Patents Issued in December 30, 2008
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Patent number: 7470862Abstract: A signal transmission cable is adapted to pass through a hinge assembly and includes a flexible circuit substrate. A first connection section is formed at a first end of the flexible circuit substrate and has a plurality of signal transmission lines provided thereon. A second connection section is formed at a second end of the flexible circuit substrate and has a plurality of signal transmission lines provided thereon. The cable further has a cluster section formed on the flexible circuit substrate between the first and the second connection sections, and has a plurality of signal transmission lines provided thereon to respectively connect at two ends to the signal transmission lines on the first and the second connection sections. The cluster section includes a plurality of clustered flat cables formed by cutting the flexible circuit substrate along a plurality of parallel cutting lines extended in the lengthwise direction of the flexible circuit substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Advanced Flexible Circuits Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gwun-Jin Lin, Chih-Heng Chuo, Kuo-Fu Su
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Patent number: 7470863Abstract: A microelectronic device and method of making the microelectronic device is provided. A dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces is provided. A first component, located in the dielectric substrate between the first and second surfaces of the dielectric substrate is formed. The first component includes a first interface and a second interface. A second component located in the dielectric substrate and spaced relative to the first component is formed, and a first low permittivity material is formed having a predetermined thickness and a first and second surface, the first surface of the low permittivity material is adjacent to or in contact with a first portion of the first interface of the first component. The first low permittivity material substantially reduces capacitive parasitics of the first component, resulting in a substantially higher characteristic impedance of the first component during operation of the microelectronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hanyi Ding, Brian P. Welch
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Patent number: 7470864Abstract: A multi-conducting through hole structure is provided. The multi-conducting through hole structure has a substrate, at least two signal lines and at least a reference line. The substrate has a through hole passing therethrough. The signal lines are disposed on a portion of an inner surface of the through hole and extended through the through hole. The reference line is disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the through hole and extended through the through hole, wherein the reference line is disposed between the lines for signal. Because the signal lines are separated by the reference line, the electromagnetic coupling generated by signals can be reduced to lower the cross-talk interference between signals passing through the through hole, so as to promote the signal-transmission quality.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kwun-Yao Ho, Moriss Kung, Chi-Hsing Hsu, Jimmy Hsu
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Patent number: 7470865Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board which permits the formation of fine wiring patterns, thereby increasing the density of wiring patterns. Using photosensitive glass having a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of a copper film as a core substrate, a through hole is formed in the photosensitive glass by photolithography, a sputtering silicon oxide layer and a sputtering silicon nitride layer are formed to prevent leak of alkali metal ions from the photosensitive glass, a sputtering chromium layer, a sputtering chromium-copper layer and a sputtering copper layer are formed to enhance the adhesion strength between the copper film and the sputtering silicon oxide layer, and a copper film of 1 to 20 ?m thick is formed. With resin filled into the interior of the through hole, a wiring layer is patterned by etching, an insulating layer is formed, and the surface is covered with a surface treatment layer and a cover coat.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Takashi Fushie, Takeshi Kagatsume, Shigekazu Matsui
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Patent number: 7470866Abstract: An electrically conductive gasket and methods of manufacturing electrically conductive gaskets. In one embodiment, the gasket includes a core that supports an electrically conductive cover thereon. The electrically conductive cover may be attached to the core or portions of the core by one or more adhesives used to also affix the gasket to an electrically conductive object. In other embodiments, a mechanical fastener may be affixed to the core by the one or more adhesives employed to affix the electrically conductive cover to the core.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Jemic Shielding TechnologyInventors: John F. Dietrich, Clark S. Hammaker
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Patent number: 7470867Abstract: A electronics laboratory includes improved infrastructure for routing power and network data. The laboratory includes a number of work areas, each including a group of interconnected electronic devices arranged in a row. Two or more groups of interconnected electronic devices may also be interconnected. The infrastructure includes, for each work area, a structure comprising a bus duct segment suspended above the row of electronic devices, a plurality of power outlet modules mounted to the bus duct segment, a plurality of rigid members mounted to the bus duct segment, and a plurality of data line connectors, each mounted to a separate one of the rigid members adjacent to the bus duct segment, each to couple a first data line to a second data line, to transport data between two or more of the electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Network Appliance, Inc.Inventors: William J. Cope, Daniel O. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7470868Abstract: A switch with light emitting function is provided. The switch is disposed on a circuit board for starting a device, and includes a case, a button, a light emitting diode (LED) and a number of pins. The button is protruded from the case. The LED is disposed inside the case, and has a positive end and a negative end. The pins are connected to a first electrical contact, a second electrical contact, a third electrical contact and the negative end of the LED, respectively. The positive end of the LED is electrically connected to the fourth electrical contact. When the button is pressed, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are shorted to start the device. Meanwhile, the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are shorted, so that the LED is turned on to emit a light. No extra space is needed for disposing the LED.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Qisda CorporationInventors: Shih-An Lin, Chi-Pao Huang
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Patent number: 7470869Abstract: A key structure is provided, which includes a plurality of contact members and a control member. Each of the contact members has an elastic portion and a fixed portion, and the control member has a pressing portion and a combining portion. The control member is selectively combined with an appropriate contact member according to actual requirements in the electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Altek CorporationInventor: Tzu-Chih Lin
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Patent number: 7470870Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker includes a first contact arrangement, for connecting a fixed contact to a first busbar and a second contact arrangement, for connecting a counter contact, arranged on a contact lever, to a second busbar. A low-voltage circuit breaker is produced, which may be converted with minimal material complexity and little effort from a fixed switch into a modular switch, whereby the busbars of a low-voltage circuit breaker include moulded features such that the low-voltage circuit breaker may be embodied as both a fixed breaker and a modular breaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Detlev Schmidt, Günter Seidler, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Türkmen, Artur Wajnberg
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Patent number: 7470871Abstract: A machine for welding rails of a track extending in a longitudinal direction includes a rail pulling device for gripping the rails to be welded to one another. The rail pulling device is connected to a machine frame of the welding machine by way of guides and coupling devices. The rail pulling device is designed for displacement in the longitudinal direction or transversely to the longitudinal direction by means of longitudinal displacement drives and transverse displacement drives, and is also vertically adjustable by means of drives. By means of tilting drives, the rail pulling device can additionally be pivoted about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industriegesellschaft m.b.HInventors: Josef Theurer, Bernhard Lichtberger
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Patent number: 7470872Abstract: A plasma arc generation system includes a power module operably engaged with a plasma arc torch head portion and adapted to provide an electrical current for causing an arc at the torch head portion or generating a plasma. A cooling device is operably engaged with the power module so as to direct a fluid thereto for cooling the power module. The cooling device is configured such that the fluid directly contacts the power module to receive heat therefrom generated by the power module. Associated systems and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: The Esab Group, Inc.Inventor: David C. Griffin
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Patent number: 7470873Abstract: A desalinization system for converting a saltwater solution to a purified water composition is provided. The desalinization system (1000) has a primary tank (40) which contains a heated silicone composition within a heated silicone composition zone (210) and water globules (30) which pass through the heated silicone zone (14) to form an initially treated or initially heated water zone (60) within the primary tank (40). The initially heated water zone (60) then is fluidly displaced through a heating conduit (115) for passage into a secondary tank (120) in the form of steam (180). The steam (180) then condenses within a condensation zone (200) and forms a purified water zone (140) within secondary tank (120). The water within the purified water zone (140) of the secondary tank (120) may be removed through a water output line (150) from secondary tank (120).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Aquitic Technology, Inc.Inventor: Andrew F. Kozak, III
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Patent number: 7470874Abstract: A particle reduction apparatus comprises a radiation absorption zone for receiving a gaseous flow carrying particulate matter. A transparent shield surrounds at least a portion of the radiation absorption zone. A radiation source for generating radiation and for directing the radiation into the radiation absorption zone to promote reduction of the particulate matter is provided, and an insulation layer at least partially surrounds the radiation source.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bahram Keramati, Mark Woodmansee, Aaron Simon, Roy Primus
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Patent number: 7470875Abstract: An improved glow plug for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber as well as a smart fuel supply system for glow plug applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Locust USA, Inc.Inventors: Ernest W. Wilcox, Nigel MacDonald, Robert A. Breslaure
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Patent number: 7470876Abstract: Heating and drying devices including generally rectangular waveguide applicators forming exposure chambers for uniformly heating materials. Material to be heated enters and exits a microwave exposure region of the chamber through entrance and exit ports at opposite ends of the chamber. Various techniques are used to achieve uniform or preferred heating effects.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Industrial Microwave Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Esther Drozd, J. Michael Drozd
