Having Light Piping Patents (Class 340/815.42)
  • Patent number: 7876235
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joel Fournier, Stephane Voillot
  • Publication number: 20100321199
    Abstract: A light-emitting module for arbitrarily changing light-emitting position includes a PCB unit, a light-emitting unit, an outer shell unit and a light-guiding unit. The light-emitting unit has at least one light-emitting element electrically disposed on the PCB unit. The outer shell unit is disposed above the PCB unit and the light-emitting unit, and the outer shell unit has at least one opening. The light-guiding unit is close to the at least one light-emitting element. One partial area of the light-guiding unit is exposed by the at least one opening, so that light beams generated by the at least one light-emitting element are guided by the light-guiding unit and are projected out from the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Chi-Hsing Hsu, Chun-Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20100201539
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Duncan R. KERR, Steve P. HOTELLING
  • Patent number: 7764190
    Abstract: An IR blaster including one or more IR emitting LEDs used to generate IR signals for controlling operations of a plurality of controlled appliance and a plurality of fiber optic cables where one or more of the plurality of fiber optic cables are in light communication with an IR emitting LED. Each fiber optic cable is provided for distributing the IR signals generated by an IR LED to a respective one of the plurality of controlled appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Mortensen
  • Publication number: 20100183293
    Abstract: A communication interface module is disclosed, wherein the module may include a circuit board having an electronic communication interface and an optical communication interface; a light source disposed on the circuit board, wherein the light source is indicative of a status of at least one operational condition of the module; a module cover coupled to the circuit board; and a light path extending from the light source on the circuit board to a portion of the module cover visible to a human operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Xiangzhong Wang, Zining Huang, Jianyao Chen
  • Patent number: 7652588
    Abstract: A signalling element, which can be adapted to a light emitter, such as a lamp, the element for signalling includes an external double laminar body of plastic material, with a tronco-conical general shape extended by its larger base into a straight section and open via said larger base, housing two plastic layers of PVC and in its interior, the the external double laminar body defining a space for housing the pair of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Barbolight, S.L.
    Inventor: Javier Lopez Barbarin
  • Patent number: 7548157
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Patent number: 7518507
    Abstract: A passive optical anti-tamper system including one or more light pipes, one or more light detectors and an alarm. The light pipes each include an input end and an output end and are located within a chassis with the one or more light detectors. The one or more light detectors are optically coupled to the output ends of the one or more light pipes. The alarm is operable to transmit a tamper-event-warning signal if an increased light level is detected by at least one detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Dalzell, James L. Tucker, Scott G. Fleischman
  • Patent number: 7495576
    Abstract: A plurality of common, modular panels attach to a support frame carrying power and data connections for an electronic display sign. LEDs are used as the light mechanisms for illumination of said sign. Each modular panel is under separate microcontroller control and includes its own on-board memory. The electronic display sign includes a master control element that connects to a PC or laptop computer for loading data or programs into the memory of each modular board. The master control sends out commands or data that is interrogated by every microcontroller on each modular panel of the entire sign such that only the panel with a unique identification number will process data intended therefore. The on-board memory allows for the creation of a virtual screen such that each modular panel of the entire sign is rendering the entire message being displayed on said sign even though each modular panel may only be actually illuminating a portion of said message on the LEDs of each panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Donald D Maskeny, Jeffery L West
  • Publication number: 20090009350
    Abstract: An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing is provided with one of an illuminable connector, a touch pad arrangement, and a palm rest stiffening plate. Normally, the illuminable connector and the touch pad arrangement are provided on external portions of a housing of the computing device such that they are available for user interaction. The palm rest stiffening plate is provided internal to a housing to provide stiffness or rigidity to a palm rest region of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Chris J. Novak
  • Patent number: 7468710
    Abstract: A light guiding plate is provided on the obverse side of a display for displaying a display image while varying the display image. Unevenness is formed at a predetermined position at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate. A light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate. Alternatively, an uneven portion in conformity with a pattern of a desired display image may be formed at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate, and a light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunari Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 7432800
    Abstract: A warning display system visually warns the driver of a vehicle of an object in a detection zone, such as a blind spot region of the vehicle. The display system includes an imaging medium for displaying a warning indicator and a light source disposed behind the imaging medium for providing a controlled illumination of the warning indicator. An object detection sensor detects an object in a vehicle detection zone. One or more signals are processed to determine an anticipated movement of the vehicle in relation to the object. The system further includes a controller for adaptively controlling illumination of the light source to increase illumination of the warning indicator when the vehicle is anticipated to be moving towards the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, Jr., Gregory K. Scharenbroch, Matthew R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7432822
