Electromagnetic Actuator Patents (Class 362/286)
  • Patent number: 5664865
    Abstract: An oscillating signal light mechanism producing substantially constant angular velocity oscillation cycles of a single light is comprised of at least one signal light assembly mounted on a base for rotation of the light assembly relative to the base, a source of motive power including an output shaft rotated at a constant velocity in a single direction of rotation, and a mechanism mechanically connecting the output shaft to the signal light assembly for converting the constant velocity single direction rotation of the output shaft to cycling movements of the signal light assembly through arc segment oscillations at substantially constant angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 5609408
    Abstract: An orientation device applied to a lighting apparatus comprising a fixed support (1) to which is attached in a rotatable manner a mobile support (2) comprising a plate (3) and an ogive wall (4) to the inside of which a spotlight (5) with the relative light socket (6) is fixed. The rotatable connection (7) between the mobile support (2) and the fixed support (1) makes it possible to extract the first from the second. The fixed support (1) comprises an external ring (8) in which an internal ring (9) engages circumferentially in a sliding manner. To the internal ring (9) is fixed the end (11a) of a rack (11) which is curved in a circular arc and which meshes with a pinion (14) connected in a rotatable and frictioned manner to the mobile support (2). The extraction of the light is easily carried out from the outside without having to dismount the lamp or intervene on the locking means and, furthermore, can be motorised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Targetti Sankey S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Targetti
  • Patent number: 5607217
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating an object in a defined area. The apparatus comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light in a defined area. A mounting rotatably supports the light source to intermittently illuminate the object in the defined area with the beam of light at substantially equal intervals. A control establishes the frequency at which the beam of light intermittently illuminates the object in the defined area at a frequency of at least 12 cycles per second. A balance is adjustably connected to the mounting to provide dynamic balance of the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: James C. Hobbs, II
  • Patent number: 5584560
    Abstract: A spotlight is provided that employs stationary motors for positioning a light beam at a desired azimuth and elevation such that there is no blind spots of the light beam at the zenith of the azimuth and elevation. A drive train rotates the spotlight about a horizontal axis and allows the motor driving the rotation to have a stationary mounting in a base while at the same time providing the light beam of the spotlight with a range of elevation that exceeds 90 degrees from a horizontal reference plane at any desired azimuth. More particularly, a stationary motor drives a capstan, which includes a spool that winds and unwinds a cable connected to a lamp assembly of the spotlight for positioning the light beam at a desired elevation. The cable is communicated between the lamp assembly and the capstan by way of a central bore in a mast that supports the lamp assembly for rotation about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Earl W. Gosswiller, Philip C. Hawken, Paul D. Graham
  • Patent number: 5558424
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle light bar assembly employs first and second connected substantially horizontal elongated frames mounted transversely across the upper surface of an emergency vehicle. The connecting assembly is such that the second frame may be substantially continuously vertically displaced while maintaining parallel relationship of the frames so that the emergency indicating equipment fixed atop the second frame maintains its operational attitude regardless of the elevation to which the second frame is raised. Reciprocable operation of the connecting assembly may be accomplished by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual drive systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen J. Zeligson
  • Patent number: 5550727
    Abstract: An outdoor illuminator to be used preferably for the illumination for gardens, parks, recreation areas and the like in which a light source is mounted in a transparent lampshade fixed onto a lamp post in an underground cabinet with closed walls--with the cabinet being provided with a perforated bottom plate, with the lampshade being equipped with a cover plate which firmly closes the upper opening of the cabinet by fitting tightly on its rim in a lowered, underground position of the illuminator, and with a guide piston attached to the lamp post which moves with the lamp post to close the upper opening of the cabinet in the raised position of the illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas P. Fenyvesy