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Patent number: 7470877Abstract: A modular microwave oven and ventilation hood combination system, includes a core module, having a core module housing, and a microwave cooking chamber, fitted in the core module housing. The system further includes an intake module, having an intake module housing connected to a lower side of the core module housing, and an air inlet for drawing air from an area above a range.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Eckart Braunisch, Andrew D. Litch, Fredrick Hallgren, Hakan Carlsson
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Patent number: 7470878Abstract: Thawing is achieved by applying high-frequency power to a frozen material (R) sandwiched between opposing electrodes. A thawing section of a thawing apparatus (10) includes unit electrodes (302) for a first electrode group as a former stage, unit electrodes (303) for a second electrode group as a latter stage, and unit electrodes (304) for a third electrode group as a further stage. The unit electrodes (302) for the first electrode group are set so that the area of the electrode surface is smaller than the area of the sandwiched surface of the frozen material (R). The unit electrodes (303) for the second top electrode group are larger than the area of the unit electrodes (302) for the first electrode group. The unit electrodes (304) for the third electrode group are larger than the area of the unit electrodes (303) for the second electrode group.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Yamamoto Vinita Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuji Yamamoto, Toshihiro Imahori
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Patent number: 7470879Abstract: An optical pickup for recording or reproducing information to an optical disk, includes: a first photodetector for detecting a return light from the optical disk, wherein the first photodetector is configured so that the first photodetector is divided into three portions in a radial direction corresponding to a radial direction of the optical disk and light receiving elements at both end portions in the radial direction are divided into three portions in substantially a track direction perpendicular to the radial direction, so that the first photodetector includes a light receiving element at a central portion in the radial direction and the three light receiving portions at each of both the end portions to be seven in total to output a light receiving element signal based on light reception of the return light as a track error signal generation signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Takuya Anzawa
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Patent number: 7470880Abstract: An anti-glare eye protection apparatus includes an anti-glare eye protection plate, an optical detector, an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electromagnetic wave detector, a user interface, a main controller, and a light transmittance controller. The electromagnetic wave sensor senses an electromagnetic wave generated by a welding or cutting torch using at least two coils. The electromagnetic wave detector compares a signal received through the electromagnetic wave sensor with a reference value. The user interface includes a display for selecting or displaying one of the optical and electromagnetic wave detectors. The main controller applies an electromagnetic wave detector activation signal to the electromagnetic wave detector as the optical detector starts optical detection and monitors changes in a received electromagnetic wave signal based on output of the electromagnetic wave detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Utos Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon Young Huh
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Patent number: 7470881Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: plural kinds of groups of photoelectric conversion devices, the solid-state imaging device being so constructed that a difference between an amount of light incident to each photoelectric conversion device in a peripheral portion and an amount of light incident to each photoelectric conversion device in a central portion decreases, wherein the plural kinds of groups each comprises at least one row of photoelectric conversion devices arrayed in a row direction on a semiconductor substrate and any of the plural kinds of groups are so constructed that the difference is reduced to a minimum depending on an incident angle at which light is incident to the peripheral portion of the solid-state imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kazuya Oda
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Patent number: 7470882Abstract: Improved column sample-and-hold (CSH) circuitry particularly useful in a CMOS imager is disclosed. In the improved circuitry layout, the overall column height of the CSH circuitry is reduced by providing a plurality of pairs of sampling and reference capacitors in a vertical stack over the columns that the capacitors service. The number of pairs provided in the vertical stack is subject to optimization, and for a given set of design constraints, a certain form factors can prove to be optimal. No modification needs to be made to the pixel array (such as pixel pitch), and the sensing circuitry otherwise requires no electrical or process modifications as the values for the capacitances as well as other design constraint are preserved. However, the vertical stacking of the plurality of pairs of capacitors reduces the overall column height (CH), which conserves layout space on the CMOS imager integrated circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Suat Utku Ay