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal device which is not limited in the degree of freedom in terms of case design and which allows easy visual recognition of light emission for indicating a specific state even when it is carried in a chest pocket. The terminal device comprising: a stationary case (11); a movable case (13) provided on the stationary case (11) through the intermediation of a hinge (12) to allow opening and closing; and light emitting device (14) for indicating a specific state through light emission, in which the light emitting device (14) is provided at the hinge (12) side end of the stationary case (11) or the movable case (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Manabu Hongo, Tomoyuki Nagamine, Kazunori Murayama, Haruyoshi Yada, Yoshiya Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20080191895
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a light microscope with a display which is suitable for use particularly in lecture rooms or dissection rooms. By an integrated, large display of the viewing conditions, e.g., lamp voltage, selected objective, etc., that can be viewed from a distance, the actual state of the adjusted conditions can be determined from any position within a classroom or laboratory room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Ralph Aschenbach, Thomas Bocher, Matthias Kramer
  • Patent number: 7334930
    Abstract: A light guide element (100) includes a light guide plate (20) and a frame (23). The light guide plate includes a first guiding portion (21), and a second guiding portion (22) adjoining the first guiding portion. The first guiding portion has a first light-emitting surface (211), a first back surface (212) opposite to the first light-emitting surface, and a light incident surface (210) connecting the first light-emitting surface and the first back surface. The second guiding portion has a second light-emitting surface (221) and a second back surface (222) opposite to the second light-emitting surface. A connecting portion (24) connecting the two guiding portions faces the light incident surface. The frame is integrated with the first guiding portion of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Huang Chang, Ming-Fu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080042867
    Abstract: An illuminable indicator (40) has an opaque base (42); a cover (44) for the base (42), the cover (44) having a formed design (46) therein having a given circumference with an area (48) defined by the circumference, the area (48) provided with a reflector (49) and at least the formed design being translucent; and mounting means (50) formed in the base for receiving a light engine (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7308186
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a cover element, an optical operation indicator that can be covered by the cover element, and a fibre optic coupled to the optical operation indicator for transmitting a emitted light signal. The fibre optic has a light route along which light is guided, the light route being configured such that it can be adapted to the thickness of the cover element, and the fibre optic is composed a first part and a second part that are displaceable relative to one another. The relative displacement of the first part and the second part of the fibre optic permit adaptation of the light route to the thickness of the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20070273547
    Abstract: Signalling element, which can be adapted to a light emitter, such as a lamp, the element (1) for signalling consisting of an external double laminar body (2-3) of plastic material, with a tronco-conical general shape extended by its larger base into a straight section and open via said larger base, housing two plastic layers of PVC (4) and (5) in its interior, the said external double laminar body (2-3) defining a space for housing the pair of layers (4) and (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Javier Lopez Barbarin
  • Patent number: 7284889
    Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems includes plural lamps and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by a mirror and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror-and-prism arrangement. An augmented color modulator may be provided with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields is equal to the number of lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Projectiondesign AS
    Inventors: Odd Ragnar Andersen, Kjell E Olsen
  • Patent number: 7259665
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Patent number: 7209624
    Abstract: In an illumination system the radiation from one or more laser arrays is directed into a light pipe. The light pipe mixes the individual radiation contributions from the laser arrays and forms a uniform illumination line. The pointing direction of each of the laser arrays is monitored and controlled to preserve the brightness of the composite illumination line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Meritt Reynolds, Olena Dets, Scott Shiue, Ichiro Shinkoda, Ingo Speier
  • Patent number: 7184033
    Abstract: This invention includes a stylus that employs a translucent material for conducting light to convey information from a portable electronic device to a user. In one preferred embodiment, the stylus provides a thermometer style fuel gauge. Inserting the stylus into a special stylus holder actuates the fuel gauge. A thermometer like fuel gauge reading then appears in the body of the stylus. Other embodiments include changing color, focal point of a lens and light intensity to convey information. The stylus may be used to convey any type of information, including receipt of e-mail by the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Burrus, IV, William Phelps, III
  • Patent number: 7161495
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for indicating valid data in a removable memory media. In an embodiment of the invention, an alert may be employed with the removable media, such as NVRAM, to indicate that the battery backup is functional and that the memory content may be valid. One type of alert may be a blinking light source, such as a blinking light emitting diode (LED). In a another aspect of the present invention, contents of an appliance, such as a computer or storage controller, may be arranged so that an alert employed on the removable memory media in accordance with the present invention may be visible to an administrator without opening the chassis of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Network Applicance, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen J. Kilbourne, II, Eric Gumtow
  • Patent number: 7129851
