Including Reflector Patents (Class 362/243)
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Patent number: 7220021Abstract: The present invention provides a compact color illumination device (100) for emitting collimated light. The illumination device comprises a reflector cup (102), a blazed diffraction grating (108) formed on the inner surface of the reflector cup, and a plurality of light emitting sources (110) positioned linearly in a focal plane of the reflector cup. Each light emitting source emits a different color of light that is incident on the blazed diffraction grating. The light emitted by the light emitting sources is reflected by the blazed diffraction grating, wherein the reflected light is collimated.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Dongxue Wang, Zili Li, George T. Valliath
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Patent number: 7207693Abstract: Light display structures are provided that are simple and comprise few parts so that they can be economically fabricated from various polymers and quickly assembled. They are especially suited for carrying light-emitting elements and lend themselves for realization in a variety of forms such as elongate display structures and sheet-like display structures. They are based upon a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) that are coupled between first and second conductors with the addition of other structures (e.g., spacers, wire bonds, tabs) that facilitate the energizing of the light-emitting elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: AgiLight, Inc.Inventor: William R. Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 7207690Abstract: A method, for implementing lighting by utilizing a lighting fixture having a plurality of laterally-spaced light source locations and corresponding lateral reflector positions, may include selectively installing a reflector of a first type or a second type in respective ones of the plurality of lateral reflector positions, the first type reflector having greater uplighting capacity compared to the second type reflector, whereby the selectively installing determines a proportion of uplight versus downlight. For a plurality of tube positions disposed in a plane, a method may include vertically positioning a reflector assembly with respect to the plane. Individual reflector panels may be replaced by flexing the panel. A method may include providing a sensor switch operative to detect an occupant and connect an electrical path when the occupant is detected, and providing a selector for selecting ones of the ballasts to be connected to the electrical path by the sensor switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Haugaard, Craig Raleigh, Alan J. Ruud, Dallas I. Buchanan
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Patent number: 7182501Abstract: A backlight unit for enhancing the luminance uniformity is provided. The backlight unit includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps arranged in a light-emitting surface, each of the plurality of fluorescent lamps having a bent structure; and at least one conic-shaped structures for reflecting an incident light, the conic-shaped structure being surrounded by the bent structure of at least two of the plurality of fluorescent lamps.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: LG.Phillips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myong Gi Jang, Hee Jung Hong, Hak Mo Hwang
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Patent number: 7182480Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination optical system that enables the direction and mixing of light from light emitting devices. The optical system comprises a plurality of light emitting devices that are spatially arranged in an array, wherein this array comprises one or more sections, such that the light emitting devices in a particular section emit light within a predetermined wavelength range. Through the use of a combination of macroscopic and microscopic optical systems, the illumination created by the array can be manipulated such that a desired illumination distribution is created. The macroscopic optical system provides a means for redirecting the illumination in one or more desired directions, wherein this redirection is provided by a collection of appropriately shaped and positioned reflective optics.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: TIR Systems Ltd.Inventor: Peter Kan
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Patent number: 7172314Abstract: A solid state light bulb for attachment to a lamp socket. The light bulb uses a number of super bright LEDs or color LEDs mounted within a hollow housing to replace a standard bulb such as a 60 Watt bulb. A stepped, reverse conical interior wall distributes and diffuses the light to project the appearance of a normal bulb. An upper lens of the housing may be removable to form a spot light effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Plastic Inventions & Patents, LLCInventors: Robert M. Currie, Eliot Sorella
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Patent number: 7128438Abstract: Light display structures are provided that are simple and comprise few parts so that they can be economically fabricated from various polymers and quickly assembled. They are especially suited for carrying light-emitting elements and lend themselves for realization in a variety of forms such as elongate display structures and sheet-like display structures. They are based upon a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) that are coupled between first and second conductors with the addition of other structures (e.g., spacers, wire bonds, tabs) that facilitate the energizing of the light-emitting elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: AgiLight, Inc.Inventor: William R. Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 7125144Abstract: An illumination device includes plural lamps, a prism, a first lens array, and a second lens array, wherein the first lens array is formed such that images of the lamps are formed a predetermined space apart from each other on a lens, which corresponds to a predetermined lens among plural lenses of a second lens array, by light from the lamps having passed the predetermined lens of the first lens array. All or a part of plural images formed by a lens separate from the predetermined lens of the first lens array are practically arranged among the formed images of the lamps. And the second lens array is formed such that the images formed on the second lens array are irradiated on a light-receiving surface in a predetermined relation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusaku Shimaoka, Takamasa Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7118260Abstract: In a lamp unit for a vehicle, light incident into a translucent member from a light emitting element is reflected by the inner surface of the translucent member reflecting surface and irradiated from the irradiating surface of the translucent member in the forward direction of the lamp unit. The reflecting surface is vertically shaped as a concave curved formed by a hyperbola. The focusing point is the light emitting center of the light emitting element, whereby the reflecting light is irradiated as spread light from the virtual image position of the light emitting element formed by the reflecting surface within the vertical section. The irradiating surface is vertically shaped as a convex curve formed by an ellipse which focusing point is the virtual image position. The irradiating light can be made substantially parallel rays within the vertical section.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Naoki Uchida
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Patent number: 7080929Abstract: A lamp unit (23) mounted above a front fender (7) for a wheel (6) of a motorcycle includes left and right head lamps (23a, 23b), a single lens member (23d) positioned forwardly of and covering the head lamps (23a, 23b), and a mirror finished body (29) positioned rearwardly of the lens member (23d). The mirror finished body (29) includes a first mirror surface area (29a) aligned with an intermediate portion of the lens member (23d) extending vertically, and left and right second mirror surface areas (29b) continued from the first mirror surface area (29a) extending horizontally along a lower edge of the lens member (23d). The mirror finished body (29) is formed to reflect an image of the fender (7) when viewed either from front or slantwise from front.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushika KaishaInventors: Takumi Uemoto, Ryota Obuki
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Patent number: 7072096Abstract: A compact and efficient optical illumination system featuring planar multi-layered LED light source arrays concentrating their polarized or un-polarized output within a limited angular range. The optical system manipulates light emitted by a planar light emitters such as electrically-interconnected LED chips. Each light emitting region in the array is surrounded by reflecting sidewalls whose output is processed by elevated prismatic films, polarization converting films, or both. The optical interaction between light emitters, reflecting sidewalls, and the elevated prismatic films create overlapping virtual images between emitting regions that contribute to the greater optical uniformity. Practical illumination applications of such uniform light source arrays include compact LCD or DMD video image projectors, as well as general lighting, automotive lighting, and LCD backlighting.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Digital Optics International, CorporationInventors: Robert L. Holman, Arthur Cox
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Patent number: 7063440Abstract: A lighting unit including at least one elongated substrate having a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon and an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate. The housing includes integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices. The lighting unit also includes a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices. The light unit has a first wiring harness for connection to a power source, and a second wiring harness connectable to an adjacent lighting unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Everbrite, LLCInventors: Ferenc Mohacsi, Melissa Mueller Kwaterski, Michael Plichta
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Patent number: 7055996Abstract: A lamp comprising a housing, at least one planar substrate supporting a plurality of light sources, and a light directing member comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces. Each of the reflective surfaces is generally parabolic and reflects light emitted from the plurality of light sources. A lamp comprising a housing, at least one planar substrate, a plurality of light sources supported by each planar substrate, a lens, and a light directing member that reflects light emitted from the plurality of light sources. The light directing member produces a light distribution pattern spanning substantially five degrees to substantially ninety degrees in one direction along the longitudinal axis of said lamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.Inventors: Greg Pond, Todd Kolstee, Philip Roller
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Patent number: 7025487Abstract: A lamp system, especially for a motor vehicle, has a casing that is covered by a clear, optically neutral lens and that contains at least one light source composed of a light bulb and an associated reflector. A screen in the form of a semireflecting mirror is positioned between the lens and the light source in such a way as to separate a posterior lamp section that accommodates the light source from an anterior lamp section defined by the screen and the lens. Consequently, to an observer looking in the direction of the light source, the posterior lamp section is indiscernible while the screen is transparent to the light emitted by the light bulb when the lamp is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hans-Peter Holzmann, Marek Djordjevic
