Electromagnetic Driver Patents (Class 359/200.7)
  • Publication number: 20110181930
    Abstract: There is provided a spindle motor having a high speed rotation and a low vibration with high rotation accuracy and capable of installing discs at locations which are spaced apart from a stator core in a thrust direction while employing fluid dynamic bearings and a pivot bearing. The spindle motor comprises a shaft, a bearing housing part provided with fluid dynamic bearings for rotatably supporting the shaft, and a pivot bearing, a stator core fitted to the bearing housing part, a motor hub into which the shaft is fitted, wherein the motor hub has disc fixing parts provided thereon at least at two locations for fitting discs thereto, and the fluid dynamic bearings are fitted the bearing housing part at least at two locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Sugita
  • Publication number: 20110164225
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for sweeping a composite laser beam as a pattern of linear scan lines on a planar projection surface and for causing selected pixels arranged along each linear scan line to be illuminated to produce an image of high quality and in color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Chinh Tan, Frederick F. Wood, Miklos Stern
  • Publication number: 20110134498
    Abstract: A reflection unit reflects an image indicated on an indicator and projects the image on a combiner to indicate a virtual image of the image at a position viewable for a user. A stepping motor rotates the reflection unit to move the virtual image continuously in a predetermined section of the combiner. A control unit controls a driving power of the stepping motor such that a smoothness parameter becomes less than a predetermined value. The smoothness parameter is defined by a division of a difference between the maximum speed of the virtual image and an average speed of the virtual image, when the virtual image moves continuously in the predetermined section, by the average speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhide Ohta, Tatsuya Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20110128601
    Abstract: A mirror actuator includes a turning axis for turning a mirror; a support section for supporting the turning axis so as to be capable of turning; and a sliding contact member that is arranged on the turning axis and is opposed to the support section in a direction parallel to the turning axis with a predetermined clearance from the support section. The turning axis is biased in one direction parallel to the turning axis. This biasing causes the sliding contact member to contact the support section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato YAMADA, Yoichiro GOTO
  • Publication number: 20110102872
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polygon mirror device with discontinuous angles of reflections discontinuously to reflect a light beam from a light source with at least one angle. The polygon mirror device with discontinuous angles of reflections comprises a motor connecting with a base to rotate the base around a rotation axis. The base has an axial end surface to form a reference plane. The reference plane is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis. A plurality of reflectors is positioned on the reference plane circularly around the rotation axis. The reflectors tilt relative to the reference plane with respective angles to form respective included angles. When the base is rotated around the rotation axis, at least one of the reflectors is moved to a reflecting location for receiving the light beam from the light source and reflects the light beam with an angle of reflection to form an image at a specific place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: HSIN-YUN LIN
  • Patent number: 7933055
    Abstract: A laser scanner for detecting spatial surroundings comprises a stator (21), a rotor (1), mounted on the stator (21) to be rotatable about a first rotational axis, and a rotary body (2), mounted on the rotor (1) to be rotatable about a second rotational axis. A laser source (6) and a detector (7) are arranged in the rotor (1). One optical link (9) each is configured on the second rotational axis on every side of the rotary body (2) between the rotor (1) and the rotary body (2) so that emission light can be introduced by the laser source into the rotary body (2) via the first optical link (8) and reception light can be discharge from the rotary body (2) via the second optical link (9). A first rotary drive (25) drives the rotor (21) and a second rotary drive (26) drives the rotary body (2). Two goniometers (4) and evaluation electronics (5) which are connected to the laser source (6) and the detector (7) allow association of a detected distance with a corresponding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jensen, Knut Siercks
  • Publication number: 20110069366
    Abstract: An optical deflection unit for targeted radiation, e.g., produced by laser or superluminescent diodes, in scanning, ophthalmological measuring and therapy systems, comprises a deflection mirror, a position sensor and a control unit, which form a control circuit for minimizing the deviation of the actual positions, detected by the position sensor, from the desired positions of the deflection mirror, whereby the optical deflection unit comprises a deflection mirror, oscillatingly movable by means of non-contacting electromagnetic drives around at least one rotation axis, and which is positioned in the direction of the, at least, one rotation axis between at least two bearings. The optical deflection unit is designed may also be used for beam guidance in high and ultrahigh vacuum installations, such as UV and EUV exposure installations for semiconductor lithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Gerard Antkowiak, Thomas Pabst, Ralf Ebersbach, Heino Weigand, Martin Hacker
