Patents Issued in March 7, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130056581
    Abstract: An acoustic signature reduction system for application typically on an aircraft. The acoustic signature reduction system uses a controller, power supply, and a thermo-acoustic tube such as a Rijke tube or Sondhauss tube to generate a cancellation noise of equal amplitude and inverted to that of noise generated by rotor blades when rotating. Acoustic signature reduction system can use a damping valve to make an intermittent cancellation sound to match the n/rev signature of the rotor blades with respect to a given reference location. The n/rev timing is different depending on the reference location therefore a cone of silence is created. A forced air unit may also be used to modify the phase of the cancellation noise in order to move the cone of silence around the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: David Sparks
  • Publication number: 20130056582
    Abstract: A landing gear mounted under an aircraft wing is provided. The aircraft can comprise a fuselage and wings each comprising at least one longitudinal spar connected to a wing box being part of the structure of the fuselage. The landing gear can comprise one leg that pivots, on its upper end, around a rotation axis to occupy at least one extended position and one retracted position and which is provided, on its lower end, with rolling means, the leg being connected, on its upper end, to the longitudinal spar of said wing. The landing gear can also comprise at least one inclined front strut connected, on its lower end, to said leg and connected, on its upper end, to the structure of the fuselage thru connecting means. The connecting means can comprise a sliding bearing crossed by at least one part of the upper end of said strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.A.S.
    Inventors: Sébastien De Conto, Marc-Antoine Castanet
  • Publication number: 20130056583
    Abstract: A handling system for handling objects in a vehicle comprises a storage apparatus that is positionable outside a vehicle cabin, an access device that is positionable in a vehicle cabin, and a transport device for transporting objects between the storage apparatus and the access device. The storage apparatus comprises a storage space and a connection station that is connectable to the transport device, wherein the storage apparatus comprises at least one drive device for moving carriers on which objects to be stored are held. The handling system comprises at least one guiding device that with the drive device guides the carriers on at least one circular path within the storage space. The storage space thus comprises a vertical flat shape that results in a significantly smaller reduction in the available cargo volume in a vehicle, while at the same time maximizing the design space available for passenger seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130056584
    Abstract: A method for mounting an aircraft component, which in the mounted state is movable between a first and a second operating position and is taken up in its first operating position in a mounting area, comprises the measuring of the mounting area, in order to obtain data characteristic of the shape and/or the dimensions of the mounting area. The data characteristic of the shape and/or the dimensions of the mounting area are projected onto the aircraft component arranged in its second operating position. Finally, the aircraft component arranged in its second operating position is adjusted with reference to the projection of the data characteristic of the shape and/or the dimensions of the mounting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank DIERENFELDT, Gerd Stahl
  • Publication number: 20130056585
    Abstract: An aircraft tail surface (11), such as a horizontal tail plane or a vertical tail plane, comprising a leading edge (14) having in at least a section along the tail span an undulated shape formed by a continuous series of smooth protrusions (17) and recesses (19) so that, in icing conditions, the ice accretion is produced only on the peaks (18) of said protrusions (17) and on the bottoms (20) of said recesses (19), thereby creating a channeled airflow and an arrangement of air vortices which impart energy to the airflow in the aerofoil boundary layer which delay the airflow separation that causes the stall, thus reducing the detrimental effects of ice accretion in its aerodynamic performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS Operations S.L.
