Ultraviolet Or Infrared Source Patents (Class 250/504R)
  • Patent number: 6166389
    Abstract: An apparatus for projecting light on to a predetermined area includes a light source and a transparent element disposed adjacent the light source where in the transparent element is made from a sol-gel type glass, quartz, or other optical material. A plurality of surface micro-structures integral in a surface of the transparent element are provided which both homogenize and control directionality of light passing form the light source through the transparent element. These micro-structures produce a predetermined pattern of highly transmissive, smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light in a predetermined direction which is suitable for any number of applications wherein a sol-gel material transparent element including the diffuser surface structures are particularly well suited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Rick L. Shie, Jeffrey A. Laine, Gajendra D. Savant
  • Patent number: 6144679
    Abstract: A coherent optical source, having a center frequency in the terahertz band can be generated. Two coherent optical sources of different frequencies can be mixed in a nonlinear crystal to generate an optical source having a third distinct frequency in the terahertz frequency range. The third frequency, an idler frequency, equals the difference between pump and signal wave frequencies incident on the crystal. The pump and signal wave frequencies are selected so that their frequency difference is in the terahertz range and so that the interaction between the pump, signal, and idler wave frequencies is phase matched using a cross-Reststrahlen band dispersion-compensated phasematching technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Herman, Norman P. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6140659
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a residual dirt including at least any one of organic and inorganic substances from inner surfaces of dies is used between the dies, wherein the apparatus has an irradiation unit for irradiating a ray mainly includes an ultraviolet ray onto the residual dirt on the surfaces of the dies so that the irradiation of the ray causes a dissociation of atomic bonding or molecular bonding of the organic and inorganic substances of the residual dirt adhered on the inner surfaces of the dies, provided that the ray includes a component having an energy which is higher than the dissociation energies of the organic and inorganic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Shizuka
  • Patent number: 6139568
    Abstract: Tanning bed apparatus is provided for providing a person with an artificial sun tan. The apparatus includes a lower tanning unit and an upper tanning unit that is moveable between an open and a closed position where the units together form a tanning chamber. A first longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit is positioned lower than the vertical center of the tanning chamber to ease the task of entering and exiting the chamber. A second longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit includes at least one tanning bulb that is positioned at or above the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along one longitudinally extending edge of the user. At least one tanning bulb in the first longitudinally extending edge of the upper tanning unit is positioned at or below the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along the opposite longitudinally extending edges of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Sun Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Doty
  • Patent number: 6128030
    Abstract: A semiconductor light exposure device reducing coherency of laser light to an appropriate value by a simplified structure without producing speckles. The semiconductor light exposure device includes an ultraviolet light generating device, a uniform illumination device having the operation of inducing an optical path length difference and a projection device for projecting the laser light from the uniform illumination device. The ultraviolet light generating device includes an Nd:YAG Q-switch laser unit with a wavelength of 1064 nm, oscillated with a longitudinal single mode, a phase modulation unit or phase-modulating the fundamental laser light outgoing from the Nd:YAG Q-switch laser unit with voltage signals having plural frequency components, and a wavelength conversion unit for converting the wavelength of the fundamental laser light phase-modulated by the phase modulation unit into an ultraviolet laser light with a wavelength of 213 nm as a fifth harmonics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Kikuchi, Yushi Kaneda, Masato Hamatani
  • Patent number: 6124600
    Abstract: An ultraviolet irradiation device of the optical path division type for treating a workpiece which is often subject to deformations and color changes due to heat, and in which the distribution of radiance is good and the average irradiance on the surface irradiated with light can be increased which can be achieved with light emitted from a rod-shaped lamp and reflected by a trough=shaped cold mirror being incident in cold mirrors which split the optical path. This light is thus divided into two parts and is incident in total reflection mirrors. On the other hand, the direct light emitted by the rod-shaped lamp is incident in second optical path splitting cold mirrors which divides this light and causes it to be incident in the total reflection mirrors. The light reflected by the total reflection mirrors is incident in heat reflection filters, and is transmitted by the heat reflection filters so as to be radiated onto a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koutaro Moroishi, Tarou Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6118130
