Fluid Medium Type Patents (Class 362/318)
  • Patent number: 11829024
    Abstract: An optical stack for reflecting and transmitting light in a predetermined wavelength range includes stacked first and second optical films, the predetermined wavelength range defining a first wavelength range and a remaining wavelength range. For normally incident light and for each wavelength in a first wavelength range, the first optical film substantially reflects light having a first polarization state, and substantially transmits light having a second polarization state. For each of the first and second polarization states, for wavelengths in the first wavelength range, the second optical film has a maximum optical transmittance Tmax for light incident at a first incident angle, and an optical transmittance Tmax/2 for light incident at a second incident angle, where the second incident angle is greater than the first incident angle by less than about 50 degrees. For wavelengths in the remaining wavelength range, the second optical film reflects at least 80% of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Carl A. Stover, Matthew B. Johnson, Ryan T. Fabick, Quinn D. Sanford
  • Patent number: 10688313
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ROCOMP GLOBAL, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles Brian Rogers, Scott David Compton
  • Patent number: 10247968
    Abstract: An apparatus that is part of a lampshade comprises a first film, a second film and a border seal forming a closed chamber that is laminar in shape and hermetically sealed. A fluid is disposed for fluid motion in the closed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Robert G. Batchko
  • Patent number: 9946005
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device, includes a display panel; a light guide plate to transfer light to the display panel; and a light source module on a side surface of the light guide plate to supply light to the light guide plate, the light source module including a light source to generate light; and a quantum dot unit between the light source and the light guide plate, the quantum dot unit extending along the side surface of the light guide plate and including a tube member filled with a resin including quantum dots, the tube member including a sealing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Baek Hee Lee, Hae Il Park, Mun Ki Sim, Seon-Tae Yoon
  • Patent number: 9752738
    Abstract: LED based searchlight/sky light including, in a basic embodiment, a housing; an LED array supported in/by the housing, a heat sink in communication with the LED array, and a reflector supported in the housing such that the LED array is supported by the housing a distance sufficient above the reflector to allow the light emitted by the LED array to be reflected by the reflector. The reflector is preferably a parabolic reflector such that the light emitted by the LED array is reflected by the parabolic reflector in an intense collimated beam. The LED array may be supported above the parabolic reflector a distance equal to the focal length of the parabolic reflector. A power supply may also be included to regulate the electrical current applied to the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Sportsbeams Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Baxter, Fred H. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9523478
    Abstract: An apparatus that is part of a lampshade comprises a first film, a second film and a border seal forming a closed chamber that is laminar in shape and hermetically sealed. A fluid is disposed for fluid motion in the closed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Batchko
  • Patent number: 9140841
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device including a display panel, a casing including an opening, a plate-like light guiding member having a part thereof located in the opening, a masking member overlapping with a part of the light guiding member, a projection projecting from the light guiding member around the masking member, a light source provided in the casing to supply light to the light guiding member and emit the light to the outside of the projection, and a power supply unit configured to be switched between a first mode and a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Takatsu, Tatsuro Imura
  • Patent number: 9028113
    Abstract: A hanging lamp assembly provides visual stimulation and relaxation. The assembly includes a container having a transparent perimeter wall defining an interior space. A first fluid and a second fluid are positioned in the interior space defining a liquid mass. The second fluid has a density different than a density of the first fluid wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are layered within the interior space defining a fluid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid. The first fluid is a non-clear color and the second fluid is a different color than the first fluid. A plurality of items is positioned in the interior space such that the items are suspended in the liquid mass. A light source is coupled to the container directing light towards the liquid mass. A hanger is coupled to the container such that the container swings freely from a supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Sean M. Giliberti
  • Patent number: 9004725
    Abstract: A lighting device capable of changing light patterns, includes: (a) a heat dissipating substrate; (b) a light source, located on the heat dissipating substrate; (c) a first dielectric liquid, covering the light source and having a first dielectric constant; (d) a second dielectric liquid, covering the first dielectric liquid and having a second dielectric constant; and (e) an enclosing wall, located on the heat dissipating substrate for containing the first dielectric liquid and the second dielectric liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lustrous Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Jer-Liang Yeh, Chun-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20150049491
    Abstract: A glass tube including quantum dots under oxygen-free conditions is described. An optical component and other products including such glass tube, a composition including quantum dots, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Karthik VENKATARAMAN, John R. LINTON, Robert J. NICK, Abhishek GUPTA
  • Publication number: 20150003056
    Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced light out-coupling device for extraction of light radiation from a light source. The enhanced light out-coupling device comprises a grid having a plurality of channels, a reflective material layer coated on the grid, and a high refractive index fluid layer. In addition, the grid can be filled with phosphor particles for light converting. The device of the presently claimed invention is able to effectively avoid the scattering problem generated from the sapphire substrate and phosphor particles, as well as reduce light adsorption by the array of grid during the light extraction, leading to better image quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Nano and Advanced Materials Institute Limited
    Inventors: Tsang Ming Michael CHOI, Yuen Yan Gena TSANG, Kwok Keung Paul HO
  • Patent number: 8915607
