Patents Issued in August 5, 2008
  • Patent number: 7407288
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an eye-flow guiding level calculating system which can plan miniaturization and low cost of a device and surely obtain a suitable eye flow. A layout device, first, detects each vertex of an image object as guiding reference points, based on vector image data. And then, for every guiding reference point, two auxiliary lines are virtually formed to intersect the guiding reference point along an outline of the image object. Subsequently, the direction in which a bisector line of an obtuse angle among angles, made by the virtual auxiliary lines, extends outward from the guiding reference point is calculated as an eye-flow guiding direction. Further, for every guiding reference point, the distance from the center G of the image object up to the guiding reference point is calculated as an eye-flow guiding intensity. According to this construction, it is possible to quantitatively calculate in which direction the image object tends to guide the eye-flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Kayahara, Atsushi Nagahara
  • Patent number: 7407289
    Abstract: The optometry apparatus includes an index projecting optical system for projecting an index for cross cylinder test to an eye for shortening examination time, a variable cross cylinder lens disposed on an optical axis of the index projecting optical system, for forming one pair of projection images of the index by switching of an astigmatic axial angle while predetermined astigmatic power is set, a joystick lever and a button used to input a result of comparison between appearance states of the pair of projection images of the index, and an initial value setting unit for determining an astigmatic axial angle of the variable cross cylinder lens to cause one of the pair of projection images of the index visually recognized and to cause the other thereof in a blurred state based on objective values of astigmatic power and an astigmatic axial angle of the eye, measured in advance, and for setting the determined astigmatic axial angle as an initial value for astigmatic axial angle measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sakurada
  • Patent number: 7407290
    Abstract: In order to examine a degree of monocular diplopia is easily examined in a quantitative manner, a plurality of circular eye marks are seen from a predetermined examination distance with a single eye of a patient to find a particular eye mark whose double vision images are observed to be circumscribed each other, and a degree of monocular diplopia is determined by a view angle of the relevant circular eye mark. Since the eye mark is formed as a circular pattern, a degree of monocular diplopia can be examined irrespective of an axial direction along which double vision images appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Masahiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7407291
    Abstract: The micromirror-based projection system of the present invention uses polarized illumination light in producing desired images on a display target. The display target has coated thereon a polarization film that absorbs most of the ambient light that would be incident onto the display target otherwise. Polarized illumination light is provided incident to the reflective surfaces of the spatial light modulator. The polarization direction of the illumination light can be associated with the rotation axes of the micromirrors and the polarization direction of the polarized film on the display target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Regis Grasser, Andrew Huibers
  • Patent number: 7407292
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a polarization member that can include a reflection type polarization element that transmits, of an incident light, a linear polarization component in a specific direction and reflects components other than the linear polarization component in the specific direction, and a return light splitting prism having a light incident surface on which the incident light goes incident, a light exiting surface disposed at a specific tilting angle with respect to the light incident surface, and a light discharge surface from which a return light that is reflected on the reflection type polarization element provided to the light exiting surface and enters inside by way of the light exiting surface, can be discharged in a direction that crosses neither an optical path of the incident light that goes incident on the light incident surface nor an optical path of a light that has passed through the reflection type polarization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yanai
  • Patent number: 7407293
    Abstract: An ion wind generator is arranged in the vicinity of a light source. The ion wind generator allows an air flow by negatively ionizing air by corona discharges using negative side needle electrodes, and drawing the negatively-ionized air using a ground side mesh electrode. High-temperature air surrounding the light source is drawn by the air flow and exhausted from an exhaust port at a rear side of a casing. An ozone decomposition catalyst filter is provided in the exhaust port. Ozone (O3) is generated by the corona discharges in the ion wind generator. However, the ozone is decomposed by passing through the ozone decomposition catalyst filter provided at the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ishii, Takashi Ikeda, Hideyuki Kanayama, Yasuo Funazou, Takashi Miwa
  • Patent number: 7407294