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating material with radiant energy, comprises a first reflector having a first object focus disposed outside thereof; and a second reflector having a second object focus. The first reflector is disposed with respect to the second reflector such that the second object focus is disposed further away from the first reflector than the first object focus. A radiant energy source is disposed within the first reflector whereby radiant energy is directed to the first object focus. An auxiliary reflector is disposed at the first object focus whereby radiant energy from the source is reflected to the second reflector and thence to the second object focus where the material being treated is disposed, whereby the second object focus permits the product to be positioned farther than the first object focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Barry
  • Patent number: 6106129
    Abstract: A chemiluminescent illuminated novelty device employing a a light-filtering thermoformed vessel having a form for holding chemiluminescent reagents, e.g. a round shaped chemical holding section. The lighting effects generated by reaction of the chemiluminescent reagents are enhanced by the presence of particles containing a secondary fluorescer. In one embodiment, these particles may have a particular geometrical shape, e.g. a star or heart shape, and further contain a secondary fluorescer capable of being excited by the primary chemiluminescent light source so as to emit a secondary source of light which creates a glitter effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Omniglow Corporation
    Inventors: Earl Cranor, Fred Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6091069
    Abstract: An infrared optical system incorporates a lens for imaging a remote scene onto a detector within a cold shield. Stray radiation incident on the detector is reduced by an optical stop in the form of a light emitting diode producing negative luminescence. The LED emits less radiation than background, and contributes less to the detector photon noise than an optical stop not exhibiting negative luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: Timothy Ashley, Charles Thomas Elliott, Neil Thomson Gordon, Ralph Stephen Hall
  • Patent number: 6084242
    Abstract: A method and device for stimulating the immune system employs a laser diode to provide a source of infrared radiation with a wavelength around 1917 nm through a tube or guide to the skin of a patient near an ailment or other infirmity such as a disease to be treated. Control circuitry for pulsing the beam at a rate of 7.5 hz is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Doyle S. Brown, Jr., deceased, Mary R. Brown, executor
  • Patent number: 6074748
    Abstract: A molded article having a photocatalytic function, a desired shape, a large contact area, and being sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays, even at an inner surface thereof. Unit particles such as glass beads, or filaments such as fibers, are bonded to one another into the desired shape. Subsequently, a photocatalytic functional layer is formed on a surface of each particle or fiber. Particles of a spontaneous emission ultraviolet radiating material or light storage-type ultraviolet radiating material may be mixed in the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Tao Inc.
    Inventor: Shiro Ogata
  • Patent number: 6071473
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using ultrasonic energy in conjunction with an ultraviolet water sterilization system. An ultrasonic transducer assembly is placed in or around one end of the sterilization chamber for producing the ultrasonic energy. Ultrasonic vibrations are then applied automatically on a regular and intermittent basis to clean the components within the sterilization chamber and disrupt the chemical and physical action which causes scaling due to dissolved minerals and organic materials in the water. The ultrasonic vibrations cause a preventative cleaning action by the streaming and stirring of the water. Actual cleaning action is also created by cavitation and sweeping actions. The sweeping action is accomplished by frequency modulation which, by creating varying hot and cold spots within the sterilization chamber, allows for a uniform cleaning of a quartz sleeve encasing a UV lamp within the sterilization chamber. Ultrasonic vibrations also create a germicidal action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Darwin
  • Patent number: 6064072
    Abstract: A high energy photon source. A pair of plasma pinch electrodes are located in a vacuum chamber. A working gas which includes a noble buffer gas and an active gas chosen to provide a desired spectral line. A pulse power source provides electrical pulses at voltage high enough to create electrical discharge between the electrodes to produce very high temperature, high density plasma pinch in the working gas providing radiation at the spectral line of the active gas. An external reflection radiation collector-director collects radiation produced in the plasma pinches and directs the radiation in a desired direction. In a preferred embodiment the active gas is lithium and the buffer gas is helium and the radiation-collector is coated with the material used for the electrodes. A good choice for the material is tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Partlo, Igor V. Fomenkov, Daniel L. Birx
  • Patent number: 6064798
    Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a solid material for absorbing undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. The filter also has a housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid cools the solid material and also may absorb undesired wavelengths of radiation from the heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger is connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Lovett, David A. Grewell
  • Patent number: 6054687
    Abstract: A heating apparatus and method for welding a superalloy article. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method entail welding a superalloy article within an enclosure equipped with a thermal radiation-generating device that preheats the article to a temperature of at least 1500.degree. F. prior to welding. The invention more particularly provides a thermally-reflective coating on a reflector member positioned adjacent the thermal radiation-generating device for the purpose of reflecting thermal radiation emitted by the device into the enclosure. The device is then operated to heat the superalloy article to a suitable temperature, e.g., 1500.degree. F. or more, after which a welding operation is performed on the superalloy article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Conner, William R. Stowell, John F. Ackerman, John M. Powers, Thomas F. Broderick
  • Patent number: 6054097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting material such as a fluid stream, (e.g., water) or various objects (e.g., packaging, fruits, vegetables) using a high temperature expanding plasma emission source (EPES lamp) to generate intense pulses of ultraviolet light primarily in the 200-400 nm range. The EPES lamp is preferably mounted axially in a pipe through which the fluid to be disinfected is flowed or perpendicular to the direction of a fluid flow or an object conveyor. Each pulse is terminated before the resulting plasma within the EPES lamp reaches the inside surface of the EPES lamp wall so that the EPES lamp operates in an expanding plasma emission source mode rather than in a wall stabilized mode. The EPES lamp is operated at a plasma temperature of at least about 15,000.degree. K. and an energy density (Q) of at least about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Innovatech
    Inventors: Barton Mass, Robert LaFrenz, David LaFrenz
  • Patent number: 6051841
    Abstract: A high energy photon source. A pair of plasma pinch electrodes are located in a vacuum chamber. A working gas which includes a noble buffer gas and an active gas chosen to provide a desired spectral line. A pulse power source provides electrical pulses at voltages high enough to create electrical discharge between the electrodes to produce very high temperature, high density plasma pinch in the working gas providing radiation at the spectral line of the active gas. An external reflection radiation collector-director collects radiation produced in the plasma pinches and directs the radiation in a desired direction. In a preferred embodiment the active gas is lithium and the buffer gas is helium and the radiation-collector is coated with the material used for the electrodes. A good choice for the material is tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Partlo
  • Patent number: 6051840
    Abstract: An infrared heat emitting device comprising a container having a bottom, end and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom, a top rotatably interconnected with one of the walls and disposed remote from the bottom, insulation material disposed on the interior of the container, and a heat bag disposed intermediate the top and at least a portion of the insulation whereby infrared heat is emitted through the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Heatmax, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6049086
    Abstract: Ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet radiators for use in the manufacture of semiconductors are provided which have improved lifetimes, improved distribution of radiation generation, improved distribution of emitted radiation, increased efficiency of radiation emission, and improved means for cooling. The radiators have novel electrodes, novel electrode configurations, novel means for distributing plasmas between electrodes, and have novel cooling means. These features enable the miniaturization of the radiators permitting high-intensity and uniform radiation exposure of planar surfaces. The radiators are used in the pre-treatment of semiconductor surfaces, the deposition of semiconductor thin films, and the post-deposition processing of semiconductor thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Quester Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Giovanni Antonio Foggiato, Leonid V. Velikov, Ralph F. Manriquez, Ashraf R. Khan
  • Patent number: 6046460
    Abstract: A hand-held light curing device has a light source and a light guiding device having a light receiving opening. A lens arrangement with a focusing lens is positioned between the light source and the light guiding device. The focusing lens has first and second cut-off filters on proximal and distal surfaces thereof, respectively. The cut-off filters are preferably vapor-deposited on the surfaces. Preferably, the focusing lens has a convex surface facing the light source, and the first filter has reflective properties with respect to infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Mertins
  • Patent number: 6043294
    Abstract: Chemical reaction is effected utilizing light of an appropriate frequency supplied preferably via optical fibers to one or more light extractors having light-emissive surfaces in contact with reactants. The light can be concentrated before being delivered. Wave guides and a plurality of such extractors can be provided within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Gate Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: Aharon Zeev Hed
