Daylight Lighting Patents (Class 362/1)
  • Publication number: 20040037085
    Abstract: A photoswitch-controlled wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air-valve stem. A housing is adapted to connect the light to the wheel's air-valve stem. A power source is positioned within a housing to power a light source. A photoswitch activates the light source when it is placed in a darkened environment. Thus the wheel light of the invention provides a visually stimulating image as the wheel to which it is attached rotates in a darkened environment, for example, nighttime driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gioacchino A. Panzarella
  • Publication number: 20030214803
    Abstract: To provide a lighting apparatus that includes a simple and small moving mechanism capable of changing the light emanation direction and that has superior heat dissipation properties, the lighting apparatus includes a light-emitting unit, and a heat dissipation unit for dissipating heat generated by the light-emitting unit during light emission, wherein a heat transfer unit is connected between the light-emitting unit and the heat dissipation unit, and the light-emitting unit is in surface contact with the heat transfer unit and is connected with the heat transfer unit to be rotatable with one point or one line in the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Masato Ono, Kazunori Watanabe, Masaru Kato
  • Publication number: 20030174489
    Abstract: A lamp with variation of light ray mainly has at least an additional enclosed, separated, transparent and isolated space disposed within an enclosed and transparent case; within the said transparent case and the isolated space, liquid of different colors is respectively accommodated; a plurality of floats of different properties are dispersed in the liquid inside each separated space; the bottom side of the transparent case is disposed with a base body to house a light heating source to be used for projecting light ray into and heating the transparent case, thereby making the liquid inside each separated space convect; the floats thereof display blinking effect of kinetic light permeation or reflection to form a visual presentation of different colors and motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 6590149
    Abstract: A solar simulator is provided having a radiation source for generating radiation with a spectral (energy) distribution that largely corresponds to the spectral distribution of sunlight. At least one filter is arranged in the region of the radiation source. This filter suppresses long wave or short wave radiation components of the radiation source. The filter is movable, basically perpendicular, to the irradiation direction of the radiation source. An irradiation plane capable of accommodating objects to be irradiated is set at a distance from the radiation source and the at least one filter such that the radiation coming directly from the radiation source, as well as the at least one filter, impinge on the irradiation plane as basically homogenous radiation of a punctiform light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Adelhelm
  • Patent number: 6517205
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for treatment with light for personal care comprising a housing (2) with a light source, which housing (2) is covered with a wall (4) made from a translucent material, on which wall (4) a focusing area (5) is provided, to which focusing area (5) a user's eyes are mainly directed during use. On the wall (4), side areas (6) are provided adjacent said focusing area (5), and at least a portion of the wall (4) has a reference brightness during operation. Means (8) are provided in the apparatus (1) for varying a brightness of the focusing area (5) of the wall (4) during operation between the reference brightness and a minimum brightness which is lower than the reference brightness. In this way, the brightness of the focusing area (5) can be adjusted to a level which is low relative to the brightness of the side areas (6). A user thus experiences looking at the wall (4) during operation as more comfortable because he/she is not looking at a whole area of uniform brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Alfons Catarina Mewissen, Henriet Jacqueline Corina Hinnen
  • Publication number: 20020145859
    Abstract: For good health, exposure to a variety of wavelengths is needed. A balance in the exposure from day to day and throughout the year is necessary. Avoidance of overexposure by having moderation in the exposure is essential to prevent skin cancer and other disorders. The present invention can enhance the probability for good health and reduce the risk of diseases associated with solar radiation exposure and diet for those person with deficient, excess or non-balanced exposure and diet. A key feature of the invention is the use of whole body exposure when possible. This enables the use of very low irradiances for short periods. This results in an overall reduction in the risk of skin cancer. Several techniques are included to increase the UV-B exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Charles R. Chubb, Lisa C. Rottler
  • Publication number: 20020122305
