Patents Examined by Ronald E. Delgizzi
  • Patent number: 6619810
    Abstract: A Halloween treat carrier includes a container having thereon a Halloween design, wherein the Halloween treat carrier includes a glow-in-the-dark material. A pumpkin decorating kit includes (A) a base material containing a glow-in-the-dark material and having a back surface and a front surface, (B) an adhesive layer on the back surface of the base material for adhering the base material to a pumpkin, and (C) a release material to which the base material is attached via the adhesive layer and from which the base material together with the adhesive layer can be released upon use, wherein the front surface of the base material containing glow-in-the-dark material can provide a jack-o'-lantern appearance on the pumpkin. A method for decorating a pumpkin includes providing a jack-o'-lantern appearance with a base material containing glow-in-the-dark material and having an adhesive thereon, and adhering the base material containing glow-in-the-dark material to a pumpkin via the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce Elliot Kramer, Joy Elizabeth Belin
  • Patent number: 6616317
    Abstract: A remote light source device for generating light which is transmitted to a light emitting device of an illumination system by a fiberoptic cable coupled between the light source device and the light emitting device. The light source device includes a light source and a cover or housing containing the light source, the cover or housing having a light orifice aligned with the light source. A fiberoptic cable coupler assembly is mounted to an exterior surface of the cover or housing adjacent the light orifice. The coupler assembly permits removable coupling of a fiberoptic cable to the device, the coupler assembly also being operative for aligning an end of the cable with the light orifice of the cover or housing so that light generated by the light source is received at the end of the cable for transmission thereby. Structures are provided for preventing the fiberoptic cable coupler assembly from becoming substantially heated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Designs for Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feinbloom, Amy Sue Grumet-Avallone, Hil Sim Yee
  • Patent number: 6607295
    Abstract: A first auxiliary reflector 36 is provided above the optical axis Ax between a reflector of a lamp unit 20 and projection lens 28, and under the optical axis Ax, a second auxiliary reflector 44 is formed. An auxiliary luminous distribution pattern is formed at center area of a high-beam luminous distribution pattern additionally by reflecting forward at the second auxiliary reflector 44 after direct light directing to forward and obliquely upward from a light source 22a is reflected downward at the first auxiliary reflector 36 at the time of high-beam emission. Because of that, at the low-beam emission, an area close cut-off line at opposite lane side of the low-beam luminous distribution pattern does not brighten more than necessity, further, luminous intensity of a part of the area at the hot zone of the high-beam luminous distribution pattern is obtained enough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 6604835
    Abstract: A decorative lava lamp includes a housing having one or more dense fluids therein, with discrete granules, such as gems or diamonds floating therein, wherein the lava lamp includes a light underneath. A lamp base both illuminates the lava lamp and heats the one or more dense fluids. The internal illumination from the bottom adds a decorative dimension that cannot be duplicated by external lighting. The brilliant gems sparkle and throw off shadows in the vicinity when placed in a dimly lit area. The heated silicone fluid rises in the center of the lower portion of the lava lamp lifting gem granules within the housing where they gently fall again due to the cooling of the silicone oil in contact with the enclosure. This creates a dynamic light show.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Louis Glick Diamond Corp.
    Inventor: Stanley Zale
  • Patent number: 6604840
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a name plate sign includes an elongate frame having a planar bottom with an upper portion defining an interior space. The frame bottom includes a bracket for attachment to the name plate. A rechargeable battery is mounted within the interior space of the frame and is electrically connected to a plurality of light sources depending from the frame bottom. A thin film solar panel is positioned atop the upper frame portion and is electrically connected to the battery to repeatedly recharge it as the panel collects solar energy. A photoelectric light sensor is mounted to the frame and permits current to flow from the battery to the light sources when a sensed level of ambient light is less than a predetermined level. Therefore, the name plate is illuminated when insufficient ambient light is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Marion H. Watson
  • Patent number: 6598992
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable foot inspection mirror, and method for its manufacture, with magnification and high intensity lighting sufficient for detailed viewing by a human adult of his or her own foot surfaces from a standing position. The present invention also has an illuminated activation switch configured for easy operation by a toe or other portion of a human foot, timed operation that allows for automatic deactivation of the high intensity lighting at a pre-set time after being switched on, and an optional elongated handle. Although not limited thereto, use of the present invention is particularly suited for foot inspection by diabetics and others interested in frequently monitoring foot health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: John Lucius Ames
  • Patent number: 6598987
    Abstract: A system and method is described for distributing light within a light guide which is used for illuminating the user interface of an electronic device. The light guide is formed as a thin film and impressed with a pattern of input and output diffraction gratings to control the transmission of light into and out of the light guide to efficiently illuminate the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventor: Marko Parikka
  • Patent number: 6592245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optically marking an elongated indication path. This method is comprised of supporting an optic sieve (1) along an exposed indication path, and aligning an end (4) of the optic sieve (1) (or networks of sections of optic sieves) with a light source (2) (or light socket harnessing the collective outputs of a plurality of light sources). The optic sieve (1) in the context of the present invention is characterised by having at least one side emitting optic fiber within a flexible semi opaque holographically grooved sleeve. The present invention also relates to devices having optically marked elongated indication paths according to the method of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Zamir Tribelsky, Michael Ende
  • Patent number: 6588913
    Abstract: A flashing light-emitting device includes a rotating member, which is mounted rotatably within a hollow base and which has a plurality of fixed vane elements that can be rotated by air current created when the base moves. A coil unit is wound on a sheave, which is rotatable with the rotating member. Two electrically and magnetically conducting rings are fixed to the sheave, and are formed integrally with a plurality of tongues that are aligned and staggered circumferentially and that extend into the sheave. The coil unit is in electrical connection with the conducting rings and a plurality of light-emitting elements. When the rotating member rotates within the base, the coil unit rotates about a permanent magnet fixed in the base so that electricity is generated on the coil unit. As such, the light-emitting elements can emit a flashing light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 6588916
