126results about How to "Compact and light in weight" patented technology

An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle includes a mirror support assembly for attachment to the interior of a vehicle. The mirror support assembly comprises a first electronic accessory such as an imaging sensor. A reflective mirror element is disposed in a housing, the housing being pivotally adjustable about the mirror support assembly via a pivot element. The housing includes second and third electronic accessories at least partially controlled by a microprocessor. The mirror support assembly preferably includes a wire passageway for wires passing into the housing for the reflective mirror element. The second and third electronic accessories may be a headlamp controller and automatic dimming circuitry, or may be selected from a variety of other devices such as a garage door opener, an INTERNET interface, a video device, a trip computer, a light, or other items. The mirror assembly may also be in wireless communication with an external device.

According to the present invention, there is provided a hearing aid insert module comprising a socket module, and a substantially closed-loop frame comprising electrically conductive portions, the closed-loop frame further comprising engaging means adapted to releasably couple the hearing aid insert module to a faceplate of a hearing aid. The invention is of advantage in that releasable coupling of the faceplate to the socket module via the frame is capable of rendering the insert module easier to manufacture, to user-customize and to repair. The frame is arranged to impart a majority of structural rigidity to the faceplate when inserted therein. Such rigidity is of benefit in that the faceplate is capable in use of applying a flexural component to the frame which could damage the frame if not of sufficiently substantial rigidity.

An apparatus and method for aiding a visually impaired or blind person to detect, identify and avoid objects in the field of vision of the surroundings. The apparatus includes electro-optical devices to detect and identify objects, a control unit, which receives and processes information from the devices and a vocal representation unit to receive instructions from the control unit for purpose of audibly describing the objects to the person in the field of vision, thereby enabling the person to cope and proceed safely in the surroundings. The method for aiding a visually impaired person to detect, identify and objects in the field of vision surroundings includes the steps of receiving visual images of the objects, receiving range information concerning the objects, processing the image information, and audibly describing to the person the objects in the field of vision, thereby enabling the person to cope with, and proceed in his surroundings.

A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled.

The present invention provides a portable, compact, and light-weight juicer and blender capable of being operated by batteries. For portability, juice is collected in a container placed inside the juicer and blender. For convenience and ease of use, food residue or pulp is expelled through a spout into a bag attached to the spout. The food processor described herein is versatile, portable and easy to use making it an appliance that can be used anywhere.

A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes an external cavity to tune the laser. The external cavity may employ a Littrow or Littman cavity arrangement. In the Littrow cavity arrangement, a filter, such as a grating, is rotated to provide wavelength gain medium selectivity. In the Littman cavity arrangement, a reflector is rotated to provide tuning. A quantum cascade laser gain medium provides mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens for both the output lens and the external cavity lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser gain medium is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another. The small diameter aspheric output and external cavity lens each may have a diameter of 10 mm or less and each lens is positioned to provided a collimated beam output from the quantum cascade laser gain medium. The housing is hermetically sealed to provide a rugged, light weight portable MIR laser source.

An air pressure gauge assembly is mounted to the valve stem of a tire or integrated into a wheel rim for continuous monitoring of the tire inflation pressure. The gauge assembly includes a check valve functionally coupled to the valve stem so that the check valve provides the common function of the valve stem, including allowing for inflation and deflation. The assembly also includes a pressure sensor coupled to a visually perceptible pressure indicator on a dial face.

A door support and drive mechanism for a door can be mounted either over or in a door opening in a transit vehicle or other structure. The mechanism includes a tube which has a longitudinal slot. The mechanism also has mounts attached to the tube for mounting the mechanism to the structure over the door opening, so that the tube is substantially horizontal and the slot is along a lower portion of the tube. The mechanism includes at least one door hanger which has an upper portion movably disposed within the tube and a depending portion passing through the slot, the depending portion being for attachment to the door. The mechanism has a drive nut attached to the door hanger. A drive screw is positioned in the tube, engaging a threaded inner portion of the drive nut. The drive screw is connectable to a rotary power device to be rotated thereby. Rotation of the drive screw causes longitudinal movement of the drive nut and the hanger to which the drive nut is attached, so that the door is moved longitudinally.