With Actuator Patents (Class 362/284)
  • Patent number: 7429918
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system for illuminating ahead of a vehicle is provided with a plurality of light sources each adapted to illuminate a different illumination area to thereby form a predetermined light distribution pattern as a whole and a control unit for determining a traffic scene in which the vehicle is running and independently changing at least either an orientations or the light quantities of the plurality of light sources so as to form a target light distribution pattern which has been set in advance for the traffic scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080219005
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light emitting device, which includes a light emitting element configured to emit a light, and a concave mirror portion configured to reflect the light emitted from the light emitting element, the concave mirror portion being erected on a circumference of an emission surface of the light emitting element. The concave mirror portion has a light reflecting surface obtained by rotating a part of a parabola. A central axis of the rotation is set in a position of passing through a side of the parabola with respect to a middle point of a line segment joining the part of the parabola and a focal point of the parabola.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiro Fukuda, Jiro Yamada, Nobutoshi Asai
  • Patent number: 7377651
    Abstract: A lighting system comprised of a central controller, a digital communications path, and a plurality of image projection lighting devices (IPLDs) is provided. The IPLDs contain cameras that can capture both visible light and infrared light. Address signals sent from the central controller first address a particular IPLD and then command signals sent from the central controller control an infrared blocking filter to be positioned in and out of a camera optical path of the particular addressed IPLD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7370996
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a projector lens; a light source bulb; a reflector for reflecting direct light from the light source bulb to the front side; a movable shade; and an actuator for moving the movable shade between a shading position and a shading relieving position. The movable shade is pivotally arranged so that it can be rotated round a rotary axis extending in a vehicle width direction, in a neighborhood of a lens center axis. A rod member has one end portion connected to the movable shade and the other end portion connected to the actuator. The actuator gives a drive force to the rod member in a longitudinal direction of the rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohiko Ohshio
  • Patent number: 7360928
    Abstract: A tilting device is disclosed which tilts the light reflected from a Digital Micro-mirror device by a certain angle and projects it to a screen. The tilting device, comprising a first reflector surface, a second reflector surface inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to the first reflector surface, a holder attached to the bottom of the first reflector surface and the second reflector surface, and a driving part that provides rotational force to the holder, wherein the first reflector surface and the second reflector surface are rotated by the driving part to sequentially reflect light emitted from a Digital Micro-mirror device, not only provides a smooth and natural display with invisible grids but also allows more stable and more accurate tilting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang-Ho Moon, Dong-Won Choi, Jae-Kyung Kim, Chil-Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 7331681
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Litepanels LLC
    Inventors: Rudy G. Pohlert, Pat Grosswendt, Kevin C. Baxter, Ken S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7329028
    Abstract: A uniform light generating system for adjusting output brightness, including a light-generating unit, a light-transmitting unit, a hollow spheroid unit, a light-sensing unit, and a control unit. The light-generating unit has a light-emitting element for generating light beams and a brightness control element for adjusting the luminous flux of the light beam. The hollow spheroid unit is communicated with the other side of the light-transmitting unit for guiding the light beams into an external casing of the hollow spheroid unit. The light-sensing unit detects electric power values in the external casing. The control unit is electrically connected to the light-generating unit and the light-sensing unit. Thereby a user can obtain a real illumination value via adjusting the illumination values of the light beams that are projected from the hollow spheroid unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Youngtek Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bily Wang, Chih-Ming Wang, Kuei-Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 7322724
    Abstract: A headlamp for motor vehicles of the reflector or projector design having at least one low beam light chamber, with a discharge light source, and at least one high beam light chamber, with a halogen light source. The direction of the rays produced in the high beam light operational mode are adjusted by means of simultaneous vertical swiveling of both light chambers and independent horizontal adjustment of the low beam light chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Kletensky, Milan Cejnek, Libor Stambersky
  • Publication number: 20070147061
