Housings (in Addition To Cell Casing) Patents (Class 250/239)
  • Patent number: 8513583
    Abstract: An adaptive plasma optics cell includes a housing defining a chamber, and a gas disposed within the housing chamber. A first light transmissive electrode layer is coupled to a first side of the housing and a first light transmissive dielectric layer is coupled between the first light transmissive electrode layer and the housing chamber. A second electrode layer is coupled to a second side of the housing such that the housing chamber is at least partially disposed between the first and second electrode layers and a second dielectric layer coupled between the second electrode layer electrode and the housing chamber. In operation, a power supply is controlled such that the power supply selectively supplies an electric signal sufficient to cause the gas to generate a plasma having a desired plasma gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Notre Dame du Lac
    Inventors: Thomas C. Corke, Eric H. Matlis
  • Publication number: 20130181131
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a protective layer above a proximity sensor having a radiation emitter and a radiation detector. A groove, which may be wedge shaped, is formed in the bottom surface of the protective layer. A radiation barrier, which may be reflective or absorptive material, is placed in the groove in the bottom surface of the protective layer. A light blocking coating may be applied to the bottom surface and the groove of the protective layer to prevent the passage of visible radiation and permit the passage of infrared radiation. A radiation shield may be positioned between the emitter and the detector directly below the radiation barrier. Alignment features may be formed on the mating surfaces of the radiation barrier and radiation shield to align the protective layer with respect to the radiation shield and proximity sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc
    Inventor: Prashanth Holenarsipur
  • Patent number: 8482012
    Abstract: A chip module package structure applied to an optical input device includes a cover body, a first chip module, and a second chip module. The first chip module and the second chip module are respectively combined with the cover body, the first chip module has an optical source, and the second chip module has an optical sensor. Further, the optical source and the optical sensor form a preset relative spatial position relation, such that a part of light emitted by the optical source is received by the optical sensor after at least one reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsiung Li, Hung-Ching Lai
  • Patent number: 8481916
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory mounting system includes a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of the vehicle windshield. The structure is configured to accommodate an accessory. A light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the vehicle windshield at least partially hides the structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield. The accessory views through a light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when the structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when the accessory is accommodated thereat. The structure may include a mirror assembly mount button and the mirror assembly mount button may be configured to be received by a mirror mount of an interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Heslin, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8476591
    Abstract: A radiation sensor device including an integrated circuit chip including a radiation sensor on a surface of the integrated chip, one or more electrical connections configured to connect between an active surface of the integrated circuit chip and a lead frame, a cap attached to said integrated circuit chip spaced from and covering said radiation sensor, the cap having a transparent portion defining a primary lens transparent to the radiation to be sensed, a secondary lens disposed in a recess proximate and spaced from said primary lens transparent to the radiation to be sensed, and an air gap between said primary lens and said secondary lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Kierse, Eamon Hynes
  • Patent number: 8471196
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes an effective pixel region for outputting a signal according to light, and an optical black pixel region for outputting a reference signal, wherein, in the optical black pixel region, a plug is arranged in an insulating film, and a light shielding film is arranged above the plug and is connected to the plug, such that an upper surface of the plug and an upper surface of the insulating film form the same plane, and wherein, above or below the light shielding film, a titanium film of thickness 5 to 15 nm is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideomi Kumano
  • Publication number: 20130154485
    Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of assuming an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises a primary light sensor and a secondary light sensor. When the portable electronic device is in the open configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the primary light sensor, and when the portable electronic device is in the closed configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the secondary light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Research In Motion Limited
  • Patent number: 8466409