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Patent number: 7470883Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of use for detecting the explosive detonation. The apparatus has a plurality of sensors consecutively arranged and spaced apart wherein each pair of consecutive light sensors defines a sensor pair. The sensors are sequentially activated by light produced by the detonation of explosive detonation and are inactivated by the absence of light. The sensors provide data that represents the amount of time that elapses between activation of a first light sensor in a sensor pair and activation of a second light sensor in the sensor pair and the length of time in which each sensor is activated. The data is processed to determine detonation velocity values and chemical reaction time values associated with material detonation and to provide an output signal that indicates whether the determined detonation velocity values and chemical reaction time values are valid.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Brett A. Rice
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Patent number: 7470884Abstract: This disclosure is generally concerned with devices for determining photocurrent levels. One example of such a device is an optoelectronic transceiver that includes a laser and a photodetector. The photodetector is configured to receive an optical signal and generate a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by a first stage circuit which then converts the received electrical signal to a differential output. Finally, a second stage circuit in communication with the first stage circuit is configured to derive an optical signal strength of the optical signal based upon the differential output received from the first stage circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventor: Phil Shapiro
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Patent number: 7470885Abstract: The present invention provides a photodetector-amplifier circuit capable of eliminating an influence of noise due to stray light entering a non-selected photodetector to stably select and switch a photodetector. The photodetector-amplifier circuit of the present invention comprises photodetectors 12 and 13. The photodetector 12 is connected via a switch 16 between an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier 11 and GND, and is also connected via a switch 18 to a voltage source Vcc. The photodetector 13 is connected via a switch 17 to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 11 and GND, and is also connected via a switch 19 to the voltage source Vcc.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shinichi Miyamoto, Hideo Fukuda
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Patent number: 7470886Abstract: There is provided a light receiving circuit capable of preventing an output variation of the light receiving circuit due to a change in ambient temperature with a simple configuration. The light receiving circuit is provided with a photodiode 4 for LD power monitoring and an I-V amplifier 5 connected with a feedback resistor 13, wherein a light receiving section 16 of the photodiode 4 is covered with a protective film 19. Temperature dependences between a light transmittance of the protective film 19 in accordance-with a shift of a wavelength of a laser beam due to a change in ambient temperature, and a resistance value of the feedback resistor 13 are set in such a way that they may be mutually compensated and an output voltage from the light receiving circuit may be constant for a temperature change.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuzo Shimizu, Hisatada Yasukawa, Shinichi Hamaguchi, Kenji Imaizumi, Shinichi Miyamoto, Yosuke Kuroiwa
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Patent number: 7470887Abstract: A system for optical navigation includes an optical navigation sensor integrated circuit (IC) configured to generate image information for use in navigation sensing and a collapsible structure which sets the distance between the optical navigation sensor IC and a navigation surface and which can be expanded or collapsed as needed. The collapsible structure includes a collapse system configured to allow the collapsible structure to be in an expanded state or a collapsed state. The collapse structure has a smaller profile dimension in the collapsed state than in the expanded state. The collapsible structure is placed in the expanded state for navigation sensing and in the collapsed state for storage and/or charging.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Sai Mun Lee, Li Chong Tai, Hun Kwang Lee
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Patent number: 7470888Abstract: A damage detection system including: a optical fiber sensor including a core portion to have a grating portion formed therein, the grating portion having gratings reflecting light, wherein a wavelength band of the reflected light changes when a distance between adjacent gratings changes; a light source to input broadband light into the core portion; two optical filters connected to an output end of the sensor; and an apparatus to perform arithmetic processing on output values of the optical filters, wherein each passband of the optical filters overlaps with the vibration range of the wavelength band, in which a center wavelength of one of the passbands is fixed to an upper area of a vibration center of a center wavelength of the reflected light and that of the other of the passbands is fixed to a lower area thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Hitachi Cable, Ltd., The University Of TokyoInventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Seiji Kojima, Nobuo Takeda
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Patent number: 7470889Abstract: A device for mounting an encoder on a motor includes a first part including at least one first mounting ear and a second part including at least one second mounting ear. A first end of the first part is adapted to connect to a second end of the second part, and a second end of the first part is adapted to connect to a first end of the second part to form a substantially circular cleat. An inner diameter of the cleat is adapted to couple to a housing of the encoder, and the mounting ears are adapted to mount to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Renco Encoders, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Jones, Touyer Moua
