Housing Patents (Class 340/815.49)
  • Patent number: 11840997
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a visual indicator of engine performance. In one example, a method may include generating an adaptive knock control parameter and adjusting a display to an operator. The display may be adjusted based on the adaptive knock control parameter and may allow the operator to be notified of changes in available engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Beatham, Joseph Pisani
  • Patent number: 11394182
    Abstract: A power device and a method for visualizing information thereof are provided. The power device is configured to provide operation power to at least one load. The power device comprises a display interface and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to display a color icon by the display interface, so as to show at least one of a system status and a system setting of the power device by the color icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CYBER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsun Ho, Shou-Ting Yeh, Yi-Ping Tsao, Tsai-Jung Chan, Cheng-Yen Lo
  • Patent number: 10691004
    Abstract: A projector includes a casing, a lens, a bracket, a support member, a first spacer and a first fixing member. The lens is connected to the casing. The bracket is connected to the casing and has a through hole formed thereon. The support member is inserted into the through hole and abuts against the lens. The first spacer is disposed on the support member and has a first curved surface and the first curved surface faces the through hole. The first fixing member is disposed on the support member and pushes the first spacer towards the bracket, such that the first curved surface contacts a periphery of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chia Chen, Chun-Ming Shen
  • Patent number: 10139576
    Abstract: A plug connector has a cylindrical housing body having at least one step, which forms two different regions each having different housing diameters, wherein the region having the smaller diameter forms a plug-in region and the region having the larger diameter forms a socket region, wherein the plug connector has a lock, which is captively connected to the housing body, wherein the plug connector has an actuator, which is operatively connected to the lock, wherein the plug connector has a plugging positioner, which at least partially surrounds the plug-in region. An attachment flange fits the plug connector and has an insertion region designed as a hollow cylinder, wherein the inner region of the hollow cylinder has at least one step, which forms two different regions each having different inside diameters, wherein the inner region of the insertion region is unthreaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HARTING ELECTRONICS GMBH
    Inventor: Martin Lueckemeier
  • Patent number: 10127806
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system has an accessory device including a load, and garage door opener including an accessory port for receiving the accessory device. A server receives initial accessory device status and settings data from the garage door opener, stores the data as associated with the accessory port, and sends the data to a peripheral device. The server receives new accessory device status data and sends it to the peripheral device. New settings data is sent by the peripheral device to the server and the server sends it to the garage door opener such that the load of the accessory device is controlled based on the new settings data. Similarly, initial data may be stored and associated with a second accessory port for a second accessory device and a load of the second accessory device is controlled based on new settings data from received from the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: William McNabb, Mark Huggins, J. Porter Whitmire
  • Patent number: 9835316
    Abstract: A frame and a light source module having the same are provided. According to embodiments, there is provided a frame comprising a plurality of bodies spaced apart from one another in one direction and connected to one another by a supporter. The plurality of bodies comprises a light emission window formed at an upper part of a body, a light incidence window formed at a bottom part of the body, and a mounting portion formed between the light emission window and the light incidence window, and including a groove that is formed on an inner wall of the body and is recessed horizontally into the body from the light incidence window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hwan Baek, Myeong Ju Shin, Yeong Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 9829176
    Abstract: A lamp includes a projection lens, a light source disposed behind the projection lens, a lens holder that holds the projection lens, and a lamp body that holds the lens holder while accommodating the light source. In particular, a front surface of the projection lens includes a central region configured by a convex curved surface and a peripheral region around the central region which is configured by an annular concave curved surface, the lens holder is formed in a cylindrical shape and an annular flange portion extending towards an inner peripheral side is formed at a front end of the lens holder, an annular step portion is formed at an outer peripheral edge of the peripheral region on the front surface of the projection lens, and the projection lens is fixed to the annular flange portion of the lens holder at a step surface of the annular step portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 9812821
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a connection module, including a plurality of connections for functional elements and a plurality of operating indicators. At least one of the operating indicators has a display element, and the display element has a base, which is disposed as a light guide and which has a light in-coupling surface and a light out-coupling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Willi Hagemeier, Falk Langer
  • Patent number: 9582989
    Abstract: A hand-held device has a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, at least one transmitter, a first user interface associated with the top surface of the housing having first user interface input elements which, when active, are actuatable to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit communications to an external device, and a second user interface associated with the bottom surface of the housing having second user interface input elements which, when active, are actuatable to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit communications to an external device. The hand-held device is programmed to selectively make one of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface active while making the other of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Arsham Hatambeiki, Jeffrey Kohanek, Pamela Eichler Keiles, Ramzi Ammari
