Patents Examined by Jessica L. McMillan
  • Patent number: 8007156
    Abstract: A nonimaging light assembly for flashlights, including a light source and a lens symmetrical about an optical axis for receiving light from the light source and producing therefrom a light beam having concentrated and divergent components resulting in a high intensity core beam surrounded by a smoothly transitioning lower intensity surround beam. In a preferred embodiment utilizing a light emitting diode as the light source, the combined light beam produced by the light assembly has a substantially circular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Narkis E. Shatz, John C. Bortz
  • Patent number: 7976184
    Abstract: An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Messina, Sheila Bergeron Dunn
  • Patent number: 7942556
    Abstract: A solid state illumination device includes a semiconductor light emitter mounted on a base and surrounded by sidewalls, e.g., in a circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or other appropriate arrangement, to define a chamber. A top element, which may be reflective, may be coupled to the sidewalls to further define the chamber. The light produced by the semiconductor light emitter is emitted through the sidewalls of the chamber. The sidewalls and/or top element may include wavelength converting material, for example, as a plurality of dots on the surfaces. An adjustable wavelength converting element may be used within the chamber, with the adjustable wavelength converting element being configured to adjust the surface area that is exposed to the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitter in the chamber to alter an optical property of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Mark A. Pugh
  • Patent number: 7931380
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. An image formation system provides controllable background and foreground lighting of an item to facilitate acquiring images that appear to have no background, a platform for supporting items, cameras configured to acquire both high contrast and high quality images of the item, and automated image processing algorithms for creating item-only images that can be stored in an image library and presented to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Matthew J. Wheeler, Steve R. Koontz
  • Patent number: 7926994
    Abstract: A light production system and apparatus for adjusting the uniformity of light is provided. The apparatus comprises a light reducing portion, having an area less than that of an exit of an integrator, for reducing the brightness of a central area of light emitted from the exit. The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the light reducing portion in general longitudinal alignment with a center of the exit, the mounting portion enabled to transmit the light emitted from the exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Parkin
  • Patent number: 7922347
    Abstract: The inventive surgical light comprises a body provided with main light-emitting diodes and additional light-emitting diodes arranged therebetween, which are spaced on said body and fixed thereto, wherein said additional light-emitting diodes are grouped and are characterised in that the spatial orientation thereof differs from the spatial orientation of the main light-emitting diodes. A light field control device comprises a control unit to which the groups of light-emitting diodes are connected by means of adjusters each of which is connected to a power supply unit. The main light-emitting diodes are fixed to the light body in such a way that the optical axes thereof cross the light axis in the center of a light spot. The additional light-emitting diodes are fixed to the light body in such a way that the optical axes thereof form a concentric light spot in the form of a ring around the main light spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Zao Zavod Ema
    Inventors: Andrei A. Kaletin, Olga M. Rosichina, Dmitry V. Tsepelev, Nikolai A. Osipov, Nikolai F. Vershinin
  • Patent number: 7918571
    Abstract: A light-transmitting film that has a predetermined polarization split function, in addition to a light-collecting function is provided. The index of refraction nx in a prism extension direction and the index of refraction in a prism alignment direction differ from each other. By generating a difference in the indices of refraction in the prism extension direction and the prism alignment direction orthogonal thereto, for the light incident on the light-transmitting film, the polarization component Lx oscillating in the prism extension direction and the polarization component Ly oscillating in the prism alignment direction can have different transmission characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunari Hoshi, Kei Obata, Akihiro Horii, Hiroshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7918573
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a compact light guide device and a light guide apparatus having high productivity and an even light emission property. A light guide device is made of a translucent material, and LED is disposed in a notch step portion formed by cutting at least a part of an inner peripheral surface, thereby guiding light from LED to emit the light to the outside. Particularly, in a surface and a backside of a sidewall portion of the notch step portion, the sidewall portion facing a light-emitting portion of the light-emitting element, at least an inward surface constitutes a reflecting surface diffusing the light, and a pair of facing surface adjacent to each other on both sides of the sidewall portion constitutes a light acceptance surface receiving the light reflected from the reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Fujiwara, Atsushi Sawada, Kosuke Sanari, Yusuke Akioka
  • Patent number: 7914177
    Abstract: A component with a yellow pigment that absorbs light wavelengths in the range 500 to 380 nm is provided for transparent or translucent components of a vehicle in order to protect healthy eyes, pseudophakic eyes, and eyes with macular and retinal degeneration from harmful ultraviolet rays. The component may be in the form of a filter that is applied on or within these transparent or translucent components of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    Inventor: Celia Sanchez Ramos
  • Patent number: 7914163
    Abstract: A ventilation fan and light (10) is disclosed having a housing (12) and a light kit (13). The housing includes a housing box (15) with a conventional fan scroll (17) having an electric fan (16) mounted therein. The housing also includes a ceiling plate (21) configured to cover the housing box from view. The ceiling plate includes a decorative features (22) and an array of air intake ports (23) extend through the ceiling plate and positioned within a decorative feature to camouflage the air intake port from view. The light kit includes a plurality of light arms (26) which terminate with a light housing (27) and diffusor (28). The spacial relationship between the ceiling plate and the majority of the light kit structure further obscures the air intake ports from view, prevents the build up of heat within the housing, and creates a better airflow pattern within the room in which the light is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: James E. Barrett, Masao Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7905621