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Patent number: 7470890Abstract: A field-modulating angular position measuring device includes a scanning device, a measuring graduation, and evaluation electronics, the scanning device and the measuring graduation being arranged at a scanning distance rotatably relative to each other, and angle-dependent output signals being producible by the scanning device, which may be processed further in the evaluation electronics. The angular position measuring device furthermore has a unit for determining the signal amplitudes of the output signals. The angular position measuring device furthermore includes a temperature sensor, which is able to determine a temperature in the angular position measuring device. The angular position measuring device is configured such that the scanning distance may be determined on the basis of the temperature and the signal amplitudes. Furthermore, a method for operating such an angular position measuring device makes it possible, e.g., to determine a change in length of a shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbHInventors: Andreas Schroter, Steffen Bielski
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Patent number: 7470891Abstract: The optical device 10 includes a light source 13, a mirror element 12 including a mirror 36 for reflecting light emitted from the light source 13 in a predetermined direction, and a mirror element housing body 11 that accommodates the mirror element 12 as well as seals a space D where the mirror element 12 is accommodated, characterized in that the light source 13 is provided inside the mirror element housing body 11.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Koizumi, Masahiro Sunohara, Akinori Shiraishi, Yuichi Taguchi, Kei Murayama, Hideaki Sakaguchi, Mitsutoshi Higashi
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Patent number: 7470892Abstract: An optical encoder includes an incoherent light source; a first grating, which is an amplitude grating having a first grating period, for spatial amplitude modulation of the incoherent light from the light source; a second grating, which is a phase grating having a second grating period, for spatial phase modulation of light from the first grating; a third grating, which is an amplitude grating having a third grating period, for spatial amplitude modulation of light from the second grating; and a light detecting element for detecting light from the third grating. The encoder detects relative displacement between the respective gratings. The optical transfer function from the light source to the light detecting element is enhanced, and the efficiency in utilizing light is improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoichi Ohmura, Toru Oka, Hajime Nakajima
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Patent number: 7470893Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-detecting apparatus having a structure which can accurately detect light by restraining noises from occurring. The photo-detecting apparatus comprises a first substrate having a surface provided with M×N photodiodes and switches; a second substrate having a surface provided with signal processing parts for processing output signals of the photodiodes; and a third substrate arranged between the first and second substrates. The third substrate has a first surface opposing the first substrate and a second surface opposing the second substrate. In the third substrate, M common wires for connecting the photodiodes to the signal processing parts are arranged on the first surface, whereas bonding pads connected to the respective common wires are arranged on the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Seiichiro Mizuno
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Patent number: 7470894Abstract: A multi-substrate package assembly having a first substrate, a second substrate and a package, each with a number of bond pads. The package includes a cavity for receiving either or both of the first and second substrates, with a number of bond pads positioned along at least part of the periphery of the cavity. The first substrate and the second substrate are preferably positioned in the cavity of the package, with selected bond pads of the first substrate and second substrate electrically connected to selected bond pads of the package. In some embodiments, the bond pads of the first substrate are only connected to bond pads on one or more sides of the cavity, and the bond pads of the second substrate are only connected to bond pads on one or more of the remaining sides of the cavity. The packaging assembly of the present invention can be used in many applications, including spectrally tunable optical detectors.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, Robert E. Higashi, Christopher J. Zins, Subash Krishnankutty
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Patent number: 7470895Abstract: A submersible transformer assembly including a housing for holding an electrical transformer and having an aperture in a top panel of said housing for receiving a photocell assembly, the photocell assembly including a photocell positioned above the housing and electrically coupled with a socket held within the aperture by a socket retainer mounted to the underside of the housing top panel below the aperture. A transparent photocell cover or lens is mounted on top of the housing in covering and sealing relationship with the photocell and the aperture. The transformer positioned within the housing is electrically governed by the photocell which switches power to the transformer on and off in response to changes in ambient light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Air-O-Lator CorporationInventors: Douglas D. Cramer, Roy L. Watkins
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Patent number: 7470896Abstract: A non-circular-orbit detection method and apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes: locating first and second detectors, displaced with respect to one another, a distance from a patient; moving the first and second detectors in a direction towards the patient until a first sensor senses a first point of the patient at a first sensing position; moving the first and second detectors in a second direction from the first sensing position until a second sensor senses a second point of the patient at a second sensing position; and moving the first and second detectors in a non-circular-orbit around the patient. Preferably, the method includes determining the non-circular-orbit based on, among other things, locations of the first point and the second point.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Pawlak, Anthony Perrone