    Abstract: A light beam adjusting device includes a housing having a reflector, a light device disposed within the reflector for generating light which may be reflected partially upwardly and partially downwardly by the reflector. The light reflected downwardly by the reflector is allowed to emit out through the housing. A shielding panel is disposed in the housing, and an actuating device may rotate the shielding panel to open and block the lower portion of the housing, and to selectively open and block the light reflected upwardly by the reflector. The light reflected upwardly by the reflector may form a high beam together with the downwardly reflected light when the lower portion of the housing is not blocked by the shielding panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Jihn Shiun Lee, Chih Ming Tsai, Jen Mao Wang
  • Patent number: 7217018
    Abstract: An improved structure of the automobile lamp includes a base, a fixing pipe having two longitudinal grooves, and a lamp seat fixedly connected on the base inside the fixing pipe for combining with an automobile lamp body. An outer pipe is provided with a driving gear at its bottom end for engaging with a DC reduction motor and two staggered threads at its inner call. A colored inner pipe is provided between the fixing pipe and the lamp seat. Two guiding rods extend from the inner pipe and penetrate through the two longitudinal grooves of the fixing pipe to be received in the staggered threads of the outer pipe. When the output shaft of the DC reduction motor rotates, it drives the outer pipe to rotate and move the inner pipe forwardly to cover the automobile lamp body to change its light into another color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: To-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7213954
    Abstract: A variable adaptive projector system for motor vehicles comprises a positioning mechanism for variation the positions of the basic shield (3) and the wet road shield (4) of the projector lighting unit between the defined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libor Strambersky, Milan Cejnek
  • Patent number: 7207698
    Abstract: A variety of lighting apparatuses are described that utilize reflection as a basis for lighting a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 7147350
    Abstract: A novel light modification device is described that includes an optical wheel having at least two light modification sections, the optical wheel being turned by an electric powered actuator and the electric power used to operate the actuator being provided by a light power to electric power converter. All of the optical wheel, actuator and light power to electric power converter being mounted on a housing. The housing being supported by a mounting mechanism so that light from a light source is aligned to illuminate the optical wheel and the light power to electric power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: David P. Schofield
  • Patent number: 7134771
    Abstract: An automobile lamp assembly including a movable glare shield which is moved into the portion of the beam of light produced by a lamp assembly that is associated with the foreground area, thereby reducing the illumination level in the foreground area. The shield may be rotatably moved out of the blocking position to allow for a full illumination pattern when glare is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Bo J. Stout, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 7128443
    Abstract: A light-collimating system for collimating light from a light source has a plurality of elements (2, 2?, . . . ), each element including at least a first wall (3, 3?, . . . ) and at least a second wall (4, 4?, . . . ). The first (3) and second wall (4?) of adjacent elements are spaced with respect to each other at a side of the light-collimating system facing the light source, the spacing defining an aperture window (5, 5?, . . . ) for admitting light into the light-collimating system. The first and second wall of said adjacent elements form a wedge-shaped structure widening in a direction facing away from the light source. The first and the second wall are provided with a specular reflecting surface at a side facing the wedge-shaped structure. According to the invention, the wedge angle (w of the first and second wall with respect to the normal on the aperture window are adjustable for enabling adjustable collimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Marra, Harald Glaeser
  • Patent number: 7118258
    Abstract: A projection-type vehicular headlamp structure that is capable of forming at least two types of light distribution in at least two modes, and is also capable of controlling the radiated light thereof with high precision in addition to keeping to a minimum any noticeable difference when switching between modes. A portion of a reflector is structured as a mobile reflection portion which may separate from a remaining reflective portion. An additional reflector is disposed generally behind the mobile reflective portion. The additional reflector is incident to light from a light source when the mobile reflective portion is separated from the remaining reflective portion. Light incident from the mobile reflective portion, the remaining reflective portion, and the additional reflector is reflected forward to a projection lens of the vehicular headlamp, providing illumination in the area preceding a vehicle's traveling path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamura, Kenichi Takada, Masao Kinoshita, Masahito Naganawa, Motohiro Komatsu, Mitsuyuki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7118240
    Abstract: An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Christopher Houghton
  • Patent number: 7097329
