Patents Examined by Marshall Honeyman
  • Patent number: 5951156
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp has a light source, such as the filament of an incandescent lamp, of a kind which emits light freely around it, together with a reflector and a cover lens. The reflector is adapted so that, by reflection from the light source, it can produce, by itself, a light beam which is delimited by a cut-off defined by a horizontal half cut-off line and a raised cut-off line which is raised by a predetermined angle of cut-off elevation with respect to the horizontal.The reflector consists of two zones, which are separated by two transition half planes that pass close to the source, namely a first zone consisting of a surface for producing images of the light source offset on the side towards the horizontal half cut-off line and extending below, and close to, the latter, and a second zone consisting of a surface which produces images of the light source offset on the side towards the raised half cut-off line and extending below and close to the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Laurent Evrard, Denis Saladin
  • Patent number: 5947579
    Abstract: A lighting device has light stick(s) housed in a hand-held receptacle. The nternal surface areas of the hand-held receptacle are reflective. An opening is formed in the hand-held receptacle such that illumination generated by the light stick(s) is transmitted via the opening. The device can be made entirely of non-magnetic materials for use in clandestine underwater operations. The opening can be sealed with an optically transparent cover. Valves can be included to provide an air-filled or evacuated medium surrounding the light stick(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John D. Horton, Robert Woodall, Felipe Garcia
  • Patent number: 5944411
    Abstract: The luminaire for a tubular electric lamp (3) has, in a housing (1) with a light emission window (2) in plane P, reflectors (5) at either side of the lamp (3) and a number of slats (10) transverse to the reflectors (5) below the lamp (3). The slats (10) are V-shaped in cross-section and have an inner surface (11) facing the lamp (3). The inner surface (11) has a central zone (12) and flanks (13) which extend at an angle away from plane P. The inner surface (11) has end zones (14) near the reflectors (5) which are in a plane Q parallel to plane P. The longitudinal axis (4) of the lamp (3) is situated in a region extending from plane Q towards plane P. Although the slats are relatively small, bright spots within the shielding angle of the luminaire are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Petrus A. J. Holten, Corinne Lac
  • Patent number: 5944415
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp, an upper wall and a lower wall are extended forwardly from the upper and lower edge of the main reflecting surface of a concave reflector in such a manner that the upper wall and the lower wall are substantially in parallel with the optical axis of the main reflecting surface, the upper wall has an inner surface in which a step surface is formed, and a mirror-finished flat surface is formed in the inner surface of the lower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kurita, Shinji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5944405
    Abstract: A flat light source used as back-lighting for a liquid crystal display device includes an optically conductive plate (1) having a light reflecting layer (2), and a light source (3). A light-diffusing sheet (8) is provided outside the optically conductive plate (1) opposite to the light reflecting layer (2). A lens sheet (4) is provided outside the light-diffusing sheet (8), with a transmission type of display element (6) provided on the outer side of the lens sheet (4). The light-diffusing sheet (8) is formed of a transparent material free from light-diffusing agent particles and has minute irregularities (41) formed at random on the front surface thereof. The irregularities are of a surface roughness that is at least the wavelength of the light from the light source, but is no more than 100 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiko Takeuchi, Toshikazu Nishio, Taiji Ishii
  • Patent number: 5934793
    Abstract: A net light includes at least one light string, each light string defining intermediate portions and including a plurality of lamp sockets and a plurality of electrical wires. Fasteners are provided for connecting an adjacent pair of the intermediate portions together intermediate an adjacent pair of lamps sockets in each light string. The plurality of wires in each light string is twisted together intermediate the lamp sockets thereof; and the plurality of wires in each light string, except for one wire of each light string, is twisted together adjacent to the lamp sockets thereof. The one wire of each light string is in electrical communication with the plurality of lamp sockets in the light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Minami International Corp.
