Electric Or Pneumatic Patents (Class 362/272)
  • Patent number: 11231141
    Abstract: A driving apparatus according to an embodiment includes an arm, an operation target, and a brake unit. The arm has one end supported by a support mechanism, and includes an electric driving source. The operation target is attached to the other end of the arm, the other end being an end on the opposite side of the one end, and is enabled to be pivoted by the driving source about one rotational axis intersecting with a direction from the one end to the other end. The brake unit secures immobility of a target gear that is a gear disposed in the arm, and that is a gear being rotated as the operation target is pivoted, when the power supply to the driving source stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI Inc.
    Inventor: Shinichi Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 11181252
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures, support structures, interconnecting cabling, and other subjects. An improved method allows precise control of the beams of high power, long throw followspots by means of a steering mirror motorized in two axes. The beam is first directed upwards from the followspot by a first mirror to the steering mirror above. The range of elevations through which the beam can be steered is increased by displacing the steering mirror relative to the first mirror such that the portion of the beam between them is not vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 10464469
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a lamp housing that houses a headlamp adjuster assembly moveable between an adjustment position and an inaccessible stowed position within the lamp housing, and a holder to hold the headlamp adjuster assembly in the adjustment position. The holder is selectively removable such that the headlamp adjuster assembly retracts to the inaccessible stowed position. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, biasing a headlamp adjuster toward the inaccessible stowed position, installing the holder to hold the headlamp adjuster external to the lamp housing against the biasing force, adjusting a position of a headlamp with the headlamp adjuster, and removing the holder such that the headlamp adjuster retracts to the inaccessible stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Ekladyous, Diane Marie LaHaie, Lisa Hohmann, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Matthew W. Roosen, John Matthew Teodecki
  • Patent number: 10340782
    Abstract: A light fixture including a stepper motor comprising a stepper motor stator and a stepper motor rotor. The stepper motor rotor includes a stepper motor axle and is rotatable around a stepper motor axis. The stepper motor is connected to a movable object and is configured to move the movable object in relation to a reference point. A damping mass is attached to the stepper motor axle. The damping mass has a rotational inertia in relation to the stepper motor axis which is at least as large as the rotational inertia of the stepper motor rotor in relation to the stepper motor axis. A method of damping the sound generated by a light fixture comprising a step of attaching a damping mass to a stepper motor axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Harman Professional Denmark APS
    Inventor: Carsten Dalsgaard
  • Patent number: 10337232
    Abstract: A method and device for opening a door in a hygienic manner, is done by positioning a foot or hand in a specific defined area so that a light beam that is directed towards the area is interrupted within a set range of distances such that an automatic opening mechanism for the door is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: STOPLIGHT AS
    Inventors: Paul Nicholay Fagersand, Audun Olav Brandal
  • Patent number: 10323734
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electric actuator to render optical elements movable. The electrical actuator generally has a motor, a mechanical transmission assembly having an endless screw, a support element of the endless screw, a drive mechanism, and a return mechanism. The motor is configured to drive the mechanical transmission assembly and the mechanical transmission assembly is configured to drive the drive mechanism, wherein the return mechanism exerts an axial pressure against the endless screw in such a way as to press the endless screw against the support element. The disclosure also relates to an assembly having a movable optical element and an electric actuator of the movable optical element as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: AML SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Claudio Chiattelli, Cyril Rivier, Hassan Koulouh
  • Patent number: 10260728
    Abstract: A light module for a motor vehicle comprises at least one light source capable of emitting light rays, a support bearing the source, an electrical power supply cable of the source, an optical deflection element arranged so as to deflect the light rays emitted by this source to form a projected light beam at the output of the light module, and a guiding device for guiding the optical deflection element in rotation about an axis of rotation, in order to transversely shift the projected light beam. According to the invention, the support comprises a first part, bearing the light source, and the second part, between which there is inserted at least a part of the guiding device, and the cable passes through the rotation guiding device to be connected to said light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventor: Benoit Cholley
  • Patent number: 10247396
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for use with high mast luminaires. For example, there is provided a lighting system that can include a mounting portion and an optical assembly attached to the mounting portion via a rotatable platform. The light system can further include a stop disposed inside the mounting portion, and the stop can be configured to permit a rotation of the optical assembly and to limit the rotation to an angle greater than 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David Mark Johnson, Kenneth Alden Lane