    Abstract: A solar simulator is provided having a radiation source for generating radiation with a spectral (energy) distribution that largely corresponds to the spectral distribution of sunlight. At least one filter is arranged in the region of the radiation source. This filter suppresses long wave or short wave radiation components of the radiation source. The filter is movable, basically perpendicular, to the irradiation direction of the radiation source. An irradiation plane capable of accommodating objects to be irradiated is set at a distance from the radiation source and the at least one filter such that the radiation coming directly from the radiation source, as well as the at least one filter, impinge on the irradiation plane as basically homogenous radiation of a punctiform light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ralf Adelhelm
  • Publication number: 20020085393
    Abstract: Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: James E. Eisenman, Walter A. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6379022
    Abstract: An auxiliary illuminating device that has an adjustable color temperature. The color temperature is adjusted by varying the light output at least two independently adjustable light sources. The light source is an array of at least 2 colors. The light source typically uses at least one set of LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Frederic C Amerson, Paul M Hubel, Ricardo J Motta
  • Publication number: 20010048598
    Abstract: An artificial lighting apparatus for young plants that includes at least one electric track and a plurality of lamps. The lamps are detachably mounted on the electric track. Each of the lamps includes a plurality of first light emitting diodes, a plurality of second light emitting diodes and a mounting box. The first and second light emitting diodes are alternately arranged. The electric track supplies the lamps with power to light the first and second light emitting diodes. The driver provides the controlling capability on light quantity, quality, frequency and duty ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Rueychi Jao, Den Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 6267483
    Abstract: A horticultural light apparatus that reduces heat transmitted to plants that are being illuminated is provided. The Inventive Device includes a hollow, transparent, cylindrical tube, preferably made of glass. The tube is open at both ends and adapted to receive spigot members, the spigot members also being open ended. A support bracket to mount a lightbulb is affixed to at least one of the spigots. A reflector is also installed on the interior of the tube. In use, a lightbulb is inserted into the tube and secured by the spigots. Because of the open ends, air can flow through the tube, thus eliminating over-heating of the lightbulb. The glass absorbs much of the radiant heat generated by the lightbulb while emitting substantially all of the light generated by the lightbulb. The reflector directs the light in a generally downward direction. Means for suspending the Device are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Hembery
  • Publication number: 20010007414
    Abstract: A flash lamp for underwater photography has at least two straight discharge tubes mounted to a panel perpendicularly to each other in a T-form or an L-form such that a circular target area can be illuminated. A plurality of smaller capacitors and transformers for these discharge tubes can be arranged inside a watertight housing in a space-efficient manner. The mode switching circuit for selecting between automatic and manual modes of operation is designed such that a single mode selecting switch needs to be operated in order to select a mode. A slave flash lamp has a more reliable control circuit having one or two light receiving circuits for detecting light from a master and outputting a corresponding light sensing signal, a start signal output circuit and a stop signal output circuit for analyzing the received light signal and analyzing it to detect start and stop signal elements and to output a start signal and a stop signal for causing flash light to start emission and to stop it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: Akihide Inoue, Yoshiyuki Takematsu
  • Patent number: 6164787
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the biological clock of, e.g., an intercontinental or transcontinental airline traveler includes a luminaire disposed adjacent a front edge of a seat pan of a seat. The luminaire is coupled to or includes a light source; preferably the light source is disposed remotely from the luminaire and is coupled to the luminaire by a light guide. The luminaire may have a flexible reflecting element to increase light intensity on the backs of the traveler's knees. Using the luminaire to shine bright light on the backs of the knees of the traveler permits adjustment of the biological clock of the traveler in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Hoken S. Seki, Jefferson Perkins
  • Patent number: 6164801
    Abstract: An improved self-contained portable lighting system comprising: a first shell having an interior portion in which lights are mounted and having an exterior portion on which is mounted a first closure; a plurality of reflectors are mounted by hinges on edges of a front face of the interior portion of the first shell so that the reflectors may be folded on top of one another and substantially flat against the interior portion of the first shell; a second shell having an exterior portion including second closure for engaging the first closure and locking the first shell the said second shell together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Teletec de Mexico, SA, DE CV.