  • Patent number: 9520056
    Abstract: A hand-held device has a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, at least one transmitter, a first user interface associated with the top surface of the housing having first user interface input elements which, when active, are actuatable to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit communications to an external device, and a second user interface associated with the bottom surface of the housing having second user interface input elements which, when active, are actuatable to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit communications to an external device. The hand-held device is programmed to selectively make one of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface active while making the other of the first user interface input elements of the first user interface and the second user interface input elements of the second user interface inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Arsham Hatambeiki, Jeffrey Kohanek, Pamela Eichler Keiles, Ramzi Ammari
  • Patent number: 9482420
    Abstract: A LED explosion-proof lamp coupling structure to couple at least two LED explosion-proof lamps includes at least two holding sets, at least two LED lighting elements, and at least one connection unit. Each holding set includes a body, a protruding connection portion located on an upper end of the body, a chamber located in the body, and at least one first coupling portion located at one end of the body and communicating with the chamber. Each first coupling portion includes a hole communicating with the chamber and a positioning seat located on chamber and abutting the hole. Each LED lighting element is connected to the protruding connection portion. The connection unit includes a connection tube connected to each first coupling portion and at least one first fastening set to fasten the connection tube to the positioning seat. Thus the holding sets can be coupled with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LI-HONG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Tien Chien, Ching-Yuan Juan, Han-Wen Chang, Cheng-Lung Juan
  • Patent number: 9268297
    Abstract: An indicator disposed on an openably closable door disposed on a part of an exterior panel includes a light source disposed on a housing positioned in an interior of the door and a diffusion lens disposed on the door and opposed to the light source, wherein the light source is mounted on a support part disposed on the housing so that an optical axis of the light source is coincident with that of the diffusion lens. The door includes a recessed portion including a retainer, and the diffusion lens is supported in the recessed portion with the retainer pressing an external surface of the diffusion lens entirely so that the light from the light source is prevented from leaking from the surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9024775
    Abstract: A control panel for a measuring device with a housing and a control and inspection window. The control panel includes at least one optical key that is operable through the control and inspection window using a finger. The optical key includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. The control panel is constructed such that it allows reliable and quick control even when the housing is open and the control panel is exposed. Specifically, the control panel has at least one corresponding finger-operable mechanical key in addition to the finger-operable optical key in order to reliably and quickly control the measuring device when a predefined control distance for the optical key is no longer ensured by the control and inspection window of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 8899775
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a housing attached to a thoroughfare surface. The housing may have a top surface, a proximal face, a distal face, and first and second opposing sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the distal face and extending downwardly from the top surface. The lighting device may further include a first primary optic that may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall that may define a first optical chamber. The lighting device may also further include a first light source that may be positioned within the first optical chamber and may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall. The first sidewall may taper in a direction of the distal face. The first primary optic may be configured to direct light outward and in a direction of the taper in the first sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Robert R. Soler, Mark Andrew Oostdyk, Addy S. Widjaja, Ran Zhou, James Lynn Schellack
  • Patent number: 8899776
    Abstract: A lighting device may include a housing configured to be attached to a thoroughfare surface. The housing may include a top surface, a proximal face, a distal face, and first and second sidewalls extending between the proximal face and the distal face. Circuitry may be carried by the housing. A first primary optic may be carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall to define a first optical chamber, and a first light source may be positioned within the first optical chamber and carried by the housing adjacent the first sidewall. The first sidewall may have a first slanted section, and an axis of the first slanted section may skew to a longitudinal axis of the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Oostdyk, Addy S. Widjaja, Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Robert R. Soler, Ran Zhou, James Lynn Schellack
  • Patent number: 8860581
    Abstract: An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Small, John W. Michael, Jonathan Richard Bergstrom, Anthony Giardini, Joyce S. Chou, Jae Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 8847897
    Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohiro Sakai, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Shigeharu Nezu
  • Patent number: 8786461
    Abstract: A deployment pack containing a number of electric road flares is provided. The pack is attached to an emergency vehicle. The pack is adapted to deploy a single flare at a time. Each flare includes two, battery-operated, light emitting diodes (LEDs), pulsed at a predetermined rate. Each LED is placed adjacent reflective material to extend or direct the light pulsing from the LED. The pack provides battery charging means to each electric road flare while contained in the pack interior. The pack also provides means for activating each flare before it is deployed from the pack. Each flare contains two metallic roads providing means for flare retrieval by a magnetic pick-up tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Daudelin
  • Patent number: 8704649