    Abstract: A paint booth lighting fixture having a sealed enclosure that receives a plurality of light bulbs, each of the bulbs having an individually adjustable reflector movably secured adjacent thereto. The reflectors are movable to direct light in a desired direction. The reflectors are held in a desired position and include an elongated body defining a series of elongated reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Guy Belair
  • Patent number: 6585389
    Abstract: A luminaire, of the ceiling-mounted type or of the type for recessed fitting in ceilings and walls for interior lighting, comprising a hollow body which is shaped like a paraboloid and forms a back on an upper part and an opening on a lower part, the body accommodating a light source in its internal cavity; the internal surface of the body is divided into sectors which form receptacles that can be engaged detachably by a plurality of reflective laminar elements in order to form various hues, chromatic compositions and/or light distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3F Filippi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Romano Bonazzi
  • Patent number: 6578983
    Abstract: The luminaire for a tubular lamp having a reflector (1) with side portions (10), which have a first convex area (11) with an outer edge (12) in the light emission window (3), and a concave area (13) having an inner edge (15), which joins the convex area (11) in a line of points of inflection (14). Means (20) for accommodating a lamp (L) define the axis (21) of the lamp. The line of inflection points (14) is located at a distance from the light emission window (3), which is 0.30 to 0.40 of the distance from the outer edge (12) to the axis (21). The luminaire produces a light beam allowing a large spacing between equal luminaires while maintaining a uniform illumination. Twin versions of the luminaire allow a ballast (22) to be accommodated between adjacent side portions (10), thereby enabling the use of a slim housing (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten
  • Patent number: 6575596
    Abstract: A combination stylus and laser pointer for use in connection with a personal digital assistant (PDA), the combination having a thin slimline housing enabling the apparatus to be stored in a groove or channel located on the PDA. A laser module assembly for generating a laser beam is secured within the housing on one end thereof. The device further includes an interchangeable stylus and pen tip that is secured within the housing at the opposite end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: ComCon, Inc.
    Inventor: Aamir M. Butt
  • Patent number: 6568831
    Abstract: A method for attaching a cable to a fluorescent tube is provided which is capable of making narrow a width of a plaque edge portion by saving a redundant space in a connected portion in which a fluorescent tube is connected to cables, of improving reliability by enhancing mechanical strength at the connected portion and of reducing counts of components required to reinforce the connected portion and the number of processes necessary for assembly. Each of a pair of cables for supplying power to the fluorescent tube is connected to each of ends of the fluorescent tube. The connected portion in which an end of the fluorescent tube is connected to the cable is molded with a resin to form a resin-molded portion. A holding member fabricated by an injection molding machine is attached to the connected portion. A reflector used to reflect light emitted from the fluorescent tube is integrally attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-Ichirou Ono, Hirokazu Fukuyoshi
  • Patent number: 6568820
    Abstract: A guide plate has a major face on which projections are arranged, wherein the projections have an arch-like profile within the vicinity of an incidence end face, or, in addition to this, within regions along both side end faces, thereby preventing the guide plate from producing abnormal brightness which could be caused by reflective appearance of edges. A primary light source is disposed beside the guide plate. Major faces of the guide plate provide an emission face and a back face. A prism sheet and a protection sheet are disposed along the emission face. A liquid crystal display panel is additionally arranged to provide a liquid crystal display. The guide plate has a wedge-shaped cross section and a minor face at its thicker end provides the incidence end face along the primary light source. The emission face may be provided with light scattering pattern to promote emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventors: Shingo Ohkawa, Hiroshi Yamazaki, Junichi Ohkuma
  • Patent number: 6565247
    Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle has a plurality of semiconductor sources distributed in a matrix, at least one optical active element which is located in a path of rays of a light emitted by the semiconductor sources, the semiconductor sources are arranged in partial quantities in different defined partial regions of the matrix and the partial quantities of the semiconductor sources are operatable independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Vincent Thominet
  • Patent number: 6561668
    Abstract: In a portable computer, an LED holder is provided in the upper portion of an LCD and an LED is attached inside the LED holder. Light emitted from the LED passes through an aperture provided in the bottom portion of the LED holder and illuminates a keyboard. Furthermore, switching on or off the LED is manually performed by a switch installed in the portable computer and is also controlled from a utility program, etc., by a switching controller circuit installed inside a main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Katayama, Yukifumi Nakazawa, Yoshio Nishioka, Takahide Wada
  • Patent number: 6561684
    Abstract: Lighting is provided for the entry area on the outer side of a seat part in the backrest of a car seat, which is provided with a seat part. The lighting can be switched on by opening the car door next to it. Current supplying lines are deployed through a line feeder leading to the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Achim Reitze, Olaf Sackers
  • Patent number: 6561673
    Abstract: A string of decorative lights comprises a plurality of elongated electrical conductors having multiple electrical lamps connected thereto at intervals along the lengths of the conductors, a small storage compartment for storing spare components for use in the light string, a movable closure for opening and closing the storage compartment to permit access to the spare components stored therein, and to closing the compartment during storage. The storage compartment is attached to the string of decorative lights so that the spare components stored therein are conveniently accessible when needed to replace a component in the light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Integrated Power Components, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Richard Frederick
  • Patent number: 6558030
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight has a reflector with two focal regions, a light source in one of these focal regions producing a pool of reflected light in the other focal region, and a lens which converts the pool of light into a beam projected on the road. The headlight includes means for displacing the light source with respect to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Eric Blusseau, Alexis Dubrovin, Benny Grigorescu, Laurent Jeannot