    Inventor: Didier Alexander-Katz
  • Patent number: 6024475
    Abstract: A lighting conduit system for collecting sunlight and distributing it inside a building structure to provide natural lighting to the inside of the building structure. The lighting conduit system includes a plurality of interconnected elongate tubular conduits adapted for mounting inside a building structure. Each of the conduits has a lumen in communication with the lumens of the other conduits to permit passage of light between the lumens of the conduits. The conduits include a plurality of fixture conduits each comprising spaced apart and generally concentric inner and outer sleeves each having upper and lower portions. The lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves each comprise a translucent material to permit passage of light in the lumen of the respective conduit through the lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves. The conduits also include a terminal conduit with an outer end adapted for extending outside of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Robert K. Kufrovich, Michelle K. Kufrovich
  • Patent number: 5993030
    Abstract: A travelling lighting system for a greenhouse includes a plurality of lamps supported on an elongated truss which is slowly advanced back and forth across a greenhouse bay to provide lighting for the plants therein. The truss may be supported by trolleys carried in a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks extending the length of the greenhouse bay. A power drive system advances the truss along the tracks. A power cord support rail may be provided above the truss to collect and support the electrical power cord to the truss at spaced apart locations along the cord to prevent sagging as the truss is advanced toward the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Barton J. Barcel
  • Patent number: 5988843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the conducting/distributing air and light, particularly in a building, or the like. The air and light are conducted along the same transport path. That transport path may be a single duct having a light inlet and an air inlet to it and having ports at intervals along the duct, through which ports light may pass and air may pass. An air flow generating fan, or the like, may communicate with the duct for moving air through the port out of the duct or moving air through the port into the duct, or natural air flow past the duct may be used. The light source may be natural or artificial. Mirrors in the duct may be used to control brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: LTG Lufttechnische Gesselschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Claus Handel
  • Patent number: 5984484
    Abstract: An advanced solar simulator illuminates the surface a very large solar array, such as one twenty feet by twenty feet in area, from a distance of about twenty-six feet with an essentially uniform intensity field of pulsed light of an intensity of one AMO, enabling the solar array to be efficiently tested with light that emulates the sun. Light modifiers sculpt a portion of the light generated by an electrically powered high power Xenon lamp and together with direct light from the lamp provide uniform intensity illumination throughout the solar array, compensating for the "square law" and "cosine law" reduction in direct light intensity, particularly at the corner locations of the array. At any location within the array the sum of the direct light and reflected light is essentially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kruer
  • Patent number: 5961201
    Abstract: A polychrome lighting device, including at least one light source for each one of the three primary colors and elements for adjusting the light sources, the adjustment elements being adapted to independently control the adjustment of the luminous intensity of the light sources in order to combine the light beams emitted by the sources into a light beam having the desired shade of color, remote control elements being also provided for setting, storing, and retrieving desired luminous intensity values of the light sources and therefore desired light colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Artemide S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ernesto Gismondi
  • Patent number: 5929952
    Abstract: The disclosure proposes the use of a graphical background for liquid crystal display assemblies. Two-dimensional graphics are printed on a rear surface of a liquid crystal matrix, a front surface of a lightguide, or a transparent label interposed between the liquid crystal matrix and the lightguide. Alternatively, three-dimensional graphics are covered or molded into a front surface of a lightguide used in the liquid crystal display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Istvan Bartha
  • Patent number: 5866994
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating paintings at least a part of which is painted by a particular paint that emits or reflects light upon reception of ultraviolet ray, has a first illumination lamp constituted of an ultraviolet lamp and a second illumination lamp constituted of incandescent lamps. The ultraviolet lamp and incandescent lamps are controlled by a control circuit to be repetitively turned on and off as time elapses in accordance with a control sequence selected by an observer. While the incandescent lamps are turned on, the ultraviolet lamp is turned off to make the painting viewed as, e.g., a daytime landscape without showing, e.g., a nighttime landscape, and while the incandescent lamps are turned on, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on to make the same painting viewed as the nighttime landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Timely Elegance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nakano
  • Patent number: 5828494
    Abstract: A panel unit for use in a window, a partition, a free standing frame, or in a wall, and having a plurality of vertically stacked, elongated transparent elements arranged in a frame, whereby natural light or artificial light on one side of the panel reflects onto the environment on the one side of the panel unit. The reflected light is transmitted through each transparent element and is refracted and dispersed to create a block of color when viewed on the other side of the panel, which results in a color pattern when viewed on the other side of the panel unit. The transparent elements may be made of lead crystal glass or optical glass, and may be triangularly shaped to produce a maximum light dispersion zone or trapezoidally shaped to produce a minimum light dispersion zone. To resist or reduce glare, a shutter apparatus may be mounted adjacent to the panel unit on the side of the panel unit where the direct sunlight exists, or filters or tinted glass may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Paul R. Stremple
  • Patent number: 5733032
    Abstract: A mobile light panel stand supports a light panel suited to treat humans who are in need of exposure to light in a manner known as light therapy. The stand has two pair of hinged legs. Each pair of legs has a brace member to provide a solid two-legged assembly. The two two-legged assemblies are connected by collapsible braces which allow the device to fold into a narrow posture for passage through doorways. The base of the opened assembly has an anti-tipping wide stance for use by hospitals where patients may lean on the device for support. One set of legs has an upper extension which supports the light panel between the two two-legged assemblies via adjustable nuts and bolts. The light panel can be tilted by adjusting the adjustable nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Charles J. Bolta
    Inventors: Charles J. Bolta, Francis M. Wile
  • Patent number: 5722754
    Abstract: Auxiliary lighting for a computer monitor display screen that consists of simulated natural daylight, as provided by commercially available full spectrum bulbs. Using to advantage the usual sitting position of a user which places the upper edge of the display screen at his/her eye level, the full spectrum light source is mounted on the display screen upper edge to maximize the impingement on the user's eyes of full spectrum light to ease the eye strain caused by partial full spectrum light of computer-generated illumination on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Eli Langner
  • Patent number: 5704704
    Abstract: A pole light system for marine craft, which is easily mounted and dismounted and includes a base receptacle having a keyed socket, and a pole having a light assembly at one end and a plug at the other end which is keyed to be received in the socket, whereby insertion of the pole into the socket is limited to a preselected orientation which will permit the use of wiping, self-cleaning electrical contacts on the pole and receptacle. The light assembly includes a base which is securable to the pole, a planar reflector disposed on the base, a hemispherical Fresnel lens which, together with the reflector, define a volume wherein a light bulb is disposed via a two-part, wire form retainer. The reflector which is generally positioned below the lightbulb, in combination with a hemispherical Fresnel lens, efficiently utilize light emitted from the bulb, so that a lower wattage bulb requiring less energy and producing less heat can be used to achieve a desired illumination in a smaller light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Reichard, Bruce Reniger, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Clifton J. Ratza
  • Patent number: 5657159
    Abstract: A video display apparatus has a dot matrix of LEDs mounted on an LED matrix board, and a unitary reflecting member made of metal such as aluminum or the like mounted on the LED matrix board. The reflecting member has slanted reflecting surfaces disposed vertically one on each side of each of the LEDs for reflecting light emitted from the LEDs with narrow vertical directivity. The video display apparatus can provide a wide angle of view in the horizontal direction, and a narrow angle of view in the vertical direction for preventing light from being scattered in the vertical direction to maintain a desired level of luminosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takehisa Natori
  • Patent number: 5568366
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of simulating a pseudosun using a solar simulator. In the present invention the collector and lens of a lamp are designed to properly focus a plurality of light beams onto a segmented turning mirror. The path of light rays are traced from the lamp to the collector and then finally to the lens to control the solid and tangential magnification of the solar simulator. The segmented turning mirror is located at the focal point of the light beam and redirects the light into a vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Kent S. Jefferies
  • Patent number: 5359498
    Abstract: An improvement in a multi-layer polarized light control panel comprising an ultraviolet transmitting acrylic supporting structure. Prior art multi-layer polarized light control panels are made with an ultraviolet absorbing acrylic supporting sheet, which blocks most ultraviolet light below 380 nanometers. Thus, the ultraviolet light which is emitted by fluorescent lamps, and in particular by specially formulated fluorescent lamps to provide so called "full-spectrum" light, is blocked by the prior art polarized light control panels. Use of an ultraviolet transmitting acrylic supporting sheet would permit the transmission of the ultraviolet light emitted from the lamp through the acrylic supporting sheet, which would then be polarized by the multi-layer polarized light control panel. The light diffusing polarized control panel can also be manufactured with an ultraviolet transmitting acrylic, providing a multi-layer polarizer of unsurpassed visual comfort probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel N. Karpen
  • Patent number: 5285356
    Abstract: To allow environments to be lit with light having characteristics as close as possible to natural light, the appliance (1) comprises a frame (2) supporting pluralities of light sources (5, 6) the light from which is reflected to the outside of the appliance (1) by a reflecting screen (4) via a translucent screen (3). The light sources (5, 6) are of different color temperatures in terms of illumination and are electrically powerable separately via a central control unit (24) in a such a manner as to enable them to provide a luminous flux of variable intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: iGuzzini Illuminazione S.r.l.
