Patents Issued in March 14, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130062462
    Abstract: A supporting half-structure for an aircraft engine nacelle is provided that includes at least one longitudinal beam and a front half-frame, the beam and the half-frame being formed of composite materials. The half frame has an open section, and the half-structure defines a structure selected from the group consisting of: the beam and the front half-frame form a one-piece part; the beam has an extension with an open section, the shape of which matches that of the front half-frame, the extension being attached to the half frame; and the front half-frame has an extension with an open shape, the shape of which matches the beam, wherein the extension is attached to the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130062463
    Abstract: A propulsion engine comprises a compressor, a combustor and a turbine arranged in flow series about a turbine axis. A shaft is coupled to the turbine along the turbine axis, and first and second propulsions fans are rotationally coupled to the turbine at opposite ends of the shaft. The first and second propulsion fans rotate substantially parallel to one another, and transversely with respect to the turbine axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wesley K. Lord
  • Publication number: 20130062464
    Abstract: A towed sensor array maneuvering system and methods are disclosed. A towed airborne vehicle comprising a sensor array is actively maneuvered via a plurality of surfaces coupled thereto. The surfaces are controlled such that a desired path is tracked based on and as a function of desired tracking parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas E. Speer
  • Publication number: 20130062465
    Abstract: An external airbag for an aircraft includes an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being generally adjacent to an exterior of the aircraft. A widthwise panel divides the inflatable bladder into a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. The widthwise panel acts to restrict outward bulging of the inflatable bladder. An aperture in the widthwise panel may be used for allowing gas communication between the first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Hill, Zi Lu, Robert S. Lynds, Andrew R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20130062466
    Abstract: A compact in-wheel vehicle motor and gearing system designed to meet high power and torque requirements for driving a vehicle on the ground independently of other power sources is provided. The motor and gearing system includes a motor assembly with an outside rotor element mounted for rotation about an inside stator element and a gear assembly with a plurality of gear stages mounted inside the stator and drivingly connected to the motor assembly. The motor assembly and gear assembly are mounted interiorly of the wheel and completely within a space defined by the internal dimensions of the wheel. This motor and gearing system can be effectively installed in an existing aircraft wheel without changes to other components to produce a drive wheel with the torque and power required to move the aircraft independently on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert M. Sweet, Jonathan S. Edelson
  • Publication number: 20130062467
    Abstract: An aircraft wing box spanwise joint, comprising a rib having a web, and a pair of rib fittings joined together, each rib fitting forming a closed loop around the periphery of the rib, wherein the rib is integrally formed with one of the rib fittings. Also, an aircraft wing including two or more of the joints. Also, a method of forming an aircraft wing box spanwise joint, the method comprising forming a pair of rib fittings, wherein one of the rib fittings is integrally formed with a rib having a web, each rib fitting forming a closed loop around the periphery of the rib, bringing the rib fittings together, and joining the rib fittings together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Mochamad Agoes Soenarjo
  • Publication number: 20130062468
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shield mesh 25 is provided on a window part 21, and a gasket seal 50 is provided between the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 and a window frame 30 made of a conductive material. The first seal part 51 of the gasket seal 50 has a low volume resistivity, and makes it possible to prevent electromagnetic noise from entering the inside of an airframe between the window part 21 and a window frame 30. Moreover, the second seal part 52 of the gasket seal 50, which is made in contact with the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 of the window part 21 on the outer perimeter side of window panels 23A and 23B, has a volume resistivity of, for example, 300 ?cm or more, so that it becomes possible to prevent corrosion from occurring at contact portions with a clamp 28, a clip 29 or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi YOKOI
  • Publication number: 20130062469
    Abstract: The invention concerns a surface entity for the reduction of the air resistance of an aviation vehicle, in particular an aircraft. In accordance with the invention the surface entity is formed with at least one metal wire arrangement, in particular with a metal mesh and/or a composite mesh, which can be arranged in at least some sections in the region of at least one surface of the aviation vehicle immersed in the flow, in particular can be adhesively bonded and/or clamped onto the latter, wherein the metal wire arrangement has a ribbed structure with a multiplicity of ribs running essentially parallel to one another. As a consequence of the multiplicity of ribs running parallel to the flow direction, the arrangement of which can be compared with the structure of the sharkskin of known art, there ensues a reduction of the flow resistance of the surface on or over which the air flows of between 3% and 10%, as a result of which a significant fuel saving potential ensues in flight operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Metin Cengiz, Freerk Syassen
  • Publication number: 20130062470