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a transmission side photoelectric conversion part for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal, a transmission side circuit board on which the transmission side photoelectric conversion part is mounted off-center to one side of the transmission side circuit board at one end of the transmission side circuit board, a reception side photoelectric conversion part for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, and a reception side circuit board on which the reception side photoelectric conversion part is mounted off-center to one side of the reception side circuit board at one end of the reception side circuit board. A surface of the transmission side circuit board on which the transmission side photoelectric conversion part is mounted is opposite to a surface of the reception side circuit board on which the reception side photoelectric conversion part is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ishigami, Kenichi Tamura, Masayuki Nikaido
  • Patent number: 8455807
    Abstract: A sunlight collector module is disclosed, capable of collecting the sunlight from the sun for the illumination at a certain position, and of reflecting portion of the sunlight to a solar photovoltaic module. The disclosed sunlight collector module comprises: a base, a first reflective element disposed on the base, a second reflective element, a light-guide element, and a beam splitting element, wherein the second reflective element is disposed on a side, which is opposite to the base, of the first reflective element. Besides, the light-guide element disposed on a side, which is opposite to the second reflective element, of the first reflective element. In addition, the beam splitting element is disposed between the first reflective element and the light-guide element, for reflecting portion of the sunlight to the solar photovoltaic module. The non-reflected portion of the sunlight passes through the beam splitting element and enters the light-guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Wen-Hsin Sun, Chih-Hsuan Tsuei
  • Patent number: 8450678
    Abstract: An automatic door sensor includes light-emitters that cyclically emit and project light, and lenses that deflect emitted light in the direction perpendicular to a door opening. Light-receivers receive the projected light through segmented lenses. For each of the light-emitters, a setting unit sets therein whether each light-emitter should emit light. A control unit judges whether a human or an object is present in a surveillance area based on how the light-receivers receive light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Sasaki, Takashi Wada, Kenji Nishigaki
  • Patent number: 8450679
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a sensing device that uses a proximity sensor. The sensing device includes: a proximity sensor sensing approach of an external object; and a lens unit installed on top of the proximity sensor. The lens unit includes: a lens body having a first through-opening through which light emitted from a light emitting unit of the proximity sensor passes and a second through-opening through which light, reflected from the external object and entering into a light receiving unit of the proximity sensor, passes; and a reflective film formed in the lens body to surround edges of the first through-opening and the second through-opening. The lens body and the reflective film are integrated with each other by double injection molding. The lens body and the reflecting film are manufactured in a single body by double injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Won Yun
  • Patent number: 8445837
    Abstract: Provided is a vibration actuator comprising a drive unit that generates a drive force; a vibrating component that vibrates according to the drive force from the drive unit; a rotating body that receives the vibration of the vibrating component to rotate; and a converting section that changes a contact force between the vibrating component and the rotating body according to size of a load acting on the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Matsukawa, Kazuyasu Oone
  • Patent number: 8441572
    Abstract: To produce a subject's image on an imager as accurately as possible, a technique that is effectively applicable to the process of assembling an optical system is provided. An imaging device includes: an imager; a plate member, to which the imager is attached; and a holding member configured to hold the plate member. The plate member has a first portion, through which at least one fixing hole has been cut, and a second portion, to which the imager is attached and through which at least one adjusting hole has been cut. The plate member is held by the holding member using a number of fastening members to be introduced through the at least one fixing hole and the at least one adjusting hole. When the first portion is fixed on the holding member, the fastening member that is introduced through the at least one adjusting hole adjusts the relative position of the second portion to the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Konishi, Koichiro Hirabayashi, Keiji Sakamoto, Daisuke Ito, Eiji Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 8436287
    Abstract: A system and/or a method read, measure and/or control intensity of light emitted from a light-emitting diode (LED). A light detector may be located in a position adjacent to the LED for reading and/or measuring the intensity of light emitted from the LED. The LED and the light detector may be located in a cavity which may limit exposure of the LED and the light detector to ambient light. The cavity may have an aperture for allowing light emitted from the LED to exit the chamber to illuminate an environment in which the chamber is located. The aperture may be located between the cavity and a compartment, and the LED may emit light through the aperture into the compartment. An additional detector may be located in the compartment and/or may extend from the cavity through an additional aperture into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Phaedrus, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley W. Engstrand
