Used To Switch An Electrical Circuit Or Device On Or Off Patents (Class 250/208.4)
  • Patent number: 11021096
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for illuminating a road area by a motor vehicle having the following steps: determining a trajectory relating to a future movement of the motor vehicle on a road, calculating a light distribution for a headlamp of the motor vehicle as a function of the determined trajectory in such a manner that a course of the trajectory is projected onto the road as part of the light distribution, and emitting a brightness distribution corresponding to the light distribution by the headlamp onto the road. In order to facilitate an improved overview of the driving of the motor vehicle, the light distribution is additionally calculated as a function of the determined trajectory in such a manner that, based on the light distribution in addition to the trajectory, an acceleration of the motor vehicle parallel to its longitudinal direction is also symbolized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Johannes Reim, Said Omerbegovic
  • Patent number: 10605591
    Abstract: A shape measurement apparatus includes: a linear light source that includes a superluminescent diode and applies linear light spreading in a width direction of the strip-shaped body to a surface of the strip-shaped body; a screen on which reflected light of the linear light off the surface of the strip-shaped body is projected; an area camera that captures an image of the reflected light of the linear light projected on the screen; and an arithmetic processing apparatus that calculates the surface shape of the strip-shaped body using the captured image of the reflected light of the linear light captured by the area camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Konno, Takamichi Kobayashi, Toshio Akagi, Atsuhiro Hibi, Nobuhiro Furuya, Akihito Nakazaki
  • Patent number: 10568181
    Abstract: A surgical lamp and a method for illuminating a surgical field on a human body by the surgical lamp are provided. The surgical lamp comprises a lamp body (1), a control device (4) and at least one separate function module (6, 7). The lamp body (1) comprises at least one illuminant (3) for illuminating the surgical field and at least one interface having a first fixation device (11), a power supply terminal (12) and/or a data connection device (13). The control device (4) is provided for controlling the at least one illuminant (3) and is connected to the data connection device (13) of the at least one first interface for data transmission. The at least one function module (6, 7) comprises a second interface, having a second fixation device (14), a second power supply terminal (15) and/or a second data connection device (16), being compatible to the first interface and that can be docked thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TRUMPF MEDIZIN SYSTEME GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schmid, Mathias Frenzel
  • Patent number: 10392959
    Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a photodiode for sensing characteristics of a flame. The photodiode outputs an electrical photocurrent. The sensor assembly includes an electrical assembly that is electrically remote from the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes an electric cable assembly extending from the sensor assembly to the electrical assembly. The electric cable assembly includes an electrical cable to electrically convey the photocurrent to the electrical assembly. At least the sensor assembly is configured and constructed to experience and continue to operate at a temperature at or greater than 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Benjamin John Olechnowicz, Troy David Hazelton, Jeffrey Roy Rudd, Fred Yu-Feng Chou, Frederick Louis Glesius
  • Patent number: 10368826
    Abstract: A radiation imaging control apparatus includes an exposure switch configured to instruct radiation emission, an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first signal indicating that the exposure switch is pressed, a first connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray detector to transmit a second signal indicating the driving state of the radiant ray detector, a second connection unit configured to detachably connect with a control unit of a radiant ray generation apparatus to transmit a specific signal, and a control unit configured to perform control to output the specific signal via the second connection unit upon acquisition of the first and second signals, wherein the second connection unit is a connector for making wired connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshikazu Tamura, Taro Hiroike, Tadahiko Iijima, Hirokazu Ohguri, Toshiya Ishioka
  • Patent number: 10329191
    Abstract: A glass roll, as well as a device and a method for manufacturing the glass roll are provided. The glass roll includes a glass ribbon having a thickness, a length in an x-direction, and a width in a y-direction. The glass ribbon has at least one defect site at a position, as well as at least one error mark disposed on the glass ribbon, and is wound up into a glass roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Andreas Ortner, Andreas Habeck, Clemens Ottermann, Thomas Roßmeier, Frank Macherey, Jürgen Vogt, Rainer Liebald, Thomas Wiegel, Ulrich Battmer, Uwe Wilkens
  • Patent number: 10110224
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Patent number: 10082473
    Abstract: An X-ray filter assembly is disclosed having a stack of X-ray attenuating sheets that are angled so as to have a focus point. When implemented in an imaging system, the focus point of the filter assembly is spatially offset (e.g., behind) the X-ray emission location. The filter assembly may be used (e.g., translated, rotated, and so forth) to adjust the intensity profile of the X-rays seen in an imaging volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jed Douglas Pack, Vance Scott Robinson