    Abstract: A device for linking a frame and a stringer of an aircraft structure, including a first portion connected to a support surface of a frame, a second portion connected to a support surface of a stringer and a third portion referred to as intermediary portion connecting the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is connected to the intermediary portion by means of an articulation allowing for a relative movement between the two portions along a rotation axis perpendicular to the support surface of the stringer. The first portion is connected to the intermediary portion by means of an articulation allowing for a relative movement between the two portions along a rotation axis parallel to the support surface of the frame and to the support surface of the stringer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventor: Thierry Loupias
  • Publication number: 20130062471
    Abstract: A method of flying a constellation of inclined geosynchronous satellites at the same station longitude with specific spacing but without the possibility of collision and provides the basic equations defining the initial positions of satellites such that the satellites will continue to remain in synchronized positions relative to each other for a number of years with little or no north-south positioning. In preferred embodiments the number of satellites in the constellation is five or ten. Communication with the satellites in the constellation is provided with existing prior art tracking radio systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Wah L. Lim, Jeremiah Salvatore
  • Publication number: 20130062472
    Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of spacecraft from debris and to de-orbiting devices of the atmospheric drag type, and to debris sweeping apparatus for the removal of debris from the space environment. The debris shielding apparatus for a spacecraft has a shield unit including a shielding surface for impeding incident debris. The shield unit is attached to the spacecraft body and has a drive mechanism for positioning the shield unit in relation to the spacecraft body. The drive mechanism is capable of moving the shield unit between a stowed first position and a deployed second position. In the deployed second position the plane of the shielding surface is at an angle to the spacecraft body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Hedley Stokes
  • Publication number: 20130062473
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a flow body with a flow surface section that extends in a flow body wingspan direction and a flow body chord direction and with a plurality of fluid lines that lead into the flow surface section and respectively form an opening therein, as well as to a method for taking in and/or blowing out fluid through at least one fluid line that leads into a flow surface section of a flow body and respectively forms an opening therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Burkhard Gölling, Erik Wassen, Tobias Hoell, Frank Thiele
  • Publication number: 20130062474
    Abstract: Occupancy of a railroad track detection zone by one or more trains is determined using sensor devices located at gateways into and out of the track detection zone. Each sensor device has a sensing range that includes a portion of the railroad track in the detection zone and the sensor device generates data used to uniquely identify each train passing through a gateway and thus the sensing range of one or more sensor devices. Data from the detection zone's sensor device array is collected and evaluated to monitor or track the status of any detected trains and the occupancy of the zone. In some embodiments, the sensor devices utilize anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor elements whose analog waveform data is the basis of magnetic flux peak detection and mapping to generate unique train identification signature data that is transmitted to and evaluated by a detection zone processor, which in some cases can control crossing signals and/or other control apparatus related to the railroad track detection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CENTRAL SIGNAL, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Baldwin, Ahtasham Ashraf
  • Publication number: 20130062475
    Abstract: A bracket supports the weight of stand-off standard-width rack-mount equipment and can collapse flat for storage or shipping. An embodiment comprises a back member along the bracket's mounting plane and two stand-off arms each having portions extending along the plane and extending normal to it. Each arm moveably attaches to permit positioning the arm when the bracket is not installed so as to decrease the arm's normal dimension, and each arm comprises at least one anchor permitting attachment to a supporting structure. Another embodiment concerns a method of installing a bracket with a back member and moveably connected stand-off arms, comprising moving each arm in a manner that increases the arm's extension in a direction normal to the mounting plane, and attaching to at least one supporting structure each stand-off arm at at least one anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mike Lin
  • Publication number: 20130062476
    Abstract: A support arm includes a base, an intermediate member, a tip end member, a first parallel linkparallelogram mechanism provided between the base and the intermediate member and including a first arm and a second arm, and a second parallel linkparallelogram linkage mechanism provided between the intermediate member and the tip end member and including a third arm and a fourth arm. The first arm the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are each formed in an L shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke Ishii, Mitsuru Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20130062477
    Abstract: To facilitate any painting task, painters have a variety of sizes of paintbrushes specifically designed for the job at hand. It is essential for painters to maintain several brushes to accommodate any painting job. Unfortunately, properly storing paintbrushes during use can often present a challenge. Many painters simply place their paintbrush directly inside the paint pail, or store the brushes upside down in an empty paint can. Storing the paintbrush in this manner can prove detrimental to the paintbrush bristles, often resulting in dried and matted bristles. Storing a paint brush upside down during use can also result in paint running down the brush and coating the handle in a hard to remove residue. The Brush Buddy's uniquely designed storage receptacle protects expensive paintbrushes and facilitates a clean and efficient working environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Mark D. PloescL, Scott E. Hitson