  • Patent number: 8436329
    Abstract: A LASER based system for analysis of fluids utilizing frequency shift analysis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid for analysis is reduced to a gaseous state so that it can be injected into an extended LASER cavity, so as to detect minute frequency shifts caused by the various gases in the cavity via sensors associated with the cavity. The present invention thereby provides stable detection system, with microprocessor-based electronics, which can be used to provide analyses of the gases, and thus the input liquids and its markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: AMR Trust
    Inventors: Michael Dean Reifel, Mitchell Hayes Reifel
  • Publication number: 20130105672
    Abstract: An optical triplexer and/or optical line terminal (OLT) compatible with 1.25 and 10 Gb/s passive optical networks is disclosed. The triplexer/OLT includes an optical fiber, first and second laser diodes, a photodiode, and first and second lenses. A hemispherical lens may be at an end face of the photodiode or receiver subassembly housing. A first optical splitter is mounted between the first and second lenses, and a second optical splitter is mounted between the optical fiber and the second laser diode. The first lens and first laser diode, and the second lens and second laser diode share respective common linear optical axes. The present triplexer/OLT advantageously accords with an interface standard IEEE802.3av-2009 PRX30. In addition, the present triplexer can advantageously implement analog receiving and digital transceiving, save optical fiber resources, and provide high efficiency coupling. Thus, requirements for high power output and smaller housing outlines can be served.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Chien-Hsiung CHIU, Hung-Yuan CHEN, Chih-Lung NIEN, Che-Jen CHANG, Shih-Pin KO, Pei-Keng FU, Tsai-Wei CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130105676
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing defining at least one interior cavity; at least one optical sensor located within the at least one interior cavity of the housing adjacent a first portion of the housing; wherein the first portion of the housing includes a plurality of distributed optical windows through the housing. A housing part of an apparatus including a housing wall comprising a plurality of distributed micro-windows through the housing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ralf WIESER, Somakanthan Somalingam, Max Lindfors
  • Patent number: 8421002
    Abstract: A dust-proof enclosure portion which stores therein an emission portion of a projection unit and in which a projection window from which image light is emitted is formed to direct upward, and a cabinet shielding structure which holds a screen on a front side, in which an opening that introduces the image light emitted from the projection window of the projection unit is included, and in which a second reflection mirror that reflects the introduced image light toward the rear surface of the screen is arranged are included, in which a second dust-proof cover is detachably attached to the opening (light introducing and managing opening) of the cabinet shielding structure, the projection window is exposed in a state where the second dust-proof cover is removed, and the cabinet shielding structure is a sealed structure in a state where the second dust-proof cover is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Okura, Haruhiko Matoba
  • Patent number: 8415602
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel part configured to include a plurality of light receiving regions corresponding to different wavelengths; and an element isolator configured to separate the plurality of light receiving regions from each other in such a way that each of the light receiving regions in the pixel part has a size suited to an energy profile of light irradiation with a wavelength handled by the light receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8411907
    Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes performing a computer processor of a computing system, a facial recognition process of an individual associated with a device. The computer processor retrieves from a detection device, eyewear detection data indicating that the individual is correctly wearing eyewear and tint detection data indicating that the eyewear comprises tinted lenses. In response, the computer processor analyzes results of the facial recognition process, the eyewear detection data, and the tint detection data. The computer processor modifies functions associated with the first device in response to results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8410423
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges, their components and method for assembly and adjustment of the same are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod. The nuclear gauge can also include a radiation shield assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Bartlett, Raffaello Verna, James D. Pratt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8410462
    Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus for transmission of an electrical signal via, galvanically isolated by means of a one-piece, translucent, plastic body, an input current circuit. At least one optical transmission element, and an output current circuit, having at least one optical receiving element, wherein the optical transmission element has a principle transmission axis and the optical receiving element a principle receiving axis, which are oriented so as to concide with a shared optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hasuer GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brutschin, Hartmut Damm, Klaus Ruf, Alex Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8399823