    Inventors: Douglas Skene, Piera Scuri, Daniele Bedini
  • Patent number: 5217285
    Abstract: A xenon arc lamp and a tungsten filament lamp provide light beams that together contain all the wavelengths required to accurately simulate a solar spectrum. Suitable filter apparatus selectively direct visible and ultraviolet light from the xenon arc lamp into two legs of a trifurcated randomized fiber optic cable. Infrared light selectively filtered from the tungsten filament lamp is directed into the third leg of the fiber optic cable. The individual optic fibers from the three legs are brought together in a random fashion into a single output leg. The output beam emanating from the output leg of the trifurcated randomized fiber optic cable is extremely uniform and contains wavelengths from each of the individual filtered light beams. This uniform output beam passes through suitable collimation apparatus before striking the surface of the solar cell being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Bhushan L. Sopori
  • Patent number: 5184881
    Abstract: A full spectrum polarized lighting fixture for general commercial, institutional, and industrial use, and for use in offices with computer terminals and video display terminals. The lighting fixture contains an electronic solid state ballast, a polarizing lense, and a full spectrum color corrected lamp. The lense is a polarized diffuser to provide glare free light with excellent contrast. The fixture contains a full spectrum color corrected lamp to simulate daylight. The combination of the full spectrum lamp and the polarized diffuser provides for light with the spectral energy distribution characteristics and light polarization of natural daylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel N. Karpen
  • Patent number: 5149184
    Abstract: A combined work station and phototherapy unit in which the fixture containing the light source is mounted on a vertical support to be placed on the base of the open area for work to be performed, the fixture being at an angle, preferably in the range of 30.degree.-60.degree., so that the user will not be staring directly into the light from the fixture. There will be light both impringing upon the eyes of the user for photobiological effect and also light will be directed to the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Philip Hughes, Michael Terman
  • Patent number: 5060118
    Abstract: An apparatus for "color mode switching," which enables duplication of daylight chromaticity for each color family. The present invention emits a selected spectral distribution of light which duplicates the effect of daylight, on a color-by-color basis. This effect is accomplished by a specific arrangement of specialized fluorescent and incandescent lamps which are switched (on/off) in a different pattern for each color family. The device has application anywhere color matching is required, including the after market for automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Frank A. Arone
    Inventors: Richard J. Penrod, Roy H. McCullagh
  • Patent number: 4956751
    Abstract: An apparatus for illumination generating artificial light which resembles natural light as much as possible comprises a light source radiating substantially in the blue-green region, such as a fluorescent lamp (16a,b,c,d) and at least one incandescent lamp (18). Prior to exiting from a housing (12) of the illumination equipment the light of the light source radiating blue-green is reflected at least once from a white wall (14). This applies also, in part at least, to the light of the incandescent lamp (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Tetsuhiro Kano
  • Patent number: 4791533
    Abstract: A natural lighting apparatus includes a mirror for reflecting light, and a supporting mechanism for supporting the mirror for rotation about both a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A first sensing mechanism is provided for sensing a first direction of the light source about the first axis, and for generating a first signal representative of the first light source direction about the first axis. A second sensing mechanism is provided for sensing a second direction of the light source about the second axis, and for generating a second signal representative of the second light source direction about the second axis. An attitude control mechanism angularly drives the mirror about the first axis according to the first signal from the first sensing mechanism, and about the second axis according to the second signal from the second sensing mechanism, thus controlling the attitude of the mirror to reflect light from the light source in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Shimizu Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Hane
  • Patent number: 4785811
    Abstract: A solar ray energy radiation device for use in medical treatment which comprises one or more optical conductor cables through which solar ray energy is transmitted. A light projector is installed at the end portion of the optical conductor cables, along with a control box for controlling the position of the light projector and a light sensor which is disposed in the light projector. The light sensor detects the solar ray energy emitted from the optical conductor cable, and the distance between the light projector and an object to be radiated is controlled on the basis of the detection value obtained by the light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4758930