  • Patent number: 10012545
    Abstract: The present invention is a flame detector infrared and/or optical detectors providing a sensed range of flame detection in a flame space outside a shield window, where the improvement includes orienting a proximity sensor to operate to detected objects or obstructions both on an outside surface of the shield window and in the flame space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Wing Lam
  • Patent number: 9875860
    Abstract: Embodiments of a bypass system for a multi-cell power supply are provided. An aspect includes a plurality of power cells, each of the plurality of power cells comprising a respective bypass device comprising one or more contactors. Another aspect includes a central control. Yet another aspect includes a fiber optic ring comprising a plurality of fiber optic links that connect the respective bypass device in each of the plurality of power cells and the central control in series, wherein the fiber optic ring starts and ends at the central control, and the central control is configured to communicate with the one or more contactors in the plurality of bypass devices via the fiber optic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Paolo Malapelle, Vance McMichael, Peter Hammond
  • Patent number: 9025919
    Abstract: A photo-conductive switch package module having a photo-conductive substrate or wafer with opposing electrode-interface surfaces metalized with first metallic layers formed thereon, and encapsulated with a dielectric encapsulation material such as for example epoxy. The first metallic layers are exposed through the encapsulation via encapsulation concavities which have a known contour profile, such as a Rogowski edge profile. Second metallic layers are then formed to line the concavities and come in contact with the first metal layer, to form profiled and metalized encapsulation concavities which mitigate enhancement points at the edges of electrodes matingly seated in the concavities. One or more optical waveguides may also be bonded to the substrate for coupling light into the photo-conductive wafer, with the encapsulation also encapsulating the waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Sullivan, David M. Sanders, Steven A. Hawkins, Stephen A. Sampayan
  • Publication number: 20150090865
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for intelligently revealing selectable icons on a control panel of a playback device based on proximity detection. In one example, an ambient light level may be determined based on a detection of ambient light by a light sensor of a control area for a playback device. Based on the ambient light level, a sensitivity of an infrared (IR) proximity sensor and a sensitivity of a capacitive proximity sensor may be adjusted. The IR proximity sensor and the capacitive proximity sensor may each be configured to detect a physical movement. Based on the detection of the physical movement by at least one of the IR proximity sensor and the capacitive proximity sensor, a physical approach of an entity towards the playback device may be determined, and a control area of the playback device may be illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas CALATAYUD, Jonathon REILLY
  • Patent number: 8988740
    Abstract: A scanning method and apparatus. The method comprising the steps of: measuring an ambient video level using an area sensor under the control of a processor means; and calculating a gain and/or a exposure time and/or light source power for an actual flash video level using a stored reference flash video level and the measured ambient video level such that a summation of the actual flash video level and the ambient video level yields a desired video level in a scan image of the document using the calculated gain and/or exposure time and/or light source power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Piqx Imaging Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Yew Kien Loi, Ling Chuing Goh, Swee Heng Yeo, Boon Chen Lee, Gunawan Sutono
  • Patent number: 8923481
    Abstract: Embodiments of backscatter inspection systems include features to enable inspection of irregular surfaces, tight spacer, and other hard-to-reach places. Some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least three degrees of freedom, and some embodiments include arms that maneuver a scan head with at least seven degrees of freedom. Some embodiments include proximity detectors on a scan head or base, detect contact with an object being inspected, and to slow or stop the motion of the system accordingly. Some compact embodiments scan the interior of an object from within, and include a rotating, low-energy source of penetrating radiation, and at least one backscatter detector, which may be stationary, or may rotate with the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Schubert, John P. Handy, Richard L. Schueller, Terry Lee McElroy, David C. Walazek, William J. Baukus
  • Patent number: 8907717
    Abstract: The light receiving circuit includes: a photoelectric conversion element for causing a current corresponding to an amount of incident light to flow; a MOS transistor including a source connected to the photoelectric conversion element and a drain connected to a node, for causing the current of the photoelectric conversion element to flow to the node while maintaining a voltage of the source to a first voltage; a reset circuit for causing a current to flow from the node to a GND terminal so that a voltage of the node becomes a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a control circuit for outputting a reset signal to the reset circuit; and a voltage increase detection circuit for detecting a fluctuation in the voltage of the node and outputting a detection result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Fumiyasu Utsunomiya