    Abstract: A multi-direction image viewing system includes a triangular or rectangular image case, and plural projectors symmetrically installed to the inner sides of the image case in three or four directions. Projecting light paths cross each other so that the size of the image case is reduced to 1/6.7 to ? of the size of the conventional image case. By reducing the weight of the image case through size reduction, the multi-direction image viewing system can serve as a mobile multi-direction image viewing system coupled with a trailer and transported by a small sized vehicle such as a motorcycle, as a wide viewing angle multi-direction image system attached to a wall and coupled with the safety fence of the bus terminal or the subway station, and as an image viewing system mounted to a ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Hae-Yong Choi
  • Patent number: 7407295
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image with a display system includes receiving image data for the image. The method includes generating a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame corresponding to the image data. The method includes projecting the first sub-frame onto a target surface using a first projector light source. The method includes projecting the second sub-frame onto the target surface using a second projector light source, wherein the first and the second sub-frames at least partially overlap on the target surface, and wherein the first and the second light sources have substantially different spectral distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Niranjan Damera-Venkata, Nelson Liang An Chang, Simon Widdowson
  • Patent number: 7407296
    Abstract: An integrated light gathering reflector and optical element holder for a projection device includes opposing first and second members. Each of the first and second members define a light gathering reflector portion and an optical element holder portion. The shape of the first member is substantially identical to a shape of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Stahl, Brian G. Russell
  • Patent number: 7407297
    Abstract: A system and method of mapping and/or projecting images onto a three-dimensional architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Ricardo Rivera
  • Patent number: 7407298
    Abstract: A vehicle door mirror is configured to be mounted on outside of a vehicle in a retractable manner from a set position to a retracted position. When moving to the set position or the retracted position, the vehicle door mirror is moved at a first speed from a start position to a position right before a stop position, and is further moved from the position right before the stop position to the stop position at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Onuki, Takashi Ogawa, Hajime Yagi
  • Patent number: 7407299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gloria Buley
  • Patent number: 7407300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gloria Buley
  • Patent number: 7407301
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating wine or other liquids, whereby the user can limit the amount of sediment that is allowed to escape from the bottle. The apparatus comprises a collar, an arm, a body, a light source, and a switch. The collar can be hingedly attached to the arm with a spring-loaded hinge. The collar can have a hole large enough to accommodate the neck of a majority of wine or other bottles currently manufactured. The body can be attached to the arm via a retaining member, such that the body is freely positionable along the arm. The light source can be fixedly attached to the body, or hingedly attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: JM Zell Partners, Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Zell
  • Patent number: 7407302
    Abstract: An illuminated pop-up candy comprising a housing, cap, moveable candy, moveable illumination system, and switching mechanism. The candy is able to translate and rotate along the length of the housing by the application of pressure to either the candy or the illumination system. The illumination system is switched on and off by touch or translation of the illumination along said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Harvey Clovis Allard, Thomas George Ference
  • Patent number: 7407303
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed comprising a plurality of semiconductor light sources disposed on a carrier, wherein the light from the light sources is coupled into assigned lightguides at a set angle to the surface normals of the carrier and the lightguides are provided with reflecting and light exit faces such that the envelope of the light outcoupling faces forms a curved surface segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Wanninger, Markus Hofmann, Günter Waitl, Alexander Wilm
  • Patent number: 7407304
    Abstract: An illumination device including at least one arm supporting one or more light emitting devices, such arm pivoting from a closed configuration for passing through a hole to an open configuration for function. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination device includes three or five arms, light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light emitting devices and, springs for automatically pivoting the arms to the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Antonio Tasson, Ronny Liao
  • Patent number: 7407305
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus, applied to a diffuser plate of a backlight unit (BLU), comprises a receiving portion and a positioning portion. The receiving portion is symmetrically formed at a first centrosymmetric line of the diffuser plate, a first pair of edges of the receiving portion set at two sides of the first centrosymmetric line. The positioning portion is located within the receiving portion, and a first distance is formed between the positioning portion and the first pair of edges. The first distance is determined according to a mechanical tolerance of the diffuser plate. Movement of the diffuser plate along a direction of a second centrosymmetric line perpendicular to the first centrosymmetric line, is constrained by the positioning portion. The receiving portion and a positioning portion may comprise a fixing hole and a positioning pin. Alternatively, the receiving portion and the positioning portion comprise a fixing groove and a positioning piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsiang Chen, Yu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7407306