  • Patent number: 6034360
    Abstract: Infrared radiator has a heating element (1) heated by electric current and a first thermocouple (2) thermally coupled to the heating element to measure its temperature. According to the invention, the first thermocouple (2) is electrically so connected to the heating element (1) that the electric current used to heat the heating element flows through the thermocouple. The invention allows the temperature of the heating element to be measured without the use of a separate temperature detector, which would cause problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Instrumentarium Oy
    Inventor: Kai Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6031241
    Abstract: Capillary discharge extreme ultraviolet lamp sources for EUV microlithography and other applications. The invention covers operating conditions for a pulsed capillary discharge lamp for EUVL and other applications such as resist exposure tools, microscopy, interferometry, metrology, biology and pathology. Techniques and processes are described to mitigate against capillary bore erosion, pressure pulse generation, and debris formation in capillary discharge-powered lamps operating in the EUV. Additional materials are described for constructing capillary discharge devices fore EUVL and related applications. Further, lamp designs and configurations are described for lamps using gasses and metal vapors as the radiating species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: William T. Silfvast, Mark A. Klosner, Gregory M. Shimkaveg
  • Patent number: 6031970
    Abstract: An infrared radiation source for sensor and spectroscopic use has a thin, electrically conducting film adapted to emit infrared radiation when heated. The film is formed from a gas or vapor phase and includes a network of diamond-like carbon. Depending on the percentage of metal atoms in the film, the film may have metal atoms which are either distributed in the diamond-like carbon network or else form an additional metallic network. The metal may be tungsten, chromium, or titanium, and the film may include silicon and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Patinor A/S
    Inventors: Per-Erik Nordal, Terje Skotheim
  • Patent number: 6023069
    Abstract: A power circuit for use with a resistive thermal radiation source in which the power delivered to the resistive thermal radiation source will remain constant within a preselected deviation over a fixed period of time as the source resistance of the source varies between an initial source resistance and a second source resistance at the operating temperature. The power circuit is designed to maintain constant power within a preselected deviation by using the resistance of the resistive thermal radiation source to calculate a preselected resistance used in the power circuit according to the following equation: ##EQU1## wherein .DELTA.P=P.sub.si -P.sub.s ; P.sub.si =the initial power on the resistive thermal radiation source; P.sub.s =the power on the resistive thermal radiation source when the source resistance is equal to the second source resistance; K.sub.1 =RO/R.sub.si ; R0=the preselected resistance; R.sub.si =the initial source resistance; K.sub.2 =R.sub.s /R.sub.si ; and R.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Engelhard Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Steinthal, Andrian Kouznetsov
  • Patent number: 6018163
    Abstract: The present invention provides a missile seeker simulator (10) including a means for supplying a hot, point-like target against a given temperature background. The missile seeker simulator (10) includes a background source consisting of a hot cavity blackbody (56), fiber optic cable (64), silicon wafer (68), and controllable temperature source (76). The hot cavity blackbody target source (56) generates infrared radiation (58) in a wide bandpass. The fiber optic cable (64) receives and transmits the radiation (58) from the hot cavity blackbody (56). The silicon wafer (68) is remotely located from the hot cavity blackbody (56) and is positioned such that a pinhole (72) in the silicon wafer (68) is proximate a radiation emitting end (74) of the fiber optic cable (64). The silicon wafer (68) is also positioned in radiation receiving relation to the controllable temperature source (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: Clark A. Stephens, Jeff S. Wolske, Terry A. Sapp
  • Patent number: 6011270
    Abstract: A far infrared rays radiation device comprises a first metal plate having a far infrared rays radiating layer and a convex shape with a predetermined radius of curvature; an electrical current applying equipment for heating the first metal plate and for applying minute electrical current to the first metal plate; a first insulation plate interposed between the first metal plate and the electrical current applying equipment; a second metal plate provided below the electrical current applying equipment and having a projecting portion to form the first metal plate into the convex shape or to keep the convex shape; a second insulation plate interposed between the electrical current applying equipment and the second metal plate; and lead wires for supplying a predetermined electrical current to the electrical current applying equipment. Thus, the far infrared rays radiation device can radiate far infrared rays in a wavelength over 3.6 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd., Showa Device Plant Co.
