Opposed Patents (Class 362/298)
  • Patent number: 7195375
    Abstract: A compact light-beam homogenizer is realized by multiple reflections within internally-reflecting optical channels which are arranged in a folded configuration. The optical channels may be hollow with mirrored walls, or made of a solid transparent optical material. Light enters through an apertured mirror whose internally reflective surface sends back-reflected rays forward for recycling. Multiple entry ports may be provided for combining several beams or for reducing the intensity in the channels. The homogenizer may be used in reverse as a beam divider. Different shapes of the optical channels are provided for obtaining an effective emission surface of different shapes. Due to reflections from surfaces that are parallel to the optical axis, the numerical aperture of the input beams is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Anvik Corporation
    Inventor: Kanti Jain
  • Patent number: 7188973
    Abstract: A light source device includes: a light-emitting tube having a light-emitting portion that generates a light beam by an electric discharge between electrodes and a sealing portion provided on both sides of the light-emitting portion; an ellipsoidal reflector having a substantially ellipsoidal reflecting surface and irradiating the light beam irradiated by the light-emitting tube after converging at a predetermined position; a sub-reflection mirror having a reflecting surface opposed to the reflecting surface of the ellipsoidal reflector and covering the front side of the light-emitting tube in the light-irradiation direction to reflect the light beam emitted by the light-emitting tube toward the ellipsoidal reflector; and a transparent member provided in front of the ellipsoidal reflector in the light-irradiation direction to transmit the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Katsuma
  • Patent number: 7178948
    Abstract: A light collection system includes a substantially elliptical first reflector that defines first and second focal points on an axis. The first reflector has an annular region that encompasses the first focal point. The annular region has a width W that is the distance of its projection onto the axis in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the width W is less than or equal to about 1/20 of a distance Df between the first and second focal points. A second reflector has an aperture through the second reflector on the axis. The second reflector is shaped and positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the annular region on the first reflector back to the annular region for reflection to a different portion of the annular region and back to the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Anurag Gupta
  • Patent number: 7178947
    Abstract: A lighting device has a Fresnel mirror with a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by a light source onto a target. The reflective surface is defined by an elliptical curve. The light source is disposed at approximately the first focal point of an ellipse formed by the elliptical curve. A mechanism adjusts the functional relationship between the Fresnel mirror and the light source so that the light source can be positioned approximately at the first focal point of the ellipse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Dale Marks
  • Patent number: 7178943
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) comprising a concave reflector (2) enclosing a hollow space (3) and defining with an outer edge (4) a light emission window (5). The luminaire can accommodate at least two lamps (6, 7). The luminaire further comprises an optically semi-permeable wall (8) positioned in between the two lamps and dividing the hollow space into chambers (9, 10), and a counter-reflector (11) provided opposite the reflector. Light originating from the lamps can only leave the luminaire through the light emission window after passing through the semi-permeable wall. It is thus possible to obtain homogeneously mixed light as well as to obtain light of equal intensity from the various chambers, also when only one lamp is operating or the two lamps operate at different intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten
  • Patent number: 7178960
    Abstract: A vehicular illumination lamp, including four light emitting devices 12 which are disposed in such a manner as to spread about a predetermined point A as a center, a reflector 14 having four reflecting surfaces 14a that are made up of ellipsoids of revolution Er1, which take light emitting centers of the respective light emitting devices 12 and the predetermined point A as primary focal points and secondary focal points thereof, respectively, and a light distribution control member 16, which controls the light distribution of light from the respective light emitting devices 12 that is reflected on the reflector 14 so as to cause the light so controlled to traverse to a front of the lamp, whereby light emitted from the respective light emitting devices 12 is made first to be reflected on the respective reflecting surfaces 14a and is then caused to converge on the predetermined point A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 7175322