  • Patent number: 10214136
    Abstract: Embodiments describing an approach to receiving visual feedback. Generating a recommended visual pattern based on the visual feedback. Tracking a driver's real-time visual pattern. Extracting the driver's real-time visual patterns from the eye-tracking data. Determining the differences between the recommended visual pattern and the driver's real-time visual pattern. Generating enhanced headlamp control configurations based on the determined differences between the recommended visual pattern and the driver's real-time visual pattern; and adjusting the headlamp calibration controls based on the enhanced headlamp control configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Tao Ba, Bo Zhang, Lin Tang, Changrui Ren
  • Patent number: 10168035
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a generally planar light output window (10), comprising an outer housing (12), an inner housing (14) which is rotatably received within the outer housing (12) about a first axis perpendicular to the light output window (10), a plurality of light source carriers (40) mounted to the inner housing (14), wherein each light source carrier (40) is mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to the light output window (10), light sources (72) carried by the light source carriers (40) for directing a light output to the light output window (10) and a rotary adjustment arrangement comprising a first adjustment element (22) for controlling rotation of the inner housing (14) with respect to the outer housing (12) and a second adjustment element (26) for controlling rotation of the light source carriers (40) with respect to the inner housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Frederic George Bardot
  • Patent number: 9971123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a top-contacted reflective sheet device, which is consisted of a base, a reflective sheet and a shaft group, and an angle adjustment module is further included. By the composition of above elements, a level and a flip angle of the reflective sheet is provided to be adjusted easily, and a top end of the reflective sheet could be fixed on a windshield of a vehicle to thereby remove shakes, so that a user may easily adjust the direction of the reflective sheet to obtain an optimal viewing angle, to thereby improve driving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: E-LEAD ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 9573514
    Abstract: A motor causes a shaft of an actuator to be displaced in an axis direction thereof, at least part of a circuit for driving the motor being mounted on a circuit board. A notch is formed in an end edge of the circuit board. A protrusion is formed inside a case. The protrusion is fitted into the notch, whereby the circuit board is independently supported inside the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Iwai, Hiroshi Otaka, Takayuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9388954
    Abstract: A dynamic flame simulating device mainly comprises an upper base, a flame element suspended from the upper base, a light source providing light rays, and a driving assembly below the flame element. The driving assembly further comprises an electromagnetic coil and a second magnetic element, wherein the electromagnetic coil is powered on to drive the second magnetic element to bounce toward a first magnetic element on the bottom end of the flame element to generate repellent magnetic acting forces to make the flame element swing naturally and achieve the dynamic visual effect of the natural beating of the burning flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8928467
    Abstract: An apparatus allowing the recording and storage of data with a programmable timer alarm/alert. This data that can be either retrieved manually or automatically via audio playback or computer link. For certain embodiments, the audio device is configured for mounting on a consumable item. In a further embodiment the audio device may include and collect information regarding the consumer item on which it is mounted. In yet another embodiment the audio device contains a timing device and an alarm function coupled to an actuator that can be set at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TJT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tony J. Jacobs, Anthony F. Tesselaar, Anthony I. Tesselaar
  • Patent number: 8905584
    Abstract: A lighting fixture comprising a stationary housing and a mobile housing carried by the stationary housing is provided. The lighting fixture also includes a lens carried by the mobile housing, a first rotation mechanism operatively connected to the connection rod, and a second rotation mechanism carried by the encasing member. The connection rod may protrude at least partially through the backing of the mobile housing. The first rotation mechanism may be configured to rotate the mobile housing about a first rotational axis, and the second rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the mobile housing about a second rotational axis. The mobile housing is configured to rotate about the first rotational axis such that portions of the lens are selectively positionable below a plane defined by a lower surface of the encasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, Robert R. Soler, David E. Bartine, Mark Andrew Oostdyk, Addy S. Widjaja, Matthew Regan, Valerie A. Bastien, Ran Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140254162
    Abstract: A lighting device includes an outer body having a base, a medial portion, and an upper portion. The lighting device may also include a light source carrying assembly to carry a light source and a lens. The light source carrying assembly may include an assembly base, an assembly top that pivotally engages a portion of the assembly base, and a heat sink. The light source carrying assembly may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and to pivot about a second rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Holland, Mark Penley Boomgaarden, Ricardo Romeu