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Patent number: 7011431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Nichia CorporationInventors: Masato Ono, Kazunori Watanabe, Masaru Kato
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Patent number: 6974229Abstract: A mixing chamber includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least two light emitting diodes are disposed along the first surface. At least a portion of the first surface is reflective, and the second surface includes a reflective region and a plurality of openings formed in the reflective region. In some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface are separated by at least one side surface. Light emitted from the light emitting diodes is reflected off the first surface, reflective region of the second surface, and side surfaces of the mixing chamber until it is emitted from the openings of the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLCInventors: Robert S. West, Yourii Martynov, Huub Konijn, Nicola Pfeffer, Simon J. M. Kuppens
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Patent number: 6971766Abstract: An aperture lamp system that facilitates improved reliability and performance in a display system is provided. The aperture lamp system provides improved reliability by providing a second lamp coupled to a first lamp through a coupling aperture. When the first lamp fails, the second lamp can be used to provide illumination to the display. Specifically, light from the second lamp passes through the coupling aperture to the first lamp, where it can exit the first lamp and illuminate the display. Thus, by coupling the first and second lamps together through a coupling aperture, a lamp system is provided where either the first lamp or second lamp can be used to provide illumination for the display. Thus, the first and second lamps provide redundancy, with this redundancy used to improve the reliability of the display system.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Cull, Elias S. Haim, Allan E. Harris, John F. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6908212Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture is provided for retrofitting light fixtures utilizing conventional fluorescent lamps into light fixtures utilizing energy efficient fluorescent lamps. The fluorescent light fixture is a single unit comprising a reflector, socket plates at each end, lamp sockets, ballast, ballast cover and wiring. The reflector may be slidably mounted onto the socket plates to allow the retrofit to expand and contract. The fluorescent light fixture may include a attachment which temporarily secures the fluorescent light fixture within a light fixture shell.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Michael Schultz
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Patent number: 6905227Abstract: A high power LED lamp module for installation in conventional traffic signal lamps includes a housing with a side flange and a spacer ring extending therefrom, a plurality of LEDs disposed inside the housing for producing diverging light, a power supply disposed in the housing between the LEDs and the housing rear wall, a threaded electrical connector extending therefrom, and Fresnel/outer lenses extending across the open end of the spacer ring for collimating the diverging light from the LEDs. The Fresnel lens is disposed a first distance from the light emitting diodes wherein the light collimated thereby just fills and illuminates the entire outer lens. The flange is separated from the rear wall portion by a second distance that does not exceed about 100 mm or about 70mm for a 12 or 8 inch diameter lamp module respectively, to ensure the lamp module fits inside conventional traffic signal lamps.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Leotek Electronics CorporationInventor: Chen H. Wu
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Patent number: 6871979Abstract: A back light module disposed under a display panel has at least a light source generator for generating light beams, a diffusing plate for scattering the light beams to the display panel, a light guide plate (LGP) for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate. The reflecting sheet has at least an opening for dissipating heat generated by the operation of the light source generator of the back light module.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Toppoly Optoelectronics Corp.Inventor: Che-Kuei Mai
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Patent number: 6869206Abstract: An illumination system that has an output luminance (brightness) LO that is greater than the intrinsic output luminance (brightness) LI of the light emitting diodes used within the system. The system utilizes one or more light emitting diodes having highly reflective surfaces and recycles a portion of the light generated by the light emitting diodes back to the light emitting diodes in order to enhance the effective luminance. The illumination system includes a light-reflecting cavity and one or more highly reflective light emitting diodes having total surface area AS mounted inside the cavity, either on the interior surfaces of the cavity or within the cavity volume. The cavity has a light output aperture of area AO. The light emitting diodes have reflectivity RS. The exposed inside surfaces of the light-reflecting cavity have reflectivity RC. In order to achieve enhanced brightness, it is required that the area of the light output aperture AO be less than the total area AS of the light emitting diodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventors: Scott Moore Zimmerman, Karl Wayne Beeson
