Laser Type Patents (Class 362/259)
-
Patent number: 6233039Abstract: An embodiment of the instant invention is an optical illumination system for illuminating the mask of an exposure apparatus for transferring the image of the pattern on the mask onto the semiconductor wafer, the optical illumination system comprising: illumination means (illumination means 45 of FIG. 3) comprised of a plurality of light sources for emitting light beams along beam paths; and a lens system (lenses 55 and 57 of FIG. 3) for focusing the light beams to the wafer, the lens system comprising at least one lens element positioned in the beams paths. Preferably, the light sources are individually addressable point like sources, and the optical illumination system further comprising a light control means for operating each of the light sources independently of the others.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Anthony Yen, Barundeb Dutta
-
Patent number: 6196702Abstract: A novel hand held waterproof or submersible laser illumination device which provides for prolonged precise controlled illumination. The present invention also provides for a combination generalized illumination and selectable precise laser outputs.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
-
Patent number: 6190022Abstract: A self-contained non-lethal security device for providing an optimally effective and eye-safe beam for use as a high-brightness visual countermeasure. The security device has one or more wavelengths of laser or light-emitting diode (LED) light in a continuous or flicker mode in order to provide a glare or flashblinding visual effect. A flicker mode of two wavelengths at opposite ends of the visible spectrum (e.g., red and green) produces heightened disorientation to the adversary. Replacing one or all of the laser light source with LEDs for shorter range applications reduces the overall cost of such a security device.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Science & Engineering Associates, Inc.Inventors: Nora C. Tocci, Eric J. Cramer, Michael D. Tocci, John D. German
-
Patent number: 6183129Abstract: A projector for use in a measuring device is provided with an emitter which emits a beam of visible light to a measurement object along a predetermined optical axis, a rotary optical member which is operable to change the propagation direction of the visible light beam with respect to the predetermined optical axis in accordance with rotation of the rotary optical member, and a driver which rotates the rotary optical member about a rotation axis. The projector accurately indicates a measurement area on a measurement object in simpler construction.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Aoyama, Takashi Banno, Tatsuaki Kusatsugu, Eiji Kitagawa
-
Patent number: 6181251Abstract: A combination smoke detection device and laser escape indicator provides a primary circuit that electrically connects a power source to a laser. The primary circuit has a smoke detector switch that is operably controlled by a smoke detecting means. When the smoke detecting means detects smoke, it closes the smoke detector switch, thereby activating the laser to produce a laser beam. The laser is mounted on a swivel arm that is pivotally connected to a primary housing, the primary housing being rotatably attached to a base housing. The swivel arm and the primary housing together can be adjusted so that the laser projects the laser beam in a desired direction. When the combination is installed in a structure, the laser is manipulated so that when the laser generates a laser beam, the laser beam directs people to an exit from the structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Robert R. Kelly
-
Patent number: 6179444Abstract: A light beam source includes a laser diode having a housing. The housing has a base and a cap with an opening for emitting laser light. A lens mount having a generally tubular shape and being formed from a unitary piece of material is provided. The lens mount has a first end and a second end, the second end including inner walls. A lens is disposed at least partially within the first end of the lens mount, the lens being disposed so as to receive and focus the laser light as a beam. The cap of the laser diode is disposed at least partially within the second end of the lens mount and frictionally engages the inner walls. The inner walls include at least one longitudinal slot that allows the inner walls to expand and frictionally engage the cap when the cap is disposed in the second end of the lens mount.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: George A. Plesko
-
Patent number: 6179445Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
-
Patent number: 6178649Abstract: An optical calibrating apparatus includes: a laser illuminator (6) disposed in an eccentric adjusting sleeve (5), an inner inclined adjusting sleeve (4) within a jacket (3), an outer inclined adjusting sleeve (2) outside the jacket (3), and a cylindrical casing (1), in which a laser line is emitted by the illuminator (6) for checking levelling, plumbing and verticality and the laser line has been calibrated for a horizontality or a verticality by rotating the eccentric adjusting sleeve (4), the inner and outer inclined adjusting sleeves (4, 2) until the emitted laser line is aligned with a standard laser line emitted from a standard optical calibrator or aligned with a mark preset by a standard instrument.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Chyi-Yiing Wu