  • Publication number: 20110063702
    Abstract: A two-dimensional optical scanner and an image display apparatus are provided. The optical scanner includes: a movable portion having a mirror portion, and a first driving portion which is configured to oscillate the mirror portion around a first axis; a second driving portion which is configured to oscillate the movable portion around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a driving controller which is configured to drive the first driving portion in a first driving method and is configured to drive the second driving portion in a second driving method different from the first driving method. While the first driving portion oscillates the mirror portion around the first axis, the second driving portion oscillates the movable portion around the second axis, so that the mirror portion reflects a beam of light incident to the mirror portion such that the two-dimensional optical scanner performs a two-dimensional scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hitoshi TAKEDA
  • Patent number: 7907317
    Abstract: An optical device includes: a movable plate disposed in a distribution range of light input from outside, and having a light reflecting surface adapted to reflect the light; a shaft member adapted to support the movable plate so that the movable plate can swing around a predetermined axis; a ferromagnetic member provided to the movable plate; and a drive section configured to generate electromagnetic force between the drive section and the ferromagnetic member to thereby swing the movable plate, wherein a portion of the drive section, included in the distribution range of the light, is formed of a surface having a normal vector with which the light is reflected to outside of a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Mizoguchi, Hirokazu Yamaga
  • Patent number: 7894113
    Abstract: An actuator includes: a first oscillatory system including a frame-shaped driving member and a pair of first axial members holding the driving member from both ends so as to allow the driving member to rotate around an X-axis; a second oscillatory system including a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axial members holding the movable plate to the driving member from both ends so as to allow the movable plate to rotate around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X axis; and a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided so as to face the permanent magnet, and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
  • Publication number: 20110038022
    Abstract: A galvanometer scanner includes a mechanical support unit engaged with a far end of an optical element. A near end of the optical element is connected to an output shaft of an electric rotary motor. The mechanical support unit maintains an alignment of an axis of rotation of the optical element and an axis of rotation of the electric rotary motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Osamah El-Rifai
  • Publication number: 20110037001
    Abstract: To provide a terahertz beam scanning apparatus and method that can scan a terahertz beam at high speed over a wide angle. The terahertz beam scanning apparatus includes: a laser device 12 that generates a first laser beam 1 and a second laser beam 2 having different wavelengths; a laser optical system 14 that focuses the first laser beam 1 and the second laser beam 2 on a same common focal point 14b; and a terahertz generator 16 that is located at the common focal point and generates a terahertz beam 4 by difference frequency mixing. The laser optical system 14 is configured to be capable of changing a relative incidence ?i between the first laser beam and the second laser beam to the terahertz generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: RIKEN
    Inventors: Ken-ichiro Maki, Takayuki Shibuya, Chiko Otani, Kodo Kawase
  • Publication number: 20110038023
    Abstract: An optical device includes: a movable plate disposed in a distribution range of light input from outside, and having a light reflecting surface adapted to reflect the light; a shaft member adapted to support the movable plate so that the movable plate can swing around a predetermined axis; a permanent magnet associated with the movable plate; and a coil generating an electromagnetic force to swing the movable plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi MIZOGUCHI, Hirokazu YAMAGA
  • Publication number: 20110019253
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scanner motor. The motor includes a base plate supporting the scanner motor, with a circuit board mounted on the base plate. A rotating shaft supports the scanner motor vertically in such a way that the scanner motor is rotatable. A bearing is rotatably fitted over the rotating shaft. A bearing holder holds the bearing. A stator is mounted to an outer circumference of the bearing holder to generate electricity. A rotor case is rotatably fitted over the rotating shaft so as to mount a polygon mirror. Three semicircular protrusions protrude from an upper portion of the rotor case at regular intervals to stably support the polygon minor. A concave part is formed between the protrusions to absorb external stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Song Bon OH, Young Jin Bae, Sang Jae Song