    Inventor: Raul Carlos LLAMAS SANDIN
  • Publication number: 20130056586
    Abstract: A method of automatically jettisoning cargo suspended from a suspension system coupled to an auto jettison system, includes receiving an initial load value from at least one attachment point of the suspension system, the receiving of the initial load value in response to attaching the cargo to the suspension system; receiving an instantaneous load value of the cargo suspended on an attachment point, the attachment point being coupled to the cargo; predicting a rate of change of the instantaneous load value at a predetermined future time period; combining the predicted rate of change of the instantaneous load value with the initial load value to create a predicted load value; comparing the predicted load value to a threshold value for the attachment point; and jettisoning the cargo from the attachment point if the predicted value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Occhiato, Gordon E. Winer, Irvin B. Alansky, Steven E. Spoldi, Anthony Z. Stobiecki, Joseph P. Skonieczny
  • Publication number: 20130056587
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a component for a railway snow melter. The component includes a mounting plate adapted for connection to a tie duct. The mounting plate defines a point nozzle opening and/or a track duct nozzle. A point nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the point nozzle opening. A track duct nozzle is mounted to the mounting plate at a location above the track duct nozzle opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Railway Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Fox
  • Publication number: 20130056588
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding hoses and/or cables miming from a crane jib via its nose portion, wherein a first/upper swing joint (50) is arranged between the crane nose (11) and a link device (40) and a second/lower swing joint (80) is arranged between the link device (40) and an accessory/tool in the form of e.g. a rotator (75). The upper swing joint (50) includes a means (20) for the guiding of the hoses (91-94) and/or cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Joakim Harr, Lars Mikaelsson
  • Publication number: 20130056589
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe assembly comprises an exhaust pipe extending along a pipe axis and a fastening panel that is mounted to the exhaust pipe. The cross-section of the fastening panel is configured in a curved manner, and two contact surfaces of the fastening panel, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, are soldered to the exhaust pipe. A support connected with the fastening panel is arranged between the two contact surfaces of the fastening panel. The fastening panel can be fastened to the exhaust pipe by the following steps: an exhaust pipe and a sheet-metal tab are provided; a soldering material is then captively fixed to the sheet-metal tab; and the sheet-metal tab is then arranged on the exhaust pipe such that the soldering material contacts the exhaust pipe to finally solder the sheet-metal tab to the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Holger Lampe, Bemhard Mayereder, Julian Raphael Olm
  • Publication number: 20130056590
    Abstract: An improved beam clamp for use in hanging pipes and fire protection systems has a one piece clamp body with parallel arms which extend from a base for contact with a beam flange or other structure, and with one more through-holes formed in the base by friction drilling or other extrusion process to form a collar on one side of the base and a bushing on an opposite side of the base whereby the extruded through-hole has a linear dimension which is greater than a material thickness of the base. The extruded through-hole is threaded to receive a fastener or rod for extension to a pipe or other object, and the strength of the threaded engagement is increased by the number of threads in the extruded through-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Scot Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20130056591
    Abstract: A multifunctional comb includes an upper half-comb provided to be mounted on a support and a lower half-comb provided to be mounted on the support through the upper half-comb and a screw system. The half-combs have arches facing each other to grip the piping. In addition, each of the half-combs has at least two half-bores located in front of each other to form bores of the comb, as well as inter-arches connecting faces. The half-bores, the arches and the connecting faces are continuously covered by an electrically conductive coating in order to ensure the plating function. Moreover, the half-bores, the upper half-comb and the bottom half-comb include structure coupled to the half-combs that can be secured to the support respectively in a temporary and permanent way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventors: Patrick MONGIORGI, Stéphane Pauchet, Maud Didnee
  • Publication number: 20130056592
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for temporarily supporting one end portion of a building element includes a primary support rail and a support member. The support member is adjustably and movably coupled to the primary support rail. The support member is configured to temporarily support an end portion of a building member and is coupled to the primary support rail via an adjustment mechanism. Actuation of the adjustment mechanism is effective to adjust a relative position of the support member along the primary support rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Greenhalgh
  • Publication number: 20130056593