-
Patent number: 6163247Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The laser lighting system may be a laser lighting post or a laser lighting unit for providing radiation along a surface that includes at least one laser for producing a beam of coherent visible or reflective radiation, and a glass plano-convex cylindrical lens which has an aspherical convex cylindrical surface for generating a laser line which is uniformally illuminated from end to end. The laser lighting post includes a mounting column which has an access door for providing access to a tilt switch assembly and an AC/DC power adapter unit. The mounting column is attached to a base plate by a frangible coupling.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: James C. O'Meara
-
Patent number: 6152588Abstract: A vehicle with a plurality of individually addressable light sources, preferably semiconductor laser light sources or light emitting diodes, each of which produce a beam of light, are optically coupled to a fiber optic waveguide. The laser light sources are grouped together preferably at a single location within the vehicle for easy access and conveniently located within the vehicle. Fiber waveguides distally transmits the beams to the optical loads of the vehicle, including the brake lights, taillights, instrumentation lights and turn signals. Each fiber optic waveguide may be a single optical fiber, such as a multimode fiber, having a numerical aperture large enough to receive illumination from a plurality of light sources. In cases where some optical loads require a larger flux or brightness of light, such as vehicular headlights, which may greater than a single optic fiber can transmit, the waveguide may comprise of a bundle of optical fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: SDL, Inc.Inventor: Donald R. Scifres
-
Patent number: 6149286Abstract: A laser illuminated fishing rod is provided for making it easier to fish at night. This laser fishing rod includes a hollow pole for supporting a fishing line and having a handle end and a tip end. A hollow handle structure adapted for manual gripping by a fisherman is affixed to the handle end of the pole. A laser beam producing unit is located within the handle structure and is aligned to transmit a laser beam into the hollow interior of the pole in the direction of the tip end of the pole. This laser beam causes the pole to glow in a brilliant and highly noticeable manner. The pole illumination is very sensitive to movement or flexing of the pole. Even a slight flexing of the pole causes a shimmering or rippling effect in the illumination. This provides a readily visible indication at night that a fish is attempting to take the bait. A unique adjustment mechanism for balancing the weight of the fishing rod is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Inventor: Wylie E. Wiggins
-
Patent number: 6150943Abstract: A device for projecting an escape path to direct evacuation from a fire includes a plurality of laser diode projectors secured within a housing and aimed to project successive rays or images along a predetermined escape path. The images may comprise arrow indicators, graphics, or alphanumeric indicators. The laser beams are emitted through the same window in the housing to minimize heat infiltration into the housing. The laser diodes are triggered by an alarm condition, such as direct actuation by a smoke sensor, IR detector, or the like, or secondary actuation in response to the audio alarm signal of a primary fire alarm. For actuation by a primary alarm system, a microphone input is amplified and fed to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed to digitally filter and process the signal to determine the presence of a primary alarm signal, and actuate a fire escape path illuminating module.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: American Xtal Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Lehman, Dan Gechtman, Jerome Keith Fuller, Michael A. Hreha
-
Patent number: 6146000Abstract: A device for rotating an emitter device emitting a laser beam L about a rotation axis for the purpose of generating a plane or a conical surface has an elongated body of revolution 2 which carries the emitter device 1 and is held rotatably at the ends on a fixed holder 5 by means of a pivot bearing 3, 4 in each case, the pivot bearing 3, 4 comprising a conical seat 16 and a bearing member 17 engaging in the latter and having a rounded outer surface concentric with the rotation axis, and the conical seat 16 and the bearing member 17 being prestressed (20) against one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AGInventors: Johannes Holzl, Hans-Jurgen Lienesch, Volker Konetschny
-
Patent number: 6142649Abstract: An emergency lighting fixture, particularly suited for industrial environments, includes a central body, at least one source of light constituted by an incandescent halogen lamp held inside a parabolic reflector and a transparent shell covering the fixture's central body. The reflector is adjustable by an operator from outside the emergency lighting fixture, after lifting the transparent shell, so as to regulate the direction of the light beam. Each reflector is further associated with a laser light source, capable of providing an emergency lighting system, for instance in the presence of smoke in the surrounding environment as detected by a smoke sensor. A regulating device of the laser light beam includes a ring nut swiveling in a horizontal plane and a plate for vertical adjustments, so as to make it possible to position the laser beam within pre-established angles.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Beghelli S.p.A.Inventor: Gian Pietro Beghelli