  • Publication number: 20140254163
    Abstract: A lighting device includes an outer body having a base, a medial portion, and an upper portion. The lighting device may also include an electronic device carrying assembly to carry an assembly base, an assembly top, a heat sink that matingly engages a portion of the assembly top, and a driver circuit. The assembly top may comprise a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The bottom portion of the assembly top may include an assembly base connector member that may pivotally engage a portion of the assembly base. The electronic device carrying assembly may be configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and second rotational axis. The first and second rotational axes may be perpendicular to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Penley Boomgaarden, Eric Holland, Ricardo Romeu
  • Patent number: 8764252
    Abstract: A moving light which has an electronic brake that automatically engages when power is released, to prevent movement of a moving head of a light whenever the power is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 8641228
    Abstract: A track-mounted decorative lighting system comprises a track system, a light string, and a motorized lighting cartridge. The track system comprises a flexible track with an inverted “T”-shape profile mounted by a user in a desired configuration upon a structure. The motorized lighting cartridge comprises a gear-type drive system which deploys or retracts the light string through the track. A user may use a hand-held remote controller to activate the internal motor to drive the lights out into position along the track system upon the structure. The lighting system provides a means to add additional light strings and light cartridges to obtain a greater length of deployed lighting. The motor withdraws the deployed lights back into the cartridge for storage. The lighting system further provides a hook embodiment onto which a user may secure existing string-type lighting while still utilizing the deployment and retraction functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dale R. Drake, Raymond Drake, III
  • Publication number: 20140029262
    Abstract: A lighting fixture comprising a stationary housing and a mobile housing carried by the stationary housing is provided. The lighting fixture also includes a lens carried by the mobile housing, a first rotation mechanism operatively connected to the connection rod, and a second rotation mechanism carried by the encasing member. The connection rod may protrude at least partially through the backing of the mobile housing. The first rotation mechanism may be configured to rotate the mobile housing about a first rotational axis, and the second rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the mobile housing about a second rotational axis. The mobile housing is configured to rotate about the first rotational axis such that portions of the lens are selectively positionable below a plane defined by a lower surface of the encasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, Robert R. Soler, David E. Bartine, Mark Andrew Oostdyk, Addy S. Widjaja, Matthew Regan, Valerie A. Bastien, Ran Zhou
  • Patent number: 8602610
    Abstract: An artificial candle has a delicate glowing shroud or sock that can flutter like a candle flame, and the shroud may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the shroud to glow. Such a diaphanous shroud can be actuated by a fan, air pump, solenoid or conductor, which can be provided adjacent to the shroud or distanced from the shroud, for example in a central body of a chandelier. The wick may be lighted by a light emitting diode (LED), and the shroud can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the wick. The wick and the shroud can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace a light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark A. Lauer
  • Patent number: 8534871
    Abstract: A light projector (10) for projecting a beam of light (19), which comprises: a housing (16) containing a light source (40) and a projector lens (18), and a drive motor (42), and defining an aperture; and a main shaft (20) extending through the aperture. A flexible and resilient elastomeric coupling (30) links the main shaft (20) to the housing (16) at the aperture. The drive motor (42) is coupled by a drive mechanism (50) to the main shaft (20), so that activation of the drive motor (42) moves the orientation of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (20). Consequently a light beam (19) from the projector (10) sweeps out a conical surface in space around that longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Quincom Limited
    Inventors: Kate Evans, Jan Paoli
  • Patent number: 8517577
    Abstract: A moving light which has an electronic brake that automatically engages when power is released, to prevent movement of a moving head of a light whenever the power is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 8414143
    Abstract: A device for creating and enhancing a mood is disclosed. The device includes a cylindrical gobo with a light source and a motor to rotate the gobo. The device may also include color-changing LEDs. Through variations in color, light source intensity and gobo design, a user may create or enhance a desired mood in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Judy Gergen
  • Patent number: 8284263
    Abstract: An optical unit and image pickup apparatus capable of performing “auto focus function” and “image shake correction function” and characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs is provided. The optical unit and image pickup apparatus are provided with a polymer actuator to move an optical device, whereby performing auto focus function and image shake correction function can be performed. The polymer actuator is provided with electric wirings for image pickup device, thereby reducing the number of circuit board used for electric wiring of the image pickup device, with the result that an optical unit and image pickup apparatus characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Masamichi Oohara, Yoshihiro Tanaka, Shigeru Wada, Yoshihiro Hara
