Patents Examined by Alexander Garlen
  • Patent number: 10036848
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light guide plate 16, LEDs 17, a chassis 14, a frame 13 and positioning members 30. The light guide plate 16 includes two edge surfaces that are light entrance surfaces 16b and a front surface that is a light exit surface. The LEDs 17 are arranged to be opposed to the light entrance surfaces 16b and in a portion of the light guide plate 16 except for four corner portions 16d of the light guide plate 16. The chassis 14 is arranged on an opposite side of the light guide plate 16 from the light exit surface. The frame 13 is arranged on a light exit surface side to have the light guide plate 16 and the LEDs 17 between the frame 13 and the chassis 14. The positioning members 30 are arranged on an inner surface of the frame 13 to be opposed to the respective four corner portions 16d of the light guide plate 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jo Ikuta
  • Patent number: 10030831
    Abstract: A flame simulator can include a light beam source, a range limiter, a light beam mover, a power supply, a power control circuit, and a flame screen. The light beam source can be adapted to project a movable beam of light with a circular, oval, elliptical, or otherwise round, cross-sectional shape and with an intensity, shape and/or color that mimics a flame (e.g., a candle flame) when the beam strikes the flame screen. The light beam mover can generate beam movement and the range limiter can limit the range of movement so that the beam stays mostly on the flame screen in a region bounded by the typical range of movement of a flame being simulated (e.g., a candle flame moving in response to ambient air currents). The light beam mover can cause the illumination provided by the beam to dance on the flame screen with variations in position and shape that mimic a dancing flame (e.g., a candle flame being blown about by air currents). One or more of the flame simulators can be incorporated into an imitation candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Guillermo Enrique Baeza
  • Patent number: 10023102
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes: a first light distribution portion including a first light source; a second light distribution portion including a second light source and an micro electro mechanical system mirror; a holding member configured to hold the first light source, the second light source, and the micro electro mechanical system mirror; a single lens including a first lens portion and a second lens portion; and a separating wall formed in the holding member so as to protrude toward the vehicle front side relative to the holding member, the separating wall being configured to separate a region between the first lens portion and the holding member from a region between the second lens portion and the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Mouri, Yusuke Nakada, Yoshiyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 10018341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and projecting light into a specified target illuminance. A lens may be mounted or otherwise paired to a carrier to form a lens/carrier combination, which may then be mounted to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) containing a light emitting diode (LED). The lens/carrier combination may establish an optimum optical relationship between the LED and the lens, such that a predetermined photometric distribution of the LED is collected by the lens, while the remaining photometric distribution of the LED is rejected by the carrier. The lens may include a first pair of opposing surfaces forming a first focus and a second pair of opposing surfaces forming a second focus. The first and second foci may cause light to be subtended into one or more of collimated light focused light, diffused light, and shifted light. The carrier may include an obstruction extending toward the PCBA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: JST Performance, LLC
    Inventor: Edgar A. Madril
  • Patent number: 10012357
    Abstract: An LED headlight includes a lens, a heat sink, at least one LED module and a shelter. The lens includes a focal length and a focal plane, wherein the focal plane extends from a focal point of the lens and is perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The heat sink is arranged along the optical axis of the lens, and a distance between the heat sink and the lens is greater than a distance between the focal point and the lens. The at least one LED module is arranged along the optical axis of the lens and in contact with the heat sink, a distance between the LED module and the lens is greater than the distance between the focal point and the lens. The shelter is arranged along the focal plane and configured to block light emitted from the LED module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LEXTAR ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shih-Kai Lin, Yu-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 10006622
    Abstract: A scenographic light fixture for producing a light beam has a main body configured to produce a light beam along an optical axis; a control device facing the main body and comprising a mobile optical element to intercept and selectively deflect the light beam in a plurality of directions; and a support, at least in part transparent to the light beam, fitted to the main body to support the control device and so as to define a waterproof chamber wherein the optical element moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CLAY PAKY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Aris Quadri, Roberto Midali
  • Patent number: 10001252