    Abstract: At an upper position of an optical axis Ax between a reflector and projection lens, a pair of left and right first additional reflectors are arranged and a pair of second additional reflectors are arranged on both the left and right sides of the pair of first additional reflectors. Each one of the first additional reflectors reflects light from the light source toward one of the second additional reflectors located on a side opposite to the one of the first additional reflector with respect to the optical axis. Each one of the second additional reflectors reflects, in a forward direction, the light reflected from the first additional reflectors without being transmitted through the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetaka Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7172318
    Abstract: A projection system and a light tunnel applied in the projection system. The light tunnel comprises a first reflector, a second reflector, a third reflector, a fourth reflector, a light entrance, and a light exit. A distance between the third and fourth reflectors gradually changes from the light entrance to the light exit. The distance between the third and fourth reflectors at the light entrance and the light exit is less than length of each of the first and second reflectors. Thus, the light tunnel can be easily held and applied to various projection systems using various light sources and image generation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Chang, Yu-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7160002
    Abstract: An optical assembly for architectural illumination having a quasi point source surrounded by a collimating ring lens designed to radially project collimated beams. A segmented off axis parabolic reflector to collect and reflect light (not gathered by the collimating ring lens) as collimated beams and a segmented ring reflector, the segments of which are arranged to gather beams from both the collimating ring lens and the off axis reflector and then direct them in substantially the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
  • Patent number: 7156540
    Abstract: A luminaire optical system (10) for an indirect light source including a tubular lamp (12) having a longitudinal axis (22), a first reflector assembly (14) extending parallel to and radially spaced directly above said lamp and a second reflector assembly (16) parallel to and radially spaced from said lamp directly below the lamp. Each of the assemblies includes symmetrical reflectors (22; 24; 30; 32) joining in an apex (26; 34) directly below and above the lamp. The bottom reflector (16) further may include two segments (30a; 30b; 32a; 32b) on each reflecting surface, the segments marking a sharp change in reflecting angle. Most such luminaires will typically also include perforations to maintain useful light profiles. The luminaire according to the present configuration increases the lighting efficiency by minimising any reflections passing back into the tube and ensuring an even spread of light throughout an area being illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher Alan Haines
  • Patent number: 7147903
    Abstract: Optical devices such as backlight assemblies, according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Sanford Cobb, Jr., David L. Wortman
  • Patent number: 7144131
    Abstract: To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated into a reflective material of an external structure. A disclosed exemplary system, for luminance or illumination applications, utilizes an energy source package, for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. The package typically contains an LED or other semiconductor device. A reflector outside the package has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors doped within the reflector to emit visible light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. At least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jack C. Rains
  • Patent number: 7121691
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a thermally conductive post aligned in an axial direction, a light emitting diode (LED) at an axial end of the post, a first arched reflector that reflects light from the LED and that has an apex generally aligned along the axial direction and that is removably attached to the post, and a second reflector surrounding the post at a base of the post, where the second reflector reflects in the axial direction light that has been reflected from the first reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M Coushaine, Steve Sidwell, Brad Ernest, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7121704
    Abstract: A pair of additional reflectors are disposed face to face under a light source. The reflective surfaces of the respective additional reflectors are formed of paraboloids of revolution, with the first focal point of the reflective surface of a reflector as a focal point, and with an optical axis as the central axis of the revolution. As a result, retroreflective light from both reflectors is incident on the upper reflective region of the reflector. Thus, the spreading of the retroreflective light can be reduced based on the enhanced efficiency of utilizing the luminous flux of the light source, to the extent of the presence of the retroreflective light, as compared with the related art structure, wherein a spherical reflective surface centering on the light source is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 7111958
    Abstract: A portable radial projection light source arrangement includes a shelter housing and an illumination unit. The shelter housing includes a protection base having a light source cavity therein, and a supporting frame mounted on the protection base. The illumination unit includes a power source supported in the protection base, a light source disposed in the light source cavity and electrically connected to the power source, and a reflecting member supported at a position coaxially above the light source wherein the reflecting member has a light reflecting surface radially projected from the light source in such a manner that when the light source emits light, the light is radially reflected by the light reflecting surface of the reflecting member to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Perry Coman