  • Patent number: 7872789
    Abstract: An optical device includes a mass section in a plate shape including a light reflector with light reflectivity, a supporting section for supporting the mass section, a pair of elastic sections with elastic deformability for coupling the mass section to the supporting section in a pivotally movable manner, and a driving unit for pivotally moving the mass section, the driving unit including a magnetic section provided to the mass section, magnetized in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the mass section, a pair of magnetic poles with different polarities, provided in a manner to face each other in a direction perpendicular to a pivotal movement central axis with the magnetic portion intervened on the basis of a top view of the mass section in a non-driven condition, and a magnetic field generator having a coil for generating a magnetic force between the pair of magnetic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sendo
  • Publication number: 20110002023
    Abstract: A light controlling apparatus includes a substrate having an aperture, a light controlling section which includes at least one incident-light controlling means, having a magnet joined to a position of a center of rotation, and which rotates in a plane perpendicular to an optical axial direction, on the substrate, and at least one coil which imparts a rotational force to the magnet. The incident-light controlling means is displaced to a retracted position of being retracted from the position of the aperture, by supplying an electric power supply, and in the light controlling apparatus in which, incident light which passes through the aperture is controlled, the coil is disposed to be extended in a direction parallel to the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Ide
  • Publication number: 20100328746
    Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence J. DaQuino, Edwin de Groot, Donald J. Schremp
  • Publication number: 20100321751
    Abstract: A mirror actuator includes a base block; a first pivot shaft fixedly attached to the base block; a first pivot portion pivotally supported on the first pivot shaft; a second pivot shaft fixedly attached to the first pivot portion and perpendicularly intersecting with the first pivot shaft; a second pivot portion pivotally supported on the second pivot shaft; and a mirror attached to the second pivot portion. In the above arrangement, the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion respectively have a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion for bearing the first pivot shaft and the second pivot shaft at one position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Yamada, Yoichiro Goto, Nobuo Iwatsuki, Yoshiaki Maeno
  • Publication number: 20100321752
    Abstract: In a method for correcting a control of an optical scanner (14) which has a beam deflecting element (31) for deflecting a beam of optical radiation and a drive unit (30, 30?) for moving the beam deflecting element (31), said drive unit deflecting a beam of optical radiation directed at the beam deflecting element (31) according to a predetermined target movement using at least one parameter and/or a transfer function, preferably optical, said parameter or transfer function being used to control or regulate the system. In a determination step at least one current value of a drive unit transfer function that reproduces the response of the drive unit (30, 30?) to a predetermined target movement or a change in a target movement is ascertained for at least one frequency, and in a correction step at least one parameter and/or the transfer function is corrected as a function of the current value of the drive unit transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MICROIMAGING GMBH
    Inventors: Joerg STEINERT, Joerg ENGEL
  • Patent number: 7852539
    Abstract: An actuator includes: a first vibrating system having a frame-like driving member and a pair of first axis members holding the driving member from both sides so that the driving member is rotatable about an X axis; a second vibrating system having a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axis members holding the movable plate on the driving members from both sides so that the movable plate is rotatable about a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis; a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided to oppose the permanent magnet and a voltage applying unit applying voltage to the coil; and a spacer sandwiched between the driving member and the permanent magnet so as to form space preventing intervention by the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 7817318
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oscillating system arranged so that a gravity center of a movable member and a torsional axis of a resilient support are easily registered with each other to prevent deformation of the movable member due to its dead weight or deviation of deformation from symmetrical deformation, wherein the oscillating system includes a substrate 301, a movable member 302 with hard magnetic members 310 and 311, resilient supports 304 and 305 for supporting the movable member for torsional vibration about a torsional axis 312 with respect to the substrate, and a magnetic field producing device for driving the movable member relative to the substrate, wherein the movable member 302 has recesses 306 and 307, and wherein the hard magnetic members are fixed while their end portions are aligned with end faces 308 and 309 corresponding to the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Torashima, Yasuhiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 7813019