  • Patent number: 5537298
    Abstract: An oscillating signal light mechanism producing substantially constant angular velocity oscillation cycles of a single light is comprised of at least one signal light assembly mounted on a base for rotation of the light assembly relative to the base, a source of motive power including an output shaft rotated at a constant velocity in a single direction of rotation, and a mechanism mechanically connecting the output shaft to the signal light assembly for converting the constant velocity single direction rotation of the output shaft to cycling movements of the signal light assembly through arc segment oscillations at substantially constant angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 5526245
    Abstract: A room lighting system specially suited for medical procedures. The system includes first and second light assemblies adapted to be mounted in the ceiling of the procedure room and each including a lamp movable between a plurality of angular positions. The lamps are controlled by a wall control unit mounted in a wall of the procedure room or by a remote control unit including an infrared transmitter communicating with an infrared receiver mounted in the wall control unit. The light assemblies can be controlled individually as to both intensity and angular position either from the wall control unit or from the remote control unit. Each light assembly includes a transformer which receives line power and steps the line power down to a 24 volt circuit to control the intensity of the lamp and a 12 volt circuit which includes all of the controls for the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: The Kirlin Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Davis, Jana K. Brownell, Stephen C. Brownell
  • Patent number: 5513085
    Abstract: An in-ground light, motion detector, or other active element is housed in a telescopically mounted housing so that it can be retracted to ground level when not in use and positioned above the ground when in use. A motor that extends and retracts the telescopically mounted housing relative to a main housing is rotatably mounted in a nonrotatable motor housing that adjoins the main housing. A plate having electrical contacts is mounted to the motor so that the contacts rotate when the motor rotates. A second plate having electrical contacts is nonrotatably secured to the motor housing so that relative rotation of the two plates activates and deactivates the motor. Relative rotation of the plates occurs when the telescopically mounted housing is fully extended or fully retracted because the rotational energy of the motor's output shaft is transferred to the motor when full extension or retraction has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Steven M. Bourne
  • Patent number: 5502627
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design Limited
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5490046
    Abstract: A portable searchlight includes an upper lamp housing, a lower base support unit and a releasable attachment device to releasably attach the base support unit to another surface, such as, the roof of a motor vehicle; and the apparatus and specifically the lamp housing can be tilted or rotated by remote-control from the interior of the vehicle. The releasable attachment device is such that the apparatus can be secured by a suction cup or by placing the base support unit in a shoe which is anchored to another surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Gerald L. Gohl, Albert W. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 5481441
    Abstract: Light bar apparatus includes a light bar or housing supported at opposite ends, and within the light bar or housing are appropriate gears and a chain connected to and for rotating a plurality of lights extending upwardly from the light bar. The lights rotate relative to the light bar. An electric motor connected to the gears and the drive chain within the light bar causes rotation of the lights. The light bar itself tilts or pivots vertically relative to the end supports through a mechanical linkage which includes a chain drive coupled to an electric gear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5426571
    Abstract: A device which determines the direction and amount of tilt, lean, bank, or attitude of a vehicle relative to the road surface by means of one or more sensors which measure the return time of emitted energy reflected from the road surface. Vehicle attitude information is used to move, correct, adjust, or otherwise alter preselected vehicle parts or functions according to a predetermined combination of computer paradigms and mechanical linkages. This process can be used to adjust the headlight beam orientation in order to better illuminate the forward path of the vehicle. The headlight beam may be further adjusted according to information on vehicle speed and changes thereof. The Motorcycle Headlight Aiming Device may be used to aim a camera which is mounted to a banking vehicle. Bank angle data may also be used to switch off a turn signal mechanism, and to limit engine power at extreme angles of bank. Engine power may also be limited when sensor data indicates front wheel lift-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Jerry Jones