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a computer system can comprise a light guide for directing light from an indicator light source to an exterior panel of the computer system. The assembly can also comprise a photodetector configured to receive a portion of the light transmitted by the light guide. The photodetector can produce a signal representative of the portion of light received. For example, the photodetector may produce a signal representative of the color and/or intensity of the portion of light received. Using the signal representative of the portion of light received, components such as a controller can test for the presence of faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Jeffrey Garnett
  • Patent number: 7088259
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a parent unit (receiver) of an infant monitor includes an electronics housing, an antenna, a speaker, and a visual light display portion. In one embodiment, the light display portion is mounted on the front surface of the monitor. In another embodiment, the light display portion is mounted in conjunction with the antenna. The light display portion may include elongate light display members associated with individual light sources (LEDs). Also in accordance with the present invention, a parent unit of an infant monitor includes an LED test or LED “try-me” switch which allows the parent to both test the visual output of the light display portion of the parent unit (prior to purchase) and test the functioning of the light display portion (after purchase and removal from the packaging) without actually receiving actual sound-representative signals from the infant unit (transmitter).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Armbruster, Karen Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7058272
    Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator comprising a light-guiding layer, a cladding layer on one surface of said light-guiding layer, and a patterning layer on the other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, Cheryl J. Brickey, Wen-Li A. Chen
  • Patent number: 7002453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remotely monitoring the status of a variety of illumination devices. A fiber optic cable coupled to a light fixture transmits a light display. Based on the light received, the status of the light is determined. The status is determined without the use of elegant and expensive electronics that are more subject to failure and with minimal power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Martinez
  • Patent number: 6958694
    Abstract: An indicator apparatus facilitates visibility of one or more indicators from multiple angles. The apparatus includes a housing having an outer sidewall portion. The sidewall portion, for example, has a first side extending between two adjacent sides. One or more elongated slots are formed in the sidewall portion. One or more light sources are positioned within the one or more elongated slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saeed Shafiyan-Rad, Daniel M. Corbosiero, Jr., Mark Stephen Schladenhauffen
  • Patent number: 6879254
    Abstract: A rechargeable universal remote control assembly for providing a multi-function multipurpose remote control with a base charger, remote control finder, and other functional features includes a remote control and a base unit. The remote control is recharged using the base unit. The base unit also includes a button operationally coupled to a transmitter for sending a locate signal to the remote control. The remote control includes a receiver for receiving the locate signal. In response to the locate signal, the remote control provides audio and visual signals to assist a user in finding the remote control unit. The remote control has capability to operate multiple devices including TVs, VCRs, satellite receivers, audio and visual receivers, stereo equipment, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Tarah N. Graham
  • Publication number: 20040155788
    Abstract: Described is a display device (10) with a printed circuit board (12), with at least one light source (14) and with a single-segment or multi-segment display (16) which is connected by optical waveguides (46) to the light sources (14) which are preferably SMD-LEDs. The display device (10) has a block (18) for holding the optical waveguides (46) firmly in position, with a front surface associated with the single-segment or multi-segment display (16) and a base surface associated with the light sources (14). The optical waveguides (46) are in the form of light fingers (38, 42) which extend through the block (18). The printed circuit board (12) can include any angle of between 0 and ≧90° with the multi-segment display (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Prinz, Dirk Golz, Reinhard Lutz
  • Patent number: 6767120
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp that includes a light-emitting diode group formed by light-emitting diodes, which are disposed in a row with the irradiation direction directed toward the front of the lamp, and a light guiding plate, which is a transparent plate and is provided in front of the light-emitting diode group so as to be in the front-back direction of the lamp; and a plurality of light guiding plate units are provided inside a lamp chamber so that the light guiding plate units are spacedly disposed one on the other, each of the light guiding plate units causing the light from the light-emitting diodes to enter the light guiding plate from the rear end surface of the light guiding plate and further causing the light to exit from the front end surface of the light guiding plate toward the front of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ohtsuka, Haruhiko Iyoda
  • Publication number: 20040135679