    Abstract: An optical scanning actuator includes a leaf spring member that has a base end fixed and a tip end, a light source that is fitted to the leaf spring member, an electromagnetic driving unit that oscillates the tip end of the leaf spring member, and an optical element that is fitted to the leaf spring member and that is irradiated with light outgoing from the light source to reflect or refract the light to thereby scan the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Hirata, Ryohei Shigematsu
  • Publication number: 20100245373
    Abstract: The laser projector system draws vector-oriented graphic by scanning laser beam with the X-Y scanner, and comprises: a laser source (201) for projecting laser beam; a galvanometer scanner (202) for scanning laser beam with the X-Y mirror (203) to freely control the direction of laser beam; a scanner amp (205) for controlling projection output of laser beam; a scanner controller (204) for controlling the galvanometer scanner and the scanner amp; and a computer (207) connected to the scanner controller (204).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: INCORPORATED NATIONAL UNIVERSITY IWATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Osama Halabi, Norishige Chiba
  • Publication number: 20100220373
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of optical correction of field position distortions created by galvano motor scanning heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Hastings, Stephen Coles
  • Publication number: 20100207015
    Abstract: A fiber scanning system is provided comprising a housing (102) with a fiber (13), the fiber (13) comprising a fixed part and a free end, the fixed part being attached to a bottom of the housing (102) and the fiber (13) extending parallel to the wall of the housing (102). At least one electrical coil (12) is attached to the wall at a position in between the fixed part and the free end of the fiber (13), a winding of the electrical coil (12) being in a plane parallel to the fiber (13). A magnet (11) is attached to the fiber (13), such that the electrical coil (12) may induce a force on the magnet (11). The magnet (11) is attached to the fiber (13) at a position just before or after the electrical coil (12), a width of the magnet (11) being such that the magnet (11) extends over the electrical coil (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff, Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Augustinus Laurentius Braun, Nanad Mihajlovic
  • Publication number: 20100208318
    Abstract: A laser scanner for detecting spatial surroundings comprises a stator (21), a rotor (1), mounted on the stator (21) to be rotatable about a first rotational axis, and a rotary body (2), mounted on the rotor (1) to be rotatable about a second rotational axis. A laser source (6) and a detector (7) are arranged in the rotor (1). One optical link (9) each is configured on the second rotational axis on every side of the rotary body (2) between the rotor (1) and the rotary body (2) so that emission light can be introduced by the laser source into the rotary body (2) via the first optical link (8) and reception light can be discharge from the rotary body (2) via the second optical link (9). A first rotary drive (25) drives the rotor (21) and a second rotary drive (26) drives the rotary body (2). Two goniometers (4) and evaluation electronics (5) which are connected to the laser source (6) and the detector (7) allow association of a detected distance with a corresponding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jensen, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 7773277
    Abstract: A light refracting element formed in parallel plate shape is attached to a support shaft of a mirror holder, a semiconductor laser and a PSD are disposed at positions between which the light refracting element is sandwiched. The light refracting element is rotated by rotation of the mirror holder, and whereby a laser beam irradiation position is changed on a light acceptance surface of PSD. The laser beam irradiation position on a light acceptance surface corresponds to the mirror rotation position, so that the mirror rotation position and a laser beam scanning position in a target area can be detected based on an output from the PSD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd, Sanyo Optec Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamaguchi, Masato Yamada, Yoshiaki Maeno
  • Patent number: 7773281
    Abstract: A beam irradiation apparatus includes: an optical element which changes a travel direction of a laser beam by being rotated in a predetermined direction; an actuator which rotates the optical element in the direction; a refractive element which is disposed in the actuator and rotates in association with rotation of the optical element; a servo beam source which emits a servo beam to the refractive element; a photodetector which receives the servo beam refracted by the refractive element and outputs a signal according to a position where the servo beam is received; and a power adjustment circuit which adjusts emission power of the servo beam source. The power adjustment circuit adjusts the emission power so that a reception amount of the servo beam in the photodetector becomes constant based on an output signal from the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd, Sanyo Optec Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maeno, Atsushi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100187312