    Abstract: A movement and control mechanism for operating a syringe is disclosed. The movement mechanism includes a rotatable shaft and two rods disposed coaxially to the shaft and a plunger associated unit. The plunger unit accommodates a plunger of a syringe and axially translates upon rotation of the shaft. An electrical sensor system is implemented with the movement mechanism for detecting the presence of a syringe plunger in the plunger associated unit during the operation of the mechanism. The electrical sensor system forms an interruptible electrical circuit between the rods of the movement mechanism, allowing continuous detection of the presence of a plunger in the plunger associated unit during axial translation of the plunger associated unit along the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Swi Barak
  • Patent number: 8389926
    Abstract: A sensing module for light-emitting devices includes a circuit board having at least one retaining region configured to retain an optical sensor, at least one circuit configured to electrically connect the optical sensor to an output interface at a front end of the circuit board, a substrate positioned on the circuit board and having at least one aperture exposing the retaining regions, and an optical device positioned on the aperture and configured to collect emitting lights from a light-emitting device to the retaining region through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Star Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Choon Leong Lou, Li Min Wang, Yi Ming Lau, Ho Yeh Chen
  • Patent number: 8378287
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor module (1) for a measuring device. Said module comprises at least one optical sensor (2) including a diode laser (3) having a laser cavity for generating a measuring beam, the diode laser being attached to a substrate (12), converging means (5) (such as a lens). During measuring, such converging means (5) converges the measuring beam in an action plane and converges in the laser cavity the measuring beam radiation that has been back-scattered by an object to generate a self-mixing effect and means for measuring the self-mixing effect. Later means comprise a photo diode (4) and an associated signal processing circuitry. According to an essential aspect of the invention, that the diode laser (3) is configured to emit laser radiation of a wavelength for which the substrate (12) being attached to the diode laser (3) is transparent. This configuration leads to an essentially simple (and therefore cheap) sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Franz Christian Schemmann, Armand Pruijmboom, Silvia Maria Booij, Klaus Peter Werner
  • Patent number: 8376280
    Abstract: In a method for operating an infrared countermeasure optical device on an aircraft, the improvement comprises the steps of positioning a deflector upstream from the optical device to allow said optical device to operate in high-speed freestream flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Q. Gendron, Christopher L. Chew, Michael R. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8373111
    Abstract: An optical sensing device includes a shell, a partition structure, a pivot, a shading member, at least one light emitting member and at least one optical sensing member. The shell is formed with a black-body condition space having an arrangement chamber and a shading chamber adjacent to and communicated with the arrangement chamber. The partition structure partitions the arrangement chamber into a light emitting chamber and at least one optical sensing chamber. The pivot is set in the shading chamber. The shading member is located in the shading chamber and pivotally connected to the pivot. When the optical sensing device is tilted, the shading member is rotated in accordance with a tilting azimuth. The light emitting member is located in the light emitting chamber and projects a light beam. The optical sensing member is located in the optical sensing chamber and senses the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Edison Opto Corporation
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Chung-Ping Feng
  • Patent number: 8368007
    Abstract: An imaging reader for electro-optically reading a target by image capture includes a window supported by a housing, a chassis mounted in the housing and having chassis walls bounding an optical compartment, and an imaging module in the optical compartment for capturing return light from the target through the window. A component seals the optical compartment and protects the window from shock forces. The component is mounted between the window and the chassis walls bounding an opening into the optical compartment, and surrounds a periphery of the window. The component is constituted of a compressible material that is compressed between the window and the chassis walls to isolate and seal the optical compartment from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darran Handshaw, Yuly Mitelman, Eric Trongone
  • Patent number: 8368003
    Abstract: An image-capturing module for simplifying optical component and reducing assembly time includes a substrate unit, an image-capturing unit, a cover unit, a light-emitting unit and an optical imaging unit. The image-capturing unit has at least one image-capturing element electrically disposed on the substrate unit. The cover unit has at least one cover element disposed on the substrate unit and covering the image-capturing element, and the cover element has an opening for exposing the image-capturing element. The light-emitting unit has at least one light-emitting element electrically disposed on the substrate unit. The optical imaging unit has a light-guiding element disposed on the cover element for receiving light beams generated by the light-emitting element and an imaging element connected with the light-guiding element and disposed in the opening of the covering element. The light-guiding element and the imaging element are integrated with each other to form one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Azurewave Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Hsing Hsu, Chih-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 8350207
