectorized ends of the optical fiber extend to a length sufficient to allow cross-connection of a selected pair of the connection members of the termination panels by connection of the connectorized ends thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David J. Braga
  • Patent number: 7406243
    Abstract: An optical fiber array substrate 11 has, in one surface thereof, eight V-grooves 12 for securing eight optical fibers 14 aligned in parallel to each other, and V-shaped side grooves 13 formed outside of the respective outermost V-grooves 12 located at the opposite sides of the substrate 11. The apexes of the outside ridges 12c and 12d defining the outermost V-grooves 12 are at the same height as the apexes of the inside ridges 12a and, the height of the bottom 13a of the side groove 13 is lower than that of a contact point 12e between the ridge line of the V-groove 12 and optical fiber 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takeuchi, Nobuo Funabiki, Kazuya Saito
  • Patent number: 7406244
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra-thin high-precision glass optic and method of manufacturing the same. The optic has an axial thickness that is less than 1,000 microns. A pattern and/or coating is disposed on a surface of the optic to provide attenuation of light in an optical system. In an embodiment, the optic is manufactured by disposing a pattern on a surface of a reticle. The pattern is covered with a first protective coating to protect the pattern. Individual optics are cut from the reticle so that each optic includes a portion of the pattern. The optic is thinned by removing material until it has an axial thickness of less than 1,000 microns. The optic is cleaned after thinning and covered with an anti-reflective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 7406245
    Abstract: Light emitters are made of one or more cladded flat optical fibers having opposite flat sides and disruptions along at least a portion of the length of the fibers to cause light entering at least one end to be emitted from at least one side. The ends of the flat optical fibers may have substantially the same thickness as a light source and a width substantially equal to or substantially greater than the width of the light source for ease of optically coupling one or more such light sources to the flat optical fiber ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Page, Brian M. Spahnie
  • Patent number: 7406246
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an optical element of an optical actuator. The optical actuator moves a guide between a retracted and an extended position relative to an actuator body. The actuator body has a channel, or through-opening, in which the mirror guide moves. In one embodiment, the channel has a two flat surfaces that form a portion of a v-groove in the channel. In the extended position, the guide contacts a stop pin, or stopper, and the two flat surfaces in the through-opening, thereby holding the guide in a position defined by the line of contact between the stop pin and an angled surface of the guide and a pair of parallel contact lines where the guide contacts the two flat surfaces in the through-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Neptec Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John Carberry
  • Patent number: 7406247
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for thermal testing of optoelectronic modules are disclosed. The device includes a frame member, a thermoelectric cooler, a plate in thermal contact with the DUT, a heat sink in thermal contact with the frame, and a metallic clip for attaching the thermal testing device to the module (DUT). The clip secures the thermoelectric cooler to the DUT. The method includes the steps of providing a testing apparatus having a printed circuit board with a test circuit formed thereon. The test board also has an electrical interface disposed in electrical communication with the test circuit, and a thermal testing assembly. A temporary electrical connection is formed between the DUT device and the interface. The thermal testing assembly is used to maintain a test temperature of the DUT device. A data stream is transmitted through the DUT device and then evaluated for adherence to a defined specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Samantha R. Bench, John C. Dirkson, Darin James Douma
  • Patent number: 7406248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the retrieval and storage of image data captured using a digital image acquisition device such as a still camera, a video camera or a scanning device, and of image data stored on removable storage media such as compact flash, smart and memory stick media. An image retrieval architecture is described such that image data may be retrieved from any digital image acquisition device and/or from removable storage media, and a “one-click” operation is available to minimize an amount of interaction needed to retrieve image data from the digital image acquisition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Abhijit B. Rao, Donald P. Gibson, Brian M. Keane, Jr., Lionel Gregory Croom, Costin Valeriu Cozianu, Douglas Richard Barr, Paul Gacek
  • Patent number: 7406249
    Abstract: In a video disk recording/playback device for converting a digital video signal or the like into high-efficiency coded data and recording the coded data on a video disk, or for restoring high-efficiency coded data recorded on the video disk and reproducing an output image, wherein said digital video signal is composed of a succession of video signals of a plurality of frames and including an I picture encoded within a frame, a P picture interframe coded by forward motion compensation with reference to said I picture and/or another P picture, and a B picture interframe coded by motion compensation in both directions with reference to said I and/or P pictures temporally preceding and succeeding the B picture, there are further provided a means for recording in an image information table set up on said video disk all of the start addresses of coded data representing selected images such as images to be retrieved and the start addresses of data containing information required for reproducing the coded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Shirakawa, Tadashi Kasezawa, Masato Nagasawa, Yoshihiro Kiyose, Hiroyuki Ohata, Hidetoshi Mishima, Yoshinori Asamura
  • Patent number: 7406250
    Abstract: With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideo Ando, Hiroaki Unno
  • Patent number: 7406251
    Abstract: With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideo Ando, Hiroaki Unno
  • Patent number: 7406252
    Abstract: DVD-video data and DVD-audio data are recorded in a DVD-Avd disc. The DVD-audio data is composed of an audio manager having an audio manager information, an audio manager menu, a first audio title set including first audio data and a second audio title set including second audio data. The first audio data of the first audio title set is connected with audio contents included in the DVD-video data, and a real time information (RTI). pack or a still picture (SPCT) pack is included in the second audio title set. Therefore, the audio contents of the DVD-video data and the audio data of the DVD-audio data are managed by the audio manager information, and text information indicated by real time information or a still picture is displayed while reproducing the audio data. Also, DVD-video data recorded in a DVD-video disc, which is normally reproduced by using a reproducing apparatus dedicated to the DVD-video disc, can be reproduced by using a reproducing apparatus for the DVD-Avd disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tanaka, Shoji Ueno, Norihiko Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 7406253
    Abstract: When a recording start executed in a variable-speed recording mode, at ST44 a signal having a variable frame rate is selected on the basis of a validity signal from among image signals having a predetermined output frame rate in which the images having the variable frame rate are contained and stored in a memory. If it is decided at ST46 that a phase difference between a write position and a read position in the memory has reached a recording start level, the stored signal is recorded in a recording medium at ST47. If it is decided at ST48 that the phase difference has decreased to a recording stop level, recording to the recording medium is stopped at ST49. When an end operation is executed at ST51, the signal in the memory is recorded in the recording medium to then end actions. The signals are selected and recorded, thus resulting in a smaller signal quantity. Further, if the variable frame rate is varied, video effects can be confirmed only by reproducing the recorded signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ueda, Hiromi Hoshino, Tomokiyo Kato, Kaoru Urata, Mikio Kita
  • Patent number: 7406254
    Abstract: An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is arranged to receive, as an input, an information signal to temporarily store therein the input information signal and to temporarily store therein management information prepared during a recording of the information signal in the recording medium, thereby recording the temporarily stored information signal and management information in the recording medium. Accordingly, it is possible to record an information signal having a large amount of information in the recording medium without lowering a recording speed and it is also possible to easily reduce the size, weight and cost of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7406255
    Abstract: A system controller displays all setup items on a setup screen, at the time of a setup mode in which a setup button 18a of a remote controller is depressed, in case that it is judged that a disc is not loaded on a tray of an apparatus itself, and, in case that it is judged that the disc is loaded, then, judges a type of the disc which is loaded, and on the basis of a result of that judgment, displays only a setup item which can be used for the loaded disc, and does not display a setup item which can not be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Adachi, Hidetoshi Ishihara