    Abstract: A brake hose guide includes a guide portion constructed of a pair of vertical wall portions with a connecting portion for connecting the vertical wall portions to each other. The brake hose guide is fastened to a support body for allowing a brake hose to pass through the inside of the guide portion. A mounting portion is connected to a specified vertical wall portion that constitutes at least one of a pair of vertical wall portions and is formed such that a portion of the mounting portion projects more toward the inside of the guide portion than the specified vertical wall portion. At least a portion of a fastening hole, that is formed in the mounting portion so as to allow a fastening member to pass therethrough, is arranged inside an outer end portion of the specified vertical wall portion as viewed from the fastening direction toward the support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoki KUWABARA
  • Publication number: 20130056594
    Abstract: A support mechanism for raising and lowering objects from a fixed position. When operatively interconnected, and in its raised resting position, the device forms what is substantially a forward leaning parallelogram bisected by the consolidated length of a slide and slide-guide, which forms two substantially congruent triangles sharing a common side. In its lowered resting position, the device collapses to form an elongated rectangle bisected by the fully extended slide and slide-guide and rests substantially atop its support surface at a height defined by the cumulative thickness of each component. Generally the support mechanism comprises: a base and support member, a first and second side member, a slide and a slide-guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie Morris Roberts, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130056595
    Abstract: A mount system for a photovoltaic (PV) panel array allows for ease of installation, flexibility of movement, and the ability to remove and redeploy the system as needed. The mounting system includes a plurality of standoff mounts which are secured to a substrate in a grid system, elongated mounting rails which are secured onto the standoff mounts in parallel, and attachment rails secured to opposing side edges of the PV panels. The attachment rails and mounting rails include interfitting mating formations which interlock to suspend the PV panels between the mounting rails and above the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: rTerra Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20130056596
    Abstract: Device holder for clamping long-handled devices subject to gravity, has a carrier to be fastened to a wall, a pair of clamping scissors reversibly pivoted relative to the carrier from horizontal to vertical positions, the scissors having two scissor legs moved relative to each other and rotatably arranged at a bent end on the carrier side. Free legs of the scissor legs cross one another and form a device receptacle. For the device holder to securely hold the device and to remain functional for a long time, in the area of the receptacle the scissor legs are always in a plane having a line of intersection with the clamp carrier plane that is horizontally oriented, and at least one scissor leg limits at least the pivoting motion of the other scissor leg into the clamping position by a stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALFER ALUMINIUM GESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventor: Thomas Wilbs
  • Publication number: 20130056597
    Abstract: A quick release hook and loop device is used to attach an object to a base surface, such as a wall. It is comprised of first and second quick release sections and a strap. The quick release sections each have a nonstick side. The quick release sections are attached to each other at their nonstick sides by threading a strap through openings within the quick release sections. The other sides of the quick release sections are provided with hook or loop fastener surfaces. The device may be used to attach an object to a surface by way of hook and loop fastener bonds. The hook and loop fastener bonds may be effectively broken by removing the strap from the quick release sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Steven G. Boelstler
  • Publication number: 20130056598
    Abstract: A mounting system for affixing fastening elements to a wall, particularly in rooms fitted with tiles, marble panels, or similar wall paneling, wherein the wall should not be punctured or have its surface penetrated in anyway. The mounting system comprises a support having a cavity or other structure for storing an adhesive and allowing uniform distribution of the adhesive on the support for attachment to a wall. At least one air transmission port on the support allows air penetration for ventilating and curing of the adhesive. An opening between the front face of the support and the rear face of the support allows air penetration from the air transmission port and recess to reach the adhesive on the rear face of the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Radu Alexandru Ghiorghie
  • Publication number: 20130056599
    Abstract: An apparatus for toollessly, releasably attaching an optical component to a structure is disclosed. The optical component has a snap fastener. The snap fastener may be integrally formed with and part of the optical component. An accepting feature is attached to the structure. When the snap fastener is brought into contact with the accepting feature, the accepting feature accepts the snap fastener thereby toollessly, releasably attaching the optical component to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Ray Baker, Mark Robert Dagley, Anthony Lynn Williams, Antwan Joco'ques Works
  • Publication number: 20130056600