  • Patent number: 8256924
    Abstract: An LED-based light includes a support structure. At least one oscillator is connected to the support structure. At least one LED is coupled to each oscillator. The oscillator can oscillate the LED to produce a light blurring effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ilumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Simon, John Ivey
  • Patent number: 8235558
    Abstract: An artificial candle has a delicate glowing shroud or sock that can flutter like a candle flame, and the shroud may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the shroud to glow. Such a diaphanous shroud can be actuated by a fan, air pump, solenoid or conductor, which can be provided adjacent to the shroud or distanced from the shroud, for example in a central body of a chandelier. The wick may be lighted by a light emitting diode (LED), and the shroud can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the wick. The wick and the shroud can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace a light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Lauer
  • Patent number: 8182122
    Abstract: A rotatable lamp with dual function of wired remote control and radio remote control comprising a lamp seat, a connecting mechanism, a first driving device, a second driving device, a base seat and a remote control PC board, wherein the lamp seat and the upper part of the connecting mechanism form a pivotal connection in vertical direction, and the lamp seat is driven by the first driving device installed on the connecting mechanism to generate angular motion in vertical direction; the lower part of the connecting mechanism and the base seat form a pivotal connection in horizontal direction, and the second driving device installed inside the base seat drives the connecting mechanism and the lamp seat to move angularly in horizontal direction; the remote control PC board is installed inside the base seat, and comprises a micro control unit (MCU), a radio receiving circuit and a wired control circuit, and the micro control unit is for controlling the ON and OFF of the bulb of the rotatable lamp and adjusting th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Shih-Yung Chiu
  • Patent number: 8113690
    Abstract: An exemplary flash lamp module includes a light source, a holding pole, a lampshade, a slide orbit and a driving portion. The light source is mounted on the holding pole. The lampshade is configured for covering the light source. The lampshade has an opening configured for allowing light beams emitted from the light source passing through the opening. The slide orbit is configured for supporting and allowing the lampshade moving therealong. The driving portion is configured for driving the lampshade to move along the slide orbit so as to change the direction of emitting of light beams through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8111209
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. A first paddle has a first plurality of pixel elements wherein the first paddle is arranged to sweep out a first area during a first paddle cycle. A second paddle has a second plurality of pixel elements wherein the second paddle is arranged to sweep out a second area during a second paddle cycle and wherein the first and second areas include first and second nonoverlapping portions. A first pixel element on the first paddle is configured to be activated when the first pixel element coincides with a first image pixel. A second pixel element on the second paddle is configured to be activated when the second pixel element coincides with a second image pixel. An image corresponding to the first and second image pixels is represented on the composite display by activating the first and second pixel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Patent number: 8096684
    Abstract: The device for influencing a light beam includes a primitive element and a housing which is arranged at a rotatable arm and which is rotatable with respect to the primitive element by means of one of the several drive units, and into which a light source for generating a light beam may be introduced, wherein at least one control electronics for operating the device is arranged in the rotatable arm or in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: GLP German Light Products GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Salm, Udo Kuenzler
  • Publication number: 20110310613
    Abstract: A light projector (10) for projecting a beam of light (19), which comprises: a housing (16) containing a light source (40) and a projector lens (18), and a drive motor (42), and defining an aperture; and a main shaft (20) extending through the aperture. A flexible and resilient elastomeric coupling (30) links the main shaft (20) to the housing (16) at the aperture. The drive motor (42) is coupled by a drive mechanism (50) to the main shaft (20), so that activation of the drive motor (42) moves the orientation of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (20). Consequently a light beam (19) from the projector (10) sweeps out a conical surface in space around that longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: QUINCOM LIMITED
    Inventors: Kate Evans, Jan Paoli
  • Patent number: 8057069
    Abstract: A graphical-user-interface manipulable lighting system is disclosed in which a light source having a position of focus is moved by an articulator adapted to receive and send signals through a control box indicating the current and intended positions of the focus of the light source, and further a computer interface operating wirelessly which graphically displays the current position of the light source and is adapted to allow a user to drag an icon indicating the current position of the light source onto a new intended position thereby resulting in the movement of the light source to the new position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Optimus Services AG
    Inventors: John R. Mangiardi, John W. Gebbie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7993030