    Abstract: In a radiation image detection apparatus having a radiation image detector that includes the following stacked in the order listed below: a bias electrode, a photoconductive layer, a substrate side charge transport layer, and an active matrix substrate, the radiation image detector does not include an area adjacent to the interface between the substrate side charge transport layer and photoconductive layer having an oxygen or chlorine element density not less than two times the average density of oxygen or chlorine element in the substrate side charge transport layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Fumito Nariyuki, Munetaka Kato, Keiichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8344308
    Abstract: An image reader includes: a rectangular substrate; a photoelectric conversion element that is mounted on one surface of the substrate; a connector that is mounted on the other surface of the substrate so as to be closer to one end face of the substrate than a position on the substrate where the photoelectric conversion element is mounted, and is connected to a signal line; a support member; and a restricting member that is provided on the substrate so as to be closer to the one end face of the substrate in the longitudinal direction than the position where the substrate is supported by the support member, when another connector is fitted to at least the connector, the restricting member coming into contact with the one surface of the substrate and restricting the deformation of the substrate in a direction in which the another connector is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dal Yong Kim, Hironori Shimada
  • Publication number: 20120312973
    Abstract: An exemplary optical sensor element for use in an optical sample analyzing apparatus, includes a housing that includes at least one optical sensor component. A housing body and a housing lid are removably connected to the housing body so that in an assembled state, the housing body and the housing lid form a fluid-tight housing. The housing lid is equipped with replaceable moisture control elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Eric D'COSTA, Sunny Bhachoo, John Eveness, Teresa Joe
  • Patent number: 8330094
    Abstract: In an optical mouse, an optical sensing module includes a printed circuit board and a packaging body. The printed circuit board has an upper surface and a lower surface on opposite sides. The packaging body including a compound, an optical sensing die and a lead frame is disposed on the lower surface. The compound has a transparent surface. The optical sensing die used for receiving light is located inner the compound and has an optical sensing surface facing the transparent surface of the compound. The lead frame with a shoulder portion is electrically connected to the optical sensing die. The shoulder portion extends out from the compound along a direction that is parallel to the optical sensing surface of the optical sensing die. The shoulder portion is fixed on the lower surface. The optical sensing module may be used in an optical mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Wang, Kuo-Hsiung Li
  • Patent number: 8324563
    Abstract: A container includes a housing and a cover which may be wholly or partially removed to open the container. A foil seal is used to seal the joint between the housing and the cover. The foil seal is internal to the container. The foil seal separates during opening of the cover, respective parts of the foil seal remaining with the housing and the cover. The foil seal may be a metal or metal-containing foil, for example being an aluminum, steel, or titanium foil, or a metalized plastic foil. A cutter, such as a serrated edge, may be positioned to facilitate cutting of the foil seal during cover opening. The container may be part of a seeker assembly with the housing being a seeker housing, and the cover being a removable or hinged cover that protects an optical seeker during some portions of flight, such as during launch of a spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Broyles, Terry M. Sanderson, Douglas M. Beard, Brian D. Alfing
  • Patent number: 8324553
    Abstract: A chip-stacked image sensor obtained by embodying an image sensor cell in two chips and combining the chips with each other is provided. The chip-stacked image sensor includes first and second semiconductor chips. The first semiconductor chip includes a plurality of image signal sensing cells for generating image charges corresponding to image signals sensed by at least four photodiodes and outputting the generated image charges through at least two common terminals and a plurality of image charge transmission pads. The second semiconductor chip includes a plurality of image signal conversion cells for converting the image signals into electrical signals and a plurality of image charge receiving pads. Here, the image charges generated by the image signal sensing cells are transmitted to corresponding image signal conversion cells via the plurality of image charge transmission pads and the plurality of image charge receiving pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Do-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8324602