    Abstract: An underwater lighting fixture adapted for installation in a wall of a swimming pool. The lighting fixture includes a housing having an interior cavity and a transparent cover. A color changing electric light assembly is provided in the interior cavity. The light assembly emits a plurality of different colors of light through the transparent cover and cycles through the plurality of different colors of light to sequentially emit each of the plurality of different colors of light. An electrical conductor extends through the housing into the interior cavity for delivering power to the color changing electric light assembly. A synchronization circuit responds to a timed interruption in the power for synchronizing the color changing electric light assembly with a color changing electric light assembly of another underwater lighting fixture connected to the same power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Mateescu, Kevin Potucek, Robert Bachman
  • Patent number: 7090385
    Abstract: A shade includes a pivot member disposed along a horizontal axis extending in the transverse direction of a vehicle and configured to pivot about the horizontal axis. An indentation section extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle is formed in a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the shade. Two areas on the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction thereof are formed as a first distributed light generation section for generating a left low beam light distribution pattern, and a second distributed light generation section for generating a right low beam light distribution pattern. The indentation section is formed as a third distributed light generation section for generating a high beam light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7052164
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly including a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of the headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing with or without an adjuster housing. The gear screw has an O-ring in radial compression so as to ensure a good seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 7052160
    Abstract: A reflective mechanism includes a base fixed on a support member of a stage lamp, a bracket fixed on the base, a mirror frame, and a reflective mirror mounted on the mirror frame. A hollow shaft rotatably extends through an axial hole of the base and includes a fork on an end thereof. The hollow shaft is driven by a first motor mounted on the base to turn about a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft. The mirror frame includes a pivotal portion pivotally mounted to the fork of the hollow shaft. The pivotal portion of the mirror frame is driven by a second motor to pivot through transmission by an endless cord that extends through the hollow shaft without interfering with rotation of the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 7018078
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly which provides additional light adjacent the main beam of a light. A shield within the light assembly is moved in response to a sensed condition so as to provide a first area of additional illumination at the edge of the light's main beam. In response to a second sensed condition, the shield is moved such that a second area of additional illumination is illuminated in addition to the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 7018071
    Abstract: A light apparatus, which produces a central motionless light beam and at least one light beam rotating around the central beam, includes a cylindrical housing, a parabolic reflector, a lamp having a light sours in reflector's focus and a rotating non-transparent disk having a central round opening and at least one non-central opening. The disk is placed in front of the lamp with the reflector. The disk rotates without use of an electromotor. For rotation, the disk is mounted in an inner mobile metallic, for example aluminum, ring of ball-bearing, wherein balls, separators and an outer fixed ring are electric insulators. The diameter of the disk is preferably close to the diameter of the inner ring and to the diameter of the reflector. The inner ring is rotated by a rotating magnetic field. The disk rotates together with the inner ring. The rotating magnetic field is created by an inductor-stator, when the inductor-stator is supplied by polyphase alternating electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Lyudmila Belousova, Julia Viseysky
  • Patent number: 7008093
    Abstract: A first shade 32 is properly moved to vertically shift the position of a cutoff line, and furthermore, a lighting unit 20 is properly tilted in a vertical direction to displace a whole light distribution pattern in the vertical direction. Consequently, a light irradiation is carried out with a light distribution pattern at an irradiation angle corresponding to a vehicle traveling situation. In that case, a second shade 34 is properly moved to form a dark portion in a central part on the lower end of the light distribution pattern in a predetermined size if necessary. Consequently, the amount of a light irradiation on a short-distance region can be controlled finely, and a road surface on this side can be prevented from becoming too bright in a high-speed travel and a light reflected by the road surface which causes a glare can be prevented from being generated in a rain travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Fukawa, Tomoyuki Moritani, Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 7002740