  • Patent number: 5420772
    Abstract: A carriage which is drawn over a plurality of locations along a tightly threaded motor driven drive rod by a nut on the carriage, draws a chandelier support cable axially along the rod by way of a pulley on the carriage. The cable is wrapped on the pulley so that the vertical distance moved by the end of the cable for attachment to a chandelier is greater than the axial distance moved by the cable over the pulley. The drive rod is supported at each of the plurality of locations along the drive rod, against bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Cliff Evans
  • Patent number: 5408389
    Abstract: A device and method of operation are disclosed which provide an improved light source. The device and its mode of operation serve to substantially reduce the energy required to produce sufficient light for normal human vision. A mechanical embodiment of the device serves to concentrate the total output of a light source into one or more relatively small beams, then sweep the beams of light around or over an area to be illuminated for vision. Alternatively, an electrical approach can be employed to achieve substantially the same results as the mechanical approach. Because the light emitted by the light source is concentrated within one or more relatively small beams, the intermittent lighting effect of which is undetectable by the human eye, a significant reduction in energy consumption can be achieved in that a lower-powered light source can be employed to achieve an illumination level which is comparable to that of a much higher-powered light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Glen E. Burlingame
  • Patent number: 5406461
    Abstract: An illumination system for optical equipment, such as an operating microscope, includes at least two separate illuminating beam paths, a first light source, and a lamp housing. At least one additional light source is provided on a rotatable lamp quick-change attachment. When the first light source fails, the first light source is automatically replaced with the additional light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Leica Heerbrugg AG (Schweiz)
    Inventor: Bernd Amann
  • Patent number: 5398026
    Abstract: A stern light or distress signaling transmitter is continuously electrically activated at any height above the hull of a boat and when not in use may be retracted and stored in a chamber below the deck in the hull. A motor driven drive cord is wound around a takeup reel and includes a pair of electrical connectors embedded therein which are in electrical contact with a power source through a pair of ring conductors mounted on a plate rotatable with the takeup reel. When the light is retracted it is flush with the top surface of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jerrold L. Handsaker
  • Patent number: 5398177
    Abstract: An assembleable lighting system is provided which may include a power transfer means connected to a fixture mounting pendant or pole. At least one node of power input to the power transfer means is provided. Mounted to the power transfer means is a fixed or adjustable mounting bar or beam construction. A retaining ring is adjustably movable along the mounting bar or beam member. One or more of said retaining rings, mounted to the mounting bar, are able to retain accessories for the lighting system. A low voltage transformer means is provided which is easily mountable to the beam member when it is necessary to convert the lighting system to a low voltage application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 5383105
    Abstract: A lamp for surgical illumination includes at least one reflector and at least one light source that are displaceable with respect to the one another by means for automatically adjusting the concentration of the light rays on an operating field. The direction of displacement of the light source or reflector is a function of the outcome of comparison, performed by a comparator, between the current algebraic value of the measurement of the luminous intensity of the light reflected by the operating field, with that of a previously performed measurement. The intensity is measured with a device which is sensitive to the light and is accommodated in a gripping handle. Touching of a sensor on the handle actuates a cycle of adjustment, in the course of which a plurality of measurements of the luminous intensity and displacements of the light source are performed jointly with the displacement of the light source, to arrive at the optimal optical concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: STE Distributon Materiel Chirurgical (S.D.M.C.)(S.A.)