-
Patent number: 6142650Abstract: A laser flashlight employs a laser emitter disposed within a housing for emitting a coherent light along an optical axis toward the light emitting end of the housing. A power supply selectively applies electricity from a battery pack disposed within the housing to the laser emitter. An optical system disposed within the housing intermediate the laser emitter and the light emitting end of the housing includes a laser element pumped by the laser emitter, a frequency/wavelength converter, and a resonator, to form the coherent light into a laser beam. A beam expander receives the laser beam, disperses the laser beam, and transmits the dispersed laser beam from the light emitting end of the housing into the ambient environment. The dispersion of the laser beam is such that the laser beam is safe for the human eye at the light emitting end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventors: David C. Brown, Richard J. Nelson, Titus A. Casazza, Jay Kohoe
-
Patent number: 6144302Abstract: A garment or apparatus worn by emergency workers includes an electrically operated source of multiple, mutually diverging laser light beams. The light beams may be modulated to identify the worker and his status. The worker's location in an emergency environment is readily established as the locus of the diverging beams. A smoke-filled environment makes the laser beams more visible to rescuers.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Glenn Martin Cotty, Jr., Glen Clyden Argabright
-
Patent number: 6132064Abstract: A laser pointer, which includes a box-like bottom cover shell holding a laser module and a battery cell. A top cover shell is covered on the bottom cover shell. The top cover shell has a spring strip, a first metal contact plate connected between the negative terminal of the laser module and the battery cell, a second metal contact plate connected to the positive terminal of the laser module, and a third metal contact plate fastened to the spring strip of the top cover shell at a bottom side and connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell. Wherein when the spring strip is pressed downwards, the third metal contact plate is forced into contact with the second metal contact plate, thereby causing the laser module to be turned on to emit a laser beam out of a laser firing hole at the top cover shell.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Limate CorporationInventor: Hsiung Bear
-
Patent number: 6126299Abstract: The present invention provides a navigational safety lighting system for use in low visibility conditions caused by fog, mist, rain, snow or other particulate matter in the atmosphere. A laser light source is utilized which emits a beam of laser light that is visible to the naked eye when it strikes the particulate matter in the atmosphere. The laser light source may be mounted on an air, water or land craft, or may be mounted on navigational or other objects to identify them in such low visibility conditions. Also, the laser light source on an air, water or land craft may be directed in the direction of movement of the craft to identify obstacles in the path of the craft in such low visibility conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: James S HypesInventors: James Hypes, Alvin Hypes, Martin Abbott
-
Patent number: 6123453Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit at least one laser beam against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit at least one laser beam against the surface and means to position said laser beam about the energy zone to visibly outline said energy zone. The laser beam may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beam may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone. Such an embodiment improves the efficiency of the laser and results in a brighter laser beam being projected.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, W. Earl McKinley
-
Patent number: 6116756Abstract: A micro-machined movable light emitting assembly is formed on or from an undoped or pure III-V substrate or formed on or from a doped III-V substrate. The movable light emitting assemblies are to be actuated using force generators, to generate the various mechanical degrees of freedom depending on the type of stage suspension and actuation.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Eric Peeters, Decai Sun, G. A. Neville Connell, Ross D. Bringans, Raj B. Apte, Thomas L. Paoli, Patrick Y. Maeda, David K. Fork, Joel A. Kubby, Philip D. Floyd
-
Patent number: 6102552Abstract: This invention is a power efficient illuminator and illumination method that provides control of spatial distributions of power density, ray angles, wavelength(s), polarization and temporal behavior (even coherence) to meet specific design specifications across a prescribed target zone (i.e., line, area or volume). This invention utilizes an array (or set) of radiant power or energy sources which can be selected or varied in kind(s), form(s), size(s) number and arrangement. Ancillary reflective, refractive or diffractive optical elements may be used for additional control. The ancillary optics may be one or more shared single optic or may be one or more entire array(s) of elements matched to the array of sources. The ancillary optics may be refractive or reflective, passive or active, self-focusing, or diffractive (e.g., holographic, binary or multistep). The set of individual sources are systematically distributed spatially, and driven individually or together.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Barclay J. Tullis