    Abstract: An optical sensor device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a light source and a light detector. The light source includes one or more light emitting elements, and the light detector includes one or more light detecting elements. A first opaque light barrier portion, between the light source and the light detector, is configured to block light from being transmitted directly from the light source to the light detector. A second opaque light barrier portion, extending from the first opaque light barrier portion in a direction towards the light source, is configured to reduce an amount of specular reflections that would occur if a light transmissive cover plate were placed over the optical sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn K. Wiese, Nikhil Kelkar, Viraj Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 8314413
    Abstract: An optoelectronic device for transmission of an electrical signal of an input electrical current circuit to an output electrical current circuit galvanically isolated from the input electrical current circuit. The device includes a housing. The input electrical current circuit contains, for producing an optical signal, an optical transmitting unit, which is arranged in the housing. The output electrical current circuit contains, for receiving the optical signal, an optical receiving unit, which is arranged in the housing. At least one fuse mechanism is provided in the housing, which interrupts transmission of the electrical signal in the case of an electrical current flow, which lies above a predetermined electrical current level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Mamadi Keita, Antoine Simon
  • Publication number: 20120286147
    Abstract: A laser sensor comprising a sensor head to receive laser light. The sensor head may have a globe-shaped optical member, the globe-shaped optical member may be optically coupled to an optical-to-electrical converter, the optical-to-electrical converter may be configured to convert laser light from the sensor head to an electronic output signal, and the sensor head may be configured to provide a 360 degree field of view in a horizontal plane and a positive (+) 90 degree field of view in a vertical plane above the horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Paul B. HVASS, Michael J. MCFADDEN
  • Patent number: 8309907
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The attachment element accommodates a rain sensor, which has a field of view through an aperture of the attachment element towards the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a case that houses a reflective mirror element, and includes a base portion with a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. The base portion encompasses the rain sensor when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the vehicle windshield. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion. Electrical wiring may, at least in part, connect the video camera in the base portion with circuitry in the case, and the electrical wiring may be routed through a pivot joint of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Heslin, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8309908
    Abstract: Provided are optoelectronic components which include an optoelectronic device and a structure for self-aligning the optoelectronic device. Also provided are optoelectronic modules and methods of forming optoelectronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Sherrer, Noel A. Heiks
  • Publication number: 20120267518
    Abstract: A sensor protector is intended to reduce the sensitivity of the optical sensor (4) to radiation products which, for example, are formed during sterilization with gamma radiation and to ensure simple and cost-effective manufacture. The sensor protector includes an upper part (1), a lower part (3) and an optical sensor (4). The optical sensor (4) situated on the lower part is positionable in an offset manner with respect to an opening (2) situated in the upper part and movable by means of displacement toward the opening (2) of the upper part (1). The sensor protector is suitable for use in containers and laboratory products that are sterilized by gamma radiation, for example disposable bioreactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Weisshaar, Michael Bates, Christian Pradel, Volker Limpert
  • Patent number: 8294076
    Abstract: An imaging photodetection device (4) includes: a plurality of photodetectors (6) that are arrayed on a substrate (5) at least along a first direction; a transparent low refractive index layer (12) that is formed above the plurality of photodetectors; and a plurality of transparent high refractive index sections (13) that are embedded in the transparent low refractive index layer along the first direction. On a cross-section of the transparent high refractive index sections orthogonal to the substrate and along the first direction, central axes (14) of the transparent high refractive index sections are bent stepwise. Light that enters the transparent low refractive index layer and the transparent high refractive index section passes therethrough to be separated into 0th-order diffracted light, 1st-order diffracted light, and ?1st-order diffracted light. Thereby, improvement in the efficiency of light utilization and pixel densification can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Nishiwaki, Masa-aki Suzuki, Shin-ichi Wakabayashi, Kazuya Yonemoto, Masao Hiramoto
  • Patent number: 8288710