    Abstract: The invention refers to a setting module for an illumination apparatus (2) of an optical instrument (1), in particular of a microscope, in which the illumination apparatus (2) comprises a light source (4), an illuminating optical system, and positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16) with which the position of the light source (4) and/or of the illuminating optical system within the illumination apparatus (2) can be modified. The setting module (17) comprises a module housing (18) having at least one drive device (19, 20, 21, 22) and coupling members (27, 28, 29, 30) for the transfer of a drive motion to the positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16). Also described is an illumination system comprising the illumination apparatus and the setting module. The result is to create an alignment capability with excellent functionality and user-friendliness, thereby making possible rapid positional adjustment of the light source and/or the illuminating optical system in the context of use under clean-room conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Veith, Uwe Graf, Joachim Wienecke
  • Patent number: 6971770
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes an effect wheel which is mounted on a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is mounted on a mechanism which moves the effect wheel from a position outside of the light path to a position in which the effect wheel intersects the light path to provide a continuous wheel effect. The translation mechanism can move the effect wheel between positions in which the effect wheel crosses the light path in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, respectively. The apparatus allows a continuous wheel effect to be added to a multi-purpose luminaire and also allows the direction of travel of the continuous wheel effect across the illuminated field to be continuously varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Patent number: 6963437
    Abstract: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: GENTEX Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam
  • Patent number: 6951411
    Abstract: An improved light beam generation and focusing device (15, 50) has a light source (16, 51) constructed and arranged to emit at least one beam of light (20), and a lens assembly (17, 19, 56) constructed and arranged to focus the at least one beam of light on a surface plane. The device is constructed and arranged to sequentially direct the at least one beam of light to at least two spaced locations (21, 21?) on the surface plane. The lens assembly comprises a collimating lens (17), and a spaced focusing lens (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: SpectRx, Inc., Altea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna S. Kumar, Danny F. Lincoln, Jonathan A. Eppstein, Michael R. Hatch
  • Patent number: 6939026
    Abstract: A shutter section includes a stack of circular plates independently rotatable in a nest formed as a laminar formation of rings. The plates have central openings defining a light path. Four central plates in the stack are shutter guide plates with radial guide slots slideably holding shutter blades. Two outer pairs of plates are shutter drive plates connected by cams to the shutter blades. Simultaneous rotation of a shutter guide plate and associated shutter drive plate causes rotation of an associated shutter blade around the light path. Rotation of a shutter drive plate while the associated shutter guide plate is stationary causes the cam to move the associated shutter blade radially. The nest is enclosed by end plates. A motor section has motors driving pinions to rotate the circular plates. The circular plates, rings pinions and shutter blades are made of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Gennrich, Sheldon Roberts
  • Patent number: 6921188
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp emitting light to a lateral direction can include a simple construction to reduce design limitations, and can achieve desired light distribution characteristics by controlling the direction and intensity of light illuminated in a range covering the front and the side of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp preferably includes: a second reflecting surface for reflecting incident light from a light source to a predetermined direction; a third reflecting surface, arranged forward of the light source and backward of a projection lens and out of a main optical path, for reflecting light from the second reflecting surface toward front; and a fourth reflecting surface, arranged forward of the third reflecting surface and out of the main optical path, for reflecting light from the third reflecting surface to a lateral direction relative at least to a region of light emitted from the projection lens along the main optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 6918691
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly having a housing, a shaft axially moveable in the housing and a gear having a thread engaging a thread of the shaft for causing axial movement of the shaft from rotation of the gear. The gear and/or housing are adapted to receive rotary input tools for adjustment. All parts can be made of plastic or other non-corrosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Adolph G. Galinski
  • Patent number: 6883936
    Abstract: A shutter apparatus for a curing lamp housing is provided. The shutter apparatus may be pulled out of the housing along ribs. The ribs slide with respect to recesses formed in rails of the shutter apparatus. When the shutter apparatus is pulled out of the housing, easy access to fasteners holding the shutters onto drive and pivot shafts enables the shutters to be readily replaced. A method detailing such replacement is also provided. A drive mechanism enables the shutters to be opened and closed in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Register, Mark Tausch
  • Patent number: 6874909
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus that includes a housing, at least one light source and a light-altering device. The light-altering device is positioned relative to the housing and the light source for receiving and altering light from the light source such that the altered light illuminates at least one of a portion of the housing and a portion of a surface supporting the illumination apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Carl R. Vanderschuit