-
Patent number: 6102553Abstract: A palm size laser indicator disk capable of adjusting the shapes of light emitted therefrom includes an adjustment ring, a disk cover, a disk, an annular lens, a laser generating component, and a plurality of connecting screws. By turning the adjustment ring, one of a plurality of patterns of high transparency and different shapes may be caused to be penetrated by the laser light to generate different light shapes.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Opcom Inc.Inventor: Chih-Yu Ting
-
Patent number: 6086215Abstract: An aquarium and laser device associated therewith includes a tank having a base and transparent continuous wall sealingly connected to the base and extending upward therefrom to form a container, and a laser device operably associated with the tank in a manner such that the laser device is powerable to cause a laser beam to traverse the tank. The laser device preferably includes an ornamental structure disposed on the base of the tank and has operably disposed therein a laser beam emitter connected to a power source. A method of using the same is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Miracle Beam, Inc.Inventors: Delena Giattino, Bear Hsiung
-
Patent number: 6082875Abstract: A constructional laser having a light source (5) for emitting a laser beam (L) arranged in housing (2) and rotatable about a rotational axis (A), a motor-driven shaft (14) supported in the housing (2) for rotation about the rotational axis (A) and having an end projecting into a casing (3) at least partially projecting above the housing (2) and having at least one beam hole (7, 8), with the shaft (4) being rotationally connected with the casing (3), and a direction-changing device (9) for the laser beam (L) and supported on the end of the shaft (4) projecting into the casing (3), with the casing (3) having a peripheral wall (33) spaced from the direction-changing device (9) and with the casing being capable of a limited displacement relative to the housing (2), without any contact between the peripheral wall (33) and the direction-changing device (9).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Heinz Kousek
-
Patent number: 6070992Abstract: A pocket laser pointer has a mounting for detachably holding any of a number of different end caps for modifying the pointer beam in different ways. The pointer shell includes another mounting for detachably holding another of the endcaps that is not in use, so that the end caps can be interchanged for producing different beam characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventor: Tim Schnell
-
Patent number: 6071202Abstract: A method for practicing a golf swing wherein a laser swing aid is used for defining a swing path for a club head and for aligning a club head of a golf club with a ball along a target path. The swing aid includes a body containing a power source coupled to a laser source coupled to an optics system. The optics system is arranged to produce a light beam in a plane. The body of the swing aid is positioned a distance apart from and separate from the club head and ball. The plane of the beam formed by the swing aid is positioned to produce a line of light aligned with the target path, the club head, and the ball. The line of light is formed and positioned to be visible across the club head and the ball along the target path and throughout at least a portion of a desired swing path.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventors: John A. Densberger, Derek E. Decker
-
Patent number: 6069739Abstract: A technique for introducing variable phase delay across portions of a spatially coherent light beam, such as a laser, without changing the focal length of the portions of the beam. A fly's-eye lens array is utilized to distribute the light for a more uniform illumination, but different length air gaps are introduced in the lens elements to provide a variable delay of portions of the beam. In a second scheme, a set of prisms is positioned in the path of the laser beam, in which the shape of the prism introduces variable phase delay across the cross-section of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Yan Borodovsky, Christof Krautschik
-
Patent number: 6066052Abstract: A golf club with a laser sight includes a shaft having a lower end provided with a club head, a metal tubular portion provided on a top of the club head, a laser generator fitted within the tubular portion and provided with a first electrode at a cylindrical surface thereof and a second electrode at an end thereof, a conductive spring connected with the second electrode of the laser generator, a tubular insulator fitted within the tubular portion, a plurality of batteries connected in series and fitted within the tubular insulator, a cover threadedly engaged with the tubular portion and having a center hole, a circular insulator arranged between the batteries and the cover, an adjust screw threadedly engaged with the center hole of the cover and having an inner end provided with a projection, whereby when the adjust screw is turned into the cover to contact an electrode of the batteries, a closed will be formed thereby providing power to the laser generator and therefore causing the laser generator to emit aType: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Chien-He Li