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Patent number: 6851816Abstract: A linear light source device for image reading. The main body of the linear light source device includes at least a light-guide bar and a light source assembly. The light-guide bar is a polygonal column with one surface having stripes thereon, acting as a reflective plane with a reflective function. The opposite plane to the reflective plane is a light-exiting plane, and all the remaining planes are reflective layers. At least one of the ends of the polygonal column is an incident plane for a light beam to enter. Light is transmitted through both of the two ends of the polygonal column (or one end with the other end acting as a reflective plane) and uniformly transmits through the light-exiting plane. The light-guided bar has a simple structure and configuration, a compact volume, a high rate of utilization in light energy, is flexibly changed in length, and is easy to manufacture with high product yield and low manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Pixon Technologies Corp.Inventors: Rong-Yaw Wu, Ming-Jen Pang
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Publication number: 20040233655Abstract: An illumination system that has an output luminance (brightness) LO that is greater than the intrinsic output luminance (brightness) LI of the light emitting diodes used within the system. The system utilizes one or more light emitting diodes having highly reflective surfaces and recycles a portion of the light generated by the light emitting diodes back to the light emitting diodes in order to enhance the effective luminance. The illumination system includes a light-reflecting cavity and one or more highly reflective light emitting diodes having total surface area AS mounted inside the cavity, either on the interior surfaces of the cavity or within the cavity volume. The cavity has a light output aperture of area AO. The light emitting diodes have reflectivity RS. The exposed inside surfaces of the light-reflecting cavity have reflectivity RC. In order to achieve enhanced brightness, it is required that the area of the light output aperture AO be less than the total area AS of the light emitting diodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Scott Moore Zimmerman, Karl Wayne Beeson
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Patent number: 6814475Abstract: A vehicular lamp that radiates light by indirect illumination and employing a plurality of LED light sources, wherein the entire reflective surface of the reflector has a substantially uniform brightness and the degree of freedom of designing the outer shape of the lamp is increased. First and second LED light source groups are formed by arranging a plurality of LED light sources back-to-back in a row. First and second lens groups are formed by arranging a plurality of Fresnel lenses for forming light from each of the LED light sources into parallel light fluxes with the directions of the parallel light fluxes of each LED light source group being aligned. First and second reflectors are provided for reflecting the parallel light fluxes from each of the lens groups forward of the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuyuki Amano
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Patent number: 6793361Abstract: A reflector for each of linear light sources arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals. The reflector is arranged symmetrically about each linear light source and consisting of three reflective surfaces to reflect light back to three regions of the surface to be illuminated. The first reflective surface is flat horizontal and closest to the light source to reflect light back to a relatively wide range. The second reflective surface is slanted to the horizontal reflective surface to reflect light overlapped with the reflected light by the first reflective surface. The third reflective surface is farthest from the light source and slanted to the horizontal reflective surface so as to reflect light overlapped with the reflected light by the first reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventor: Hirokazu Matsui
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Patent number: 6786626Abstract: A linear light source device is provided having a main body that includes at least a light-guided bar and a light source assembly. The light-guided bar is a polygonal column with one striped surface forming, a reflective plane. The plane the opposite to reflective plane is a light-exiting plane having a convex profile, with the remaining planes being reflective planes. At least one of the ends of the polygonal column is an incident plane for a light beam to enter. The light beam is uniformly transmitted through the convex-shaped light-exiting plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Pixon Technologies Corp.Inventors: Rong Yaw Wu, Ming Jen Pang
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Patent number: 6776513Abstract: The invention proposes a motor-vehicle headlamp (10), of the type including a main optical system (23) which comprises, arranged from back to front overall along a main optical axis (A—A), a main light source (16), a main reflector (14) of the elliptical type, and a converging main lens (18), characterised in that it includes a secondary optical system (36) comprising: a secondary light source (48) which is arranged behind the main lens (18) and off the path of the light rays emitted by the main light source (16); and an optical distribution element (42) which is interposed between the secondary light source (48) and the exit surface (19) of the main lens (18), in such a way as to form, at the exit from the main lens (18), a secondary regulatory beam for indicating.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 6739734Abstract: The present invention is a method of converting fluorescent luminaires, or luminaries, into LED luminaires. The most preferred method retrofits a commercial fluorescent light fixture, especially one that uses T12 lamps or T8 lamps, without requiring removal of the fixture housing. The fluorescent luminaire is stripped of its lamps, wireway cover, ballast(s) and tombstones. A novel LED retro-reflector is mounted within the fixture housing to conceal an LED power supply and to provide an ideal surface for mounting LED (Light Emitting Diode) light strips. Any existing diffuser or louver that was part of the fluorescent luminaire may be replaced after the LED retrofit has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Ultimate Presentation Sytems, Inc.Inventor: Condon “Sparky” Hulgan