    Abstract: A combination flash light and work light. The device can also be provided with a USB receptacle port for electrically connecting a cable to recharge the internal battery or using the internal battery to charge another electronic device. A plurality of light array panels can be pivotally secured to the main light unit. The main light head can also pivot with respect to the rest of housing where the electrical circuits and components are housed. A relatively large or wide base can be provided at a bottom end to allow the device to be freestanding. A magnet and/or hook can be provided at the base to permit the device to be hung to an object or secured to a metallic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Mathew Inskeep
  • Patent number: 10001250
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a heat sink including a first heat radiation part and a second heat radiation part, a light source module including a substrate disposed on the first heat radiation part of the heat sink, and a light emitting device disposed on the substrate; and a power supply unit which is disposed within the second heat radiation part of the heat sink and supplies power to the light source module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Nyung Lim, Do Hwan Kim, Jae Jin Kim, Cheon Joo Kim, Sang Hoon Lee, Keun Tak Joo, Tae Young Choi
  • Patent number: 9995465
    Abstract: A surface-mounted pluggable wiring insert key capable of being used for connecting structural parts of multiple strands of weak-current flexible wires, a driving power source box formed by using the surface-mounted pluggable wiring insert key, and a detachable modular LED lamp provided with the driving power source box structure. A damaged driving power source and other damaged assemblies can be conveniently replaced, abandonment of an LED chip having a long service life or even a whole LED lamp can be prevented, the designed structure is simple, and tin soldering is not required, thereby saving resources, greatly reducing use cost, and facilitating the popularization of the LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Guangyou Chen
  • Patent number: 9995447
    Abstract: A light fixture is disclosed having a plurality of light sources belonging to at least two types emitting light of different S/P ratio. The light sources are placed in the light fixture so that the light fixture, when in use, emits a light bundle having varying S/P ratios within the bundle. In an embodiment the light bundle has a central area with low S/P ratio, and peripheral areas having higher S/P ratio. The S/P ratio in the peripheral areas can be as high as 5 or even higher. In an alternate embodiment the light bundle has a central area with relatively S/P ratio, and peripheral areas having lower S/P ratio. The S/P ratio in the peripheral areas can be as low as 2 or even lower. The light fixtures are particularly suitable for outdoor lighting, for example street lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Gemex Consultancy B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Otto Rooymans
  • Patent number: 9995870
    Abstract: A backlight unit has a light-guide plate and a light source optically coupled with the light-guide plate, with which light is input from a plane of the light-guide plate and white-light is output from the first principal plane of the light-guide plate. The light source has a plurality of blue light emitting diodes, red phosphor material excited by light from the blue light emitting diodes and emits red light, and a plurality of green semiconductor lasers having emission peaks at green light wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroto Itoi, Ryosuke Wakaki, Ken Katsuragi, Yusaku Achi, Shingo Masui
  • Patent number: 9988120
    Abstract: A direction indicator and rearview mirror structure for a vehicle includes a direction indicator and a rearview mirror having a mirror housing. The direction indicator angularly and adjustably supports the mirror housing. The mirror housing is mounted with at least a part thereof disposed above and in front of the direction indicator. In a plan view, the mirror housing overlaps the direction indicator at least partially and covers the direction indicator from above. A recessed portion housing an upper part of a vehicle-widthwise outer part of the direction indicator is formed in a lower part of the mirror housing. In a side view, a front part of the recessed portion with respect to a vehicle body protrudes forward and downward with respect to the vehicle body and serves as an eaves portion covering a front upper part of the direction indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dai Takakuwa
  • Patent number: 9989236
    Abstract: A lighting module, in particular for illumination and/or signaling, comprising a heatsink on which is mounted a light emitting diode comprising a central axis (xx?), the heatsink comprising a body of which a front face is maintained in abutment against a rear face of the diode, the body comprising at least one orifice passing through the body and opening out on its front face through which pass one or more connection pins extending from the rear face of the diode. The central axis (xx?) of the diode does not pass via an orifice passing through the body and through which a connection pin extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Stephan Sommerschuh
  • Patent number: 9983346