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibrotactile device intuitively providing information by inducing a tactile sense to a user, and a method using the same. The device according to an embodiment includes a vibrating contact panel contacting with a user's hand; a plurality of vibratory modules that are attached to the lower part of the vibrating contact panel and vibrate with different intensities according to the amount of supplied power; and a plurality of vibration isolating links that are coupled, respectively, to an end of each of the modules to support the modules and to isolate the vibration from the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Dong Seok Ryu, Sung Chul Kang, Gi Hun Yang
  • Patent number: 8692684
    Abstract: A moveable barrier operator includes a motor for moving a moveable barrier and a housing is disposed around the motor. The moveable barrier operator also includes a plurality of light sources and the plurality of light source are coupled to the housing along a periphery of the housing and being individually directable so as to illuminate at least one predetermined area outside the housing. The at least one predetermined area is proximal to a moveable barrier operator. A controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. The controller is arranged and configured to automatically selectively actuate the motor to move the moveable barrier according to received user instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert John Olmsted
  • Patent number: 8675354
    Abstract: A memo board, including: a front housing including a first opening; a display module disposed behind a front side of the front housing, a front panel of the display module being exposed through the first opening of the front housing; a circuit board disposed behind the front side of the front housing, the circuit board including a memory and a controller; a back housing configured to receive the circuit board, the display module and the front housing through an opening at a front side of the back housing, the back housing including a mounting connector at a back side of the back housing; and a screen disposed at the front side of the front housing, the front panel of the display module being viewable through the screen, the screen being secured to and removed from the front housing by first and second fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Voxx International Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques L'Hénaff
  • Patent number: 8581698
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to permit location discovery, including location discovery in indoor settings. The method may identify a wireless signature present at a geographical location and determine whether the wireless signature corresponds to a previously observed wireless signature associated with the predefined geographical location. In instances in which the wireless signature fails to correspond to a previously observed wireless signature, the method may also receive an identification of a geographical location and associate, such as by means of a processor, the wireless signature with the identification of the geographical location. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Nokia Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jonathan Ledlie, Jamey Hicks, Seth J. Teller, Dorothy W. Curtis, Jonathan Battat, Benjamin Charrow
  • Patent number: 8553400
    Abstract: Electronic displays and metal micropatterned substrates are described comprising a graphic defined by a contrasting area adjacent the graphic. In one embodiment, the graphic is visible when the display is viewed with reflected light and the graphic is substantially less visible or invisible when viewed with backlighting transmitted through the metal micropatterned substrate. The graphic and contrasting area have a total metal micropattern density that differs by no greater than about 5% and more preferably by no greater than 2%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cristin E. Moran, Matthew H. Frey
  • Patent number: 8330613
    Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity and heat control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source or one located at the sign. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information and potentially with sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Locke International Teast
    Inventor: Dave Gothard
  • Patent number: 8138901
    Abstract: An instrument cluster includes a cluster mask having a tell-tale formed therein, wherein the tell-tale includes an indicia window representing an alert to a user of the instrument cluster; and a light source for emitting light through the indicia window of the tell-tale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Robert Bruno Bucciarelli, Royce Duchante Channey
  • Patent number: 7911357
    Abstract: A traffic signal housing includes a bottom housing element that has a radius and a power circuit that is connected to an external source via one or more pluggable connectors through the bottom housing element. Three distinct arrays of LEDs provide a tri-color signal, wherein each array is powered by the power circuit. A distribution cover is coupled to the bottom housing element to enclose the power circuit and the LED arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventor: Victor Isac
  • Patent number: 7772988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Condon, Mark B. Pruss, Hans Christian Lassen
  • Patent number: 7746247
    Abstract: Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel safety alert sign which provides a uniquely attention-getting and highly visible warning to oncoming drivers during both daylight, and, particularly twilight and dusk through the nighttime hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: James Julian Kimbrough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7728721
    Abstract: An accessory system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle includes an attachment element adhesively attached to an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle, and an accessory module. The accessory module includes structure adapted to attach to the attachment element. The accessory module encompasses an antenna and a forward facing camera. The forward facing camera has a forward field of view through the windshield of the vehicle and in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The accessory system may include an image processor for processing image data captured by the forward facing camera. The forward facing camera may capture images for at least one of a collision avoidance system and an automatic headlamp control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7673997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control panel assembly in which a light emitted from a single lamp is prevented from being dispersed nearby. A control panel assembly for a laundry machine, the control panel assembly includes a lamp supporter in which a plurality of lamps are installed to display functions selected by a user; a deco formed corresponding to the plurality of the lamps, the deco including a plurality of light-emitting holes through which a light emitted from each of the lamps passes; a light window including a light dispersion preventing part provided between the lamp supporter and the deco to prevent the light emitted from each of the lamps from being emitted through the other light-emitting holes except a single light-emitting hole corresponding each of the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Gi Hwang, Ju Han Yoon, Seong Kyu Kim, Seon Il Heo