    Abstract: A Blocking Support Hanger is made from galvanized sheet metal bent into a C shape with an integral U shaped flange at the end of the top C flange that fits over the bottom flange of a bulb tee, steel bar joist, I-beam and other flanged type structural support framing. Various gages and widths of galvanized sheet metal will be used to fabricate the blocking support hangers in order to support differing weight and span length of the structural support framing as needed to support the materials attached to the blocking supported by the blocking support hanger. The blocking support hanger assembly provides a simple installation to the bottom of an existing support frame, inexpensive, capable of a wide range of nonstructural support product installations, allows quick, lasting easy installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Snell James Richard
  • Publication number: 20130056601
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for use in a mounting system comprising a first mounting portion configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device and a second mounting portion configured to attach to the first mounting portion and to a mounting surface. The adjustment mechanism operatively connects the first mounting portion to the second mounting portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a housing with a bore formed therein, a clutch positioned within the housing, and a rotatable shaft positioned within the housing and being operatively connected to the first mounting portion. The shaft is configured to rotate within the bore relative to the housing. The shaft is rotatable within the bore in a first rotational direction through the clutch with a first torque, and the shaft is also rotatable within the bore in a second rotational direction through the clutch with a second torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: James M. Stemple, Grant Wylie
  • Publication number: 20130056602
    Abstract: A bag holder for suspending a bag above the ground from a game table with a bumper is provided. The bag holder includes a flat base which fits underneath the inner edge of the table bumper and is attached with a flat, flexible strap which bends over the bumper that is attached with a chain or hook. The chain may have a fastener at one end so that the chain can be wrapped around a handle on the bag and then removably attached to another section of the chain to form a loop and secure the bag to the bag holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Srbijanka Zivku
  • Publication number: 20130056603
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable support includes a base, a carrier and a pivot mechanism. The base includes a sidewall and a bottom. The sidewall has a first pivot and a second pivot. The pivot mechanism pivotally connects the carrier with the base. The pivot mechanism has three working states. The carrier is locked when the pivot mechanism works in a first working state. The carrier is capable of pivoting relative to the base in a clockwise or anticlockwise when the pivot mechanism works in a second working state. The carrier is free to rotate when the pivot mechanism works in a third working state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd., Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YU-CHEN CHU, CHANG-CHENG LIN, KUO-KUANG LIU
  • Publication number: 20130056604
    Abstract: The slide rail device includes lock release levers rotatably supported in a vertical direction between a lock position where locking mechanisms restrict sliding of upper rails and an unlock position where front of the lock release levers move further upward to release the restriction on the sliding of the upper rails, a handle having rear-end connecting portions respectively inserted into the connecting portions of the lock release levers, rotation limit portions to prevent the rear-end connecting portions from rotating upward relative to the lock release levers, rotation allowance spaces to allow the connecting portions to relatively rotate downward from a position where the rear-end connecting portions contact the rotation limit portions, and biasers to bias and rotate the rear-end connecting portions in a direction to bring the rear-end connecting portions into contact with the rotation limit portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20130056605
    Abstract: An active antenna, comprising: a main board and at least one wireless module; a first buckle member set on the at least one wireless module, a second buckle member set on the main board corresponding to the first buckle member on the least one wireless module; the first buckle member of the at least one wireless module clasps the second buckle member of the main board, thereby fixing the wireless module on the main board. The active antenna has advantages of low maintenance cost and high maintenance efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenjie WEI, Yong FU, Weihua SUN
  • Publication number: 20130056606
    Abstract: A metal post support ground spike is disclosed having a post receiving socket, and a flat plate. The flat plate is welded to four walls of the post receiving socket. The post support may also comprise a blades portion welded to the flat plate. The blades portion, post receiving socket and flat plate may all have reinforcement lines stamped therein and may comprise metals of varying thickness and rigidity. The flat plate may comprise the thickest and most rigid metal, whereas the post receiving socket and/or the blades may be made from a thinner and/or less rigid metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: PEAK INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Peak Innovations Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130056607