  • Publication number: 20140263976
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for high voltage and/or high frequency modulation. In one aspect, an optoelectronic modulation system includes an array of two or more photoconductive switch units each including a wide bandgap photoconductive material coupled between a first electrode and a second electrode, a light source optically coupled to the WBGP material of each photoconductive switch unit via a light path, in which the light path splits into multiple light paths to optically interface with each WBGP material, such that a time delay of emitted light exists along each subsequent split light path, and in which the WBGP material conducts an electrical signal when a light signal is transmitted to the WBGP material, and an output to transmit the electrical signal conducted by each photoconductive switch unit. The time delay of the photons emitted through the light path is substantially equivalent to the time delay of the electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Sampayan
  • Patent number: 8822903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection system for the detection of movements of a movable object. The detection system may comprises: a light emitting device (S) for emitting light, a reflecting unit (5) being arranged in functional connection with the movable object and being adapted for reflecting the emitted light, a plurality of detectors (D1 to D4) for detecting the reflected light and outputting detection signals for determining a movement of the movable object. When reflecting the emitted light, the reflecting unit causes a light spot to be incident on the plurality of detectors, and the plurality of detectors are arranged in a predetermined manner so as to be located completely inside the light spot irrespective of any movement of the movable object. The present invention further relates to a method of detecting movements of the movable object, and an IC having implemented therein the detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Kim Phan Le
  • Publication number: 20140224966
    Abstract: An anti-glare mirror has opposite reflecting and back sides, and includes a plurality of electro-chromic units disposed in a casing, a first light sensor, a plurality of second light sensors, and a processor. The first light sensor is disposed on the casing, and is operable for sensing ambient brightness incident upon the back side. The second light sensors are disposed on the casing at positions corresponding to the electro-chromic units, respectively, and are operable for sensing ambient brightness incident upon the reflecting side. The processor compares the ambient brightness detected by the first light sensor and by the second light sensors, and determines whether to drive the electro-chromic units to vary in reflectance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TINTABLE SMART MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Wen CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20140217266
    Abstract: A reflective photo-electric sensing system includes a transmitter for the transmission of light and a reflector for reflecting the light. The reflector being positioned in a far field. A light channeling device receives reflected light from the far field or from a near field and channels the received reflected light to a near field receiver or a far field receiver dependent on an angle of the received reflected light. An electrical signal is generated at the near field receiver or the far field receiver. A controller evaluates the electrical signal of the near field receiver and the electrical signal of the far field receiver and generates an actuation signal dependent on the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: FRABA NV
    Inventor: Andre QUAISER
  • Patent number: 8698069
    Abstract: A slit is formed in a plunger of a limit switch in such a manner that an amount of light incident on a light receiving element is changed in accordance with displacement of the plunger. The limit switch is provided with a setting processing unit (123) for setting a voltage value outputted from the light receiving element as a threshold value when a setting instruction is inputted in a state where the plunger is displaced to a designated position by a user, a position detecting unit (113) for performing detection processing of detecting whether or not the plunger is placed at a closer position to a reference position than to the designated position by comparing the set threshold value and the voltage value outputted from the light receiving element, and an output signal controlling unit (119) for outputting a signal based on a result of the detection processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Kokichi Tobita, Kazuaki Morita
  • Patent number: 8692178
    Abstract: A photosensitive control system includes a light source device configured to provide a directional light beam and a photosensitive device which includes at least one pre-arranged photosensitive unit. Also, the photosensitive control system has a light guide device configured between the light source device and the photosensitive device for guiding the light beam to the at least one photosensitive unit and therefore the photosensitive device produces a sensing signal. In addition, the photosensitive control system includes a controller configured to receive the sensing signal and provide control data in accordance with the sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jian-Chiun Liou, Chun-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 8655125