  • Patent number: 7626510
    Abstract: A media component is provided for controlling home automation signals. The media component can include a housing containing management circuitry. A plurality of communication ports can also be included for the media component. The communication ports may be coupled to the housing. In addition, a plurality of light units is provided. The light units are lit in order to guide a user to take a pre-determined action with respect to the communication ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Control4 Corporation
    Inventors: W. Eric Smith, William B. West, Stephen C. Coffin
  • Publication number: 20090269071
    Abstract: An operation terminal includes a communication unit; an operation terminal control unit; a plurality of on-period light-emitting units provided in a one-to-one correspondence to the control switches and controlled by the operation terminal control unit; a plurality of off-period light-emitting units provided in a one-to-one correspondence to the control switches and controlled by the operation terminal control unit to emit light when the load associated with the corresponding one of the control switches by relational data is in an off-state; and a housing. At least one half of the control switches are arranged one above another in a vertical direction and each of the on-period light-emitting units is arranged in such a fashion as to transversely interpose the corresponding one of the control switches between itself and the corresponding one of the off-period light-emitting units when seen from the front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mototsugu Kawamata, Yuichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7369058
    Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity and heat control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source or one located at the sign. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information and potentially with sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Dave Gothard
  • Patent number: 7362237
    Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Lawlor, Coady Garrett
  • Patent number: 7339491
    Abstract: An LED backlight module includes a substrate. An LED array, composed of a plurality of red, blue and green lamp LEDs, is mounted on the substrate. A light-mixing chamber is mounted on the substrate and is used to seal the LED array inside. A diffusion sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the substrate. A first prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the diffusion sheet. A second prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the first prism sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tsuo Wu, Robert Yeh
  • Patent number: 7336195
    Abstract: This invention provides a light emitting array apparatus for use in a video screen display or lighting device incorporating a panel having a plurality of LEDs. Such a panel provides a plurality of LEDs on the front face of the panel in close thermal proximity to the panel. Typically this would include LEDs mounted to a PCB that is then affixed to the panel such that heat may transfer from the LEDs into the support panel itself. The support panel can disperse the heat throughout the panel and the to the surrounding air, especially from the front face of the panel. Such a construction may alleviate the need for fans or other cooling apparatus behind the panel and allow for the panel to be fitted directly to a supporting wall or other structure and also reduce cost and bulk of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lighthouse Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Antony van de Ven
  • Patent number: 7259691
    Abstract: Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel safety alert sign which provides a uniquely attention-getting and highly visible warning to oncoming drivers during both daylight, and, particularly twilight and dusk through the nighttime hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: James Julian Kimbrough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7242320
    Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror comprises a carrier plate, an electronic component unit mounted on one face of the carrier plate, and a mirror mounted on the other face of the carrier plate. A protective housing is supported by the carrier plate, the housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit and carrier plate. A support bracket assembly extends from the carrier plate through the housing to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit preferably includes a card reader having a card slot exposed by the housing. In another embodiment, an RF antenna is connected to circuitry included in the electronic component, the antenna preferably being mounted in the support bracket assembly. In yet another embodiment, a visual display is provided for displaying information provided by the electronic component unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Garret Coady
  • Patent number: 7145470
    Abstract: A garage door drive includes a housing and at least one light unit. According to the invention, at least one mounting point for the mechanical and electrical connection of the attachably and detachably constructed at least one light unit is arranged on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs- und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hoermann
  • Patent number: 7136030
    Abstract: A display system (12) for attachment to a sill (14) of a window structure (26) has been provided. The display system (12) includes a mounting device (28) for attaching the display system (12) to the sill (14) of the window structure (26) and a display device (18) for attachment to the mounting device (26). The display device (18) is intended to communicate various information to the viewer of the display device and preserve or create more available space surrounding the window structure (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Steed, John R. Cowin, Timothy M. Mitchell, Wayne Cavanaugh, Craig A. Larson, David L. Allen, Tuong Q. Nguyen, Ronald C. Doty, Son T. Nguyen, Kevin L. Gosling, Taji Shafaat
  • Patent number: 7091874