    Abstract: An in-ground pole receptacle can be driven into or buried in the ground by a homeowner or other individual who is familiar with the routing of underground sprinkler pipes. The pole receptacle has a stake component with a cylindrical chamber that serves as a receptacle for the lower end of a flagpole or other pole and a top plate component that prevents grass from growing around the opening of the cylindrical chamber. The holder is further equipped with a hinged cap or resilient plug secured to the top plate component that is used to cover the opening of the chamber so that soil and debris can be excluded from the chamber when the pole is not installed therein. The stake component and the top plate component can be formed separately or they can be unitary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Hamid Mortezazadeh
  • Publication number: 20130056608
    Abstract: Described is a temporary roof anchor for fitment to a roof support structure, the roof anchor comprising: first attachment means for temporary fitment to the roof support structure; second attachment means remote from the first attachment means for attaching safety equipment; and shock-absorbing means having a deformable region extending between the first and second attachment means in a first length when not subject to a deformation force corresponding to a critical sudden load, the shock-absorbing means lying substantially in a single plane and comprising a substantially rigid structure that, when subject to the critical sudden load, deforms, elongating to a greater length than the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: H2FLO Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Arvo Poldmaa
  • Publication number: 20130056609
    Abstract: A device for supporting a side washing brush of a vehicle washing system is provided, which brush is rotatable about a rotational axis, the device including a bearing apparatus for rotatably supporting a drive shaft, and a holding apparatus which is fixedly connected to the bearing apparatus and which is held on a frame by means of elastic cushioning elements arranged above and below the holding apparatus. To improve the device in such a way that the risk of damage to the cushioning elements is reduced, it is proposed that the holding apparatus can be acted on by the cushioning elements only by compressive forces aligned in the direction of the holding apparatus. A vehicle washing system is also proposed which has at least one device of this type, on which a side washing brush is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Claus Heid, Andre Speckmaier, Yann Veitz, Ingo Feistkorn, Bernd Knisel
  • Publication number: 20130056610
    Abstract: A mobile base that attaches to the stand of a table saw is disclosed, The mobile base includes wheels and casters that rotate down and lift the saw when a foot pedal is depressed. The mobile base raises the saw asymmetrically to provide clearance for the legs of an extension table attached to the table of the saw. A locking mechanism locks the wheels and casters so that they do not retract while the saw is moved, and a foot-operated lever releases the wheels and casters so that they may retract and lower the saw back to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, James F.W. Wright
  • Publication number: 20130056611
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus and method that can be used to secure a component to be tested to a testing device when the mounting holes of the component are offset from each other in one or more axes in relation to the axis of the component to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Service Solutions U S LLC
    Inventors: John Kleifgen, Chad Samp, Lee Jardine, Garret Miller
  • Publication number: 20130056612
    Abstract: A door lever set assembly for a patio door with non-standard center to center spacing between mounting holes includes a sub-plate adapted to be located on an outside surface of the patio door has a vertical slot near the top and bottom ends of the sub-plate, and two reinforcement blocks located between the sub-plate and the surface of the patio door where each reinforcement block has a hole aligned with a vertical slot. The reinforcement blocks slide toward or away from each other until the center to center spacing between the holes in the reinforcement blocks is the same as the center to center spacing between the mounting holes on the patio door to allow bolts to pass through the slots in the sub-plate, the holes in the reinforcement blocks and the mounting holes in the patio door. The sub-plate is adapted to be snap fit to different cover plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Qianyan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130056613
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a mounting foot to a base pan comprises a grommet, a mounting foot and a fastener. The grommet includes a body, an upper post and a lower post. The upper post extends from a first end the body and the lower post extends from a second end of the body. The upper post has a shoulder. The mounting foot has a mount opening for receiving the upper post. The mount opening has a diameter. The fastener is received on the upper post, and maintains the mounting foot on the upper post. The mounting foot has a thickness less than the thickness of the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Holly Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130056614
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) generating system that includes a plurality of PV tracker units, each having: a PV panel with a plurality of PV generators connected to output electrical power and an actuator for positioning the PV panel. A multiple tracker control unit is in communication with the plurality of PV tracker units, the tracker control unit monitoring the output electrical power of the PV panels and controlling, in dependance on the monitored output electrical power, both: (i) power conversion of the output electrical power and (ii) the actuators of the PV tracker units, to optimize power output for the plurality of PV tracker units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MORGAN SOLAR INC.