  • Patent number: 7090378
    Abstract: A portable travel mirror device includes a base, a handle pivotably mounted to the base, and a dual mirror assembly mounted to the handle which is pivotable and telescopically extendable between compact transport and upright use configurations, and includes a circular primary mirror frame holding a magnifying mirror encircled by a ring-shaped lamp energized by a power source within the base, and overlain by a diffuser ring. A secondary mirror pivotably and swivelably attached to the primary mirror frame has a different magnification factor, e.g., 1×, and is pivotable upwards from a travel position overlying and protecting the primary mirror to an upright use position, and is also swivelable into contact with the primary mirror frame, whereby light from the lamp is transmitted through the diffuser ring and a transparent secondary mirror bezel to illuminate objects in front of the primary or secondary mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Patent number: 7055990
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for providing substantially uniform high peak irradiation of a three-dimensional object 12) with at least one curved surface (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Geller, Miodrag Cekic, Jeffrey Okamitsu
  • Patent number: 7055991
    Abstract: A low-power high-intensity lighting apparatus includes a lamp base, a lamp housing, and a lamp unit. The lamp base includes a parabolic reflector. The lamp housing is mounted on the lamp base, and includes a surrounding wall and an optical condenser. The surrounding wall has a first open end, and a second open end opposite to the first open end. The optical condenser is mounted on the lamp housing at the second open end. The lamp unit is mounted on the lamp base, extends into the lamp housing through the first open end of the surrounding wall, and generates light that propagates toward the parabolic reflector and that is reflected by the parabolic reflector toward the optical condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Chao-Tang Lin
  • Patent number: 7055961
    Abstract: A projection system is disclosed comprising a light source, a first reflector proximate the light source, a second reflector proximate the light source, a light pipe, a color sequencing device a spatial light modulator and a target. The color sequencing device preferably directs three or more colors onto the spatial light modulator at a time. Some light is reflected from the color sequencing device back through the light pipe and is again reflected at the reflector at the light source before returning to the light pipe and color sequencing device. The brightness of the projection system is thereby increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Reflectivity, INC
    Inventor: Andrew G. Huibers
  • Patent number: 7040768
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a light source unit in which lowering of an illumination intensity of an emitted luminous flux is reduced or prevented. A light source lamp unit includes a light source lamp having a light emitting section in which discharging emission is performed between electrodes, an elliptic reflector to emit a luminous flux radiated from the light source lamp in a certain uniform direction, and a secondary reflecting mirror provided on the opposite side of the light source lamp opposite from the elliptic reflector. A center of light emission C2 between the electrodes does not match a first focal point F1 of the elliptic reflector, a center of the source of reflected light C1 of the secondary reflecting mirror does not match the first focal point F1 of the elliptic reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shohei Fujisawa, Takeshi Takezawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7036967
    Abstract: A reflector of a vehicle lamp includes a main reflector, a first sub-reflector, a second sub-reflector, and a relief portion. The main reflector includes a main reflection surface that reflects light from a light source in a forward direction. The first sub-reflector includes a first sub-reflection surface that reflects the light toward the second sub-reflector. The second sub-reflector includes a second sub-reflection surface that reflects the light reflected from the first sub-reflection surface in the forward direction. The second sub-reflector is arranged closer to the center axis than the main reflector, and the first sub-reflector is arranged farther from a center axis of the light than the main reflector, inclined inward via the relief portion, so that the light reflected from the main reflection surface is not blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaya Morishita, Masafumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7029150
    Abstract: A Catadioptric Light Distribution System that collects and collimates the hemispherical pattern of light emitted by a Lambertian light emitting diode (LED) into a collimated beam directed essentially parallel to the optical axis of the LED. The system comprises a circular condensing lens having a center axis that is aligned with the optical axis of the LED parabolic reflector having circular opening formed therethrough which is centered on the center axis of the parabolic reflector and a double bounce mirror. The light reflected and culminated by the parabolic reflector is directed onto the circular annular double bounce mirror so that this light is collimated in an annular beam which passes around the edge of the condensing lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy S. Finch