    Abstract: A temperature compensated warning light includes banks of high output light emitting diodes (LED's), one or more drivers connecting the LED banks to a control processor, and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the LED's to provide a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the LED's to the processor. The processor pulse width modulates a base frequency signal to the LED's in such a manner as to maintain a constant brightness of the LED's as the temperature of the LED's varies. The processor also monitors supply voltage and further varies the pulse width of the base frequency signal to compensate for supply voltage variation. The base frequency signal is modulated by a flash signal to create desired flash patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Bradley D. Smithson
  • Patent number: 7064672
    Abstract: A high resolution and high definition digital display system which is computer operated and includes a high resolution display panel in the form of a television system. A computer in the housing controls the generation of a display on the display screen with X-Y coordinate signals. The display system has digital recording capability such that a signal from a remote source can be received and recorded in digital format. The display system is also constructed so that a removable drawer containing the electronic components can be removed for servicing without the need for transport of the entire display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: David Gothard
  • Patent number: 7009525
    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. A substantially translucent material is disposed in the slot so that the translucent material is visible from more than one side of the housing, such as the first side and another side through which the slot extends. A light source is operatively associated with the substantially translucent material for illuminating the material. As a result, when the light source illuminates the substantially translucent material, the illuminated translucent material is visible from more than one side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saeed Shafiyan-Rad, Daniel M. Corbosiero, Jr., Mark Stephen Schladenhauffen
  • Patent number: 6975215
    Abstract: An improved header console system suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle including a header console assembly, with a headliner portion disposed at the roof of the interior cabin of the vehicle and a windshield portion extending from the headliner, with the windshield portion provided at the windshield. In addition, the windshield portion includes at least one vehicle accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6956561
    Abstract: A keypad backlighting apparatus includes an electroluminescence layer for lighting an input device of an electronic apparatus. The input device may be a keypad and the electronic apparatus may be a mobile communications terminal. The terminal includes an upper case having a plurality of button holes formed in a predetermined pattern, electroluminescence (EL) keypad on a lower surface of the upper case and having buttons exposed through the button holes. A printed circuit board (PCB) installed adjacent the EL keypad includes a backlight driving circuit for supplying power to the EL keypad. A lower case of the terminal is coupled to the upper case and supports the EL keypad and the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang-Ho Han
  • Patent number: 6686847
    Abstract: A single LED combined with a dark-colored reflective cavity, a diffusing graphic overlay, and a dark tinted window, provides a backlighted indicator with low power requirements. The design exhibits high visual contrast between on and off conditions, giving daylight visibility. The diffusing overlay and the window are nested and individually attached to a housing with adhesives, thus providing a double barrier against liquid penetration. Thus, the indicator can be used outdoors and under conditions of limited power. For example, the indicator may be part of a customer terminal mounted outdoors at retail establishments, such as gasoline stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Jon P. Mittler
  • Patent number: 6603404
    Abstract: A light emitting display device is provided which can be manufactured from a leadframe and which may be mounted with other such light emitting display devices in close side-by-side relationship. The light emitting display device includes a casing (3) of a predetermined height having an obverse surface formed with a plurality of display segments (4a, 4b) each of which is provided at an end of a light guide (41). A plurality of light emitting elements (2) are disposed in the casing so as to positionally correspond to the display segments. Each of plural leads (1) has a first end (11) electrically connected to a respective light emitting element (2) and a second end (12) extending toward a bottom side of the casing. A resin (6) is filled in the light guides (41) for sealing the first ends (11) of the leads and the light emitting elements (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6600427
    Abstract: A combination instrument (1) for displaying measured values and/or other information, having a flexible printed circuit (2) on which electrical and/or electronic components (9, 10, 13) are arranged, and with parts of the flexible printed circuit (2) being clamped in between a rear face cover (4) and a front face cover (3), with the rear face cover (4) to be made of metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Simon, Hans Kolibius, Stephan Zech, Hartmut Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 6535139
    Abstract: An electronic picture viewing apparatus for displaying electronic images in a picture frame type setting. The electronic picture viewing apparatus includes a housing having a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls has a back edge and a front edge wherein the back edges abut the back wall. A display for displaying an electronic image has a backside integrally coupled to the front edges of the housing. A microprocessor for controlling a video signal to the display is positioned in the housing and operationally coupled to the display. A power supply is operationally coupled to the microprocessor. An interface interfaces a plurality of peripherals with the microprocessor. The interface is positioned in one of the side walls of the housing and operationally coupled to the microprocessor. The display displays an electronic image received from the peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Tina M. Lindler
  • Patent number: 6522261
    Abstract: A multi-candela output device for indicating alarm conditions has an output section, visible after installation, and a mounting section not visible after installation. A candela output level can be set by positioning a manually adjustable member on the mounting section. An indicator of the setting is visible on the output section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Scheffler, Curtis R. Davidson, Joel D. Kwasny