US4766500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of replicating images on a contoured image-bearing surface
Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices Inc
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Filing: 1987-07-06
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Granted: 1988-08-23
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Expires: 2007-07-06
Abstract
Abstract A method of reading detectable conditions of a non-planar, image bearing surface by utilizing an array of discrete thin film photosensitive elements which are formed on a flexible substrate.
Inventors
- 👤 Zvi Yaniv
- 👤 Vincent D. Cannella
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:25
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/024; H04N1/028; H04N1/03; H04N1/031; H04N1/0311; H04N1/0312; H04N1/04; H04N1/10; H04N1/1013; H04N1/1017; H04N1/103; H04N1/1039; H04N1/1043; H04N1/1048; H04N1/19; H04N1/40; H04N1/401; H04N1/191; H04N1/192; H04N1/193; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/04; H04N2201/0402; H04N2201/0438
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of replicating an image-bearing surface including the steps of: providing a non-planar surface having features to be scanned; providing a large area, flexible substrate; operatively disposing a large area array of discrete, small area, operatively interconnected, thin film photosensitive elements upon said substrate; flexing said large area array into a condition generally corresponding to the general overall contour of the non-planar surface to be scanned.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of replicating an image-bearing surface including the steps of: providing a non-planar surface having features to be scanned; providing a large area, flexible substrate; operatively disposing a large area array of discrete, small area, operatively interconnected, thin film photosensitive elements upon said substrate; flexing said large area array into a condition generally corresponding to the general overall contour of the non-planar surface to be scanned.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 1, including the further steps of providing biasing means and utilizing said biasing means to flex said large area array into said non-planar condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 1, including the step of permanently flexing said large area array into a preselected non-planar configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 3, including flexing said array into a generally curved configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 3, including flexing said array into a generally cylindrically shaped configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1, including flexing said array into a preselected configuration which includes an irregular nonsymmetrical shape.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 3, including urging the array against said surface to be scanned.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 7, including altering the configuration of the array to conform said array to the configuration of the surface to be scanned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 1, including forming said array in a curved shape and forming the surface to be scanned in a spherical shape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 1, including forming said array in a cylindrical shape and scanning the interior of a tubular cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 1, further including a body of surface-contacting material; said body forming a non-abrasive, deformable mask for preventing spurious radiation from impinging on the discrete photosensitive elements.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 11, including forming said mask from a lubricious material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 1, including forming each of the photosensitive elements as a photodiode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 13, including operating the photodiode by charging an uncharged element with photogenerated current and measuring the resultant voltage or current.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 13, including operating the photodiode by discharging an externally imposed charge and measuring the decrease in voltage or current.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 13, including forming the photodiode from a plurality of layers of semiconductor alloy material and an upper electrode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 16, including forming the layers of semiconductor alloy material so as to define a p-i-n diode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 16, including selectively etching the upper electrode material to define the size and shape of the discrete photosensitive elements.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-08-23 | 1992-02-22 | 1992-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-23 | 1996-02-22 | 1996-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-23 | 2000-02-22 | 2000-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |