Opposed Patents (Class 362/298)
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Patent number: 7195375Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Anvik CorporationInventor: Kanti Jain
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Patent number: 7188973Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Ryoji Katsuma
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Patent number: 7178948Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Anurag Gupta
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Patent number: 7178947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Dale Marks
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Patent number: 7178943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten
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Patent number: 7178960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
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Patent number: 7175322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidetaka Tanaka
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Patent number: 7172318Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sean Chang, Yu-Chuan Chen
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Patent number: 7160002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
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Patent number: 7156540Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Christopher Alan Haines
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Patent number: 7147903Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Sanford Cobb, Jr., David L. Wortman
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Patent number: 7144131Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLCInventor: Jack C. Rains
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Patent number: 7121691Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Charles M Coushaine, Steve Sidwell, Brad Ernest, Thomas Tessnow
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Patent number: 7121704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Takada
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Patent number: 7111958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventor: Perry Coman
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Patent number: 7090378Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
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Patent number: 7055990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.Inventors: Boris Geller, Miodrag Cekic, Jeffrey Okamitsu
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Patent number: 7055991Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Chao-Tang Lin
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Patent number: 7055961Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Reflectivity, INCInventor: Andrew G. Huibers
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Patent number: 7040768Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Shohei Fujisawa, Takeshi Takezawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7036967Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hisaya Morishita, Masafumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7029150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Guide CorporationInventor: Timothy S. Finch
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Patent number: 7025475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Tetsuro Yamazaki, Shunji Kamijima, Daisuke Uchikawa
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Patent number: 7018058Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Michael O'Connor, Clark A. Pentico
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Patent number: 7018076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Christie Digital Systems, Inc.Inventors: George P. Pinho, O. Nicholas Komarnycky, Richard Matthews
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Patent number: 7014342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Delta Electronics, IncInventors: Sean Chang, Albert Lin
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Patent number: 6974223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: ACCO Brands USA, LLCInventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
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Patent number: 6969177Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Wavien, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth K. Li, Seiji Inatsugu
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Patent number: 6966675Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 6962426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: InFocus CorporationInventor: David E. Slobodin
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Patent number: 6942367Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Mark Tausch, Charles Alexander
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Patent number: 6918685Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu
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Patent number: 6910792Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Koji Okawa
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Patent number: 6896386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: NIDEC COPAL CorporationInventors: Osamu Kitazawa, Masaaki Takagi
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Patent number: 6877882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Haven, Rolf S. Vatne
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Patent number: 6866404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Yamauchi, Kazuhiro Fujita, Tadashi Honda, Osamu Nagase
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Patent number: 6854864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Cogent Light Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
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Patent number: 6851839Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Malone, Todd M. Nykerk, Timothy J. Kelly
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Patent number: 6846100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventors: Norifumi Imazeki, Takashi Nakanishi, Takeaki Okamura, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Hirokuni Osugi, Kentaro Hayashi
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Patent number: 6843586Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventor: Thomas C. Allaire
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Patent number: 6837592Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLCInventor: Kevin S. Dahlen
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Patent number: 6837593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Lighting Innovation Center AGInventors: Ottokar Schütz, Werner Maurer, Urs Schürmann, Ralph Wichmann
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Publication number: 20040252478Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Wavien, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth K. Li, Seiji Inatsugu
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Patent number: 6821000Abstract: 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 difType: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ronald E. Meiers, William H. Russel
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Patent number: 6811284Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Endeas OyInventors: Jaakko Hyvarinen, Folke Stenman
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Publication number: 20040207999Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Hideaki Kato, Mitsuhiro Inoue
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Publication number: 20040184269Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Randal D. Walton
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Publication number: 20040179364Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Matthias Burkhardt, Rainhard Steiner, Alexander Menck, Lars Erdmann, Jorg BIschoff
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Publication number: 20040179371Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hisaya Morishita, Masafumi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20040179349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Roger F. Buelow, John M. Davenport, Gregory P. Frankiewicz, Dave Bina