  • Publication number: 20130062478
    Abstract: A mobile plant training apparatus is disclosed. The mobile plant training apparatus includes a screen frame, a screen coupled to the screen frame, and a mobile assembly configured to removeably secure a container and secure the screen frame above the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: David Kamon, II
  • Publication number: 20130062479
    Abstract: A microphone holder is provided that allows a microphone to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation and to be securely held. A microphone grip G is pressed into between clamp arms 6 and 6 in a state where front ends 6a are opened. This causes the microphone grip G to press rear ends 6b of the clamp arms 6 and 6 to swing the front ends 6a in closing directions. Thus, the microphone can be attached and detached by a one-touch operation without causing collision noise and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventor: Shioto OKITA
  • Publication number: 20130062480
    Abstract: A sleeve bracket assembly has a frame and multiple first sleeve mounts. The frame has a first sleeve track having a groove. Each first sleeve mount has a base and a hollow positioning button protruding from a top surface of the base and having a retractable protrusion or a flange. The cross section of the base or the positioning button of each first sleeve mount is round, so sleeves can be rotated. The protrusions and the flanges can securely position the sleeves. Accordingly, the sleeve bracket assembly can position the sleeves firmly and also allow the sleeves to be rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Publication number: 20130062481
    Abstract: A railing mounting system for use on decks, balconies, fences or patios to provide additional surface space. In addition, the frame can be used to contain plantings, herb gardens, coolers, grills or other outdoor items. The mounting system is quickly and easily installed for use and just as easily removed and stored for subsequent use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: John Christopher Petrakis
  • Publication number: 20130062482
    Abstract: An electrostatic-film adhesive hanger is disclosed. The electrostatic-film adhesive hanger includes: an electrostatic-film layer; a transparent protection layer; a printed layer adhered between the electrostatic-film layer and the transparent protection layer, wherein a pattern is arranged on one side of the printed layer facing the transparent protection layer; and a hanger body unit adhered on the external surface of the transparent protection layer. Due to the electrostatic adsorption of the electrostatic-film layer, the whole electrostatic-film adhesive hanger can be steadily adsorbed on the wall without emergency of falling off; the printed layer enables the electrostatic-film adhesive hanger to have visual aesthetics; and the transparent protection layer has a clear perspectivity for the printed layer and is used for protecting the printed layer from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ren-Cian Wang
  • Publication number: 20130062483
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a display holder for displaying and storing one or more items on the interior side of a vehicle windshield. The display holder includes a walled container with at least an upper opening for placing and removing items and an aperture window for viewing the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Roy Moussaieff
  • Publication number: 20130062484
    Abstract: A reusable hanger that inserts and removes from a mounting surface without tools comprising a metal shank having a point on one end and a hook on the other, with a specially formed detent medially located between the point and the hook, and a flange that encases the detent and fixates to the shank. The detent provides improved adhesion between the flange and the shank, while further providing a sheer point along the shank, thereby reducing damage to the supporting surface if a user overloads the hook. The flange serves several purposes, it is the finger push location for the user to install the hanger without tools by pushing and/or twisting the flange such that the point pierces the support surface and inserts until the flange stops flush against the support surface. Once flush, the flange provides compressive support structure between the support surface and the shank, thereby increasing loading capacities of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CTZ Global, LLC
    Inventor: Gordon Murphy
  • Publication number: 20130062485
    Abstract: Door Hinge—a metal plate containing nine holes therein to be placed above an existing door hinge to affix a door to a door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: James Crawford
  • Publication number: 20130062486
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods of utilizing a common mounting provision within an armored vehicle. The common mounting provision includes a plurality of common mounting bosses that are arranged in a grid type pattern formed by attaching a plurality of mounting bars to an interior wall of an armored hull with each mounting bar including at least one of the common mounting bosses. The grid type pattern provides for a common spatial distance between adjacent apertures in rows and columns. When engineering changes are needed, the grid type pattern provides the engineer with known mounting bosses having a known spacing allowing the engineer to readily design the component to attach to the common mounting provision. By knowing the size and location of each mounting boss, the engineer will spend less time designing and fitting new components and will avoid having to continually update drawings to illustrate new mounting provisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Amikam Shmargad
  • Publication number: 20130062487