    Inventor: Masahiko Izumi
  • Patent number: 6005254
    Abstract: An irradiation device provided with a support which is hinged via an arm to a support and a housing which has a radiation emission plane and which comprises two units with radiation sources which are each hinged to the support about a respective axis transverse to the radiation emission plane and can be placed in certain positions relative to the support, said support comprising a third unit also provided with at least one radiation source between the pivot points of the two former units, which third unit is rotatable with resistance about an axis transverse to the radiation emission plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jorrit Wijtsma, Boyd W. F. Mulder
  • Patent number: 6002138
    Abstract: A unitary hollow device adapted for covering a source of lightwave energy, apparatus comprising the combination of such device and such energy source, and a system comprised of a combination of the apparatus and a portable directional receiver. The energy source can be as simple as one or more light bulbs. However preferably the combination involves use of an array of light emitting diodes for transmitting infrared signals from fixed installations to be picked up by print-disabled persons with hand-held receivers which convert the signals to intelligible communication to enable the persons to be guided to desired locations. The device protects the energy source from accumulation of dust and other debris yet is configured to provide little, if any, interference with the transmission of the emitted signals. The device also conceals the energy source to thereby diminish theft and vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Talking Signs, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Ward Bond, David F. Steed, William F. Crandall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000815
    Abstract: A lamp reflector assembly includes a fixture having a base and a support member movably attached to the base. Attached to the support member is a pair of spaced-apart arms, each having an electrical receptacle. Connected to the electrical receptacles are electrical contacts of opposing ends of an elongate lamp, with a middle portion that emits radiation. Attached to the base of the fixture is a concave reflector having a pair of clearance holes sized to permit the end portions of the lamp to pass through, to locate the electrical contacts outside the reflector. The resulting combination provides adjustability of the position of the lamp relative the position of the reflector, to focus the radiation reflected generally forwardly from the reflector. The present invention offers important advantages over a prior art adjustable assembly, where the reflector is bonded to a sheet metal bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Jennings
  • Patent number: 5998799
    Abstract: An environmental cabinet is described for simulating the effects of extended outdoor weathering on a sample material, the outdoor weathering effects including subjecting the sample material to cycles of at least the application of a corrosive solution and exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The cabinet comprises a chamber (11) for containing a sample material to be tested and a source (55) of electromagnetic radiation for subjecting the sample material within the chamber to cycles of radiation. Spray device (19) provides a cyclic spray of a corrosive solution to be deposited on the sample material within the chamber. Control unit subjects the sample material within the chamber to electromagnetic radiation and corrosive solution in a cyclic manner. The source (55) of electromagnetic radiation is disposed within a radiation transparent shield (57) passing through and sealed to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: C & W Specialist Equipment Limited
    Inventors: Nigel David Cremer, Anthony Clifford Flory
  • Patent number: 5998786
    Abstract: Apparatus for fixing the position of an optical sensor within a range of motion in relation to an optical apparatus. The fixing apparatus provides permits a range of motion through five degrees of freedom (DOF) during the securing process. The apparatus includes a housing for the optical assembly, a middle bracket, with the middle bracket secured to the optical apparatus. The range of motion is provided by a gimbal design in the housing and middle bracket which creates the five DOF. There are no screws involved in the fixing process to impart torques or forces to the parts being aligned and secured in position. An ultraviolet (UV) activated adhesive is used to secure the sensor housing to the middle bracket and the middle bracket to the optical scanner housing. The middle bracket is formed of a material transparent to UV light, and a high percentage of the UV light can pass through it to cure the adhesive applied between the parts. A vertical hole runs through tabs of both the housing and the middle bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Abdolreza Movaghar, Josephine del Rosario, Mark Diel, David J. Schmeling
  • Patent number: 5998789
    Abstract: A fluorescent dyed polymer sheet receives excitation energy from ultraviolet wavelengths from 200 nanometers to 370 nanometers and converts to visible light wavelengths. This conversion allows for use of existing ultraviolet light sources to produce visible light for visualizing, photographing, documenting and analyzing electrophoresis gels produced with visible stains. An ultraviolet transilluminator is designed to fluoresce Ethidium bromide stained gels when exposed to ultraviolet light. This process allows visualization of the DNA and RNA bands providing images that can be photographed with black and white photographic cameras or video cameras. By placing the proper fluorescent dyed polymer on the surface of the ultraviolet transilluminator the polymer sheet receives excitation energy from the ultraviolet bandwidth and converts it to visible light wavelength emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Alvin Kovalsky, Max D. Miller
  • Patent number: 5973331
    Abstract: A lamp assembly has an elongate source of radiation and an elongate reflective surface partly surrounding the source for reflecting radiation from the source onto a substrate for curing a coating on the substrate. The reflective surface has a profile which is substantially continuously concave curved and is shaped with respect to the source such that less than 10% of the radiation emitted from the source is reflected back onto the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Stevens, Patrick Keogh