    Abstract: A two-dimensional galvanometer scanner is disclosed in which two coils are disposed on two adjacent sides of the scanning mirror in order to provide for movement along two orthogonal axes. Preferably, a ball holder and metallic ball are used to implement a ball and socket connection to permit the scanning mirror or other optical element to be moved in the two dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Tohru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20100182666
    Abstract: Techniques are described for forming microlens sheeting having composite images that appear to float with respect to the plane of the sheeting. As one example, a method comprises forming one or more images within a sheeting having a surface of microlenses, wherein at least one of the images is a partially complete image, and wherein each of the images is associated with a different one of the microlenses, wherein the microlenses have refractive surfaces that transmit light to positions within the sheeting to produce a plurality of composite images from the images formed within the sheeting so that each of the composite images appears to float with respect to the plane of the sheeting, and wherein forming the one or more images comprises forming the one or more images such that each of the composite images is associated with a different viewing angle range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Sammuel D. Herbert, Charles J. Studiner, IV, Robert L.W. Smithson, Robert T. Krasa, Pingfan Wu, Douglas S. Dunn, Michael W. Dolezal
  • Publication number: 20100182667
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus that scans a light beam from a light source includes: a movable portion and a fixed portion. The movable portion includes: a rotating member, which is capable of rotating about a rotation axis being parallel with an optical axis of the light beam, has an open hole through which the light beam passes, and is provided with a first coil; and a mirror that is provided to the rotating member, electrically connected with the first coil, and reflects the light beam that passes through the open hole of the rotating member in a variable angle with respect to the optical axis of the light beam. The fixed portion includes: a magnetic member; and a second coil capable of supplying an electromagnetic field to the first coil. One of a part and a whole of the magnetic member is made of a magnetic material and the magnetic member serves as a magnetic core of the second coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20100165433
    Abstract: For realizing widening of a light scanning angle and is excellent in durability, the optical scanning actuator includes a movable unit that supports an optical element, a plurality of leaf springs having a thin plate shape with one end portion being fixed and another end portion being attached to the movable unit, and an electromagnetic driving unit including a magnet, a yoke laminated on the magnet to form a closed magnetic circuit together with the magnet, and a coil held by the movable unit. The coil is positioned in a gap between the magnet and the yoke such that opening plane of the coil is substantially orthogonal to a laminating direction of the magnet and the yoke. The movable unit is driven by an electromagnetic force applied to the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryohei Shigematsu, Hiroshi Imamura, Takafumi Hirata
  • Publication number: 20100149614
    Abstract: An optical scanner including a substrate, a driving component, and an optical reflector is provided. The driving component is disposed on the substrate and has a first hole. The driving component can swing about a first axis by a time-varied magnetic force. The optical reflector has a reflective surface and is disposed in the first hole. The optical reflector can swing about a second axis by a Lorentz force. The first axis is essentially perpendicular to the second axis. The first axis and the second axis are both essentially parallel to the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: MING-CHIEH CHOU, Pin Chang, Hung-Chung Li, Chung-De Chen
  • Publication number: 20100134859
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus of galvano motor scanning head modular construction, assembly and calibration. In addition, the invention relates to the apparatus and construction method to achieve modular galvano motor scanning head products whereby multiple galvano motor and/or multiple galvano motor driven scanning mirror substrates and/or multiple beam expansion or beam collimation or beam de-collimation input optics and/or multiple output delivery optics and/or multiple galvano motor drive electronics configurations may be used to produce said modular galvano motor scanning head dependent upon customer required configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Hastings
  • Patent number: 7724411
    Abstract: A 2-axis driving electromagnetic scanner, having a structure in which a mirror is separated from a driving unit and directly driven, is provided. The electromagnetic scanner includes: an outer driving unit which is capable of rotating around a first axis; an inner driving unit which is suspended from the outer driving unit so as to rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a stage which is located on an upper surface of the inner driving unit so as to rotate together with the inner driving unit. In the electromagnetic scanner, the stage is connected to the inner driving unit by a link unit protruding from a center of a lower surface of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-chul Ko, Jun-o Kim, Jin-woo Cho, Hee-moon Jeong, Woo-hyek Choi