    Abstract: A photo-conductive switch package module having a photo-conductive substrate or wafer with opposing electrode-interface surfaces, and at least one light-input surface. First metallic layers are formed on the electrode-interface surfaces, and one or more optical waveguides having input and output ends are bonded to the substrate so that the output end of each waveguide is bonded to a corresponding one of the light-input surfaces of the photo-conductive substrate. This forms a waveguide-substrate interface for coupling light into the photo-conductive wafer. A dielectric material such as epoxy is then used to encapsulate the photo-conductive substrate and optical waveguide so that only the metallic layers and the input end of the optical waveguide are exposed. Second metallic layers are then formed on the first metallic layers so that the waveguide-substrate interface is positioned under the second metallic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Sullivan, David M. Sanders, Steven A. Hawkins, Stephen E. Sampayan
  • Patent number: 8581169
    Abstract: A system and method for data transmission between an intelligent electronic device (IED) and a device, such as a remote display or input/output (I/O) device, are provided. Each data line of the IED is input into a serializer and transmitted over a serial link to a deserializer and then provided to the inputs of remote device, such as a remote display or input/output (I/O) device. The serial link can be made of any media such as copper, fiber optics, etc. The serial link can be formed as one, two or more channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventor: Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Patent number: 8569709
    Abstract: Embodiments of radiographic imaging systems; radiography detectors and methods for using the same can include radiographic imaging array that can include a plurality of pixels that each include a photoelectric thin-film conversion element coupled to a conversion thin-film switching element. In certain exemplary embodiments, a radiographic imaging array can include a bias control circuit to provide a bias voltage to the photosensors for a portion of the imaging array, an address control circuit to control scan lines, where each of the scan lines is coupled to a plurality of pixels in the portion of the imaging array; and a signal sensing circuit connected to data lines, where each of the data lines is coupled to at least two pixels in the portion of the imaging array, where power of the bias control circuit, the address control circuit, and the signal sensing circuit is not removed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Hsin Chang, Gordon Geisbuesch
  • Patent number: 8481911
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating between serially connected electrical devices of a network is provided. The network includes a series of electrical devices, and fiber optic connectors between electrical devices of the series of electrical devices forming a closed communication ring in which output of each electrical device is communicatively connected to input of a subsequent electrical device of the series of electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventors: Joseph Spanier, Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Patent number: 8435823
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device including forming a mask with apertures corresponding to a pixel pattern on the surface of a semiconductor layer, implanting second-conductivity-type impurity ions into the semiconductor layer from the front side of the layer to form second-conductivity-type photoelectric conversion parts and forming a part where no ion has been implanted into a pixel separation region, forming at the surface of the semiconductor layer a signal scanning circuit for reading light signals obtained at the photoelectric conversion parts after removing the mask, and removing the semiconductor substrate and a buried insulating layer from the semiconductor layer after causing a support substrate to adhere to the front side of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hirofumi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120235025
    Abstract: A slit is formed in a plunger of a limit switch in such a manner that an amount of light incident on a light receiving element is changed in accordance with displacement of the plunger. The limit switch is provided with a setting processing unit (123) for setting a voltage value outputted from the light receiving element as a threshold value when a setting instruction is inputted in a state where the plunger is displaced to a designated position by a user, a position detecting unit (113) for performing detection processing of detecting whether or not the plunger is placed at a closer position to a reference position than to the designated position by comparing the set threshold value and the voltage value outputted from the light receiving element, and an output signal controlling unit (119) for outputting a signal based on a result of the detection processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kokichi Tobita, Kazuaki Morita
  • Patent number: 8111433
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a reference member, a reading unit, a first reference value setting unit, a detecting unit, a second reference value setting unit, a determining unit, and a pixel value setting unit. The reading unit obtains image data and reference data. The first reference value setting unit sets a first reference value based on the reference data. The detecting unit detects a usage state of the reading unit. The second reference value setting unit sets a second reference value in accordance with the usage state. If the determining unit determines that the first reference value is in a predetermined condition, the pixel value setting unit sets a pixel value based on the image data and the first reference value; otherwise, the pixel value setting unit sets the pixel value based on the image data and the second reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Nagasaka