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Patent number: 6736524Abstract: The invention proposes a headlight producing a principal lighting beam with cutoff, comprising a principal light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, a shield which comprises a cutoff edge arranged in the vicinity of a second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cutoff in the principal lighting beam, and a convergent lens, a focal plane of which passes close to the second focus of the reflector, a secondary light source being arranged between the shield and the lens; comprising an optical distribution element arranged in front of the shield, so as to distribute the light rays emitted by the secondary source on the input surface of the principal lens, with a view of producing a secondary lighting beam, the secondary source being arranged outside the path of the light rays coming from the principal source and directed towards the input surface of the principal lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Publication number: 20030223235Abstract: A lighting unit including at least one elongated substrate having a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon and an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate. The housing includes integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices. The lighting unit also includes a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices. The light unit has a first wiring harness for connection to a power source, and a second wiring harness connectable to an adjacent lighting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Ferenc Mohacsi, Melissa Mueller Kwaterski, Michael Plichta
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Patent number: 6588944Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.Inventor: Jerry L. Harris
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Patent number: 6578985Abstract: The present invention features a system for uniformly distributing luminance and a high degree of collimation from a back light module for flat-panel, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) simultaneously. A constant and uniform luminance output of the back light module in two directions is obtained through appropriate selection of lamps, geometry and optical components. An appropriate balance of lamps, lamp spacing, diffusers and light collimating optics are chosen to produce a high brightness back light module with very high intensity output over two very large surfaces. Variations in intensity over the illuminated area are minimized using light recycling in conjunction with the reflective diffusers and collimating optics. Precision collimators eliminate light beyond a defined angle, as required in tiled or monolithic flat-panel LCDs with predetermined display specifications.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Rainbow Displays, Inc.Inventors: Donald P. Seraphim, Dean W. Skinner
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Patent number: 6527410Abstract: The illuminating device includes light sources, a housing of the light sources that has its inner surfaces covered with a diffuse reflecting layer, an optical collimator for collimating the light issued from the light sources and the light reflected by the diffuse reflecting layer, and a directivity regulating member for regulating the directivity of the collimated light emerging from the optical collimator. The liquid-crystal display apparatus has a liquid-crystal display panel and the illuminating device. The illuminating device can emit collimated light of very high directivity and may be utilized in the liquid-crystal display apparatus to display images of high quality and contrast over a wide range of viewing angles.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6508579Abstract: A lighting apparatus mountable on a support and used for illuminating well-defined limited areas is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame pivotably mounted to the support thereby to allow the support frame to pivot about a predetermined axis, a light-generating system supported by the support frame, the light-generating system having a light source, a light-gathering/directing element, a guide rod and a reflector, the light-generating system generating one or more beams directed toward corresponding target areas, and preferably a shield for blocking non-reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventors: Alan J. Ruud, Roger Buelow, II, John M. Davenport, Eric J. Haugaard, Juris Sulcs
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Publication number: 20020196620Abstract: A flashlight includes a housing, an electrical power source in the housing, a semiconductor light source, a reflector well in which the semiconductor light source is seated, and a lens over the reflector. The housing has a closed end and an open end. The semiconductor light source is electrically connected to the power source. The semiconductor light source, reflector, and lens are secured to the housing. Light produced by the semiconductor light source is reflected by the reflector and focussed by the lens in a predetermined direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Mathew L. Sommers, James T. Petroski, Greg E. Burkholder
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Publication number: 20020191395Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminating or indicating device, including at least two light sources, each light source being associated with a first optical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Benoist Fleury