    Abstract: A bike carrying device includes a support post (5), a mounting unit (4) mounted on the support post, a positioning bar (6) mounted on the mounting unit, a pawl member (7) mounted in the mounting unit, a release member (415) mounted in the mounting unit, a lock mechanism (414) mounted on the mounting unit and connected with the release member, and an elastic member (8) biased between the mounting unit and the pawl member. Thus, the bike carrying device has a simplified construction to decrease the cost of fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Publication number: 20130062488
    Abstract: A detachable hanger and a supporting stand with the detachable hanger are disclosed. The supporting stand includes a mount, a support member, an object-fixing structure, and the detachable hanger. The support member is disposed on the mount and includes an engagement structure. The object-fixing structure is disposed on the support member for fixing an object. The detachable hanger includes a hanger part and an engagement part. The engagement part is connected to the hanger part and engaged with the engagement structure in a rotary way. Thereby, the detachable hanger can be detached for storage of the supporting stand; when the supporting stand needs to be used again, the detachable hanger can be engaged onto the support member simply and firmly. Therefore, the invention solves the problem of the inconvenient storage for a conventional supporting stand with an undetachable hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Chen
  • Publication number: 20130062489
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to an improved rotating connector portion and clip portion for attachment to a secondary item. More specifically, the present teachings relate to a connector portion and clip portion that can be attached to a secondary item, such that the clip portion may be rotated about the secondary item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Visor Frames, LLC
    Inventors: Salvatore Joseph Franco DiNello, Michael John Abraham, Karl Sommer
  • Publication number: 20130062490
    Abstract: A mounting platform having an expandable locking mechanism for securing the mounting platform relative to one or more surfaces of a mating structure is described. Methods of manufacturing such a mounting platform are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Bryan Godber, Eric Anders
  • Publication number: 20130062491
    Abstract: A construction hanger comprising a brace including a first elongated member; an arm extending from one end of the first elongated member at an angle thereto, the arm and the elongated member cooperating to engage the surface of a construction support member; a guide at the end of the elongated member opposite the one end, the guide being capable of receiving a hanger member, the guide being positioned on or formed within the brace and at an angle thereto; the guide tying the hanging member to the construction support member by means of the brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cormier, Andrew P. Magee, Richard G. Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20130062492
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a receiving member for receiving a storage device. The receiving member includes a bottom plate, two sidewalls respectively extending upwards form two opposite sides of the bottom plate, and a plurality of positioning shafts. Each sidewall has one perforation. The plurality of positioning shafts is arranged extending through the perforation, and secured in the perforation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hai-Tao GONG, Zheng-Ming YANG
  • Publication number: 20130062493
    Abstract: Cupholder—a plastic ring with two plastic circles attached at equidistant sides of said circle with two plastic arms attached to and protruding from each respective plastic circle to be placed between the bars of carry on or other rolling type luggage to carry a drinking container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: James Crawford
  • Publication number: 20130062494
    Abstract: One embodiment of a stemware coaster having an arched syncline slot (2) on the upper surface to keep a variety of stemware beverage containers in an upright position. The stemware coaster consists of a base (5), an elongated concave shaped upper surface (3) and a horizontal cavity (8) that receives a stemware base. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Curtis Paul Cecil
  • Publication number: 20130062495
    Abstract: An office chair foot base providing to support an office chair has a top end disposed towards the office chair, and a bottom end disposed opposite to the top end towards the ground. The office chair foot base comprises a main boy and a plurality of legs. The main boy includes an interior wall formed circularly and a connecting portion connecting to the interior wall at the bottom end. The plurality of legs formed radially extending opposite to the interior wall to a radial extent. Each of the plurality of legs includes a joining portion formed at the bottom end. The joining portion connects with the connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Publication number: 20130062496
    Abstract: An automotive side view mirror attachment assembly includes a polymeric outer shell having a metal reinforcement member coupled thereto, wherein the polymeric outer shell forms form closures about connecting features of the metal reinforcement member, so as to provide an operably coupling between the polymeric outer shell and the metal reinforcing member that is secured by independent connection locations that are effective to support an external mirror assembly in multiple dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Bert Niessen, Andreas Thiessen, Michael Meyer, Helmut Olbricht
  • Publication number: 20130062497
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly configured for use with a vehicle including a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, a mount abutment surface, an internal clip engagement wall, and an external peripheral wall. A spring clip is coupled with a rearview device mount and includes a plurality of legs adapted for engagement with the internal clip engagement wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Van Huis, Peter T. Kantola, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130062498