  • Publication number: 20110303826
    Abstract: A photosensitive control system includes a light source device configured to provide a directional light beam and a photosensitive device which includes at least one pre-arranged photosensitive unit. Also, the photosensitive control system has a light guide device configured between the light source device and the photosensitive device for guiding the light beam to the at least one photosensitive unit and therefore the photosensitive device produces a sensing signal. In addition, the photosensitive control system includes a controller configured to receive the sensing signal and provide control data in accordance with the sensing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jian-Chiun LIOU, Chun-Jung CHEN
  • Patent number: 8058605
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for safeguarding a hazardous area, such as a light grid, has a first and a second sensor part. The two sensor parts are arranged at a spatial distance from one another. Each sensor part has a plurality of transmitting elements for generating transmitted beams and a plurality of receiving elements for receiving the transmitted beams. In this way, a plurality of transmitted beams in opposite directions are formed between the sensor parts. Each sensor part has at least one evaluation circuit, which is coupled to the receiving elements of the respective sensor part. Each evaluation circuit is designed to generate a switch-off signal in a manner dependent on the respectively coupled receiving elements. In a preferred configuration, each sensor part has a plurality of evaluation circuits which are coupled to one another to form a series arrangement of evaluation circuits, and which are additionally coupled to a common data bus connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Scheiber, Thomas Luisoni, Wolfgang Bux, Kurt Brandauer
  • Publication number: 20110233407
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a processing unit, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The first and the second sensors are configured to generate signals if an object is within their detection zone. The processing unit is configured to receive the signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, and determine whether to lock or unlock the electronic device according to a sequence of the signals it receives from the first sensor and the second sensor within a predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicants: FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEI WU, XIN YANG
  • Patent number: 8004725
    Abstract: A device for scanning a document is provided. A document placed on a support surface is scanned line by line by a camera that is provided with an optoelectronic line sensor, and electric signals are produced. The line sensor includes a plurality of image recording elements disposed in a linear orientation. A lens system is used to image the light reflected by the document to be captured onto a part of the image recording elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Chromasens GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Schnitzlein
  • Patent number: 7973273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light barrier for the monitoring of a light path having a base assembly of a first transmitter emitting a light signal and a first receiver generating an output signal for a control. In accordance with the invention, the light barrier has an active reflector assembly having a second receiver for the reception of the light signal emitted by the first transmitter and a second transmitter for the transmission of a feedback signal in dependence on the received light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs—und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hoermann
  • Patent number: 7897905
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating between serially connected electrical devices of a network is provided. The network includes a series of electrical devices, and fiber optic connectors between electrical devices of the series of electrical devices forming a closed communication ring in which output of each electrical device is communicatively connected to input of a subsequent electrical device of the series of electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Spanier, Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Patent number: 7732747
    Abstract: An electric tool has a handle, and an element for varying tool functions located in the handle and including a photoelectric cell incorporated onto the handle in such a way that if the photoelectric cell is completely or partly covered, a tool function is achieved on a specification in accordance with a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Michael Wieler, Manfred Zurawski, Guenther Henzler, Andreas Fluhrer, Marcus Kiesslich, Andreas Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7564020
    Abstract: A light detector system for use with a work-piece is provided. The light detector system can include a housing and at least one sensor coupled to the housing. The sensor can be responsive to a light source to generate a signal that indicates a location of the light source with respect to the housing. The light detector system can also comprise a marker coupled to the housing. The marker can be responsive to the signal to mark the location of the light source on a surface of the work-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Margarita Sergyeyenko
  • Patent number: 7479624