  • Patent number: 7025475
    Abstract: An illumination device includes: an integrator that transmits light from an incident side thereof to an emitting side thereof; a light source that supplies the light to the incident side of the integrator, the light source including a reflector and a lamp located on a center axis of the reflector; and a center mirror located on a line connecting the center the incident side of the integrator and the lamp, the center mirror being capable of reflecting light from the integrator back to the integrator. The center mirror has a smaller diameter than that of an opening of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Yamazaki, Shunji Kamijima, Daisuke Uchikawa
  • Patent number: 7018058
    Abstract: A reflector, light source, phase retarder, and linear polarizer configured to increase a single-polarization output beam by converting wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light. The linear polarizer reflects the wrong-polarization light and transmits the correct-polarization light. The phase retarder converts the wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light, which is then transmitted by the linear polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O'Connor, Clark A. Pentico
  • Patent number: 7018076
    Abstract: A high performance compound reflector and cooling system for use with a projection system having a lamp for emitting light, an ellipsoid reflector for capturing said light from a first focal point of the ellipsoid reflector and focusing said light at a second focal point co-incident with an integrator rod, and a spherical reflector for retro-reflecting light through the first focal point for reflection by said ellipsoid reflector to said second focal point. The shape of the ellipsoid reflector according to the present invention allows the spherical element to have a larger diameter at the interface between the ellipsoid and sphere. This provides a location for an air deflector in a shape similar to the back of the ellipsoid for channeling air over and outside of the ellipsoid and then along the inside of the sphere. The design of the reflector and air deflector allow cooling requirements to be substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George P. Pinho, O. Nicholas Komarnycky, Richard Matthews
  • Patent number: 7014342
    Abstract: The light-guiding apparatus has a light tunnel and an ellipsoidal reflector. Light emitted from the light tunnel is reflected and focused on a DMD chip by the ellipsoidal reflector. The light tunnel and a long axis of the ellipsoidal reflector form an angle. The angle and an eccentricity of the ellipsoidal reflector are used to modify the light emitted from the light tunnel. Thus, the light is made to match an incident angle and an effective dimension of a digital micro-mirror device receiving the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc
    Inventors: Sean Chang, Albert Lin
  • Patent number: 6974223
    Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
  • Patent number: 6969177
    Abstract: A polarization recovery system includes a polarizing beam splitter transmitting light of a useful polarization in an output direction and reflecting light of a non-useful polarization in a first orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction. An initial reflector may reflect the non-useful polarization light in a second orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction and the first orthogonal direction, and a final reflector may reflect the non-useful polarization light in the output direction. The non-useful polarization light may be rotated substantially to light of the useful polarization by the initial and final reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Li, Seiji Inatsugu
  • Patent number: 6966675
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a lighting module for a vehicle headlight for giving a light beam of the cut-off type, particularly one which is adapted to use with light-emitting diodes. The module has a second reflector having a substantially elliptical surface for reflecting light rays and at least one light source arranged close to the first focus of the first reflector. The module also includes a second reflector for producing the cut-off or dipped output beam, the focus of this reflector being arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector. The module further includes a third reflector or bender, having a reflective top face and being situated between the first and second reflectors. This third reflector has a cut-off edge arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector, whereby to form the cut-off within the light beam. The light source is a light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6962426
    Abstract: An image projection system achieves improved image brightness and optical efficiency by redirecting some of the unused polychromatic light emitted by a primary light source and reflected by a spatially nonuniform light filter back into the lamp assembly housing the light source. The unused portions of the polychromatic light are re-reflected for transmission through a different spatial region of the light filter, resulting in an approximately 30% increase in probability of transmission. Because recirculation of unused light occurs within the lamp assembly, there is no significant reduction in etendue. In a first preferred embodiment, an interference light filter reflects certain colors of light while transmitting other colors of light. In a second preferred embodiment, a polarizing light filter passes light in certain polarization states while reflecting light in other polarization states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: David E. Slobodin