-
Patent number: 6062702Abstract: A novel hand held waterproof or submersible laser illumination device which provides for prolonged precise controlled illumination. The present invention also provides for a combination generalized illumination and selectable precise laser outputs.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
-
Patent number: 6052236Abstract: The light source equipment is provided with a light source and an anamorphic single lens. The anamorphic single lens has different refracting powers in the x and y directions orthogonal to each other, and converts a light from the light source to a light beam in a required state. Farther the anamorphic single lens satisfies the following equation :0.3<2.multidot.fy.multidot.tan (.theta.y/2)<0.7fy>fxwhere fx is a focal length in the x direction, fy is a focal length in the y direction, and .theta.y is a half angular divergence of radiant intensity of the light in the y direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Nakasuji, Toshihiro Yoshioka, Motonobu Yoshikawa, Yoshiharu Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 6042249Abstract: An optical illuminator assembly for an analytical instrument, such as a clinical hematology or a flow cytometer instrument, and method of aligning the components of the illuminator assembly. The illuminator assembly includes a plurality of optical components, such as a laser source, e.g., a laser diode, optionally a spatial filter, a beam shaping aperture, and a focussing lens. The optical components are mounted in mounting plates, frames or mounting cylinders, which are in turn coupled to a mounting surface on the assembly. Each of the mounting plates or frames is movable in the x and y directions, perpendicular to the laser beam, by micrometer adjusters having opposing spring plungers or the like, to decenter components in the desired laser beam path of the illuminator assembly. The micrometers and spring plungers are removably secured in the mounting surface so that after the x-y alignment, the mounting plates or frames can be secured to the mounting surface by, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Bayer CorporationInventor: Peter Spangenberg
-
Patent number: 6027224Abstract: A multipurpose pocket accessory includes handheld optical and mechanical implements. A laser pointer and a flashlight project separate beams from one end of an elongated housing, and have a common power supply within the housing. A set of pocketknife type tools can be extended from the other end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Tim Schnell
-
Patent number: 6024467Abstract: A laser pointer includes a first metal barrel having a first end closed with a metal screw cap, and a second end, which is opened, the first metal barrel holding a battery set, a control circuit board, an axially extended spring member and a laser diode supported on the axially extended spring member and extended out of the second end of the first metal barrel; a second metal barrel having a first end opened and coupled to the second end of the first metal barrel by a screw joint, and a second end opened, the second metal barrel being moved axially relative to the first metal barrel upon a rotary motion; and a socket mounted in the first end of the second metal barrel and moved with the second metal barrel axially between a first position where the socket is coupled to the laser diode to compress the axially extended spring member and hold the laser diode in position, and a second position where the socket is released from the laser diode, enabling the laser diode to be oscillated with the axially extended spType: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: Yuan Tsang Liu
-
Patent number: 6022126Abstract: The laser pointer of this invention includes: a laser pointer main body for emitting a visible laser beam; and a deflection optical element disposed on the central axis of the laser beam and adapted to deflect the direction along which the emitted laser beam passes.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Sekinos Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kumajiro Sekine, Takeshi Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 6022127Abstract: A novel multi-function switching head for use with handheld illumination devices for switching electrical current to multiple illumination sources and for selecting from multiple battery power supplies.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
-
Patent number: 6012823Abstract: A light pointer includes a housing defining a guiding slot in a longitudinal direction to retain a slide member therein. The housing has a front wall defining first and second through holes. An indicating light beam emitting unit is disposed in the housing and emits a light beam through the first through hole. The indicating light beam unit includes a beam emitting light source with first and second terminals, and a first switching member to control electrical connection between the beam emitting light source and the first terminal. The first switching member includes a switch body and a switch button. An illuminating light source illuminates light through the second through hole, and has third and fourth terminals. A second switch member controls electrical connection between the third terminal and one electrode of a power source, and includes a rear contact to connect with the power source, and a front contact disposed on the third terminal and spaced from both the switch button and the rear contact.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Hsuan-Sen Shiao