    Abstract: A laser light actuation system for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus. The system includes a laser module adapted to produce a known laser light signal, which is preferably sparsely modulated, the signal being suitable for transmission over a long distance. The system also includes a receiver module adapted to receive and detect the known laser light signal. The receiver module is also adapted to selectively produce an actuation signal in response to the known laser light signal to selectively actuate such an apparatus. The receiver module includes a timer operatively associated with the receiver module to selectively limit the time of actuation of such an apparatus in response to the laser light signal. A laser light actuation method for remotely and selectively actuating a function of a known apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn Morris
  • Patent number: 7415338
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of auxiliary equipment of a vehicle by receiving an output of a surroundings detection sensor for detecting the surrounding of the vehicle and an output of the vehicle information sensor, for detecting operation of the vehicle, wherein the distance to and the direction of an overtaking vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, or a preceding vehicle and the light intensities of the right and the left headlamps are controlled independently. A plurality of processes required for controlling the vehicle auxiliary equipment are performed by the time division processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Monji, Masaaki Fukuhara, Katsuo Ouchi, Isao Furusawa, Hiroyuki Kasuya, Jun Higashino, Fujio Iida, Katsumi Otsubo
  • Patent number: 7388189
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating between serially connected electrical devices of a network is provided. The network includes a series of electrical devices, and fiber optic connectors between electrical devices of the series of electrical devices forming a closed communication ring in which output of each electrical device is communicatively connected to input of a subsequent electrical device of the series of electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventors: Joseph Spanier, Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Publication number: 20080078922
    Abstract: A high-voltage automatic changeover switch, includes a support and a control circuit board mounted on the support. In one embodiment, the support includes an insulating frame, four high-voltage contacts mounted on each of two opposite plates of the insulating frame, four high-voltage contacts on the same plate being pair-to-pair arranged, the high-voltage contacts at the corresponding positions on the two plates being pair-to-pair arranged. A motor is provided on the support, and when switching the high voltages, the control circuit board controls the rotation of the motor to automatically switch the connection relation between the high-voltage contact pairs. Embodiments of the switch have a voltage-resistance of above 50 KV, allowing a pulse current of not less than 500 A to pass through, and good contact performance and a high stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicants: NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yaohong LIU, Yumei CHEN, Huaping TANG, Jianjun GAO, Xinshui YAN, Feng GAO, Wei JIA, Xiaotian LIANG, Jinsheng LIU, De WEI, Wei YIN, Dan ZHANG, Chong GU, Qinghui ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7335871
    Abstract: Methods and systems for low power switching are provided. In one embodiment, an optical switching system is provided. The system comprises at least one optically controlled switch adapted to maintain one of an open state and a closed state based on an associated light signal; and at least one light source adapted to output the associated light signal to the at least one switch, wherein the at least one light source cycles the light signal on and off, wherein the at least one light source is cycled on for a sufficient duration of time and with a sufficient periodicity to maintain the optically controlled switch in one of an open state and a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Bauhahn, Robert C. Becker, David W. Meyers, Kelly P. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 7214922
    Abstract: A semiconductor photosensor device includes a plurality of photodiode sections, a switch, and an output section is provided. The plurality of photodiode sections have different illuminance-output characteristics. The switch selects any one of the plurality of photodiodes sections on the basis of an illuminance of incident light irradiated on the photodiode sections. The output section outputs an signal from the selected photodiode section through the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yukiko Takiba, Hiroshi Suzunaga, Hideyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 7164110
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination management system that includes a first LED that outputs a first signal when exposed to a first spectrum of light, the first signal indicating an intensity of light from the first spectrum; a second LED that outputs a second signal when exposed to a second spectrum of light, the second signal indicating an intensity of light from the second spectrum and wherein the second spectrum includes at least some wavelengths that are not in said first spectrum. In some embodiments, more LEDs could be included in the system for associating the presence of light energy from different parts of the light spectrum. Also included is light control circuitry, coupled to the LEDs, configured to generate a lighting control signal that can be output to one or more lights to adjust the lights to a desired light level, wherein the lighting control signal varies in response to said first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu Pitigoi-Aron, Ulrich Forke, Roar Viala
  • Patent number: 7138903