  • Patent number: 7697181
    Abstract: An actuator includes: a first vibrating system having a frame-like driving member and a pair of first axis members holding the driving member from both sides so that the driving member is rotatable about an X axis; a second vibrating system having a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axis members holding the movable plate on the driving members from both sides so that the movable plate is rotatable about a Y axis orthogonal to the X axis; a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided to oppose the permanent magnet and a voltage applying unit applying voltage to the coil; and a spacer sandwiched between the driving member and the permanent magnet so as to form space preventing intervention by the movable plate. The permanent magnet is provided such that a line segment connecting both poles of the permanent magnet inclines, in a plan view of the movable plate, with respect to the X axis and the Y axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 7688490
    Abstract: An actuator includes: a first oscillatory system including a frame-shaped driving member and a pair of first axial members holding the driving member from both ends so as to allow the driving member to rotate around an X-axis; a second oscillatory system including a movable plate provided inside the driving member and a pair of second axial members holding the movable plate to the driving member from both ends so as to allow the movable plate to rotate around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X axis; and a driving unit including a permanent magnet provided on the driving member, a coil provided so as to face the permanent magnet, and a voltage applying unit applying a voltage to the coil. The permanent magnet is provided such that a line segment connecting both poles is slanted with respect to each of the X-axis and the Y-axis, in a plan view of the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Mizoguchi
  • Publication number: 20100073750
    Abstract: A light refracting element formed in parallel plate shape is attached to a support shaft of a mirror holder, a semiconductor laser and a PSD are disposed at positions between which the light refracting element is sandwiched. The light refracting element is rotated by rotation of the mirror holder, and whereby a laser beam irradiation position is changed on a light acceptance surface of PSD. The laser beam irradiation position on a light acceptance surface corresponds to the mirror rotation position, so that the mirror rotation position and a laser beam scanning position in a target area can be detected based on an output from the PSD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicants: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Optec Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi YAMAGUCHI, Masato Yamada, Yoshiaki Maeno
  • Publication number: 20100046054
    Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) mirror and a mirror scanner employing the same. An optical scanning unit employing such mirror scanner and an image forming apparatus including the optical scanning unit are also disclosed. The MEMS mirror may include a movable unit, which may in turn include a mirror portion and a magnet frame portion. The mirror portion may have mirror surfaces on the face surface(s) thereof. The magnet frame portion may include an opening into which a magnet is received. The MEMS mirror may also include a first fixing end and a second fixing end, to which the moving unit may be elastically supported by one or more elastic members that allows oscillating or pivoting movement of the moving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
    Inventors: Hee-Moon JEONG, Jin-Ho LEE, Jun-O KIM, Jong-Chul CHOI
  • Publication number: 20100002278
    Abstract: A beam irradiation apparatus includes: an optical element which changes a travel direction of a laser beam by being rotated in a predetermined direction; an actuator which rotates the optical element in the direction; a refractive element which is disposed in the actuator and rotates in association with rotation of the optical element; a servo beam source which emits a servo beam to the refractive element; a photodetector which receives the servo beam refracted by the refractive element and outputs a signal according to a position where the servo beam is received; and a power adjustment circuit which adjusts emission power of the servo beam source. The power adjustment circuit adjusts the emission power so that a reception amount of the servo beam in the photodetector becomes constant based on an output signal from the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicants: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SANYO Optec Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Maeno, Atsushi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7643196
    Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods and devices relating to miniature actuatable platform systems. According to one embodiment, the systems, methods, and devices relate to controllably actuated miniature platform assemblies including a miniature mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bernstein, Fran J. Rogomentich, Tommy Lee, Mathew Varghese, Gregory A. Kirkos