    Abstract: A luminous energy transmission device, which uses individual wave-guide light conductors, wherein one end of the light conductors meets in a single catchment collector of a focus of electromagnetic waves of wavelength between 400 and 700 nm. The opposite ends of the light conductors flow into individual multi-directional diffuser elements made up of solid, internally microfissured transparent resin or glue and molded into optical emission shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Jaime S. Pomares
  • Patent number: 4755804
    Abstract: A system for feeding and controlling low intensity obstruction lights, involving low power drain especially in radio stations powered by solar cells includes:a sub-system which not only generates the energy necessary to feed the obstruction light, but also detects solar intensity;a control sub-system which delivers energy to the obstruction lights, triggered in correspondence to a light threshold, generates indicator signals on the operating state of the main on/off switch and the power circuit breaker and generates a lamp failure control for telemetering purposes and fault controls for the individual obstruction lights for local displaying purposes; and a low luminous intensity and low power drain lighting sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Telettra Telefonia Elettronica e Radio S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aldo Levati, Pietro Siviero
  • Patent number: 4734830
    Abstract: A rotating lamp fixture includes a plurality of lamps, attached to an arm which extends outwardly from a housing preferably mounted to the ceiling of a building. The arm is connected through a torque coupling and a gear train to the shaft of an electrical motor. The motor imparts a relatively slow circular or orbital motion to the lamps through the arm for serving as an artificial light source. The provision of a rotating light source reduces by at least one-third the number of fixed light sources needed for effectively controlling the growth of vegetation. The rotating lamp fixture increases the growth rate, improves the uniformity of growth, and/or precisely controls one or more other growth characteristics of the vegetation. Other features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Sun Circle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Cristian, Genaro R. Calabrese, Jaxon Hice
  • Patent number: 4651259
    Abstract: There is proposed a light reflector (10) which enables to modify the radiation emitted by an artificial source (12) so as to obtain a color temperature and a light intensity corresponding to that of natural light. To this effect, the reflector is comprised of a plurality of elongate prismatic bodies (14) rotating about their longitudinal axis. The faces of each prism present a different geometry with different optical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Heinrich Wendel
  • Patent number: 4570209
    Abstract: An indoor lighting arrangement employing a combination of high pressure sodium (HPS) light sources, which produce a yellowish light, and mercury vapor or metal halide light sources, which produce a whiter light. Where the distance between the floor and the plane containing the light sources is at least fifteen feet, the HPS and whiter light sources are mounted in a checkerboard pattern so that the yellow and white illumination which they produce is completely mixed at normal eye level. When lower ceiling heights are involved, lighting fixtures are used which each contain both an HPS lamp and a whiter light lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Sentry Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Seymour I. Wittlin
  • Patent number: 4441145
    Abstract: An improved lighting system for growing plants indoors, the lighting system comprising a means for continuously moving a high intensity light over the plants in a cyclic manner simulating daily exposure to the sun in a natural environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Aqua Culture, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Antkowiak
  • Patent number: 4423469
    Abstract: A solar simulator includes a lamp array of solar lamps pivotally connected to an array frame. The array frame is rotatably and pivotally mounted on a gantry crane, the elevation and lateral position of which are adjustable relative to the position of a solar collector to be tested. The solar simulator maintains the plane of the lamp array parallel to the plane of the test device for all elevations, lateral positions and rotational positions of the lamp array, and controls tilting of the lamps relative to the array frame to any desired angle of incidence. The solar simulator is operated to control the angle of incidence of radiation received by the solar collector to be tested and to vary the distance from the array of lamps to the solar collector in such a manner that the intensity of received radiation along the surface of the test device is uniform, thereby avoiding undesirable lateral gradients in temperature along the surface of the test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: DSET Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Zerlaut, William T. Dokos, William J. Putman, Russell K. Skousen