-
Patent number: 6007219Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs employ visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The laser lighting system may be a laser lighting post or a laser lighting unit for providing radiation along a surface that includes at least one laser for producing a beam of coherent visible or reflective radiation, and a glass plano-convex cylindrical lens which has an aspherical convex cylindrical surface for generating a laser line which is uniformally illuminated from end to end. The laser lighting post includes a mounting column which has an access door for providing access to a tilt switch assembly and an AC/DC power adapter unit. The mounting column is attached to a base plate by a frangible coupling.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: James C. O'Meara
-
Patent number: 6008497Abstract: A laser apparatus comprises storage means for storing a power source voltage of each pulse at the time of continuous pulse oscillation for one cycle, with each voltage correlated with an identifier which specifies the respective pulse, and output control means for, when a pulse is generated, reading from the storage means the source voltage of a pulse having the same identifier, and performing pulse oscillation on the basis of the source voltage. Thus the influence of the spiking phenomenon during a burst mode operation is eliminated as much as possible, and thereby the accuracy of laser beam machining is still more improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Hakaru Mizoguchi, Osamu Wakabayashi, Yukio Kobayashi, Yoshiho Amada, Tatsuo Mimura
-
Patent number: 6007218Abstract: A self-contained laser illuminator module for primary use in a laser security device which is adapted to produce an optimally effective and eye-safe laser beam for use as a laser visual countermeasure. The laser illuminator module includes control electronics having a high-power laser adapted to generate a preselected wavelength and intensity, a fiber optic means in optical communication with the control electronics, and a means for mounting to a security device having a collimating lens. The present invention generates a laser beam to illuminate or create temporary visual impairment of a potential adversary which results in hesitation, delay, distraction, surrender or retreat.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Science & Engineering Associates, Inc.Inventors: John D. German, Eric J. Cramer, Michael D. Tocci, Brian K. Spielbusch, Steven J. Saggese
-
Patent number: 6000813Abstract: A portable or stationary light shaping system which can shape a variety of light sources via a series of selectable & moving output specific light shaping optical elements which produces a controlled and precise composite illumination of optical outputs.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
-
Patent number: 5997153Abstract: A light source device for use in an image forming apparatus and using a semiconductor laser is disclosed. The device needs a minimum of constituent parts and frees the individual part from dislocation in the event of assembly. A collimator lens included in the device is fixed in place by photo-curable adhesive. The device is low cost and highly accurate.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Naoe, Akio Yashiba, Hideyasu Yamanaka
-
Patent number: 5997163Abstract: A vehicle mounted laser spotlight system employs a coherent/incoherent spotlight as a light source to produce an eyesafe light dispersion pattern to illuminate an ambient environment. The laser spotlight system includes an integrated laser unit having an integrated laser, power supply and control unit for selectively transmitting coherent light. A fiber optic cable optically couples the laser unit to a spotlight which receives the coherent light from the laser and transmits a beam of coherent light into the ambient environment. An incoherent light transmitter selectively transmits a beam of incoherent light coincident with the beam of coherent light. A converter module may be disposed intermediate the laser and the spotlight to convert the frequency and wavelength of the coherent light.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: L E Systems Inc.Inventor: David C. Brown
-
Patent number: 5993026Abstract: A pen-base laser pointer includes a metal barrel, a laser firing cap and a metal bottom cap fastened to front and rear ends of the metal barrel, a laser module and battery cells mounted inside the metal barrel, and an on/off button controlled to close/open the circuit of the laser module, wherein the laser module has a metal contact spring plate disposed in contact with the inside wall of the metal barrel, the metal contact spring plate having a plurality of radial projecting portions equiangularly spaced around the border thereof, which are deformed and pressed against the inside wall of the metal barrel to hold down the laser module in place when the laser module is inserted into the metal barrel.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Jen Chih Wu