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Patent number: 6474852Abstract: A small light-source module has a module body having a small single-point light source with a limited light-emitting angle mounted thereto, and a reflective surface provided on the module body. The light axis of the light source tilted with respect to the reflective surface, so as to create a substantially fan-shape projected light region on the reflective surface. The outer contour of the reflective surface is also substantially fan-shaped, and the reflective surface has a reflective pattern for reflecting light emitted form the small single-point light source as parallel light.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masaya Ohkohdo, Katsuhiro Murahashi, Kouji Tsunoda
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Publication number: 20020114158Abstract: An illuminating apparatus includes a lighting unit, first and second reflectors, and an integrator. The lighting unit includes a plurality of lighting members that are spaced apart from each other and that are operable so as to produce forwardly directed parallel light rays. The first reflector is disposed in front of the lighting unit, and has a central region formed with an opening, and a peripheral region around the central region and formed with a first reflecting surface that confronts the lighting unit and that reflects the forwardly directed parallel light rays from the lighting members to converge rearwardly. The second reflector is disposed behind the first reflector and is registered with the central region of the first reflector. The second reflector is formed with a second reflecting surface that faces the opening such that the light rays reflected from the first reflecting surface are further reflected by the second reflecting surface so as to pass through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: PROKIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
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Patent number: 6425677Abstract: An illuminating apparatus that utilizes a plurality of light sources to generate bright input light for a projection display. The apparatus includes a lighting unit, a first reflector having a central region formed with an opening, a peripheral region around the central region for reflecting light from a plurality of lighting members to converge rearwardly, a second reflector disposed behind the first reflector and facing the opening in the first reflector, such that the light rays pass through the opening in the first reflector, and an integrator disposed in front of the first reflector to receive the light rays which passed through the opening in the first reflector.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Prokia Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
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Patent number: 6424442Abstract: Disclosed are optical transmitter and transceiver modules for data communication. Such a transceiver module comprises an array of light emitting diodes mounted on a mounting base (140) being arranged in a regular and symmetrical manner in a dome-shaped housing (142). This housing (142) comprises diffusor means for source enlargement. In addition to the transmitter part consisting of said diodes, the transceiver module comprises a receiver. The receiver has four photodiodes (143) arranged below the mounting base (140). These photodiodes are tilted and face in different directions to receive light from all around the module. The photodiodes are protected by a thin wire mesh (145) which serves as Faraday cage to reduce electro magnetic interference. A substrate (144) for electronic circuitry in SMD-Technology is situated underneath the photodiodes (143).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Fritz Gfeller, Heinz Richard, Beat Weiss
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Publication number: 20020089839Abstract: A method for designing the light conductor and the structure by utilizing two side light sources comprises a light conductor, a light source arranged on tow sides of the light conductor. The back of the light conductor provides a reflecting board. The back of the light conductor forms a pattern with a special area distribution ratio function to solve the weak luminance problem the LCD often encounters. It saves the electrical energy and permits more ray of light delivered from the light conductor to enhance the luminance and uniformity of the light conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Hui-Liang Chien, Che-Chin Chang
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Patent number: 6357904Abstract: A linear illumination device includes a thin and long rectangular parallelepiped optical waveguide member for linearly diffusing light and has a basic construction, which uses a red color light emitting LED as a red color light source provided on a light incident surface of the optical waveguide member and an organic EL element capable of emitting blue color light as a blue color light source. An LED or an organic EL element is used as a green color light source. The organic EL element or elements are arranged such that they reflect back the light emitted from the LED and introduced into the optical waveguide member. An area of a rear electrode of the organic EL element is determined such that the rear electrode covers an upper surface and side surfaces of the optical waveguide member.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Shingo Kawashima
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Publication number: 20020030992Abstract: A taillight (stop and signal) for marine and utility trailers, as well as general use. The assembly consists of a light emitting diode (LED) array, circuitry and reflecting/diffracting surface which may have holographic characteristics all encapsulated in a clear resin. The reflecting/diffracting surface is positioned in the back of the assembly; its shape consists of a multitude of sharp edges or corrugations, forming a reflecting body. The LEDs within the array are directing their light beams on the knuckle edges of the reflecting body. Each light beam shows reflection on more than one surface. The reflected light beams generated induce a glow to the encapsulating medium. The duplication of the light beam results in an intensified array displaying a uniform light generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Maxime Lefebvre, Kenneth Moreau