    Abstract: A lighted display panel includes a plurality of illumination layers, with each layer having leading and trailing edges. Each of the layers has a cross section in which the leading and trailing edges are angled toward an upper or lower face of the layer. In some cases, the leading and trailing edges are offset from one another. In other cases, the illumination layer has a wing shape. Lighting elements (e.g., LEDs) are located in the leading edges of the illumination layers. The illumination layers define vents through which air may flow, but which obstruct the passage of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Waytronx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. DeMarb, Vladimir Volochine
  • Patent number: 7407307
    Abstract: An illuminating panel has disposed thereon a plurality of linear light source units, and the linear light source units each include: a light emitter having a plurality of light emitting diodes linearly installed on a base; a first reflector formed of parabolic surfaces which are provided on a light emergence side of the light emitter in such a way as to correspond to the plurality of light emitting diodes, and light emitting faces of which fall in focal positions; and a second reflector having a pair of flat plate-like reflecting surfaces which, being arranged with the light emitting diodes sandwiched therebetween, farther to the light emergence side than the first reflector and parallel to an array direction of the light emitting diodes, reflect light from the light emitting diodes toward the light emergence side, wherein the linear light source units are annularly disposed on a module panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Mirai
    Inventor: Toshio Hiratsuka
  • Patent number: 7407308
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) comprises a luminaire housing (2) having at least one light exit opening (3), and further comprises an explosion-proof illuminant (4) consisting of at least a lamp (5), a base (6) and a lamp envelope (7), and housing contacts (8) in the luminaire housing (2) for supplying the illuminant with electric energy. In order to facilitate the production of such a luminaire and in order to design said luminaire also in such a way that it is variable and suitable for use with essentially all kinds of lamps, and at least partially reusable, the lamp (5) and the base (6) are arranged in the lamp envelope (7) which is implemented in the pressure-resistant-encapsulation or increased-safety ignition protection mode and which is provided with envelope contacts (9) that are accessible from outside, said envelope contacts (9) being used for connection to the housing contacts (8) and being electrically connected to the base (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Crouse-Hinds GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Harnischmacher
  • Patent number: 7407309
    Abstract: A medical lamp has a closed housing having a front side, a rear side and a peripheral side connecting the front side and the rear side. A light source and a reflector are provided in the housing and means are provided to reduce the heat dissipation to the outside from the rear side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Berchtold Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Scholz
  • Patent number: 7407310
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp 1 including a projection lens 16 installed on the optical axis Ax extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle a light source 12a provided behind the rear side focal point F of the projection lens 16, and a reflector 14 that reflects direct light from the light source 12a forward and toward the optical axis Ax; and in this headlamp, an additional lens 30, which deflects and directs light from the light source 12a to the front is provided around the outer perimeter of the projection lens 16, and grooves 33, which have side faces that direct at least a part of the incident light toward the side of the vehicle, are formed in the outer surface of the additional lens 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7407311
    Abstract: A light with a ring structure for a vehicle lamp has a light-guiding ring with a dull face, a light-emitting element, and a reflective cover. The light-guiding ring defines a front annular face and has a cavity. The light-emitting element is disposed in the cavity. The reflective cover is disposed on a part of the front annular face and corresponds to the cavity. The light-guiding ring with a dull face guides light emitted by the light-emitting element therein. The reflective cover reflects the light into the light-guiding ring. As such, the brightness of the light with a ring structure is even to improve the warning function of a vehicle lamp to ensure a safer driving experience for its user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiu-Pen Yang
  • Patent number: 7407312
    Abstract: A luminescent diode (LED) that improves brightness uniformity, a fabrication method thereof, and a backlight assembly having the same are disclosed. The LED includes an LED chip that emits light in a side surface of an LCD device; and an optical guide element on the LED chip that enlarges a radiation angle of the light. The LED may alternatively include an LED chip that emits light on a bottom surface of the LCD device; and an optical guide element on the LED chip that enlarges a radiation angle of the light. The radiation angle of light maximally enlarged to prevent hot spots caused by brightness nonuniformity. An enhanced image quality results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7407313
    Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surfaces of the light guides is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7407314
    Abstract: A light guide (20) for illuminating keys of a keyboard or keypad of a portable electronic device, includes an array of apertures (22) and a groove (21) at one end of the light guide. The apertures are configured to illuminate the keys via a light source (10). The light source is disposed adjacent to the groove. A peripheral wall around each aperture is configured partially as a reflecting surface, and partially as a transmitting surface. The reflecting angle of the reflecting surface is larger than a critical total internal reflection angle so as to transfer the light farther. The light guide has a desired uniform light by means of a light source. This provides the portable electronic device consuming little power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sutech Trading Limited
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Wen-Feng Cheng
  • Patent number: 7407315
    Abstract: A light guide panel is disclosed. The panel comprises a plate for dispersing light and at least one light-emitting diode (LED) coupled to the plate for providing the dispersed light. When the panel is coupled to a keyboard, the at least one LED is under a portion of the keyboard such that when the at least one LED is illuminated, the light from the LED does not distract a user. Accordingly, by strategically placing LEDs within the panel and providing the LEDs under appropriate portions of the keyboard, the device utilizing the keyboard can be smaller than when a conventional light guide panel is utilized. In addition, a further improvement in illumination is provided when a mechanism is provided which reflects light escaping from the edges of the panel back into the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Porter Hotelling
  • Patent number: 7407316
    Abstract: A backlight system and an LCD employing the backlight system. The backlight system includes a plurality of light emitting devices arranged on a base plate to form a plurality of lines each including a plurality of light emitting devices, and a light guide panel having a sidewall spaced apart from the plurality of light emitting devices such that light incident from the plurality of light emitting devices is dispersed by inner reflection, and a scattering region formed adjacent to the base plate such that light incident into the scattering region is irregularly reflected to emit in a direction away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-whan Noh, Jin-gil Jeong, Il-yong Jung
  • Patent number: 7407317
    Abstract: A prism sheet capable of achieving an enhancement in light efficiency and viewing angle characteristics and a backlight unit using the prism sheet are disclosed. The prism sheet includes: a condensing film which transmits light incident to the condensing film; a plurality of prism crests on the condensing film having apexes; and a plurality of reflection patterns formed on the condensing film such that each of the reflection patterns faces a boundary of adjacent prism crests associated with the reflection pattern to reflect light incident onto the reflection patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man Hoan Lee, Jae Kyung Kang, Ji Su Yoon, Sung Keun Lee, Won Taek Moon
  • Patent number: 7407318
    Abstract: A spacer includes a base, at least a supporting column, and at least a clamp. The base includes at least a bridge-shaped portion and at least a flat portion. The bridge-shaped portion includes a bridge top surface, and two curving sidewalls respectively extend from two ends of the bridge top surface and connect with the flat portion. The supporting column is disposed on the bridge top surface of the base. The clamp is disposed on the flat portion of the base. A backlight module using the same spacers is also provided. The backlight module has a reflective plate having a plurality of projections parallel to linear light sources. The spacers are coupled to the projections and support a diffusing plate. Curving sidewalls of the spacers and the adjacent curving surface of the projections facing the corresponding light sources would give the present spacer and backlight module have good optical uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 7407319
    Abstract: Storage, homogenisation and dosing system of substances able to precipitate or aggregate comprising at least one tank (20) for storage and a valve (40) for dosing. The at least one tank (20) comprises a tubular portion (21), a bottom (22) and a cover (23). The at least one valve (40) is housed near to the bottom (22) of the at least one tank (20) and the system also comprises oscillating support means for allowing a good homogenisation of the substances contained in the at least one tank (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: CS Automazione S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianpaolo Fasoli, Mauro Carraro, Mauro Fassi, Flavio Crestetto
  • Patent number: 7407320
    Abstract: A juicer safety device includes a sidearm formed with the container and having a groove in a sidewall, a contact member on an upper surface of a chamber, a spring on the contact member, a position guide member in a sidewall of the chamber, and two projecting ridges with a slide groove between them; a push rod kept in position by the contact member, the position guide member and the two projecting ridges and having a projecting block provided with a stop edge at a first side and a guide block fitting in the slide groove; a cap with a contact block is closed on the container and then rotated to let a contact block insert in the sidearm and push the push rod downwards so that a contact rod of the push rod moves downwards, touching and turning on a micro switch, which turns on the juicer to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7407321