  • Patent number: 6869208
    Abstract: An animated ornament comprises inner and outer hollow globes mounted to a housing which contains powering components to rotate the inner globe while the outer globe is held fixed relative to the housing. A light bulb mounted inside illuminates the inner globe to project an image carried on the surface of the inner globe onto the surface of or through the outer globe, and due to the rotation of the image, an animated presentation of the image is seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Vogel Applied Technologies
    Inventors: David S. Vogel, Dean DiPietro
  • Patent number: 6866403
    Abstract: A lamp for use on a table or a floor comprises a base, an intermediate spacer coupled to the base and rotatable with respect thereto, a light source, and a shade disposed over and about the light source. The shade has a surface shaped to insinuate a lipstick and additionally has a partially translucent portion acting to diffuse light emanating from the lamp. The lamp operates such that rotation of the intermediate spacer causes the lamp shade to move along a linear axis. A method for adjusting the light pattern emanating from such a lamp further comprises energizing the light source, rotating the intermediate spacer, and moving the shade along the linear axis while maintaining the light source energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Adesso Inc.
    Inventor: Amanda L. Schaak
  • Patent number: 6857768
    Abstract: In a projector-type lamp unit, a shade is pivotally supported on a holder provided between a reflector and a projection lens. This support is provided at a plurality of regions disposed on an axis Ax1 of pivotal movement of the shade. This support at the plurality of regions is effected through a single shaft extending in a direction of the pivotal movement axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Shoichiro Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6834983
    Abstract: A lighting standard, and a method for its use, that has incorporated into its top end a swivel means for the adjustment of a lighting fixture head in train and elevation. The swivel means also incorporates passages through which electrical conductors are passed to provide power for the lighting fixture. The elevating member can include a fixture body, or in the alternative, the fixture body and elevating member can be separate components. The lower end of the standard can be buried in the ground, with the wiring necessary to power the fixture entering through the lower end of the standard and wiring terminations being made through a covered opening on the side of the standard. In the alternative, the standard can be connected directly to a junction box. Applications may include, but are not limited to, landscape lighting, accent lighting, and the lighting of signs, driveways, and walkways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Lee Guritz
  • Patent number: 6834982
    Abstract: A spotlight with perimetrical delimitation of the emitted light beam, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical element that can move axially with respect to the light beam in order to adjust the breadth of the light beam, and a Fresnel lens for diffusing the light beam. Beam adjusting elements are provided for delimiting perimetrically the light beam which are associated with the optical element and can move axially with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
  • Patent number: 6827451
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, a first color separator, and a first aperture device. The first color separator receives the white light from the lamp, and separates the white light into a first color light and a first residual light. The first aperture device receives the first color light and the first aperture device can be controlled to modify a frequency of the first color light to the first light valve. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light. The first aperture device could also be controlled to substantially block at least a portion of the first color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Publication number: 20040240222
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly have a fixed annular boss, a shaft axially moveable through the boss, and a gear having a thread engagement with a threaded portion of the shaft. A cap is non-rotatably engaged with the shaft and the boss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Peter B. Brazas, Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 6814478
    Abstract: An electric current path for an oscillating warning light of an emergency vehicle includes a spring that is connected between a stationary base of the warning light and an oscillating assembly of the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Publication number: 20040213012
    Abstract: A first shade 32 is properly moved to vertically shift the position of a cutoff line, and furthermore, a lighting unit 20 is properly tilted in a vertical direction to displace a whole light distribution pattern in the vertical direction. Consequently, a light irradiation is carried out with a light distribution pattern at an irradiation angle corresponding to a vehicle traveling situation. In that case, a second shade 34 is properly moved to form a dark portion in a central part on the lower end of the light distribution pattern in a predetermined size if necessary. Consequently, the amount of a light irradiation on a short-distance region can be controlled finely, and a road surface on this side can be prevented from becoming too bright in a high-speed travel and a light reflected by the road surface which causes a glare can be prevented from being generated in a rain travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Fukawa, Tomoyuki Moritani, Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 6799878