    Inventor: Najeh Rahman
  • Patent number: 5931565
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a lamp capsule having a tubular lamp envelope, and a reflector disposed around the lamp envelope. The reflector defines an aperture for emission of light from the lamp capsule. The reflector has a reflecting surface facing the lamp envelope. The aperture has a dimension transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lamp envelope that is less than the diameter of the lamp envelope. The reflecting surface preferably has a diffuse reflecting characteristic. The lamp capsule may be a low pressure discharge lamp, such as a neon lamp. The lamp assembly may, for example, be used as a center high mount stop light in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Flanagan, Jr., Roman Milikovsky, Charles M. Coushaine
  • Patent number: 5931574
    Abstract: An automobile headlamp with a reflecting surface comprising a plurality of light distribution steps arranged on the surface. Out of the plurality of light distribution steps 12a constituting the reflecting surface 12, the light distribution steps 12aA, 12aB positioned at upper left and upper right corners with respect to an optical axis Ax of a reflector 10 are formed so that luminous fluxes of reflected light from upper areas A1, B1 thereof and luminous fluxes of reflected light from lower areas A2, B2 thereof can emit downward with broken lines interposed therebetween. As a result of this construction, even if headlamp parts forming accuracy requirements are not adequately met, undesired upward emitting of the luminous fluxes of reflected light from the upper areas A1, B1 is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Uchida
  • Patent number: 5931575
    Abstract: A light emitting reference point is set for a light source attached to a reflecting mirror having an opening on one end thereof, and it is assumed that a point light source is set on the reference point. Then, a reference surface formed as a set of half lines extending from the reference point to an arbitrary point on a front end edge of a socket arranged so as to interrupt rays of light from the point light source. Then, a partial surface of the basic surface of a reflective surface around the socket is arranged so that the partial surface projects more frontward than the reference surface, and a curved form of the partial surface is arranged so that the rays of light emitted from the point reach everywhere on the surface. Then, a group of paraboloids of revolution formed by a number of paraboloids of revolution whose focal distances are different from one another, is prepared, and intersecting lines between the basic surface and the group of paraboloids of revolution are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norimasa Yamamoto, Norihiro Nishitani, Yoshiaki Furuya
  • Patent number: 5931557
    Abstract: A microwave powered ultraviolet and/or visible light producing system comprising a housing defining a microwave cavity having a volume Vo, an inlet and exhaust ports which communicate with the microwave cavity. Disposed within the microwave cavity and uniformly distributed therewithin are a number N of ultraviolet and/or visible light producing lamps, each of which has an inner diameter D, a length L, and a nominal power p. Communicating with the microwave cavity is a microwave magnetron generator having a microwave power P and producing microwaves having a wavelength .lambda.. Electrically connected to the generator is a power supply. The optimal operating condition for the system to maximize the ultraviolet and/or visible light output and longevity of the lamps and minimize system power consumption is governed by the relationships:Vo.gtoreq.V min 1 wherein V min 1=8 .pi..lambda..sup.3 /3;Vo.gtoreq.V min 2 wherein V min 2=.pi.(D+1).sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Vladimir A. Danilychev
  • Patent number: 5933393
    Abstract: A laser beam projection apparatus includes a light source, a vessel containing a transparent liquid which transmits a light beam from the light source and has a free liquid surface, a condensing optical member for condensing the light beam transmitted through the vessel and the liquid to form a secondary source of the light source, and a first optical member for collimating the light beam from the secondary source into a parallel beam. The focal lengths of the condensing optical member and the first optical member are set in accordance with the refractive index of the liquid. Preferably, the focal lengths are set in accordance with the refractive index of the liquid such that the parallel beam from the first optical member emerges in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Kitajima
  • Patent number: 5927843
    Abstract: A canopy light has a housing with a lower portion terminating in an opening, and also has a reflector in the housing. In the improvement, the lower housing portion includes a pair of spaced mounting members and the reflector includes a mounting lip affixed below the mounting members. The reflector body extends above the mounting members and is dimensioned to permit the reflector to be removed downwardly through the housing opening. A ballast assembly is above the reflector and is mounted on ballast supports inside the housing. The ballast assembly platform and the ballast supports are configured so that the ballast assembly can be lifted upwardly away from the supports (preferably without having to remove or loosen any fasteners) and then lowered downwardly through the housing opening. A new method for servicing a ballast assembly using access only through the housing opening (i.e., without having to gain access to the top of the housing) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Haugaard, Richard L. Nachtigall, Alan J. Ruud
  • Patent number: 5924793
    Abstract: A light illumination fixture comprising compact battery powered apparatus with a single light source that illuminates an optical medium which is in the form of an elongated tubular shaped semitransparent material, where the tubular shaped semitransparent material to be illuminated may be applied to the exterior of an object or the material itself may be shaped to form support structure of an object. The light source is contained within a chamber in the fixture and requires a low powered battery light source. A slideable cover together with a battery actuation contact means forms a switch to actuate the light source. A plurality of openings extending from the light chamber receive the light transmitting elongated tubular shaped semitransparent material. The light illumination fixture together with the tubular light transmitting material can be used to form a decorative display object such as a cross or can be used to illuminate and object such as a kite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventors: Richard C. Pahl, Allan D. Mayer