    Abstract: Disclosed are a vehicle display device providing excellent visibility and does not obstruct a sight ahead of a driver, regardless of a frame, a seating position and the like of the driver. The device comprises a transparent light guide plate having first and second major surfaces, and an other side that can be seen therethrough from the first major surface. The light guide plate stands in such a position that the first major surface thereof faces a driver in a sight ahead of the driver. At the same time, the light guide plate is tilted rearward while an entrance end plane thereof comes at the bottom and an emission end plane thereof comes at the top. Luminous elements are placed on the entrance end plane of the light guide plate. In the light guide plate, a distance from the entrance end plane to the emission end plane is sufficiently long relative to a plate thickness. The emission end plane of the light guide plate may include a plurality of planes having different inclination angles or may be frosted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6759965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light indicator, comprising an indicator element (2) illuminable by a light source (1). The indicator element is manufactured from a substantially transparent material provided with an informative indicator pattern. The indicator element (2) is designed as a waveguide panel, wherein light beams propagate with total reflection and get outcoupled therefrom with a diffractive outcoupling system (2u), such as a grating structure or the like, which is configured as an indcator pattern, for producing an indicator pattern (2a) activable in the indicator element (2) by the action of light, such that divergent recesses and/or grooves of various sizes and/or shape constitute divergent local gratings of various sizes and/or shapes, such as multi-shaped and/or binary pixels and/or units, the filling factor, shape, profile and/or size thereof being optimized in such a way that the difraction efficiency is a function of place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Oy ICS Intelligent Control Systems LTD
    Inventors: Leo Hatjasalo, Kari Rinko
  • Patent number: 6741225
    Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating an image on an image surface with N×M image elements which can be illuminated individually, comprising a plurality of semiconductor radiation sources, each of which generates radiation with at least one color, an optical imaging means with a beam guidance, by means of which a plurality of image elements can be illuminated with each of the semiconductor radiation sources, with which it is possible to generate an image on an image surface in as simple a manner as possible using radiation sources, it is suggested that the image surface (12) be divided into a plurality of continuous image surface sections (14), each comprising a two-dimensional ensemble of image elements (16), that an illumination unit (20, 220, 320) be associated with each of the image surface sections (14) and that each illumination unit (20, 220, 320) have at least one semiconductor radiation source (30) and at least one optical imaging means (40, 240, 340) of its own associated with this illum
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Uwe Brauch, Hans Opower
  • Publication number: 20040090342
    Abstract: A panel of an electronic device on which an indicator is mounted is provided with an insertion hole therethrough. The indicator is composed of a light guide with one end surface exposed to a front surface side of the panel and another end surface projecting to a rear surface side of the panel, through the insertion hole, and a light emitting unit provided on the rear surface side of the panel such that a light emitting portion thereof is opposed to the other end surface of the light guide. Further, the light guide is composed of a light transmitting elastic body having a uniform cross section, and fixed by an outer peripheral surface thereof near the one end surface being in pressure contact with an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 6685351
    Abstract: The present invention of an indicator light device on a computer front panel has a light conduct post seat disposed on an indicating front panel on one side in a computer casing. The indicating front panel is a diaphanous panel body. Both sides of a light conduct post seat are inserted and protruded by a plurality of communicating light conduct posts. The outer ends of the light conduct posts are in convex shapes while the inner ends are concave shapes to allow the light source generated by the illuminant to be conducted outward as well as displayed by the indicating front panel. Through the implementation of the present invention, it is not necessary to drill extra holes on the indicating front panel when more temporary indicator light devices are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Portwell Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-chung Chen
  • Patent number: 6663273
    Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a horizontal carousel has a common light source array consisting of LED's and the like inside the system's rotating or movable carrier loop at a picking or storage access area behind the shelves of a selected carrier. When that carrier is at the desired access position, the common light source transmits light through light transmitting devices to an access face of the carrier at the picking or storing location in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be flexible light pipes arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Bellheimer Metallwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Timothy Robey
  • Patent number: 6621419
    Abstract: A self-generating light-producing skateboard mainly includes at least one induction coil assembly mounted on at least one wheel supporter assembly, at least one magnet-containing wheel mounted on the wheel supporter assembly at an outer side of the induction coil assembly, at least one light-emitting element fixed to an outer periphery of a deck of the skateboard and electrically connected to the induction coil assembly, and a light-transferring strip mounted around the outer periphery of the deck. When wheels of the skateboard rotate at high speed, the magnets on the magnet-containing wheel interact with the induction coil assembly to produce current that drives the light-emitting element to emit light. The light-transferring strip transfers the light emitted from the light-emitting element to lighten the outer periphery of the deck, making the skateboard safer for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Top Rank Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-pang Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030043050
    Abstract: The present invention of an indicator light device on a computer front panel comprises a light conduct post seat disposed on an indicating front panel on one side in a computer casing; the said indicating front panel is a diaphanous panel body; both sides of the said light conduct post seat are inserted and protruded by a plurality of communicating light conduct posts; the outer ends of the said light conduct posts are in convex shapes while the inner ends are in concave shapes to allow the light source generated by the illuminant to be conducted outward as well as displayed by the indicating front panel; through the implementation of the present invention, it is not necessary to drill extra holes on the indicating front panel when more temporary indicator light devices are required, therefore, the molding expense for the said indicating front panel can be saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: PORTWELL INC.