    Abstract: The present invention is a fiber-optic illuminator with a single or multiple internal turret used for connecting the illuminator with different fiber-optic cables. The internal turret may be incrementally rotated by a handle to present a customized predetermined port for a predetermined fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the light source. Incremental indexing rotation is accomplished through use of a biased bearing mechanism located inside the illuminator. The turret has cooling fins distant from the handle turned by the operator. The turret may carry a tubular lens for internal reflection of the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Klootz
  • Patent number: 6796685
    Abstract: A variable color filter for fluorescent lamps has a color tube supporting colored filter strips disposed longitudinally along the color tube so that the strips are circumferentially adjacent to each other. A motor rotates the color tube inside a mask so that an aperture in the mask limits emission to light filtered by only a circumferential portion of the color tube. A controller positions the color tube in relation to the aperture to achieve a desired coloring of light emitted by the lamp tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bruce Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur T. Nemirow
  • Patent number: 6776508
    Abstract: A landscaping light fixture including a housing containing a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or LED, that produces light when powered, a lens through which light from the passes and a multi-colored wheel, strip or shutter juxtapositioned between the lamp and lens such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter and then through the lens, the wheel, strip or shutter including a translucent material of different segmented color or of a graduated color and being operatively positioned within the housing of the landscaping light fixture to be movable to align the colored segment or graduation of the wheel, strip or shutter into alignment with the lamp such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter prior to shining through the lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
  • Publication number: 20040125601
    Abstract: Illumination apparatus (8) which comprises at least two light sources, at least one light collecting device for collecting light from the light sources (10), motion providing means for providing relative motion between the light sources (10) and the light collecting device (14), and control means for controlling the illumination of the light sources (10) such that the light sources (10) are illuminated for a predetermined time period when in a predetermined position relative to the light collecting device (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Richard Coates, Anirudh Luthra
  • Patent number: 6755554
    Abstract: A field sequential color display device includes a color wheel assembly. The color wheel assembly has a color wheel which is divided into a plurality of color regions and a motor for rotating the color wheel. The motor contains a sensor for detecting rotation of the motor and the sensor outputs at least one pulse per one revolution of the motor. The color wheel assembly also has a spatial light modulator for displaying image data that is driving in synchronization with the pulse output by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmae, Mitsuhiro Wada, Kazunori Tanabe, Shigeru Aruga, Hirokazu Sakaguchi, Hisatoshi Shimose
  • Publication number: 20040114368
    Abstract: A light device includes a casing rotatably supported on a base and received in a stationary housing. A light member is received in the casing for generating light through the casing and the housing. A motor may be coupled to the casing with a gear and a pinion, for rotating the casing relative to the housing. The housing and the casing include patterns to be moved relative to each other when the casing is rotated relative to the housing by the motor. A cover may be secured on the housing and includes a circular passage for rotatably receiving top of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Shing Jy Shyu
  • Publication number: 20040109319
    Abstract: An illumination control system comprises a rotation detecting section, an abnormality determination section, and a filter removing section. The rotation detecting section detects the rotational driving of a filter which is located on a path of illumination light emitted from a light source, which irradiates color light rays having different wavelengths to an object, and which is driven by a rotational driver. The abnormality determination section determines whether status of filter rotation is normal or abnormal based on the detected rotation of the filter by the rotation detecting section. The filter removing section removes the filter from the path of the illumination light when the abnormality determination section determines that the status of filter rotation is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD
    Inventor: Tomoya Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040090792
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly including a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of the headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing with or without an adjuster housing. The gear screw has an O-ring in radial compression so as to ensure a good seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: John Burton