    Inventors: Dhanushan Balachandreswaran, Michael Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20130056615
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Microsoft Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130056616
    Abstract: An image sensor includes an effective pixel region formed of a pixel group which is irradiated with light, and an optical black region formed of a pixel group which is shielded from light. In the image sensor, when the image sensor is used for a light quantity measurement, the effective pixel region is sectioned into a measurement region used for the light quantity measurement and a light shielding region which is used for a calculation of a value of one of an offset component and a noise component and is shielded from light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kai
  • Publication number: 20130056617
    Abstract: A color pixel array includes a plurality of micropixels. Each micropixel includes a photosensitive element and a filter element optically aligned with the photosensitive element such that incident light passes through the filter element prior to reaching the photosensitive element. The micropixels are organized into triangular macropixels that each includes multiple micropixels. A perimeter shape of each of the triangular macropixels forms a triangle. The triangular macropixels have a repeating pattern across the color pixel array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Dominic Massetti
  • Publication number: 20130056618
    Abstract: The driving device includes an applied voltage control unit configured to perform a transfer process of controlling a charge-coupled device to transfer electric charges. The applied voltage control unit is configured to switch, in order from a first end to a second end of a line of transfer electrodes of the charge-coupled device, a voltage applied to the transfer electrode from a control voltage for forming a potential well to a reference voltage for eliminating the potential well. The applied voltage control unit includes a control circuit configured to generate a driving signal based on a clock signal, and a driving circuit configured to apply the control voltage and the reference voltage selectively to the transfer electrode in accordance with the driving signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumikazu Kurihara, Yusuke Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130056619
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. For the convenience sake, among the plurality of pixels, two pixels from which signals are not read in parallel are set to be a first pixel and a second pixel. A first reset transistor is disposed in an electrical path between a first reset power supply line and the control electrode of an amplifying transistor contained in the first pixel. A second reset transistor is disposed in an electrical path between the control electrode of the amplifying transistor contained in the first pixel and the control electrode of an amplifying transistor contained in the second pixel. A third reset transistor is disposed in an electrical path between the control electrode of the amplifying transistor contained in the second pixel and a second reset power supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mahito Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20130056620
    Abstract: A device for lighting an object, with light source provided with a member for sampling a portion of the light, application to the measurement of flux variations of the source. The device includes at least one light source emitting an illuminating light around an illumination axis, for lighting the object, and a photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: François PERRAUT, Thierry Flahaut
  • Publication number: 20130056621
    Abstract: A signs-of-deterioration detector for a semiconductor laser includes a first light receiving section that acquires first information relating to an optical output of the semiconductor laser and a second light receiving section that acquires second information relating to an intensity distribution of the emission pattern below the lasing threshold of the semiconductor laser. The detector also includes a holding section that holds the first information and the second information at a predetermined time point T1. The detector further includes a deciding section that decides the presence or absence of signs of rapid decrease of the optical output of the semiconductor laser by comparing the first information and the second information at at least one time point Tn (T1<Tn), with those at the time point T1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takako Suga, Takeshi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20130056622
    Abstract: This analog electronic circuit (2) for processing a light signal (4), of the type comprising: a photodetector (6) adapted for producing an electric signal (8) from the light signal (4); a multiplier (12) adapted for multiplying the electric signal (8) with a reference signal (14) for obtaining a multiplied signal (16); and an integrator (18) adapted for integrating the multiplied signal (16) over at least one time interval, in order to obtain one integrated signal, is characterized in that it further comprises: an analog memory (24) adapted for storing the integrated signal in memory; and a computing unit adapted for estimating a time correlation of the light signal (4) from the integrated signal stored in memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: Centre Nationla De La Recherch Scientifique (C.N.R.S.), Universite Paris-Sud 11, UNIVERSITE PARIS 13
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Tualle, Antoine Dupret, Marius Vasiliu
  • Publication number: 20130056623