  • Patent number: 5969369
    Abstract: A flexible infrared emissive module comprises an electrically insulating carrier layer (12), an electrically conductive layer (14) mounted to the carrier layer, an electrically insulating top layer (18) mounted to the carrier and electrically conductive layers on one side of the carrier layer and an electrically insulating bottom layer (16) mounted to the other side of the carrier layer. The carrier layer comprises a vinyl film, and the top and bottom layers comprise a polyester film, which are mounted to the carrier layer by a heat and pressure sensitive adhesive. The electrically conductive layer comprises a fibrous composite of a fluoroelastomer and carbon, wherein the electrically conductive layer is comprised mainly of the fluoroelastonier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Charles M. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 5962860
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating controlled radiation for curing a photosensitive resin is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of radiation and an elongate reflector for directing said radiation in at least one radiating direction. The reflector has two ends spaced apart in a longitudinal direction, and a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The reflector further has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a plurality of elongate reflective facets oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. The reflective facets are adjustable in the cross-section for directing the curing radiation substantially parallel to at least one radiating direction. Optionally, a plurality of collimating elements disposed between the ends of the reflector may be utilized for controlling an angle of the curing radiation relative to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Dennis Trokhan, Vladimir Vitenberg
  • Patent number: 5959306
    Abstract: A light source for examining leak detection sites in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems using a flourescent dye is described. The light source can include a parabolic reflector or a low voltage lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence D. Kalley, Richard C. Cavestri, Robert L. Miniutti
  • Patent number: 5949081
    Abstract: A dynamic infrared scene projector for use infrared detections systems which has particular, although not exclusive, use in thermal imaging or seeker systems. In such systems, a dynamic infrared scene projector is used to simulate the thermal scene for testing and calibration purposes. The device comprises an array of electroluminescent semiconductor diode structures, capable of emitting both positiveand negative luminescence, and electronic circuitry for supplying currents of both polarity to each diode independently so that the emission of positive and negative luminescence can be controlled. The diode structures in the array are based on narrow bandgap semiconductor materials, for example, the Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te, In.sub.1-x Al.sub.x Sb, Hg.sub.1-x Zn.sub.x Te or In.sub.1-x Tl.sub.x Sb materials systems (where x is the composition). In a preferred embodiment, the diodes are capable of emitting infrared radiation in the wavelength regions between 3-5 .mu.m or 8-13 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventors: Timothy Ashley, Charles T Elliott, Neil T Gordon
  • Patent number: 5949082
    Abstract: A radiation source assembly is provided that is particularly apt for use in an anesthetic gas monitoring device (e.g., a gas spectrometer) to enhance maintenance of initial calibration conditions therewithin. In one embodiment a respiratory gas spectrometer includes a containment assembly that defines an internal containment area(s) within which a ceramic radiation source, an optical assembly, a sample gas assembly, and a radiation detection assembly are positioned. The radiation source assembly is provided for positioning and supporting the ceramic radiation source relative to the optical assembly within an internal containment area of the gas monitor. The radiation source assembly provides for enhanced sealing between the ceramic radiation source and adjoining componentry. The radiation source assembly is selectively retractable from the containment assembly to permit periodic servicing (e.g., replacement of the radiation source) without requiring disassembly of the gas spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Peter Schubert, G. Lamar Kirchhevel
  • Patent number: 5949959
    Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a solid material for absorbing undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. The filter also has a housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid cools the solid material and also may absorb undesired wavelengths of radiation from the heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger is connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Lovett, David A. Grewell
  • Patent number: 5945680
    Abstract: A method for activating photoinitiators in photosensitive substrates (6) like for instance printing inks, lacquers, and glue which set by radiation with UV light, and in which the photosensitive substrate and a light unit are moved relative to each other at a predetermined rate, the light unit comprising a UV light source (4) placed in a lamp housing (1) with a reflector (2, 10) for directing the UV light towards the substrate through an outlet opening, and in which the light emission is controlled by means of a control unit (50) emitting a signal to an electronic ballast (30) for the UV light source (4) depending on the mutual travel speed between the light unit and the substrate (6) and other predetermined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Niels Lang Mathiesen and Knud Andreasen
    Inventor: Kaj Jensen
  • Patent number: 5943474
    Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a filter housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid absorbs undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger may be connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventor: Donald C. Lovett
  • Patent number: 5939726