    Abstract: A lock module includes a transmitting module to continuously transmit multiple colored light rays, a key adapted to be inserted into the keyhole of the lock and having multiple colored optical lenses each permitting a specific colored light ray to pass therethrough and a receiving module to receive, store and compare the colored light rays from the multiple colored optical lenses to identify whether the key inserted into the keyhole is accurate. After an initial process of storing the sequence of the colored light rays by the receiving module, the receiving module is able to use stored information to compare the colored light rays subsequently passing through the colored optical lenses of another key to check whether the subsequent key is the accurate key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Jian-Choung Doong, Jin-In Chen
  • Patent number: 7116459
    Abstract: An improved SLM that is capable of detecting when light incident on the SLM exceeds a predetermined threshold. A diode is fabricated around, or within the pixel array. Light incident on the array (and the diode) results in a current increase through the diode, which may detected and used to initiate a disable signal to control circuitry of the SLM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: James D. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7079189
    Abstract: For providing a longer lifetime and sensing an image with less noise, there is provided an image sensing apparatus having a flat panel sensor for detecting radiations, a first power circuit for supplying an electric power to the flat panel sensor, a read-out circuit for reading out data of the flat panel sensor circuit, a second power circuit for supplying an electric power to the read-out circuit, and a control circuit for turning the first power circuit on by a first timing signal and for turning the second power circuit on by a second timing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Tsujii, Toshikazu Tamura
  • Patent number: 6927924
    Abstract: An imaging optical instrument causes light emitted from a plurality of light sources arranged adjacent an object to image on recording surfaces of a photosensitive or thermosensitive material. The optical instrument includes a two-sided telecentric optical system having a first lens disposed adjacent an entrance end of a lens barrel, and a second lens disposed adjacent an exit end of the lens barrel, and an aperture stop disposed adjacent a meeting point of a rearward focus of the first lens and a forward focus of the second lens. The aperture stop has an aperture formed centrally thereof for allowing passage of beams that should contribute to image formation, and a refracting portion surrounding the aperture for refracting beams that should be intercepted and causing these beams to leave the lens barrel from the exit end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Ueyama
  • Patent number: 6816647
    Abstract: An industrially hardened terahertz electromagnetic transmitter and receiver module (29) is disclosed. The electromagnetic wave module has an optic (30) which relays an optical pulse from the delivery fiber (32) to the terahertz device. The relay optic (30) allows for a greatly reduced optical spot size as compared to the output of the optical fiber. Thus, the sensitivity of the overall system is enhanced by improving the efficiency of the terahertz device. The relay optic (30) allows the small spot of light to be aligned to the electromagnetic transmitter or receiver with sub-micron precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Picometrix, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Rudd, Matthew W. Warmuth, Steven L. Williamson, David A. Zimdars
  • Patent number: 6774396
    Abstract: A image detector comprises a light source for radiating light in accordance with a predetermined signal; a window for transmitting the light from the light source; a thin film phototransistor for generating an optical current in accordance with the intensity of external light; a storage capacitor for storing charge information transmitted from the thin film phototransistor; a thin film switching transistor for outputting the information stored in the storage capacitor in accordance with an external control signal; an insulating layer for covering the window, the thin film phototransistor, the storage capacitor, and the thin film switching transistor, a protecting layer formed on the insulating layer; and a conductive object detection pattern formed on the protecting layer to apply an electrical power supply signal to the light source when a conductive living object contacts the conductive objecting detecting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: LG Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn Gyoung Chang, Jeong Hyun Kim, Se June Kim
  • Patent number: 6614013
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination management system that includes a first LED that outputs a first signal when exposed to a first spectrum of light, the first signal indicating an intensity of light from the first spectrum; a second LED that outputs a second signal when exposed to a second spectrum of light, the second signal indicating an intensity of light from the second spectrum and wherein the second spectrum includes at least some wavelengths that are not in said first spectrum. In some embodiments, more LEDs could be included in the system for associating the presence of light energy from different parts of the light spectrum. Also included is light control circuitry, coupled to the LEDs, configured to generate a lighting control signal that can be output to one or more lights to adjust the lights to a desired light level, wherein the lighting control signal varies in response to said first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu Pitigoi-Aron, Ulrich Forke, Roar Viala