    Abstract: The suspension device includes a ring for hanging the power tool and a ring retaining member provided at an upper part of a housing of the power tool. The housing has a grip at a lower part thereof. The ring retaining member is configured such that the ring is movable between a standing position and a lying position and that the ring is retainable in the standing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro ITO, Masamichi MIYAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20130062499
    Abstract: An ultra compact, lightweight, sturdy bag holder that comprises an elongated shaped body of rigid material having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and strength that can easily be carried in the palm of ones' hand (FIG. 25; FIG. 25A). The bag holder further comprises a predetermined number of apertures (FIG. 1/21; FIG. 2/21, FIG. 3/22) or a predetermined number of grooves (FIG. 8/23; FIG. 9/23; FIG. 10/23) or a vertical cut at either end of the bag holder (FIG. 5/24) or a combination of two apertures (FIG. 4/21) and one groove (FIG. 4/23), or one aperture (FIG. 6/22) and two cuts (FIG. 6/24) or one groove (FIG. 7/23) and two cuts (FIG. 7/24). The aperture(s), cuts and groove(s) are designed to allow the integrally formed loop handle of shopping bags to be attached to the bag holder and depending on the configuration of the bag holder to keep the shopping bag closed and to prevent the content from spilling when placed on a flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Guillermo Domingo Kloosterboer
  • Publication number: 20130062500
    Abstract: A unit pixel for an image sensor includes an accumulation circuit configured to generate an accumulated dark current by accumulating a charge corresponding to a dark current during a time of flight (TOF), the accumulation circuit being optically shaded to generate the dark current, an output voltage generation circuit configured to generate and output an output voltage corresponding to the TOF based on a charge corresponding to the accumulated dark current, a control circuit configured to control an operation of the output voltage generation circuit based on a light signal that is input to the unit pixel after being reflected by an object, the light signal being emitted by a light source, and an initialization circuit configured to initialize the accumulation circuit at a predetermined cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Min-Seok Oh, Moo-Sup LIM, Jung-Chak AHN, Eun-Sub SHIM
  • Publication number: 20130062501
    Abstract: There is provided an autofocus device for an imaging device which has an imaging lens system with a first focal plane, an object stage for holding an object, and a first movement module for the relative movement of object stage and imaging lens system. The autofocus device comprises an image-recording module with a second focal plane, a second movement module for the relative movement of object stage and image-recording module, and a control module which controls the image-recording module for focusing the imaging device. The control module controls the first movement module such that evaluated change in distance between the object stage and the imaging lens system is carried out, and controls the second movement module such that, during the first exposure time for recording the first two-dimensional image, the object stage is moved relative to the image-recording module in a plane parallel to the second focal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBH, CARL ZEISS SMS GMBH
    Inventors: Sascha Perlitz, Michael Arnz, Dirk Seidel
  • Publication number: 20130062502
    Abstract: A photodetector includes a substrate and an insulating arrangement formed in the substrate. The insulating arrangement electrically insulates a confined region of the substrate. The confined region is configured to generate free charge carriers in response to an irradiation. The photodetector further includes a read-out electrode arrangement configured to provide a photocurrent formed by at least a portion of the free charge carriers that are generated in response to the irradiation. The photodetector also includes a biasing electrode arrangement that is electrically insulated against the confined region by means of the insulating arrangement. The biasing electrode arrangement is configured to cause an influence on a spatial charge carrier distribution within the confined region so that fewer of the free charge carriers recombine at boundaries of the confined region compared to an unbiased state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thoralf Kautzsch
  • Publication number: 20130062503
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a ramp signal generator for generating first and second time-changing ramp signals during first and second analog-to-digital conversion periods, respectively; comparators for comparing a reset signal of a pixel with the first ramp signal during the first analog-to-digital conversion period, and comparing a pixel signal with the second ramp signal during the second analog-to-digital conversion period; and memories for storing, as first and second digital data, count values of counting from a start of changing the first and second ramp signals until an inversion of outputs of the comparators, during the first and second analog-to-digital conversion periods, wherein the ramp signal generator supplies a current from a current generator to a first capacitor element by a sampling and holding operation of a switch, and generates the first and second ramp signals based on the same bias voltage held by the first capacitor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Saito, Hiroki Hiyama, Tetsuya Itano, Kohichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130062504
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid state imaging device including a support substrate; an imaging semiconductor chip having a pixel array disposed on the support substrate; and an image processing semiconductor chip disposed on the support substrate, wherein the imaging semiconductor chip and the image processing semiconductor chip are connected by through-vias, and interconnects formed on the support substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunichi Sukegawa, Noriyuki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20130062505