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source unit for providing light, a light guide plate including a plate body having a light entrance surface and extending along an X-Y plane and at least one opening in the plate body and extending along a Z axis, and an optical layer on one side of the light guide plate. The light enters the light guide plate from the light entrance surface and travels substantially along the X-Y plane. A cross section of the opening on the X-Y plane is a taper shape with a base region and a cone shape region extending from one side of the base region near the light source unit. The optical layer has a through hole aligned and communicating with the base region. A projection of the cone shape region along the Z axis on the optical layer is at least partially outside the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Yen-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 9983348
    Abstract: A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display device includes: a light source; a first light guiding panel which guides light emitted from the light source; a second light guiding panel which is disposed behind the first light guiding panel and is provided to be movable so as to be selectively disposed at a position of being overlapped with a predetermined area of the first light guiding panel in a back and forth direction and at a position of not being overlapped with the predetermined area in a back and forth direction; and a driving part which provides a driving force for moving the second light guiding panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOVIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong-Beom Kim
  • Patent number: 9976735
    Abstract: A linear light fixture is provided which includes a housing body onto which a bezel is attached. Semiconductor LEDs or other light emitting source that produce light when electrically powered are located behind a lens that is secured to the housing body by the bezel. One or more incandescent light bulbs that include an electric filament that produce light when electrified as well as one or more fluorescent bulbs that produce light based at least in part on the electrification and illumination of a plasma or gas can also be used as a source of illumination. For example, the linear light fixture can further include a driver housing that includes a driver housing cover to permit access to at least one driver and/or battery backup components located within the driver housing. There is also at least one window in the bezel which permits illumination of an area or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Budd Shaw Honda, Adam Douglas Ledgerwood, Daniel Robert Treible, Jr., Virginia Marie Merriam
  • Patent number: 9977171
    Abstract: An optical waveguide sheet for use in an edge-lit backlight unit is provided, that allows rays of light to enter the end face and emits the rays of light from the front face substantially uniformly. The optical waveguide sheet includes, on the back side thereof: a plurality of recessed portions falling toward the front face side; and a plurality of raised portions each provided around each of the plurality of recessed portions and projecting toward the back face side. The optical waveguide sheet preferably has an average thickness of no less than 100 ?m and no greater than 600 ?m, and is preferably used as a light guide film. The optical waveguide sheet preferably has an average thickness of no less than 100 ?m and no greater than 600 ?m, and is preferably used as a light guide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Keiwa Inc.
    Inventors: Hironori Nakashima, Kenichi Harada
  • Patent number: 9976724
    Abstract: A portable lighting device adapted to provide an area light, said device including a body having a battery housing to hold batteries to power said device. The device includes a light panel functioning as a lens to act as an area light emitter, characterized in the said light panel is slidable into and out of said body, said light panel being constructed of a substantially flat panel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Energizer Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Bennett, John Brown, Michael Squires, Fred Marcaly
  • Patent number: 9971134
    Abstract: A lighting device (1) is provided comprising a base (5), at least one light source (4) arranged at the base, at least one light transmissive optical element (7), and a light transmissive envelope (6) arranged to cover the at least one light source and the at least one optical element. At least a portion of the at least one optical element has a thickness (D) increasing in direction towards the base such that the at least one optical element refracts light emitted by the at least one light source for creating at least one virtual light source (8) spaced from the base. The present aspect is advantageous in that each one of the envelope and the optical element may be manufactured separately, e.g. by standard injection molding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg, Johannes Petrus Maria Ansems
  • Patent number: 9971196
    Abstract: Provided are a light source device capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles on an optical sheet even if the optical sheet expands due to heat generated at the time of light emission, and a display apparatus including the light source device. In the light source device, an optical sheet is disposed with one surface facing the light source unit, while the light source unit and the optical sheet are supported by a support member. A contact portion being in contact with the peripheral edge part of the other surface of the optical sheet is pressed to the optical sheet by a connecting member, and the optical sheet is held between the contact portion and the support member. The contact portion and the support member holding the optical sheet are connected with each other by the connecting member. The connecting member is configured to have a weakened force of pressing the contact portion if a surrounding temperature reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SAKAI DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Fukai