    Abstract: A pulsable infrared radiation (IR) source which can be used in nondispersive infrared gas analyzers. The pulsable IR source includes a narrow strip of thin metallic foil vertically mounted to the opposite sides of pins of a small transistor type (TO-5) header at the base of a large diameter deep reflector. Infrared radiation from both sides of the heated foil is directly reflected to form a highly efficient source. The foil can be oxidized or otherwise coated under controlled conditions to maximize its emissivity at operating temperatures up to approximately 1200 degrees K. The package is resistance welded with a cap and hermetically sealed window of a suitable material and filter as required to transmit the desired infrared spectrum. An appropriate inert backfill gas prevents further oxidation and enhances the pulsing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Cal-Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Wood
  • Patent number: 5932886
    Abstract: Treating of a workpiece which frequently undergoes heat-induced changes such as deformation, color changes and the like without using a cooling means for the workpiece is achieved by the fact that, of the light which was incident from a rod-shaped lamp on a trough-shaped cold mirror, the ultraviolet light (including some of the visible rays and infrared light) is reflected by the trough-shaped cold mirror and by at least one other cold mirror which is preferably plate-shaped. Furthermore, of the light which was emitted from the rod-shaped lamp and which was incident on the other cold mirror(s), the ultraviolet light (including some of the visible rays and infrared light) is reflected by the other cold mirror(s). The light reflected by the other cold mirrors is incident on the plate-shaped heat refraction filter and some of the visible rays are reflected and are incident on a workpiece. The light emitted by the rod-shaped lamp is not directly radiated onto the workpiece via the heat refraction filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuji Arai, Koutaro Moroishi
  • Patent number: 5925320
    Abstract: An air purification system comprises a housing, a generally S-shaped duct mounted within the housing, at least one blower mounted within the housing for circulating air through the system, and purification structure for removing contaminants from the air. The system preferably comprises two blowers, a master control switch for activating one of the blowers to circulate air through the filter, and a secondary control switch for activating the other blower and the UVC source to initiate a UVC purification process to further purify the filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: John P. Jones
  • Patent number: 5923039
    Abstract: An ultraviolet transmittance analyzer for fabrics, translucent packaging, sunscreen products and the like using an internally pulsed white-light illuminated integrating sphere, exiting sample and reference diffusely reflected beams, and applying them respectively to separate sample and reference spectrographs with light detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Labsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Jablonski, Norman Carlson
  • Patent number: 5922605
    Abstract: A polymerization apparatus includes a support plate for supporting a workpiece to be polymerized and a hood comprising a light source for guiding light to the workpiece such that the light impinges on at least two sides of the workpiece. The hood is liftable relative to the support plate so as to allow access to the workpiece when in a lifted position. A heat source for heating the workpiece is provided. A control device controls the function of the polymerization apparatus. A method for operating the polymerization apparatus includes the steps of heating the workpiece to a desired temperature after switching on the light source, maintaining the desired temperature for a desired polymerization cycle time period, and subsequently shutting down the light source and the heat source for a final polymerization cycle time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Ivoclar AG
    Inventors: Markus Feurstein, Jurgen Mertins
  • Patent number: 5915072
    Abstract: A radiant heater apparatus includes a heating element which generates radiant energy. The heating element has first and second terminals. The apparatus also includes an inner tube configured to surround the heating element. The inner tube includes first and second ends. The inner tube is substantially transmissive to radiant energy. The apparatus further includes an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The outer tube has an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second ends. The inner surface of the outer tube is absorptive to radiant energy, and the outer surface of the outer tube is emissive to radiant energy so that radiant energy from the heating element passing through the inner tube is absorbed and re-emitted from by outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stephen Campbell, Charles Goldberg
  • Patent number: 5912470
    Abstract: In a process for the curing of light-sensitive polymeric compositions by irradiation with light of wavelength suited to the polymeric composition it is proposed that the irradiation be carried out with a light intensity increasing continuously or in stepped form. An apparatus for carrying out said process is further proposed in which the raising of the light intensity is controlled during an irradiation procedure by a control unit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Eugen Eibofner, Ernst Strohmaier
  • Patent number: 5910659
    Abstract: A thermal cell has an infrared source element for producing an infrared signal and a spatial decorrelator element which spatially decorrelates the generated infrared signal to increase the fill factor of the thermal cell. The infrared source element includes an infrared generating cell, with a resistive element. The spatial decorrelator element is disposed above and spaced apart from the infrared source element and has an aperture formed therein and through which the infrared signal radiates. The aperture extends substantially orthogonal to the primary surface of the source element and between primary surfaces of the decorrelator element, which are in turn substantially parallel with the source element primary surface. The side walls of the aperture reflect the infrared signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: Ralph Barry Johnson, Michael Gaitan, Ronald C. L. Chung