    Abstract: An electro-optic modulator structure, a method for fabricating the electro-optic modulator structure, a method for operating an electro-optic modulator device that derives from the electro-optic modulator structure and a related communications apparatus that includes the electro-optic modulator structure all are directed towards effecting a comparatively low voltage operation of the electro-optic modulator device predicated upon consideration of optimal charge carrier injection efficiency characteristics of a PIN diode charge carrier injection based micro-ring electro-optic modulator structure as a function of applied bias voltage. To realize the foregoing result, at least in part, the PIN diode charge carrier injection based electro-optic modulator structure includes at least one of a p-doped region and an n-doped region that has a relatively high volume dopant concentration at a surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CORNELL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michal Lipson, Sasikanth Manipatruni, Long Chen, Kyle Preston
  • Publication number: 20130056624
    Abstract: An absolute position measuring encoder having an ABS/INC integrated pattern obtained by integrating an absolute pattern and an incremental pattern together is provided. The absolute position measuring encoder includes an imaging optical system (lens) designed to generate an amplitude difference between a light and dark signal derived from the absolute pattern and light and dark signal derived from the incremental pattern, and a signal processing system (comparator) for separating a received light signal from the ABS/INC integrated pattern into an absolute pattern signal and an incremental pattern signal by utilizing the amplitude difference. Accordingly, an absolute pattern signal and an incremental pattern signal can be separated off from the ABS/INC integrated pattern at a high speed with a simple processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki KATO
  • Publication number: 20130056625
    Abstract: Blackbody calibration standard including a main absorber and a secondary absorber, wherein the main absorber is comprised in a cavity and the secondary absorber is comprised in a cavity and the secondary absorber is arranged such that it surrounds the cavity comprising the main absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere
    Inventor: Pavel YAGOUBOV
  • Publication number: 20130056626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the characteristics of a downhole fluid. The method for measuring the characteristics of a downhole fluid includes passing a downhole fluid sample through an analyzer, analyzing the downhole fluid sample by illuminating the downhole fluid sample with light from a light source and detecting light that interacts with the fluid sample. The method is applicable to detecting carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide directly in a downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jing Shen, Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson, Mark Proett
  • Publication number: 20130056627
    Abstract: An open electrostatic trap mass spectrometer is disclosed for operation with wide and diverging ion packets. Signal on detector is composed of signals corresponding to multiplicity of ion cycles, called multiplets. Using reproducible distribution of relative intensity within multiplets, the signal can be unscrambled for relatively sparse spectra, such as spectra past fragmentation cell of tandem mass spectrometer, past ion mobility and differential ion mobility separators. Various embodiments are provided for particular pulsed ion sources and pulsed converters such as orthogonal accelerators, ion guides, and ion traps. The method and apparatus enhance the duty cycle of pulsed converters, improve space charge tolerance of the open trap analyzer and extends the dynamic range of time-of-flight detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Leco Corporation
    Inventor: Anatoly Verenchikov
  • Publication number: 20130056628
    Abstract: Mass spectrometers ionize samples by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The samples are located on a moveable support plate, and irradiated by a pulsed laser. A fast positional control of laser spots is provided via a system of rotatable mirrors to relieve strain on a support plate motion drive. If the spot position is finely adjusted by the mirror system and follows the movement of the sample support plate, the intermittent movement of the sample support can be replaced with a continuous uniform motion. The fast positional control allows more uniform ablation of a sample area. Galvo mirrors with low inertia may be used between the beam generation and a Kepler telescope in the housing of the laser. The positional control can also provide a fully automatic adjustment of MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometers, at least if the ion-optical elements are equipped with movement devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Armin Holle, Andreas Haase, Jens Hoehndorf
  • Publication number: 20130056629
    Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion mobility spectrometer or separator and an ion guide arranged downstream of the ion mobility spectrometer or separator. A plurality of axial potential wells are created in the ion guide so that ions received from the ion mobility spectrometer or separator become confined in separate axial potential wells. The potential wells maintain the fidelity and/or composition of ions received from the ion mobility spectrometer or separator. The potential wells are translated along the length of the ion guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Micromass UK Limited
    Inventor: MICROMASS UK LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130056630
    Abstract: A method of assessing the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and/or liver fibrosis in a subject includes obtaining a bodily sample from a subject and determining a level of the at least one oxidized fatty acid product in the sample. An increased level of at least one oxidized fatty acid product in the subject compared to a control is indicative of an increase in severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and/or liver fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Ariel E. Feldstein, Stanley L. Hazen