    Abstract: An in-grade light fixture has a lamp compartment having an open upper end with a lens cover covering the open upper end. The lens cover may have a joint connection to permit travel from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A junction box is adjacent to the lens cover along an upper portion of the compartment. If a ballast is utilized for proper supply of power to the lamp, a ballast compartment is adjacent an open lower end of the lamp compartment. A hydraulic isolation chamber extends vertically downward from the junction box to the sealed ballast compartment. The hydraulic isolation chamber is filled with a potting material and prevents wicking of moisture into the ballast compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: James Hickman, Matthew Pressel, Michael Riebling, David Smith, Lew Waltz
  • Patent number: 7901117
    Abstract: A safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Concaten Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 7901115
    Abstract: A surface mounted device has a built-in or added-on LED light arranged to fit within the device and to include parts and accessories such as a power source, circuit means, conductive means, switch means, sensor means, t integrated circuit, LED elements in a variety of specifications, timer means, solar power, AC power and parts, or DC power and parts to get desired light, function, and performance effects such as pre-determined color, brightness, duration, function, and light show effects to provide attractive area illumination with low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 7896528
    Abstract: An LED lamp includes a housing, a bracket snugly received in the housing, a connecting member fixed to a top of the bracket, a heat sink standing on a top of the connecting member, a plurality of LEDs attached an outer surface of the heat sink and an envelope which is placed on the top of the connecting member, encloses the heat sink and the LEDs therein and engages with the housing. The bracket has a connecting plate. A plurality of electronic components is mounted on a front side of the connecting plate and a plurality fins extending from a rear side of the connecting plate. A covering panel is used to cover an opening of the bracket in front of the connecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Hua Zeng, Yong-Dong Chen, Shih-Hsun Wung
  • Patent number: 7891857
    Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed towards a receiving container for an LCD apparatus for securing a lamp and lamp wiring connected to a lamp. The receiving container has features for substantially preventing the lamp wiring from being disconnected from the lamp. For example, a first through-hole for receiving the lamp wiring, a first trench, securing members, and securing projections are utilized to substantially prevent lamp wiring from being disconnected from a lamp. Additionally, the LCD apparatus is easily handled, dissipates heat effectively, and has a light weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Jin Lee, Jong-Dae Park, Jung-Soo Ok
  • Patent number: 7887222
    Abstract: A vehicle display with a housing having a gauge port, an interior wall around the gauge port, and an appliqué port extending from an exterior side of the vehicle display and intersecting the gauge port. A light source provides light into the gauge port and directs the light outwardly from a front side of the housing. An appliqué has a first locking feature. The appliqué port at least partially receives the appliqué between the front side of the housing and the light source. The light from the light source illuminates a portion of the appliqué. The first locking features releasably engages a second locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo R Fanfa, Dimitri Baudon
  • Patent number: 7883226
    Abstract: An LED signal lamp (100) comprises: a housing (102), at least one LED excitation source (108) operable to emit excitation radiation of a first wavelength range (blue light), at least one phosphor material (114) for converting at least a part of the excitation radiation to radiation of a second wavelength range and a substantially transparent cover (104) provided on the housing opening. In one arrangement the excitation source (LED chip) incorporates the phosphor material. Alternatively, the phosphor can be provided remote to the excitation source such as for example on a transparent substrate which is disposed between the excitation source and transparent cover. In other arrangements, the phosphor is provided on the transparent cover or other optical components as a layer on a surface of the cover or incorporated within the cover/optical component material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7883250
    Abstract: In existing lamp unit for vehicles, the light from the semiconductor light source can not be effectively used. In the present invention, a planar reflect surface (7) is arranged between the projection lens (6) and its focus (FL1) in such a way that the planar reflect surface (7) intersects the light axis (Z1-Z1) of the projection lens (6); a light shutout member (8) is arranged between the semiconductor light source (4) and the projection lens (6); the light shutout member (8) is provided with supplemental reflect surfaces (17-20) reflecting the light (L3) from the semiconductor light source (4) toward the shade (5). As a result, the light (L3) from the semiconductor light source (4) can be effectively used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Nishihata
  • Patent number: 7866842
    Abstract: Reflector (1) for light concentration and direction in fluorescent lamps with parabolic shape made of thin synthetic film with reflective surface and vertically positioned louvres (4) made of thin flexible and synthetic film through which the reflector (1) is fitted on the fluorescent lamps (3). In the centre of the louvres (4) there is an especially shaped opening (6) which adjusts to the diameter of the lamp (3), so that the lamp (3) can pass through the openings (6) of the louvres (4), retain the reflector (1) on the fluorescent lamp (3) and rotate some degrees in relation to the lamp (3) in order to concentrate the light towards the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Pilux & Danpex, S.A.
    Inventor: Stavros Piperidis
  • Patent number: 7866851
    Abstract: An LED heat sink having an LED unit and a pipe. The LED unit has a base having a top and an LED chip attached to the top of the base. The pipe has a inlet end, a outlet end, a body, multiple inlets, multiple partitioning walls and multiple partitions. The inlet end is attached to the base of the LED unit. The inlets are defined near the base. The partitioning walls are formed inside the body. The partitions are defined within the body by the partitioning walls and communicate with the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Tong-Lung Chang