    Inventor: Gerard Agut
  • Patent number: 5365413
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system having a central light producing unit and bundles of optical fibers for the transport of light to lighting fixtures is provided. The central light-producing unit has a defined axis and at least one light source for producing light. The central light producing unit includes means for rotating the at least one light source about the axis. The light system further includes at least one light guide for receiving and guiding light produced by the at least one light source to at least one lighting fixture. The at least one light source is preferably rotated about a support collar which has at least one light guide, but preferably a plurality, connected to the collar. The light guides are preferably equally spaced about the periphery of the collar and which light guides receive and transport the light to light fixtures appropriately arranged in or on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Gert Krammer
  • Patent number: 5347431
    Abstract: A lighting system for a surgical operating room comprises a light source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a support for holding the light source above an operating table in the operating room, the light source being movably mounted to the support, and a drive operatively coupled to the light source for automatically moving the light source relative to the support. An activator or control disposed in proximity to the operating table is operatively connected to the drive for controllably energizing the drive in response to manipulations by a surgeon working at the operating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventors: Ray A. Blackwell, Peter J. Wilk
  • Patent number: 5333102
    Abstract: What is described is a compact, light weight and relatively small theatrical search lighting system which includes a frame having a rectangular base and four legs which embrace a lamp and its reflector, and two containers for ballast and a data receiver. Also mounted to the frame is a scroller and a motorized mirror for reflecting the light from the lamp. The frame may be suspended from a truss, or because of two projections attached to two legs and a tail, the system may be rotated through 90 degrees and positioned in a generally vertical condition if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventors: Dave Oberman, Richard J. Ramano
  • Patent number: 5321589
    Abstract: An apparatus that controls the light irradiation angle of a headlamp of vehicles including a feed screw rotatable by a motor, a movable piece that makes a reciprocating motion by the feed screw, an output shaft attached to the movable piece at one end and linked to a headlamp at another end so that the illumination angle of the headlamp is controlled by the advancing and withdrawing motion of the output shaft. The apparatus further includes an irradiation angle initial setting mechanism that is connected to the movable piece so that the irradiation angle can be set manually by adjusting the position of linkage of the headlamp and the output shaft via the movable piece. With this structure, any initial setting of the headlamp angle can be accomplished regardless of the type of vehicles via a compact and simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Shinkawa, Ryouichi Miyakawa, Hiroshi Komachi
  • Patent number: 5309329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flash device, preferably for transferring a dye matrix which by means of a high-energy light flash is transferred from a radiation-absorbing carrier film by interleaving a mask onto a receiver element. This requires substantially perpendicular irradiation of the transfer plane with a high-energy radiation and a high uniformity of irradiance distribution of the light flash. To achieve this, one or two linearly extending plasma discharge tubes are provided which to concentrate radiation are enclosed by two separate aspheric-cylindrical reflectors, the concentrated radiation being directed through a lamellar louver element arranged downstream of the reflector and impinging on the predetermined transfer plane in a substantially parallel and perpendicular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Reinhold Thiel, Ulrich Staiger, Olaf Kosanke, Volker Gericke
  • Patent number: 5251114
    Abstract: An actuator for adjusting the setting of a motor vehicle headlamp includes a body which comprises a housing closed by a cover, with a sliding actuating rod mounted in the body and passing through a front wall of the housing of the body. Also within the body is a reversible electric motor for operating the sliding actuating rod through a mechanical transmission, which includes a drive member that engages with the actuating rod. The front wall of the housing carries at least one inwardly projecting lateral wall, which is arranged to support an intermediate element that forms part of the mechanical transmission device and which engages with the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Cantin, Gerard Hallier
  • Patent number: 5176442