  • Publication number: 20090316242
    Abstract: An optical scanner includes an inductor, an electric supply unit, an emitter, a mirror, a first receiving element, a second receiving element, and a measuring unit. The electric supply unit applies a supply voltage to the inductor alternately in opposite applying directions. The mirror reflects a laser beam to scan a photosensitive body within a scanning range. Each of the receiving elements is positioned at one end of the scanning range. The measuring unit measures the scanning time taken for the laser beam to be detected by the second receiving element after the beam is detected by the first receiving element. When the mirror scans the photosensitive body along a first primary scanning line after the mirror scans the body along a second primary scanning line, the electric supply unit varies the supply voltage according to the scanning time measured for the second primary scanning line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Hideo TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090310198
    Abstract: A scanner is disclosed that includes: a mirror, which may be formed on a light path, and which may reflect incident light; a mirror holder, which may support the mirror; a housing, which may rotatably support the mirror holder; two driving coils, which may be secured to the housing, formed symmetrically about the rotational shaft of the mirror holder; and a driving magnet, which may be coupled to the mirror holder, to be inserted inside the two driving coils. This scanner can be utilized to reflect rays of light in a stable manner to form a more even image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Suk Woo, Chang-Keun Jun, Joo-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 7609426
    Abstract: An image scanning apparatus for embodying an image using visible lights apparatus includes a scanning unit for irradiating line scan light; a power source for generating voltage for driving the scanning unit; a light detector for detecting duty that is a variation ratio of line scan light with respect to time; and a servo-loop for comparing the detected duty with a preset value, calculating a magnitude of the voltage for driving the scanning unit, and applying voltage, which is controlled depending on the calculated voltage magnitude, to the scanning unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Chan Keh, Mun-Kue Park, Byeong-Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 7599105
    Abstract: A disclosed optical scanning device includes an oscillating mirror supported by a torsion beam for deflecting light beams from a light source unit to scan an object surface backward and forward. A window member transmits light beams incident on and reflected from an oscillating mirror. A sealing member holds the window member and seals a space in which the oscillating mirror is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7586660
    Abstract: A light deflector is disclosed that includes a bearing, a motor, a rotary body supported by the bearing and rotated by the motor, and a polygon mirror fixed to the rotary body. The motor includes an annular permanent magnet circumferentially magnetized with six poles and fixed to the rotary body, a rotational position detector part configured to detect the rotational position of the permanent magnet, and a stator assembly including a stator core and nine coils fixed to the stator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Itami
  • Publication number: 20090174921
    Abstract: An optical device includes a mass section in a plate shape including a light reflector with light reflectivity, a supporting section for supporting the mass section, a pair of elastic sections with elastic deformability for coupling the mass section to the supporting section in a pivotally movable manner, and a driving unit for pivotally moving the mass section, the driving unit including a magnetic section provided to the mass section, magnetized in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the mass section, a pair of magnetic poles with different polarities, provided in a manner to face each other in a direction perpendicular to a pivotal movement central axis with the magnetic portion intervened on the basis of a top view of the mass section in a non-driven condition, and a magnetic field generator having a coil for generating a magnetic force between the pair of magnetic poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko SENDO
  • Publication number: 20090122377
    Abstract: Shown is a lens device 16 comprising a displaceable lens 18 and a guide 42, by means of which the lens is guided so as to be capable of being displaced. The lens device 16 comprises a first and a second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b and a first and a second force transmission device 54a, 56a; 54b, 56b, which is coupled to the rotor of the first and second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b, respectively, and which is coupled to the lens 18 at a first and second junction 58a, 58b, respectively. The force transmission device is suitable to convert a rotary motion of the rotor of the first and second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b, respectively, into a displacement motion of the lens 18. The first and the second junction 58a, 58b are thereby spaced apart from one another in a direction at right angles to the displacement direction of the lens 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: RAYLASE AG
    Inventor: Erwin WAGNER