    Inventor: Chih-chung Chen
  • Publication number: 20030038728
    Abstract: A controller input/output module visual indicator and safety means including a light redirector, terminal block assembly and at least one circuit having at least one light emitting diode or like light transmission means positioned distally from terminal block assembly. Each light redirector is configured to receive light from each corresponding light transmission means on a proximate end and redirect the light information to a distal end adjacent to the terminal block assembly for viewing by the control operator. An optional shield or side barrier may optionally be coupled to the circuit to provide operator safety from the high voltage signals which may exist on each input/output module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Mark V. Striano, Michael D. Carney, Thomas P. Overholt, Jack Elias
  • Publication number: 20030025607
    Abstract: A battery-powered emergency signaling device including a housing which encloses a battery pack disposed for providing power to the device. The housing includes a base plate for support of the device and has a cover attached to the base plate for sealing up the device. At least one light emitting diode (“LED”) pulsed by an electronic circuit, which LED is powered by a battery within the battery pack. A race is disposed substantially about the periphery of the cover for reflecting light received from the LED. The race is formed as an integral part of the cover, which is made of clear acrylic plastic. The cover includes support members disposed between the base plate and the cover for providing strength to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Philip Francis Povey, Christopher Allen Westlake
  • Patent number: 6396409
    Abstract: An indicating device of a portable computer is disclosed. The indicating device utilizes a light guiding board to guide the light emitted from LEDs to indicate different status of the portable computer. The light guiding board includes the first, second, and third surfaces. The light emitted from LEDs is received by the first surface, further reflected by the second surface, and then sent out through the third surface to form a diffusion light and to show the status of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Ping Yeh
  • Patent number: 6288700
    Abstract: In relation to a light emitting flat panel device used as a back light for monocolor or multicolor image display, or for illunmination or decoration uses, a very thin and low power consumed light emitting flat panel device (including uniform light emitting flat panel device) which able to emit monocolor or multicolor light from numerous dot type or line type light emission parts is offered in cheap price. It is composed of an exterior board 1 integrated with multi or single light source (LED, etc.), light guide routes 2, light deviding routes 3, and dot type or line type light emittig parts 8, with optical scattered film 12 on front face of the light emitting flat panel of the said exterior board 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Hiroki Mori
  • Patent number: 6215409
    Abstract: An edge illuminated sign is provided with a light dispersal to guide light from a light source into an edge of the sign. The light source is an LED and the light dispersal is a triangular prism provided with a recess for enclosing the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Solaglo Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomasz Blach
  • Patent number: 6204832
    Abstract: A point source array generates an array of output beams defining a plurality of image pixels. A microlens array receives the output beams and direct them toward desired pixel locations. Either one or both of the point source array and microlens array are scanned over time to form an image of pixels. An image is composed of an array of image portions. Each image portion includes a plurality of pixels. For each image portion, there is a corresponding point source of light and a corresponding microlens. The corresponding point source and microlens scan light within the area of the image portion to generate all of the pixels for such image portion. The microlens array is an integral array. Each lens moves together with each image portion being scanned concurrently by the microlens array an point source array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Charles D. Melville, Michael Tidwell, Richard S. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6195016
    Abstract: A fiber optic display sign has an optical system with enhanced light efficiency so that the display system is suitable for outdoor use. A number of fiber optics have light receiving ends arranged in a compact bundle for receiving an image from an image generator, the fiber optics coupling the image to the output ends thereof for display. An array of lenses is positioned adjacent the output ends of the fiber optics for directing or aiming the light from the fiber optics to control the viewing angle of the image displayed. The array of lenses may be fixed with respect to the output ends of the fiber optics or the lens array may be movable with respect thereto so as to vary the viewing angle. The image generator employs a light source formed of a densely packed array of white light emitting diodes to provide enhanced brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Advance Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Shankle, Gregory L. Heacock, Steven J. Shankle
  • Patent number: 6175679
    Abstract: An optical keyboard includes an optical panel having optical waveguides stacked together. First ends of the waveguides define an inlet face, and opposite ends thereof define a screen. A projector transmits a light beam outbound through the waveguides for display on the screen as a keyboard image. A light sensor is optically aligned with the inlet face for sensing an inbound light beam channeled through the waveguides from the screen upon covering one key of the keyboard image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates
    Inventors: James T. Veligdan, John D. Feichtner, Thomas E. Phillips