    Abstract: A light projector is presented including a wireless power coupling mechanism and infra-red communications coupling mechanism which provide a portion of the projector with the capability of complete full-circle rotation about its pan-axis. A stationary base is provided which includes a first transmitter and receiver means for transmitting control signals to and receiving information signals from a second transmitter and receiver means on the rotating portion of the projector. A pan-axis shaft includes the second transmitter and receiver means for transmitting information signals to and receiving control signals from the transmitter-receiver means on the stationary base, and is operative to rotate the rotatable portion of the projector. The infra-red coupling mechanism and wireless power coupling mechanism eliminate the need for hard-wiring between the base and rotating portion of the projector, greatly facilitating continuous and efficient motion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Morpheus Lights, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5144542
    Abstract: A retractable light fixture apparatus has a housing having sides and a bottom and having an open end covered by a cover and having a lamp and reflector attached to the cover. An electrically actuated lamp solenoid is attached inside the housing and has a solenoid arm attached to the cover and lamp for raising the lamp and cover from inside the housing when the solenoid is in an extended position and for lowering the lamp and cover back onto the housing when the lamp solenoid arm is lowered. An electrical conductor is connected from an electrical power source to the lamp solenoid and to the lamp for powering the lamp and solenoid. The solenoid has a casing having a coil attached therearound for at least a portion of the length of the casing for generating a magnetic field in the casing for driving a slidable piston having the extendable solenoid arm attached to one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel G. Puglisi
  • Patent number: 5142457
    Abstract: A spotlight apparatus is arranged for mounting to a stern or bow boat socket, including a base portion directed into the socket, with an upper handle removably mounted to the socket for use with the organization as a running light or spotlight relative to the boat structure. A modification of the invention includes the base to include a receptacle cooperative with an adapter plug structure for use of the spotlight structure within a cigarette lighter of the boat organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: James J. Wehner
  • Patent number: 5130916
    Abstract: A retractable low voltage lighting fixture can be buried in the ground leaving only the top surface exposed and flush with the ground surface. When activated, an interior lamp housing raises out of the ground via a mechanical drive and a lamp contained therein lights up. The lighting fixture provides illumination for walkways, driveways and other areas requiring outdoor lighting. After a specified period of time, the light goes off and the interior housing is driven back down into the ground flush with the ground surface, completely hidden and out of the way of possible damage by vandalism or accidental breakage. The lighting fixture is comprised of two major component parts--an interior lamp housing and an elongated exterior housing. The interior lamp housing houses the following components: switches, gearbox, motor, electrical components, batteries and light bulb. The exterior housing is buried in the ground and slideably receives the interior lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Aqua-Lawn, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Toth
  • Patent number: 5105342
    Abstract: The headlight for a motor vehicle has with an electromotive adjusting device (5) for adjusting a reflector (2). The adjusting device (5) include an electric motor (7) and a step-down gear unit which are accommodated in a housing part (12) which is arranged within the headlight housing (1). The step-down gear unit includes a small worm gear (8) and a large toothed wheel (9) with radial teeth. A rotational movement of the toothed wheel (9) is transformed via a thread between the toothed wheel (9) and the housing part (12) into a movement of the toothed wheel (9) along an axis (6) determining the adjusting direction. The toothed wheel (9) is connected with the reflector (2) a ball-ended spindle which is held pivotally with one spherical end in a spindle receptacle attached to the toothed wheel so that, when the toothed wheel moves along the axis, the spindle moves to adjust the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Zillgitt, Harald Speer, Kurt Haug, Georg Ebinger, Miervaldis Millers, Heinrich Hasselmann
  • Patent number: 5095411
    Abstract: An adjustable headlight is described having a reflector 14 movably mounted within an outer casing 12 and an actuator 26 fitted to an opening in the outer casing 12 and having an output shaft 26 extending through the opening in the casing and connected to the reflector 14 to enable the reflector to be pivoted within the casing 12 to adjust the headlight beam, the output shaft 28 of the actuator 26 being connected to the reflector by means of a bayonet fitting 30, 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: John D. Peck, Stafford, Michael J.