    Abstract: A camera module (1) is an assembly of a lens holder (4) and a wiring board (2). The lens holder (4) holds an optical structure (3) which forms an image of a subject. The wiring board (2) has formed thereon a solid-state image sensing element (21) which converts the image of the subject formed by the optical structure (3) to electrical signals. Grease (7) is applied to the camera module (1) in such a manner that the grease is not present in an optical path in the optical structure (3). The grease (7) catches the dust (D) produced during manufacture and while in use, thereby prevented the dust (D) from causing image defects. A solid-state image sensing device is thus provided which is capable of preventing the dust produced during manufacture and while in use from causing image defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tsukamoto, Kazuo Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8288711
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield and an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing having a mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. An interior rearview mirror head is pivotable about the housing by a single ball and socket pivot joint and is adjustable by a driver of the vehicle about the single pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view. The housing houses a forwardly-viewing camera and, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached at the attachment element, the forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a control that may receive an input and/or deliver an output via a bus communication, and that may at least partially control a braking system and/or a traction control system of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Heslin, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8279335
    Abstract: A camera apparatus is attached to a portable electronic device. The camera apparatus includes an imaging module, a socket and a holder. The imaging module is positioned in the socket. The holder includes a base portion, and two positioning cylinders. The base portion provides a receiving space accommodating the socket and the imaging module, and the positioning cylinders are fixed to the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jin-Ti Cao
  • Patent number: 8274032
    Abstract: Provided are a separation type unit pixel for preventing sensitivity reduction to prevent a depletion area from decreasing and a method of driving the unit pixel. The separation type unit pixel for preventing sensitivity reduction includes: a substrate; a photodiode constructed with a junction of a P-type diffusion area and an N-type diffusion area which are formed under a surface of the substrate in a vertical direction; a gate electrode conductor which is disposed on an upper portion of the surface of the substrate to be adjacent to the N-type or P-type diffusion area; a floating diffusion area formed to be adjacent to another surface of the gate electrode conductor; and a sensitivity reduction preventing conductor disposed on an upper portion of the photodiode area to cover the photodiode area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Do-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8272750
    Abstract: A projection-type image display apparatus that projects an image onto a screen and includes a laser light source, an optical engine, a projection lens, and a control unit. The laser light source includes a plurality of light source units that respectively emit laser beams of different wavelengths. The optical engine combines the laser beams received from the light source and forms an image. An optical sensor is arranged in the optical engine to detect a physical property of a uniformly-scattered laser beam and outputs a physical property signal indicative of the detected physical property to the control unit. The control unit controls output powers of the light source units based on the physical property signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Taisuke Murata
  • Patent number: 8274040
    Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng Frank Zhong, Paul Lundquist, Mathieu Foquet, Jonas Korlach, Hovig Bayandorian
  • Patent number: 8258460
    Abstract: A transmissive optical encoder comprises a base, a first leadframe, a second leadframe, an optical emitter, a shielding portion, an optical receiver, and a lens. The base has a first housing and a second housing. The first leadframe and the second leadframe are respectively disposed in the first housing and the second housing. The optical emitter for emitting a light is disposed in the first housing and coupled to the first leadframe. The shielding portion is extended from the first leadframe being bent to cover the optical emitter and exposes the optical emitter by an opening formed thereon. The optical receiver for receiving the light is disposed in the second housing and coupled to the second leadframe. The lens is disposed on the first housing for rendering the light passing through the opening to the optical receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-Chin Lin, Chun-Chih Liang
  • Patent number: 8253094
    Abstract: An aperture unit includes a transparent cylindrical member, a magnetic fluid, and a magnetic field generator. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical chamber. A light input end portion of the cylindrical member is transparent, and an opposite light output end portion of the cylindrical member is transparent. The magnetic fluid is received in the cylindrical chamber. The magnetic fluid includes a transparent solvent, a surfactant, and nano-magnetic particles dispersed substantially evenly in the solvent. Each of the magnetic nano-particles is enveloped by a surfactant. The magnetic field generator is positioned outside the cylindrical chamber. The magnetic field generator is configured for generating a magnetic field applied to the chamber and attracting and clustering the nano-particles, such that an annular nano-particle opaque layer is formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chien Huang, Tai-Hsu Chou