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus having a blade mixer affixed to the end of a mixer shaft which is rotatably or non-rotatably, but slidably mounted thru a mixer seal member which is adapted to be brought into sealing engagement with the open filler end of a retail tube of viscous caulking compound, wherein the shaft and mixer are adapted to be reciprocated thru the viscous compound contained in the tube substantially the entire length of the tube to rapidly and intimately mix the compound with colorant injected thereinto directly in the retail tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Charles K. Renfro
  • Patent number: 7407322
    Abstract: A stirring apparatus that includes a coupling member and a bladed impeller that is offset from the coupling member by an extension. The stirring apparatus also includes a support that prevents the apparatus from tipping over. The stirring apparatus further includes an extraction facilitating component designed to allow for easier removal of the apparatus from a tank. In addition, a method for stirring a substance in a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: David Engel
  • Patent number: 7407323
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a temperature TO of a remote object are provided. The method includes storing in memory, a lookup table relating an output voltage of an infrared sensor to a temperature sensed by the infrared sensor V(TO, TA), determining a temperature sensor voltage output corresponding to a temperature TA proximate the infrared sensor, determining a first voltage as a function of the temperature TA proximate the infrared sensor and a reference temperature TREF, V(TA, TREF), determining a second voltage as a function of the temperature of the object TO and the reference temperature TREF, V(TO, TREF) by combining the determined temperature sensor voltage output and the first voltage, and determining a temperature of the object TO from the lookup table using the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: GE Infrastructure Sensing Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Hutcherson
  • Patent number: 7407324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining thickness of a metallic layer being deposited on a collector. The method includes applying an electromagnetic field to a conductive layer on the collector. Then the temperature or the change in temperature of the collector is determined. The metal thickness is determined as a function of the temperature or change in temperature. The apparatus includes a collector, a thermocouple associated with the collector, and a source of an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jozef Brcka
  • Patent number: 7407325
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring thermophysical properties that includes: rapid resistive self-heating of a specimen by using a heating current; emitting a light to the specimen heated by the rapid resistive self-heating of the specimen; measuring a temperature change of the specimen induced by emitting the light to the specimen; and deriving a thermal diffusivity of the specimen from the temperature change induced by emitting the light to the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiromichi Watanabe, Tetsuya Baba
  • Patent number: 7407326
    Abstract: A triangularly shaped flexible bottle having a gusseted body section, and a neck section comprised of narrowed portions of the side panels and gusset of the body section, with a fitment in the neck section. The bottle has a flat bottom that may be created by tapering the webs forming the bottom at about 30 degrees. The body has a triangular cross section when filled, but may be contoured in the vertical direction. A process for fabricating the bottle is also disclosed which involves feeding webs, including a side gusset, creating perimeter seals around only the top portion of the bottle, inserting the fitment from the input end of the machine in the direction of web travel, forming the remainder of the perimeter seams, detaching the nascent bottle from the web, and sealing the neck section of the bottle to the fitment by clamping the neck section with a heated clamp, and preferably repeating the seal operation at a different radial angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 7407327
    Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Patent number: 7407328
    Abstract: A bearing housing to receive and be deformed around a ball having a predetermined radius R to form a bearing, an inner surface of the bearing housing being generally cup-shaped, having at least approximately circular symmetry around a central axis, and comprising: a cup portion of the radius R shaped to seat closely a first portion of a ball of radius R placed in the bearing housing; and a conforming portion lying in the plane which is perpendicular to the central axis and contains the centre of curvature of the cup portion, there being a clearance between the conforming portion and a second portion of the ball, the clearance being greater than any clearance between the cup portion and the first portion of the ball, the bearing housing being shaped such that, when the bearing housing is deformed around a ball having radius R to form a bearing, the bearing housing is deformed so that the conforming portion matches closely the shape of the second portion of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Minebea Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Steven A. Essam
  • Patent number: 7407329