  • Patent number: 5084803
    Abstract: A toy lamp comprises a transparent housing cover, a casing containing revolution driving assemblies, a revolving frame to drive a revolving ball into crosswise revolution, a revolving frame crosswise driving assembly, a revolving ball having a plurality of translucent openings from which differently colored light beams are transmitted, a revolving ball lengthwise driving assembly, a power supply unit for a light bulb inside of the revolving ball and a casing base with shockproof function. The revolving ball inside the housing could revolve in both crosswise and lengthwise directions slowly upon supply of electricity and out of a plurality of translucent openings of its ball wall transmit an interlaced moving of the light beams in different colors. It could be used as light source in a paper fancy lantern or utilized alone in alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Ching-Hwei Lan
  • Patent number: 5075834
    Abstract: A retractable light fixture apparatus has a housing having sides, a bottom, and an open end having a cover attached thereto. An electrically actuated lamp solenoid is attached inside the housing and has a solenoid arm having a lamp attached to the end thereof for raising the lamp from inside the housing through the housing cover when the solenoid is in an extended position and for lowering the lamp back into the housing when the lamp solenoid arm is lowered. An electrical conductor is connected from an electrical power source to the lamp solenoid and to the lamp for powering the lamp and solenoid. The electrical conductor has a remote switch therein for turning the power to the lamp on and off. A system for latching has a latching solenoid for holding the lamp solenoid and lamp thereon in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Daniel G. Puglisi
  • Patent number: 5072345
    Abstract: A pop-up landscape light has a cylindrical housing adapted for mounting below the surface of the ground in an outdoor environment. A light compartment is mounted for axial extension and retraction through an open top end of the housing to provide selective illumination. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a lead screw mechanism is utilized to extend and retract the light compartment from within the housing. In a second embodiment, a telescopic extensible member is connected to the light compartment and is actuated by winding or unwinding a coil of a flexible material driven by a motor through a bevel gear arrangement. In a third embodiment, a motorized swing arm mechanism is operative to rotate the light compartment through a predetermined angular increment, into and out of the housing, to provide selective illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Steven J. Goggia
  • Patent number: 5072347
    Abstract: A hand held search light includes a miniaturized electronic control circuit for igniting and operating an arc lamp in the light. Lamp mounting means is disclosed for shock mounting the arc lamp, including means to center and focus the light beam emitted by the search light. The search light is modularized for ease of field maintenance by unskilled personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: Robert L. Brunson
  • Patent number: 5070433
    Abstract: The headlight for a motor vehicle has with an electromotive adjusting device (5) for adjusting a reflector (2). The adjusting device (5) includes an electric motor (7) and a step-down gear unit which are accommodated in a housing part (12) which is arranged within the headlight housing (1). The step-down gear unit includes a small worm gear (8) and a large toothed wheel (9) with radial teeth. A rotational movement of the toothed wheel (9) is transformed via a thread between the toothed wheel (9) and the housing part (12) into a movement of the toothed wheel (9) along an axis (6) determining the adjusting direction. The toothed wheel (9) is connected with the reflector (2) via an articulated part (18). The housing part (12) is supported in the headlight housing (1) so as to be rotatable. A basic adjustment of the reflector (2) is possible from outside the headlight housing (1) via an adjusting part (26) acting on the housing part (12) by means of rotating the housing part (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Zillgitt, Harald Speer, Kurt Haug, Georg Ebinger, Miervaldis Millers, Heinrich Hasselmann
  • Patent number: 5068767
    Abstract: An automatic focus position adjusting unit for use in a shadowless lighting device for medical purposes includes a sensor, a start switch, a start processor, and a direction adjuster. The unit also includes a focus mover, a peak detector, and an adjustment completion unit. The shadowless lighting device for medical purposes has a housing, illuminating bulbs arranged in the housing, and a drive system for inclining the illuminating bulbs so that the optical axes of the illuminating bulbs may converge, and form a focus, on a predetermined position along a focus moving axis. The automatic focus position adjusting unit permits, with a simple operation, an accurate focus position adjustment at a desired position. This is because it is possible to move the focus to a position at which the amount of light, reflected from the predetermined region at the center of the range of light, becomes a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Yamada Iryo Shomei Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Koyama
  • Patent number: 5068773