    Abstract: A lighting system comprises a housing suitable for mounting to a structural unit. The housing includes a plurality of enclosure panels. At least two light-bearing members are moveable relative to the housing and are pivotally coupled one to another. A pair of actuators are moveable in opposing directions, one of the light-bearing members being coupled to one of the actuators and an other of the light-bearing members being coupled to an other of the actuators. Movement of the actuators relative to one another results in pivotal movement of the light-bearing members relative to one another, causing an end of each light-bearing member to move further from or closer to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative D-Lites LLC
    Inventors: Detlef Andreas Galke, Melvin Hess Pedersen, Glenda Pedersen, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7993027
    Abstract: A theatre lighting apparatus comprising a base, a communications port, a processor, a memory, and a lamp housing is disclosed. The lamp housing may include a lamp, a reflector, an output lens, a motor, and a homogenizing lens. The homogenizing lens may be comprised of a plurality of radially arranged lenticular lenses. The processor may be programmed to enable a motor to vary a position of the homogenizing lens in relation to a position of the output lens. The homogenizing lens may be comprised of a first half and a second half, each of which may have a plurality of radially arranged lenticular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Barco Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Michael Bell, Joe Shelton Williamson, III
  • Patent number: 7963058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of its use to temporarily or permanently display decorations, signs or lighting. The device is especially suited for displaying from a structure, such as under the eave of a house. The inventive device is capable of conveniently rotating an attached display or lighting arrangement in and out of view, at will. It is particularly useful for the permanent display of holiday decorations, including string-lights and to display them during the holidays but remove them from sight during the remainder of the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Holiday Today, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Manning Kinzel, Donald John Kinzel
  • Patent number: 7909475
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a lamp set is provided. The apparatus includes: a motor; a shaft which is rotatable by the motor and includes screw threads formed thereon; a sliding unit which includes a hole having screw threads formed therein that are engaged with the screw threads of the shaft and an insertion ball, the sliding unit being movable along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft; and a holder unit which includes a groove, the insertion ball being inserted into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: SL Seobong, SL Lighting
    Inventors: Sang-Woo Jeon, Young-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 7887205
    Abstract: An emergency lighting system comprises a wall unit housing that may readily be located and secured between wall studs in a conventional structure. The housing includes a rotatable door to which an emergency lamp is secured, said door being in a closed position when main electrical power is on such that the lamp is hidden within the housing. The rotatable door is coupled to a motor that is supplied battery power when main electrical power loss is detected, thereby rotating the door to an open position and exposing the emergency lamps. The emergency lamps are also illuminated by battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: David Knoble, Khosrow Jamasbi
  • Patent number: 7866848
    Abstract: An illumination system comprises an illumination assembly, a human body's signal detecting unit, a processing unit and an illumination direction adjustment unit. The illumination assembly projects an illumination light beam along an illumination direction; the human body's signal detecting unit detects at least one human body's signal released from at least one user to accordingly generate an intensity signal; the processing unit receives the intensity signal and transmits an illumination direction adjustment signal according to the intensity signal; and the illumination direction adjustment unit receives the illumination direction adjustment signal to automatically adjust the illumination direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Edison Opto Corporation
    Inventors: Pin-Chun Chen, Hsi-Ku Tu, Shang-Wu Chen
  • Patent number: 7850346
    Abstract: An artificial candle has a delicate glowing shroud or sock that can flutter like a candle flame, and the sock may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the sock to glow. Such a diaphanous sock can be actuated by a fan, air pump, solenoid or conductor, which can be provided adjacent to the sock or removed from the sock, for example in a central body of a chandelier. Light can emanate from the wick from a light emitting diode (LED), and the sock can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the wick. The wick and the sock can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace a light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark A. Lauer
  • Patent number: 7845830
    Abstract: An adjustable lighting device includes a light source, a reflector for reflecting light from the light source, a coil of nonlinear thread coiling around the reflector, and a driving member engaging with the coil of nonlinear thread. The driving member is adapted to drive the coil of nonlinear thread to rotate thereby adjusting the position of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Beam Matrix Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Pak Ming Chan
  • Patent number: 7789543