  • Patent number: 6942367
    Abstract: A UV curing lamp is provided which includes a curved, reflective surface which redirects incident light toward a band-pass filter while bypassing the lamp. A heat sink is provided for the band-pass filter, the heat sink containing a woolen material such as aluminum wool. A portion of the light is reflected by the curved reflective surface and is transmitted through the band-pass filter and into the heat sink, the remainder of the light being reflected by the band-pass filter. The heat sink absorbs the light transmitted through the band-pass filter and dissipates the heat associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Tausch, Charles Alexander
  • Patent number: 6918685
    Abstract: A signaling assembly having a reflective substrate with opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein each of the surfaces simultaneously reflects visibly discernable eleotromagnetic radiation and passes electromagnetic radiation; and an emitter for emitting visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation is provided, and wherein the emitted visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation may be simultaneously viewed from locations forward of the opposite first and second surfaces of the reflective substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6910792
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which radiates a beam forward in a predetermined low-beam light distribution pattern using a projection-type lamp unit and with which visibility to the sides of a vehicle is improved without having a significant effect on the formation of the low-beam light distribution pattern. A first additional reflector for reflecting light from a discharge light source of a discharge bulb forward is disposed below a discharge bulb of the projection-type lamp unit. A second additional reflector for reflecting reflected light from the first additional reflector to one side is provided in front of the first additional reflector. An additional light distribution pattern that partially overlaps a side portion of the low-beam light distribution pattern is formed, thereby providing improved illumination of road zones to the sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Koji Okawa
  • Patent number: 6896386
    Abstract: A surface emitting device (A) has a light source (1a) and a light guide plate (2). Members (3) having a function as a reflection portion for reflecting light from the light source (1a) toward a liquid crystal display panel (100) are provided inside the light guide plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: NIDEC COPAL Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Kitazawa, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 6877882
    Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating an object includes a light source and a lens array system. The light source includes an illumination element emitting light rays and surrounded by a parabolic reflector. The lens array system includes a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate. The first lens array plate includes a matrix of lenslets where, in one embodiment, each lenslet has a shape matching the aspect ratio of the object to be illuminated. The second lens array plate includes a radial pattern of wedge shaped lenslets each corresponding to a lenslet in the first lens array plate. Each wedge shaped lenslet in the second lens array plate has dimensions that are selected to provide a radial and theta collection angles matching the maximum divergence angle of the light source and the maximum divergence angles of the corresponding lenslet in the first lens array plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Haven, Rolf S. Vatne
  • Patent number: 6866404
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a reflector including a parabolic or ellipsoidal mirror, a light source arranged near a (first) focal point of the reflector, and a front mirror having a transparent window and a mirror surface symmetrical about the light axis. Luminous flux emitted from the light source is reflected from the reflector. In the case of the parabolic mirror, the front mirror has the same size as an entrance of an output light utilizing optical system, and the luminous flux exits toward the optical system as collimated light. In the case of the ellipsoidal mirror, the front mirror is arranged between two focal points of the ellipsoidal mirror, and the luminous flux is directed toward the second focal point. However, at least one part of the luminous flux is reflected from the front mirror and returned toward the first focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamauchi, Kazuhiro Fujita, Tadashi Honda, Osamu Nagase
  • Patent number: 6854864
    Abstract: An optical device for increasing the brightness of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source by folding the electromagnetic radiation back on itself. The source of electromagnetic radiation has a first width, a first input end of a first light pipe has a second width, and a second input end of a second light pipe has a third width. An output end of the first light pipe may be reflective; while an output end of the second light pipe may be transmissive. The source is located substantially proximate to a first focal point of a reflector to produce rays of radiation that reflect from the reflector and substantially converge at a second focal point; and the input ends of the first and second light pipes are located proximate to the second focal point to collect the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Cogent Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Patent number: 6851839
    Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising a transparent body having a front surface and a back surface, the back surface having at least one convex curved portion, each such convex curved portion having at least one axis perpendicular to the front surface, and an internally reflective curved surface facing the front surface of the transparent body, a cavity in each convex curved portion, having sidewalls and a bottom, adapted to receive a light emitting source, and a reflective surface at the bottom of each cavity oriented so that light emitted by the light emitting source is reflected by the reflective surface onto the internally reflective curved surface of the convex curved portion. In some embodiments, the internally reflective curved surface also provides one or more electrical circuits for one or more light emitting sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Malone, Todd M. Nykerk, Timothy J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6846100
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is configured such that it comprises at least one light source, a first reflecting surface which reflects light from the light source or sources to change it into parallel light, one intermediate reflecting surface which reflects parallel light from the first reflecting surface toward the second reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface which reflects light reflected by the intermediate reflecting surface forward and one lens provided forwardly of the second reflecting surface and such that the light source is provided outside the lens in relation to the direction of the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Norifumi Imazeki, Takashi Nakanishi, Takeaki Okamura, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Hirokuni Osugi, Kentaro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6843586
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light socket, a first reflector base, and a second reflector base. The light socket is at least partially disposed in a housing, and is used to secure and provide electrical power to a light source. The first reflector base has an aperture through which the light socket is accessible, and a reflective surface generally facing away from the light socket, and therefore the light source. The second reflector base is connected to the first reflector base, the light source housing, or both, and has a reflective surface generally facing the light source and the reflective surface of the first reflector base. Light provided by the light source is reflected from the second reflective surface and then the first reflective surface, providing indirect lighting for an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas C. Allaire
  • Patent number: 6837592
    Abstract: An indirect luminaire optical system having linear tubular lamps, parabolic reflector assemblies positioned under the lamps, kick reflectors positioned adjacent to the sides of the lamps, and a housing positioned around the lamps and reflectors, with the housing having a substantially open top for allowing light to exit the optical system. Each parabolic reflector assembly may have a pair of substantially parabolic shaped reflectors joined to form a apex along and directly under the corresponding lamp lamp. The kick reflectors may be in a spaced relationship with the parabolic reflector assemblies, thereby defining openings therebetween. The bottom portion of the housing may have translucent areas which are in optical communication with the lamp through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin S. Dahlen
  • Patent number: 6837593
    Abstract: A reflector (8, 9) for a lamp (24), including at least one reflective surface (12), the reflector being designed such that the light which is emitted by a luminous element (1) of the lamp (24) and reflected at the reflective surface (12) does not impinge on the luminous element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Lighting Innovation Center AG
    Inventors: Ottokar Schütz, Werner Maurer, Urs Schürmann, Ralph Wichmann
  • Publication number: 20040252478
    Abstract: A polarization recovery system includes a polarizing beam splitter transmitting light of a useful polarization in an output direction and reflecting light of a non-useful polarization in a first orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction. An initial reflector may reflect the non-useful polarization light in a second orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction and the first orthogonal direction, and a final reflector may reflect the non-useful polarization light in the output direction. The non-useful polarization light may be rotated substantially to light of the useful polarization by the initial and final reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Li, Seiji Inatsugu
  • Patent number: 6821000