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device which is configured not to require transfer of signal charges between pixels performs TDI. An output control section 5 sequentially assigns a pixel signal output processing period to each pixel array group 10 in the order of the vertical direction at an interval of one horizontal processing period H obtained by dividing one frame period T into three. The one frame period T is a period when each pixel array 100 is moved in the vertical direction. An adder 50 sums up a pixel signal held in a signal holding portion 41_X, and a pixel signals held in a signal holding portion 41_R, 41_G, 41_B corresponding to the pixel signal under the control of the output control section 5, and outputs the summation result to an A/D converter 60.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Satoshi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20130062506
    Abstract: A multi-spectrum photosensitive device comprises two, three, or four composite sensing pixels arranged in layers up and down in a base layer of P-type or N-type silicon by means of single-sided processing or double-sided processing, each composite sensing pixels can sense respectively spectrum orthogonal or complementary to each other in visible light or visible and infrared light. The basic sensing pixels on different layers of the composite sensing pixels can be designed to sense different colors or spectrums, so that a multi-spectrum photosensitive chip can be achieved by repeatedly arranging the macro units consisting of more than one composite sensing pixel. The present disclosure also includes a new multi-layer sensing pixel, and examples of which used in a single-sided double-layer, or a double-sided double-layer, or a double-sided three-layer, or a double-sided four-layer, or a single-sided mixed double-layer, or a double-sided mixed with double-layer or a multi-layer multi-spectrum sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BOLY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS (SHENZEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoping Hu
  • Publication number: 20130062507
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing a switching operation with the aid of a operation element (13). In order to avoid mechanical components, at least one light-emitting diode (14) is used as the operating element (13), and the voltage (U) on the at least one light-emitting diode (14) is measured in the switched-off state, and the switching operation is performed when the measured voltage (15) falls below a pregiven lower threshold (18) over a pregiven time period (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Fasthuber, Florian Schuster, Gerald Ortner, Michael Sandberger
  • Publication number: 20130062508
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to digitize an input electrical signal. A sequence of nonuniformly spaced optical pulses impinges an optical modulator, where the pulses are modulated by the electrical input signal, the optical pulses being detected by one or more photoreceivers, the photoreceiver outputs being electrically sampled in analog-to-digital converters and then processed in a digital signal processor (DSP) in order to measure the electrical input signal. The series of nonuniform pulses are formed by interleaving L uniformly spaced pulse streams each of repetition period T and where fmax, the maximum allowable spectral frequency of the input electrical signal, is greater than 4·L·f/2, where f=1/T.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory S. Kanter, Daniel Reilly, Shawn X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20130062509
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a light-sensing element, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The light-sensing element has a first end and a second end electrically connected to a select line. The first transistor has a first end electrically connected to a first control line, a control end electrically connected to the first end, and a second end electrically connected to the first end of the light-sensing element. The second transistor has a first end electrically connected to a voltage source, a control end electrically connected to the first end of the light-sensing element, and a second end electrically connected to an output line. The light-sensing element uses the material of silicon rich oxide so that the light-sensing element can sense the luminance variance and have the characteristic of the capacitor for the level boost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: AU Optronics Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130062510
    Abstract: A ceramic package includes a chip mounting portion, a photodiode (PD) mounting portion, a plurality of connecting terminals, and a gold-plated portion. The chip mounting portion is a portion on which a surface-emitting laser array chip is mounted on a first ceramic layer. The PD mounting portion is provided to a second ceramic layer stacked on the positive side in a c-axis direction of the first, ceramic layer. Openings are formed at four corners of the PD mounting portion. A scale is formed on a portion that can be observed through the opening of the second ceramic layer on the surface of the positive side in the c-axis direction of the first ceramic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshishige FUJII, Satoru Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20130062511
    Abstract: A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element, which safety system comprises an object-detection device for detecting an object in an area of the motion element, which object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and has an electronic unit with which the motion of the motion element can be controlled and which is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, in which blocked state an object or motion element does not trigger a safety mode, wherein shut-off means are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer at least part of the object-detection device into the blocked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CEDES AG
    Inventor: Cedes AG