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Patent number: 6341879Abstract: The present invention features a system for uniformly distributing luminance and a high degree of collimation from a back light module for a flat-panel, liquid crystal display (LCD). A constant and uniform luminance output of the back light module is obtained through appropriate selection of lamps, geometry and optical components. An appropriate balance of lamps, lamp spacing, reflective light back plane, and diffuser and collimating optics are chosen to produce a high brightness back light module with very high intensity output over very large surfaces. Variations in intensity over the illuminated area are minimized using light recycling in conjunction with the collimating optics. Optimum geometries are determined for the purpose of maximizing light output at high efficiencies, while minimizing luminance gradients across the display. Finally, a precise collimator eliminates light beyond a defined angle, as required in a tiled, flat-panel LCD.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Rainbow Displays, Inc.Inventors: Dean W. Skinner, Lawrence T. Guzowski
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Patent number: 6341876Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a spatial light modulator. An integrator rod is positioned in the light path between an arc lamp and the spatial light modulator. At the input surface of the integrated rod, there is positioned a field lens for defocusing areas of turbulence within the arc lamp. In the output surface of the integrated rod there is positioned a plate effective to prevent dust from being attracted to the output surface of the integrator rod. The integrator rod is effective to combine light from two separate light sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Digital Projection LimitedInventors: Graham Harry Moss, Steven James Chapman
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Publication number: 20010053077Abstract: Electric torches especially for use as bicycle lamps comprising a housing and two light sources (2, 4). A first of the light sources comprises a filament bulb (2) and a second of the light sources comprises an LED (4). Preferably the LED is a white light LED. The light sources may be arranged inline with one another or side by side one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: Seven of Nine LimitedInventors: Nicholas Anwly-Davies, Ross Bejamin Haffenden
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Patent number: 6318886Abstract: A high intensity light source employs a plurality of light emitting diodes associated with a unitary reflector subassembly. The reflector subassembly defines an array of frustoconical reflectors arranged in rows and columns with the adjacent reflectors of each row being connected by a diverging slot with reflective wall surfaces. The light emitting diodes are mounted on a printed circuit board which forms a component of heat sink subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Whelen Engineering CompanyInventors: James L. Stopa, David J. Sousa
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Patent number: 6271629Abstract: Film set lighting requirements can be met with a relatively small number of lamp head modules which are assembled to any of several different reflectors to make up combinations of lighting fixtures as the need arises. The lamp head module has integral ultraviolet protection provided by a close fitting transparent lamp cover so that HMI lamps may be safely used without other UV protection on the interchangeable reflectors. An HMI lamp igniter is provided in the housing for powering different lamp wattages. The lamp head module is wired to power either incandescent or HMI lamps depending on the power cord connector used. The lamp head module is sealed for use in wet environments including underwater use.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventors: Vincent Mario Pace, Patrick Hugh Campbell
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Patent number: 6164782Abstract: A self-contained lighted marking device that is a directionally dependent line light source has a substantially transparent housing. The housing has a narrow cross-section, preferably rectangular in shape. A thin, flexible film having a smooth surface on one side and a plurality of linear substantially right angled isosceles prisms on the other side is located along the periphery of the interior of the housing. A light source, preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes, are located at at least one end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Property CompanyInventor: Stephen J. Pojar
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Patent number: 6081191Abstract: A light bar for mounting on an emergency vehicle to provide warning light signals. An elongate body portion has an elongate axis, the elongate body portion adapted to be mounted on the emergency vehicle so that the elongate axis traverses an axis coaxial with the direction of the travel of the emergency vehicle. At least three vertically spaced lighting layers are provided, each layer having at least one emergency light source, the emergency light sources on each layer cooperating to provide a transient high intensity warning light signal 360.degree. around the light bar. At least four linear rows of emergency light sources as viewed from the top of the light bar are also provided, the rows being substantially parallel to the elongate axis, each row having at least two emergency light sources, at least one row located in each of the layers and at least one layer having at least two rows, the emergency light sources in each row cooperate to provide a transient high intensity warning signal 360.degree.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Code 3, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Green, John H. Loudenslager, Andrew G. Smith, Edward F. Ryan