-
Patent number: 5988832Abstract: A laser pointer having a laser generating loop formed of a metal barrel, a metal clip, a metal rear end cap, a series of battery cells, a laser generating unit and a signal line, and controlled by an electronic switch to emit a laser beam, the electronic switch being switched on when the user holds the metal rear end cap in hand and touching the metal clip with one finger, the electronic switch being switched off when the finger is removed from the metal clip.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Quarton Inc.Inventor: Kuo-Ti Chen
-
Patent number: 5980393Abstract: A golf club putter with a laser system for practising putting, comprising:(a) a putter assembly which comprises a putter head member comprising two laser ports on an anterior putting face of the putter head member; and(b) a compact laser system comprising two or more laser units, laser holders, a laser module, an on-off program switch, and a power source;wherein each laser unit is contained within a laser holder, and the laser holders are affixed to the laser module; the laser system is operable to produce parallel laser beams projected from the anterior putting face; the on-off program switch is connected to the power source; and the laser system is housed entirely in the putter head member; and whereby the laser beams are visible to assist a golfer during putting practice is provided. A space-saving circuit for the putter is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Laser Precision Products LLCInventors: Carl Joseph Molinaroli, James Millard Penson, Finbar Anthony O'Reilly
-
Patent number: 5971750Abstract: A combination lighter and optical pointer assembly is provided. The assembly generally comprises a body, a lighter unit, and an optical pointer unit. The body has formed therein first and second compartments, the lighter unit being received in the first compartment, and the optical pointer unit being received in the second compartment. The optical pointer unit includes a laser device that is powered by a battery disposed in the second compartment. The assembly thereby provides fully functional and independently operable lighter and optical pointer functions.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Ko Liang Ho
-
Patent number: 5967645Abstract: A light projection apparatus for projecting an illuminated line onto a surface which comprises a light source for emitting a light beam and a light beam deflection lens which is adapted to receive the emitted light beam and project a work light beam which will be visible as a straight line on the surface, the light deflection lens is configured so that the visible line on the surface is of generally equal illumination along its entire length. The light beam deflection lens preferably comprises an optical lens which is adapted to refract and reflect the emitted light beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Nigel Iivari Anderson
-
Patent number: 5964668Abstract: A putting aid includes a clamp for mounting the putting aid on the shaft of a putter and a dotted line projector mounted on the clamp for adjustment relative to the contact surface of the putter so that the dotted line is projected perpendicular to the contact surface. The dotted line projector includes a bright light source, such as a laser diode, a power source and the necessary optical elements to generate and project a line of dots on the putting surface extending generally perpendicular to the putter clubface. In one embodiment, the dots are equally spaced apart so that the distance of the backswing can be gauged by observing the number of dots that pass over the surface of the ball during the backswing. In one embodiment the putting aid includes a mounting ball secured to the clamp, and the housing further includes a housing clamp adapted to be releasably secured on the mounting ball to allow simultaneous positioning of the projector about two or more axes.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: EOTech, Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Tai, Eric J. Sieczka
-
Patent number: 5951149Abstract: A laser generating apparatus which includes a laser holder holding a plurality of lenses decorated with different designs, the laser holder being turned with a rotary cap on one end of a barrel, which is mounted within a casing and holds a laser module, and set into one of a series of positions for permitting one particular lens to be retained in alignment with a laser firing hole on the laser module for producing a particular pattern of light spot.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Simpatico Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Roger Lee
-
Patent number: 5946138Abstract: An illumination optical system includes a light source which produces a light beam, the light beam having an anisotropic coherence, with a high coherence direction and a low coherence direction, and an optical integrator, which includes a plurality of lens elements upon which the light beam is incident. The plurality of lens elements each include an opening having a long direction and a short direction. The long direction of each of the plurality of lens elements is aligned with the high coherence direction of the light beam, and the short direction of each of the plurality of lens elements is aligned with the low coherence direction of the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoru Mizouchi