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Patent number: 7470897Abstract: A nuclear medical apparatus for obtaining a distribution of a radioisotope in a subject by administering to a subject a radioactive medicine labeled with a radioisotope, detecting gamma rays given off from the radioisotope in a gamma-ray detecting section and counting the detected gamma rays in a count section. A correcting section is provided to correct for a count taken at the count section, by use of collection efficiency data determined according to the gamma-ray detecting section and an energy the gamma rays possesses.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Takuzo Takayama, Katsuhiko Fujimoto, Shigeharu Ohyu, Yasuo Sakurai, Mariko Shibata, Atsuko Sugiyama, Keisuke Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7470898Abstract: Continuous monitoring of fluid composition, e.g. drinking water supply, with improved detection sensitivity and selectivity to varying degrees of contamination at and below the predetermined maximum contaminant levels using pyrolysis-differential mobility spectrometry.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: William F. Merrick, Julie E. Zeskind, Melissa D. Krebs, Christina E. Davis
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Patent number: 7470899Abstract: An ion source includes an ion transfer tube having two segments for transporting a sample fluid containing ions between a first chamber and a second chamber maintained at a reduced pressure relative to the first chamber. A first segment may include a plurality of channels and heat conductive walls forming the plurality of channels. The plurality of channels and walls forming the channels promote efficient convective heat transfer to the sample fluid, thereby enabling operation at relatively high sample fluid flow rates, resulting in an increase in the number of ions that may be delivered to a mass analyzer. A second segment forms a single common channel that receives a plurality of sample streams and enables them to combine into a single ion stream that may be introduced as a single gas stream expansion into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLCInventors: Paul R Atherton, Jean Jacques Dunyach, Maurizio Splendore, Eloy R. Wouters
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Patent number: 7470900Abstract: An electrode structure for manipulating ions includes a main electrode and a compensation electrode. An outer surface of the main electrode includes a curved section that includes an apex. An aperture is generally disposed at the apex and extends along a radial center line from the outer surface through a thickness of the main electrode. The compensation electrode is disposed at the radial center line and at a tangent line tangent to the apex. Another electrode structure includes a plurality of main electrodes defining an interior space, and one or more compensation electrodes disposed in the interior space. RF signals may be applied to the main electrodes and to the compensation electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Varian, Inc.Inventor: Gregory J. Wells
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Patent number: 7470901Abstract: A charged particle (e.g. photoelectron) spectrometer is operable in a first mode to produce an energy spectrum relating to the composition of a sample being analysed, and in a second mode to produce a charged particle image of the surface of the sample being analysed. A detector is used to detect charged particles produced in both modes of operation. A method of operation of the spectrometer includes the step of selecting which of said first and second modes to use and the detector being operated accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Kratos Analytical LimitedInventors: Simon Charles Page, Colin Duncan Park, Christopher Michael Hopper
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Patent number: 7470902Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an infrared camera includes an infrared detector providing infrared data and a programmable logic device providing timing and control signals to the infrared detector and processing the infrared data to provide an output signal based on the infrared data. Additional memory devices, if present, may be controlled by the programmable logic device, which manages the flow of information for the memory devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Douglas R. Kraemer, William J. Parrish, Leonard S. Araki
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Patent number: 7470903Abstract: A coherent radiation imaging system that produces digital images with a reduced amount of speckle. Radiation from a long coherence length source is used to form an image of a sample. The output coherent wave is temporally divided into a plurality of wavelets. The spatial phase of each wavelet is then modulated a known and different amount. Each phase modulated wavelet illuminates the sample and is perturbed by its interaction with the sample. A spatial phase map of each perturbed wavelet is then created and converted to a sample image with an image reconstruction program. The plurality of sample images thus formed is statistically averaged to form a final averaged image. The high frequency speckle that is not optically resolvable tends to average to zero with continual statistical averaging, leaving only the optically resolvable lower frequency phase information.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignees: Technology Innovations, LLC, Wavefront AnalysisInventors: David F. Prelewitz, Robert W. Gray, Rolf Gerchberg, Michael L. Weiner