  • Patent number: 4164783
    Abstract: A weather-proof light fixture includes a quick connect modular ballast assembly which is separably connected to a light reflector member mounted on a support surface. A housing containing the ballast assembly has a lamp receptacle extending from a sidewall thereof. The light reflector member includes a neck portion the end of which is butted against the housing, receiving the lamp receptable therein. Outwardly projecting fastener arms extending from the neck portion each having a hollow cavity therein are rotated over posts protruding from the ballast housing sidewall, and located adjacent the lamp receptacle. Slots contained within the fastener arms receive screw fasteners extending from the posts to secure the lamp ballast housing and reflector member in a joined condition. A gasket disposed between the end of the neck portion and housing side wall, renders the light fixture waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Donald Wandler
  • Patent number: 4141056
    Abstract: A floodlighting system for one or more tennis courts utilizing a pair of high-level floodlamp supporting structures adjacent a diagonally related set of corners of the perimeter zone of a tennis court. The lamps on each support are directed onto the adjacent back court and service box of a related court and uniquely aimed to be highly effective in illuminating the advance face of the ball with increasing light intensity as a ball in flight approaches a receiving player. The height of the lamps together with the small included angle of its beam greatly minimizes if not entirely avoids glare in the player's eyes. Adjacent courts are effectively and efficiently illuminated by lamps supported on a common pole located at the junction of a contiguous pair of court playing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Inventor: Samuel M. Neely
  • Patent number: 4125775
    Abstract: A solar simulator comprising an SnO.sub.2 -containing glass ultraviolet absorption filter in combination with a xenon arc light source, which simulator closely approximates the characteristics of the terrestrial solar spectrum at violet and ultraviolet wavelengths, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Corning Glass Works
    Inventor: Jan B. Chodak
  • Patent number: 4120026
    Abstract: Beautifully and balanced colored shadows can be cast of an object by using a lamp for emitting colored light in the range yellow to red, a lamp for emitting green colored light and a lamp for emitting colored light in the range violet to blue to give intensity ratios of illumination in the ranges of0.05 .ltoreq. I.sub.R /(I.sub.R + I.sub.G + I.sub.B) .ltoreq. 0.85;0.05 .ltoreq. i.sub.g /(i.sub.r + i.sub.g + i.sub.b) .ltoreq. 0.8; and0.02 .ltoreq. I.sub.B /(I.sub.R + I.sub.G + I.sub.B) .ltoreq. 0.8wherein I.sub.R designates an intensity of illumination caused by irradiating with only the lamp in the R group the shadow of an object cast by both of the lights of the lamps in the G group and the B group; I.sub.G designates an intensity of illumination caused by irradiating with only the lamp in the G group the shadow of the object cast by both of the lights of the lamps in the R group and the B group and I.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michihiro Tsuchihashi, Masato Saito, Makoto Yamanoshita, Hidetoshi Katsura, Koichiro Maeyama, Yasushi Uchida, Osamu Myodo
  • Patent number: 4091441
    Abstract: An improved full-spectrum luminaire utilizing a plurality of gas discharge lamps at least one of which produces radiant energy primarily in the near-ultraviolet range and another produces radiant energy primarily in the visible range. The spectral energy distribution characteristics of the lamps are chosen so that their combined radiation simulates natural daylight in both the ultraviolet and visible light ranges. The ultraviolet radiation may be switched off manually or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: John Ott Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John Nash Ott
  • Patent number: RE30119
    Abstract: A theatrical follow spot utilizes elliptic reflective optics to achieve compact size and non-astigmatic projection. A source lamp is situated in front of the mirror, sufficiently offset to one side thereof so as to be out of the path of reflected light. The mirror has the shape of an ellipsoid of revolution, the mirror section being entirely on one side of a meridian plane of the ellipsoid. The axis of light from the source lamp is coincident with a line through the near focus of the ellipsoid and the center of the mirror. This insures that an image in the near focal plane, such as the circular opening of an iris, will be projected at the distant focal plane of the ellipsoid, without distortion of shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Berkey-Colortran, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde L. Tichenor