    Abstract: A retractable low voltage lighting fixture can be buried in the ground leaving only the top surface exposed and flush with the ground surface. When activated, an interior lamp housing raises out of the ground via a mechanical drive and a lamp contained therein lights up. The lighting fixture provides illumination for walkways, driveways and other areas requiring outdoor lighting. After a specified period of time, the light goes off and the interior housing is driven back down into the ground flush with the ground surface, completely hidden and out of the way of possible damage by vandalism or accidental breakage. The lighting fixture is comprised of two major component parts--an interior lamp housing and an elongated exterior housing. The interior lamp housing houses the following components: switches, gearbox, motor, electrical components, batteries and light bulb. The exterior housing is buried in the ground and slideably receives the interior lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Aqua-Lawn, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Toth
  • Patent number: 5060124
    Abstract: A concealable surgical light device such as for a birthing room has a frame for supporting the light on one side and a decorative panel on the other side. The frame includes reinforcing ribs positioned in a Y shape, and a cylindrical section at the intersection of the ribs for attaching the light. The frame is rotatably supported inside a housing which is fixed within the ceiling structure. At one end of the housing there is a fixed tube and a bearing and at the other end is an output shaft of a speed reducer gear connected to the frame through a torque limiter and slip clutch for rotatably supporting the frame. Wires are fed through the tube without being subjected to rubbing or twisting. In a closed position of the frame, the light is concealed within the ceiling structure and the decorative panel is flush with the ceiling. In an open position, the light is deployable as it faces into the birthing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: ALM Surgical Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Crispin, Burnie M. Craig, Roy K. Fujitaki
  • Patent number: 5050049
    Abstract: An automobile headlamp system comprising a retractable headlamp which moves between its retracted position inside the body of an automobile and its protruded position. When the headlamp is in its retracted position, it is covered by a lamp over. When the cover is moved from its closed position to its open position, especially at the beginning of this movement, the rear end of the cover is shifted slightly forwards. Therefore, the lamp cover can be opened without interfering with the body of the automobile if the rear end portion of the cover is not straight but curved to a great extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignees: Asmo Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Shichijoh, Shigehito Uchiyama, Yoshio Takeuchi, Hiroyasu Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5041947
    Abstract: A display device for producing a display, which device comprises a base, a rotatable member, first rotation means for rotating said rotatable member about a first axis, illumination means for producing a said display and arranged to be rotated about said first axis by said rotatable member, and second rotation means for causing movement (as herein defined) of said illumination means about a second axis different from and non-orthogonal to said first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventors: Kwok-Tung Yuen, Kenny M. Ho
  • Patent number: 5038261
    Abstract: An operating-room light fixture features a cardanic mounting connected to an overhead beam or other stationary support by joints or linkages which rotate about horizontal and vertical axes. After setting of the optimal illumination zone into the operating plane, that zone's coordinates, and the associated coordinates of the lamp housing, are stored as values in a computer. Upon intentional or unintentional spatial displacement of the lamp housing, angle sensors in the joints, and a distance sensor in the lamp housing, furnish data to the computer, which calculates a compensating adjustment and carries it out by applying control signals to positioning motors in the cardanic mounting, until the axis or axes of the light beam(s) again place the optimal illumination zone on the operating field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: W. C. Heraeus GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Kloos
  • Patent number: 5031082
    Abstract: A remotely controlled security lighting system (10) that utilizes the common utility power lines of a building to provide communication between a master control/transmitting unit (12) and a plurality of remote light/receiving units (50). The unit (12) includes a light selector switch (16) that allows a particular light to be selected, a light power switch (18) that powers the selected light and a joystick (20) that positions the selected light in azimuth and elevation. The remote light/receiving unit (50) includes azimuth and elevation motors (64)(68) that are mechanically linked to the light (72), and a light power controller (70) that applies power to the light. In a typical situation, a remote light/receiving unit (50) would be attached to each upper corner of a structure and each unit (50) would be connected to the utility power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Gary D. Bierend
  • Patent number: 5025349
    Abstract: An emergency lighting system having a motor drive assembly (34) for the automatic lowering of a battery-powered emergency lamp (12), when normal power to a primary lighting system is lost, from a concealed position behind a ceiling (11), and returning the lamp (12) to its original position when normal power is restored. Included in the assembly (34) are gears including a motor driven gear (36) and a crank arm driving gear (38). The presence of a normal electric current to the primary lighting system powers the motor drive assembly (34) to return and maintain the emergency lighting system in its concealed position. Interruption of normal electric power automatically results in driving of the emergency power system from its concealed position to an extended position for use, as a result of crank driving gear (38) being rotated in a direction opposite that in which it is rotated for return of the emergency system to the normal concealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas W. Gow