    Abstract: A light integrator comprising: an elongated cylindrical light integrating cavity having a longitudinal cylindrical chamber wall with a diffusely reflecting interior surface, said chamber wall having a longitudinally extending output slit for emitting light from the cavity; an elongated glass rod extending into the cavity, said glass rod having an input port at one end thereof for introducing the beam of light and a treatment along its length for emitting light entering its port into the cavity; and an end wall including a supporting feature for supporting an end of the elongated glass rod opposite its input port so that the glass rod extends along a length of the integrating cavity in relation to the chamber wall thereof to direct light emitted therefrom toward the diffusely reflecting interior surface, whereby the supporting feature comprises a bore that is recessed into the end wall with a linear dimension leaving an enclosed open space between the end of the glass rod and the end wall of the cavity for dif
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Meiers, William H. Russel
  • Patent number: 6811284
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and apparatus for modifying the irradiation distribution of a radiation source. In accordance with the method the radiation source (1) is used to direct radiation to an essentially planar target surface (6). In accordance with the invention between the radiation source (1) and the target surface (6), several plates (4), which are essentially transparent to the radiation and have spaces between them, are placed close to the radiation source (1), in order to use the reflection and absorption of the transparent plates (4) to attenuate the radiation to desired areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Endeas Oy
    Inventors: Jaakko Hyvarinen, Folke Stenman
  • Publication number: 20040207999
    Abstract: An LED package has a light emitting element, a first optical section that is disposed around the light emitting element, and a second optical section that is disposed around the first optical while being separated from the first optical section. A gap is formed between the first and second optical sections. The gap allows part of light emitted from the light emitting element to be radiated from the first optical section as nearly parallel light converged in the direction vertical to the center axis of the light emitting element. The second optical section includes a reflection surface to reflect the nearly parallel light in the direction parallel to the center axis of the light emitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Hideaki Kato, Mitsuhiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040184269
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of enhancing illumination by a variety of lamp types through the use of reflective technologies, for example, replacement of expensive high intensity density or mercury vapor lamps with low wattage flourescent tubes having at least one and in some cases, up to three reflective surfaces for focusing otherwise lost light toward a target illumination area. Further, the placement of light sources at the focal point of said reflective surfaces aids in optimizing the amount of light focused in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Randal D. Walton
  • Publication number: 20040179364
    Abstract: The invention relates to an array for reducing the coherence of a coherent radiation beam (6), wherein a reflector (1) defining an inner space is provided with a diffusely reflecting inner surface (4), wherein said reflector (1) has an inlet hole (2) through which the radiation beam (6) can be injected into the inner space, in addition to an outlet hole (3) through which the rays of the radiation beam (6) can come out after at least one reflection on the inner surface (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Matthias Burkhardt, Rainhard Steiner, Alexander Menck, Lars Erdmann, Jorg BIschoff
  • Publication number: 20040179371
    Abstract: A reflector of a vehicle lamp includes a main reflector, a first sub-reflector, a second sub-reflector, and a relief portion. The main reflector includes a main reflection surface that reflects light from a light source in a forward direction. The first sub-reflector includes a first sub-reflection surface that reflects the light toward the second sub-reflector. The second sub-reflector includes a second sub-reflection surface that reflects the light reflected from the first sub-reflection surface in the forward direction. The second sub-reflector is arranged closer to the center axis than the main reflector, and the first sub-reflector is arranged farther from a center axis of the light than the main reflector, inclined inward via the relief portion, so that the light reflected from the main reflection surface is not blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaya Morishita, Masafumi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040179349
    Abstract: A fiberoptic lighting system has a light source with a bulbous section and a plurality of plastic light pipes having substantially circular cross sections. A collector has an inlet for receiving light from the light source and an outlet. The collector performs an area-to-angle conversion on light it collects from the light source. A plurality of rods receives light from the collector and passes such light to the plastic light pipes, while thermally isolating the plastic light pipes from the light source. A perimeter of an outlet of the collector has a plurality of shaped portions, each associated with, and each substantially shaped the same as, a substantial portion of an associated perimeter of a respective one of the plurality of rods. The foregoing system delivers a higher percentage of light from a light source into multiple light pipes than in a prior art system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Roger F. Buelow, John M. Davenport, Gregory P. Frankiewicz, Dave Bina