  • Patent number: 5921660
    Abstract: An electric bulb for identification lamp comprising a bulb head, a bulb body, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) setting over the peripheral surface surrounding said bulb body, and a power supply unit to feed said LEDs, wherein, said power supply unit is set within said bulb body, and said bulb further comprises a connector with one end fixed connected to said bulb head, while another end rotably connected to said bulb body by apply a proper torque. Therefore, the advantages of such bulb are low power consumption and long lift-time, as well as light distribution well with emitting direction adjustable by rotating its body to show a noticeable identification with soft light to the viewers from both side. It also applicable for any lamps where the adjustment of light emitting direction is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: William Yu
  • Patent number: 5918963
    Abstract: A combined plate and candle display is provided having a base, a candle and a decorative plate. The base includes a top and bottom surface, as well as a front end and a back end. A recess is located on the top surface of the base adjacent to the front end and has a depth less than the thickness of the base. A support cavity is located on the top surface of the base adjacent to the back end and has a depth less than the thickness of the base. A support post is secured in a support cavity and rises from the top surface. A groove is located on the top surface of the base and has a depth less than the thickness of the base. The plate is situated on the base so that its back face rests against the support post and the edge of the plate is positioned in the groove. The candle is situated in the recess, in front of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Franklin Mint Company
    Inventors: Barbara Ann Churchville, Allen Edward Darrone
  • Patent number: 5915822
    Abstract: A transmitted illumination type meter comprises a transparent light transmitting board having both a light entering bore and a shaft passing bore formed therethrough; a translucent dial plate placed on a front surface of the board, the dial plate having a shaft passing opening mated with the shaft passing bore of the board; a movement positioned behind the board; a light source positioned within the light entering bore; a drive shaft extending from the movement to the outside of the dial plate through the shaft passing bore and the shaft passing opening; a transparent pointer connected to the drive shaft to move over a front surface of the dial plate; and an annular convex peripheral wall defining the light entering bore. The annular convex peripheral wall allows light beams from the light source to enter the board and travel in parallel in the same. A plurality of stepped annular light reflecting surfaces are formed on a rear surface of the board and arranged to be concentric with the light entering bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ogura, Masanori Tone, Kazuo Arai, Tetsuhide Takeyama, Toshitaka Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5915831
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight assembly includes a snapping engagement between a bezel, a housing and a lens. The snapping engagement positions all three pieces relative to each other during a manufacturing or assembly process. The light bulbs of the headlamp assembly are supported on the internally aimed reflector by bulb retainers that snappingly engage openings in the reflector. The bulbs preferably include housings that bias tab members on the bulb retainers into engagement with the reflector. The reflector is moved within the housing to direct the beam of light from the bulbs. Socket retainers snappingly engage the reflector. Ball members on conventional adjustors are received within the socket retainers so that the adjustors support the reflector within the housing and provide the ability to adjust the angular position of the bulbs and reflector relative to the remainder of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Autosystems Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bonin, Chris Morewood, Wayne White
  • Patent number: 5913597
    Abstract: A parallel lamp assembly has a first decoration lamp and a second decoration lamp. Each decoration lamp has a socket, an insertion recess formed in the socket, an insertion groove formed in the socket, a flat plate disposed on the socket, a recessed plate disposed on the socket, a lamp holder inserted in the socket, a bulb disposed on the lamp holder, a first conductive plate connected to a first wire, a second conductive plate connected to a second wire, the first conductive plate inserted in the insertion groove, the second conductive plate inserted in the insertion recess, the first wire extended outward from the socket, and the second wire extended outward from the socket. A bar is connected to the flat plate and the socket. A positioning slot and a slide channel are formed on the recessed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 5911496
    Abstract: A neon tubing display device for creating a free standing table or for using it as an insert in a piece of furniture is characterized as a container member divided into upper and lower chambers by means of a separator plate. A neon tubing configuration is supported in the upper chamber on the top side of the plate and the bottom side of the plate defines the top of the lower chamber which contains a neon tube power supply whose high voltage output is connected to opposite ends of the neon tubing. Another plate serves as a cover for the upper neon tubing containing chamber. In one embodiment a masking plate bearing an artistic layer is interposed between said cover plate and the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P Hojnacki
  • Patent number: 5911498
    Abstract: A cylindrical luminaire is provided whose components align easily, for quicker assembly, despite the lack of intrinsic preferred relative orientation in circular components. Circular end plates affixed in a desired alignment to the end of an elongated reflector have notches for alignment of a part-cylindrical cover and slots or pivotal brackets to receive a baffle. The reflector, cover and baffle are accordingly assembled in proper alignment. The baffle can be an optical baffle to alter the aesthetic appearance of the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, David B. Miller, Gregory L. Moler