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Patent number: 7470904Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a sealed container having a reduced pressure atmosphere are disclosed. The container is suitable for housing an infrared detector array. Outgassing can be enhanced by adding features to solder preforms that maintain pathways for gasses to more readily exit the container prior to sealing thereof. Getters can be used to mitigate undesirable gases within the sealed container. One or more bolometers can be used to determine if the sealed container is leaking. A vacuum positioning fixture can be used to assemble the components of the infrared detector assembly and to place the infrared detector assemblies into a vacuum chamber. The cost of manufacturing such infrared detector assemblies may be reduced and the reliability thereof enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul Schweikert, William J. Parrish, Andrew Sharpe, Vu L. Nguyen, Marco Scussat
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Patent number: 7470905Abstract: A method and system for high Z substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. Natural muon coordinate and incidence angle are measured above and below the interrogated volume. The data on muons trajectory change caused by the presence of high Z material and the muons time of flight between the upper and lower muon detectors are used for the decision making on the presence of a nuclear substance inside the volume. The system is adapted for performing measurements on moving objects such as moving trucks.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: CeLight, Inc.Inventors: Jacques Goldberg, Isaac Shpantzer, Yaakov Achiam, Nadejda Reingand
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Patent number: 7470906Abstract: Method and apparatus for varying the hole length of a parallel hole collimator, provides a variably configurable compound collimator for use in nuclear imaging. The collimator has a plurality of substantially parallel oriented collimator cores configured for transition between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein a gap space between said collimator cores is greater in the expanded configuration than the contracted configuration. The maximum gap space is designed to prevent photons from one hole in the collimator from reaching the detector proximate an adjacent hole of the collimator.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: A. Hans Vija
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Patent number: 7470907Abstract: Collimator assemblies that include an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein, and an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein are provided. Imaging systems that include a collimator assembly and a detector array are also provided. The collimator assembly includes an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The collimator assembly further includes an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The imaging system also includes a detector array configured to detect gamma rays emanating from a field of view that pass through one or more apertures defined by the collimator assembly. The detector array is further configured to generate one or more signals in response to the detected gamma rays. Methods of imaging a field of view using the imaging system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James William Hugg, Jorge Uribe, Floribertus P. M. Heukensfeldt Jansen
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Patent number: 7470908Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus has a pixel region arranged on a substrate. Arranged in a matrix pattern in the pixel region are pixels, each pixel including a conversion element which converts radiation to electrical charges, and a switching element which is connected to the conversion element therein. The radiation imaging apparatus has, in a region outside the pixel region of the substrate, an intersection at which a signal line connected to the switching element and a bias line connected to the conversion element intersects. At the intersection, a semiconductor layer is arranged between the signal line and the bias line, and a carrier blocking portion is arranged between the semiconductor layer and the signal line.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takamasa Ishii, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe
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Patent number: 7470909Abstract: A portable directional gamma ray radiation detector having a plurality of gamma ray radiation detectors separated by lead shielding arranged in an enclosure. Outputs from the detectors are applied to a signal processor to determine the location of a gamma ray emitter, and the signal processor is connected to a display device on the detector that indicates the direction to the gamma ray emitter.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National DefenceInventors: Carey L. Larsson, Harry Ing, Salah Djeffal, Hugh R. Andrews, Ming Zhang
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Patent number: 7470910Abstract: In order to increase the imaging rate in the case of, in particular dynamic, X ray applications, a method for operating an X ray detector is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes applying an X radiation during an X ray time window and converting the X radiation into electric charge, storing the electric charge in storage elements of the X ray detector, reading out the electric charge, and further applying the X radiation during a further X ray time window. The further application of the X radiation is performed at least partially during the reading out of the electric charge produced from a previous application of the X radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Martin Spahn
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Patent number: 7470911Abstract: A sensor lower electrode of a MIS type photosensor is connected to a gate line distributed in a next line in a scanning direction through a refreshing capacitor. The MIS type photosensors of an (n?1)-th line are refreshed on the basis of an ON/OFF operation of TFTs accompanying a reading operation for a pixel column of an n-th line to thereby allow the refresh operation to be carried out every scanning line. Thus, it is possible to prevent a moving image from becoming unnatural due to the refresh operation as in the background art.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoyuki Yagi