    Abstract: A sliding bearing (1) includes an upper casing (3) which is made of polyacetal resin as a synthetic resin, has an annular surface (2), and serves as a first bearing body; a second bearing body (5) which is made of a synthetic resin, is superposed on the upper casing (3) so as to be rotatable about an axis (O), and has an synthetic resin-made annular surface (4) opposed to the annular surface (2); and a synthetic resin-made annular sheet (6) which is interposed between the annular surfaces (2) and (4) and slidably abuts against at least one of the upper casing (3) and the bearing body (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Watai, Kazuyuki Miyata, Ryohei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7407330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic connector holder sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. The present invention further relates to a system for holding fiber optic connectors including a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. The present invention also relates to a method of holding an optical fiber connector to a bulkhead, when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Thomas C. Tinucci, Cindy S. Walters, James W. Conroy, Joel B. Douglas, Kathleen M. Barnes, Marlon E. Holmquist
  • Patent number: 7407331
    Abstract: An optical branching module includes a case from which cables are drawn out and an output-cable fixing member attached onto the case by insertion. Optical cables are inserted into cable insertion holes of the optical cable fixing member, and the optical cables are fixed to the optical cable fixing member by an adhesive applied from an opening portion. The optical branching module includes a cable boot configured not to be bent in a radius of curvature smaller than the allowed radius of curvature of the optical cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Momotsu, Koichi Katayose
  • Patent number: 7407332
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an intelligent pluggable transceiver improving an EMI tolerance with a simple mechanism. The optical transceiver of the invention comprises upper and lower housings (11, 12), a holder (81), optical assemblies (51, 61), a cover (14), a substrate (15) and a grip (13). The optical assemblies are fixed with the upper and lower housings together with the holder with interposing the conductive elastic member. Although the rear end of the substrate exposes outside the transceiver, the shield gasket and the ground pattern on the substrate shields the contact portion between the substrate and the upper housing and between the substrate and the cover. Moreover, the grip and the latch lever installed in the lower housing, and the elastic piece realize the latching/releasing mechanism of the transceiver with the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Oki, Hiromi Kurashima, Tomoyuki Funada, Shojiro Kiyotake, Kou Nito, Hiroshi Murata
  • Patent number: 7407333
    Abstract: An optical fiber fixing system includes a clamp base and a clamp member. The clamp base has a V-groove on a top surface thereof. The depth of the V-groove is configured such that a ridgeline of an optical fiber projects beyond the top surface of the base when the optical fiber is mounted therein. The clamp member has a protrusion on a bottom surface thereof. The protrusion depresses, from the upside, the optical fiber mounted in the V-groove of the clamp base. Further, the protrusion is configured to extend substantially perpendicularly to the axial direction of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Horino, Kensuke Yoshida, Noriyuki Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 7407334
    Abstract: In a lens group which is disposed forward of a photographing device and which includes at least a ceramic lens that is combined with a glass lens, wherein a conjugate surface of the photographing device by a combined surface between the ceramic lens and the glass lens is formed forward of the combined surface in an optical system that follows an optical system residing between the combined surface and the photographing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Sato
  • Patent number: 7407335
    Abstract: A Braille display for use by blind and low vision users. The Braille display can be detachably mounted on a notetaker which includes either a Braille keyboard or a conventional QWERTY keyboard and a memory for storing in digital form information which is entered through the keyboard. Preferably, the Braille display includes a conventional port for connecting through a cable to a personal computer or other computer operated device for displaying information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Damery, Lee Hamilton, Glen Gordon, Bradley S. Davis, Casimir M. Wojcik, Sharon Spencer, Chris Hofstader
  • Patent number: 7407336
    Abstract: A paint or varnish feeder for a painting device comprises at least one manifold (13; 33; . . . ) with openings or small dispensing channels (15; 55; . . . ). The at least one manifold (13; 33; . . . ) is fed through at least one pipe (16; . . .) starting from a container in which a slight pressure is created. The small dispensing channels (15; 55; . . . ) can have various configurations in the various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Massimi Giacomo
  • Patent number: 7407337
    Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism includes a first element and a second element, the first element and second element rotatable relative to one another about a common rotational axis between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation and axially translatable relative to one another. The mechanism further includes one or more first locking surfaces of the first element and one or more second locking surfaces of the second element. The second locking surfaces are configured to clear the first locking surfaces in the unlocked orientation. The second locking surface is configured for an interference fit with a first locking surface in the locked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Tella, Robert G. Ritter