    Abstract: A light fixture having a head, a yoke and a base, the yoke having handles for carrying the light fixture. Placing the handle at the upper part of the yoke is very efficient if the light fixture is to be carried. Access to these handles is possible directly in a flight case because there is sufficient space for getting access to the handles above the yoke. In terms of small light fixtures, an individual can easily carry the light fixture by these handles and safely lift the light fixture from a flight case. In the case of very large light fixtures, two individuals can lift the fixture from both sides of a flight case and can carry the light fixture by the handles. By placing the handles as high as possible in relation to the light fixture, the light fixture can be carried in a very stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventor: Peter Manscher
  • Patent number: 7690825
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp unit, a bracket which supports the lamp unit such that the lamp unit is swivelable in right and left directions, a lamp body which supports the bracket such that the bracket is tiltable in the right and left directions and in up and down directions with respect to the lamp body, an actuator which is supported by the bracket and swivels the lamp unit, a rotating shaft member which is supported by the bracket, and a joint member which is coupled to the actuator. The lamp unit includes a light source, a reflector, a shade, a projection lens, a rotating shaft attaching portion to which the rotating shaft member is attached, and a joint attaching portion to which the joint member is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Kuwahara, Shouichirou Yokoi, Tsutomu Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 7591566
    Abstract: A lighting system comprises a housing, suitable for mounting to a structural unit, the housing including a plurality of enclosure panels. At least one light-bearing member is moveable relative to each of the enclosure panels. An actuator is in operable communication with the at least one light-bearing member, the actuator being operable to selectively: extend the light-bearing member from the housing into a display configuration; and retract the light-bearing member into the housing. At least one lighting element is carried by the light-bearing member, the at least one lighting element being visible by a spectator when the light-bearing member is at least partially extended from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative D-Lites LLC
    Inventors: Detlef Andreas Galke, Melvin Hess Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20090154165
    Abstract: The device for influencing a light beam includes a primitive element and a housing which is arranged at a rotatable arm and which is rotatable with respect to the primitive element by means of one of the several drive units, and into which a light source for generating a light beam may be introduced, wherein at least one control electronics for operating the device is arranged in the rotatable arm or in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Salm, Udo Kuenzler
  • Patent number: 7537360
    Abstract: A color changer, particularly for spotlights, comprising at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to be arranged in front of a light source, a motor for moving the at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to place the dichroic filter at least partially in front of the light source, the color changer further comprising an actuator which is adapted to tilt the dichroic filter with respect to the axis of emission of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Allegri
  • Publication number: 20070268701
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of motorizing pan and tilt axes of existing track lighting fixture designs for minimal cost and with minimal impact on existing aesthetic design is presented. The inherently-built-in clutch of this design allows manual adjustment of lamp orientation as well as motorized adjustment, and obviates the need for expensive current limit circuitry and/or limit switches in the design. A beveled-gear embodiment provides for easy fine-tuning of the axial position of the beveled gearmotor output gears, which facilitates precise gear meshing even with large mechanical tolerance stack-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas E. Devlin
  • Patent number: 7291951
    Abstract: An actuator has a housing that accommodates a motor, an output shaft for rotating a lamp unit that radiates light, a drive mechanism portion formed from a transmission gear system for transmitting rotation from the motor to the output shaft, and a control circuit portion for controlling the drive of the motor, the drive mechanism portion and the control circuit portion being disposed in a separated state due to an intermediate wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Kazuma Mochizuki, Naoki Takii
  • Patent number: 7241030
    Abstract: Illumination apparatus includes a support structure, at least one light emitting element, and a heat sink thermally coupled to the light emitting element. The light emitting element and heat sink are moveable in relation to the support structure. An actuator system moves the at least one light emitting element and the heat sink with respect to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thye Linn Mok, Sundar Natarajan Yogananadan, Kian Shin Lee, Kheng Leng Tan, Siew It Pang, Yew Cheong Kuan, Norfidathul Aizar Abdul Karim, Su Lin Oon, Fakhrul Arifin Mohd Afif, Wen Ya Ou
  • Patent number: RE39653
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a marking forming apparatus, a method of forming a laser marking on an optical disk, a reproduction apparatus, an optical disk, and a method of manufacturing an optical disk, capable of providing a greatly improved copy prevention capability as compared to prior known construction. To achieve this object, in the optical disk of the invention, for example, a marking is formed by a laser on a reflective film of a disk holding data written thereon and at least position information of the marking or information concerning the position information is written on the disk in an encrypted form or with a digital signature appended thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Yoshiho Gotoh