  • Patent number: 5010459
    Abstract: A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A control console is connected to each of the lamp units via a bidirectional data link. A communication system provides for the exchange of information between the lamps and the console control system, permitting the console controller to selectively and coordinately test and control the individual lamps. To this end, each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory where lighting cues may be stored for recall and execution. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are also stored in the memory as are various routines for initializing, testing and diagnosing the lamps. The console includes a microprocessor as well as memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5010457
    Abstract: An apparatus for properly adjusting an attitude of optical axes of head lamps on a vehicle includes a motor driven actuator and a controlling section. The motor driven actuator additionally includes a voltage dividing circuit comprising two resistors and one of a plurality of contact positions in the controlling section is earthed directly, whereby a resistance value of the controlling section becomes zero ohm when the angle of elevation assumed by the head lamps is maximized in an upward tilted state. A motor circuit in the motor driven actuator includes in a power supply line an element for preventing an excessive intensity of electric current from being fed to a motor when motor is held in a blocked state for some reason. Preferably, the element has positive temperature characteristics which suppress generation of heat when rotation of the motor is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Ohmamyuda, Toru Tanabe, Osamu Matsumoto, Hidenobu Suzuki, Masashi Jyouzuka
  • Patent number: 5003441
    Abstract: A terrain light fixture has a hollow body that is normally sunk within the ground, and a movable member disposed to telescope between a position retracted within the body and substantially flush with the ground surface and a position extended above the ground surface. The moveable member carries a light source, typically a 12 v.d.c. high intensity light bulb, that is energized in the extended position of the moveable member. The motive force to move the member is provided by an electrical lift mechanism, preferably either an electric motor or a shape-memory alloy. The motor-based lift mechanism operates equivalently to the power antenna of an automobile. The shape-memory alloy is typically configured as a spring. The application of electrical energization to both the light source and to the lift mechanism is preferably enabled by a switch that is responsive to sensed ambient light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventors: John R. Crowe, Gregory A. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 4984139
    Abstract: A pop-up landscape light has a cylindrical housing adapted for mounting below the surface of the ground in an outdoor environment. A light compartment is mounted for axial extension and retraction through an open top end of the housing to provide selective illumination. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a lead screw mechanism is utilized to extend and retract the light compartment from within the housing. In a second embodiment, a telescopic extensible member is connected to the light compartment and is actuated by winding or unwinding a coil of a flexible material driven by a motor through a bevel gear arrangement. In a third embodiment, a motorized swing arm mechanism is operative to rotate the light compartment through a predetermined angular increment, into and out of the housing, to provide selective illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Steven J. Goggia
  • Patent number: 4974134
    Abstract: An illumination device that is stored below ground level when not in use and that extends above the ground when in use. A clear lens that protects a light bulb from the elements surmounts an inner housing member that is telescopically received within an outer housing member that is buried in the ground. When a motor is activated, the inner housing that carries the light bulb extends axially upwardly from the outer housing. When the inner housing reaches its fully extended position, a limit switch shuts off the motor. Subsequent reactivation of the motor retracts the inner housing and bulb back into the outer housing, and another limit switch shuts off the motor when full retraction has been achieved. A second embodiment has an improved structure that facilitates replacement of the motor, and a third embodiment has a further improved structure that eliminates several parts required in the first and second embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Steven M. Bourne
  • Patent number: 4970627
    Abstract: A beacon lamp comprising a base, a support member fixed in relation to the base and a reflector carrier rotatably mounted on said support member for rotation relative thereto about a first axis. A drive motor carrier is resiliently supported by said support member such that in a rest position the principal axis of the motor carrier is disposed at a small angle to said first axis. An electric motor is supported by said drive motor carrier, and has its output member engaging a cylindrical wall of said reflector carrier, said motor carrier being deflected during positioning of said motor such that said principal axis is rendered substantially parallel with said first axis and said carrier resiliently biases the motor output member against said cylindrical wall of said reflector carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventors: Derek J. Beaumont, Raymond L. Weldon