    Abstract: The application is related to an aqua lamp structure having a light transmissive candle, mainly comprising an aqua lamp decoration having a light transmissive candle thereon; the aqua lamp decoration comprises a base upwardly mounted to an aqua lamp main body; the light transmissive candle comprises a hollow and transparent cage, and the cage comprises a lighting unit and a pattern film surroundingly set at outer edge of the lighting unit, and outer shell wall of the cage has a pattern layer, and the pattern layer has grain to project the patterns of the pattern film on the cage by the light of the lighting unit to be crossed and overlapped with the grain of the pattern layer on the shell wall. Thereby, due to the splendid aqua lamp main body with light to shine on, the 3D visual effects which have light and shadow in different layers, front and back, deep and shallow above the splendid aqua lamp main body can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8911119
    Abstract: A three-way bulb including light emitting diodes is used to achieve a variety of light output colors and/or intensities. In some embodiments, the inputs to a three-way bulb are configured to perform other functions, such as power a motor. In some embodiments, a bulb including light emitting diodes includes a replicable cover. This cover may be configured to project images or support a shade made of a heat sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Steven M. Colby
  • Patent number: 8911101
    Abstract: A lava lamp display device comprising: a frame having a permeable vision window at a front surface thereof, and a lamp base and a projection light at a bottom of inner side thereof; a film-coated glass mounted on the vision window; a support bracket having at least one positioning hole thereon; a transparent bottle arranged in the positioning holes; and two reflection mirrors having a center serving as a reference to define the two symmetrical reflection mirrors, and both sides thereof inclined forward to form an angle ? being not parallel with the film-coated glass with 180° angle. After the filler of the transparent bottle is reflected repeatedly by the two reflection mirrors, the vision window shows shapes in an inward serial arrangement in the middle and unlimited extension on both sides, having effects of an illumination lamp device, an art decoration, and special visual in one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Tsai Tsai
  • Patent number: 8905567
    Abstract: A display device for lighting objects comprising: a frame having a vision window at a front side thereof, a film-coated glass mounted on the vision window, a support bracket arranged in the frame and having at least one positioning hole thereon, a lighting object having at least a part thereof arranged in the positioning hole and two pieces of refection mirrors having a center serving as a reference to define the first and second symmetrical reflection mirrors and both sides thereof inclined forward to form an angle between 145° and 175°. After a lighting object is reflected repeatedly by the two or more than two reflection mirrors, the vision window shows shapes in an inward serial arrangement from the middle to unlimited extension at both sides, providing effects of an illumination lamp device, an art decoration, and special visions in one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Su-Fang Ho
  • Publication number: 20140355244
    Abstract: A phosphor device (1) for converting pump light into converted light comprising: a container (3), wherein phosphor particles (5) are movable by a pressure fluid, and an illumination region (9), configured for an illumination of the phosphor particles (5), which are moved by pressure fluid, using pump light, as a result of which converted light is emitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM GMBH
    Inventor: Andre Nauen
  • Patent number: 8870416
    Abstract: A LED package structure includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a support unit, a lens unit, an input unit and a control unit. The light-emitting unit includes at least one light-emitting element electrically connected to the substrate unit. The support unit includes a support element disposed on the substrate unit and surrounding the light-emitting element. The lens unit includes an electrically-controlled zoom lens disposed above the light-emitting element and retained by the support element. The input unit includes a signal input module for providing a predetermined voltage signal. The control unit includes a voltage controlling module electrically connected between the electrically-controlled zoom lens and the signal input module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lustrous Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chi Liu, Kao-Hsu Chou
  • Patent number: 8858032
    Abstract: A heat pipe configured to transfer heat from a central portion of a lighting device to an edge portion of the lighting device, the heat pipe comprising one region which extends along a portion of a diameter of a substantially circular, substantially annular shape and another region that extends along a diameter of the shape. Also, a lighting device comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter and a heat pipe as described above. Also, a self ballasted lamp comprising a solid state light source, an electrical connector, an AC power supply, a reflector configured to receive light from the source and emit reflected light from an aperture, and a thermal management system. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter comprising an array of solid state light emitters, a heat pipe and a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 8845137
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a light source and at a heat dissipation element comprising at least first and second substantially transparent regions and at least a first fluid, at least a portion of the first fluid being positioned in a space between the transparent regions. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source, an enclosed space through which light passes and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising first and second substantially transparent regions coupled with a space and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising a heat pipe that comprises a substantially transparent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 8777440
    Abstract: An illuminated, color-changing, interchangeable drinking vessel assembly that includes an upper fluid retaining vessel, a neck, a collar on a stem, and a base. Magnets are located in the neck of the upper fluid retaining vessel and light emitting diodes (SMD LED's) and a magnetically actuated switch are located in the collar of the stem. A controller and battery are located in the base of the stem and are also electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. When the upper fluid retaining vessel and neck are magnetically attached to the collar of the stem, the magnetically operated switch detects the magnetic field and closes the circuit, activating the SMD LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Eves
  • Patent number: 8702257
    Abstract: An LED bulb having a bulb-shaped shell, a thermally conductive plastic material within the bulb-shaped shell, and at least one LED within the bulb-shaped shell. The bulb also includes a base, wherein the base is dimensioned to be received within a standard electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Switch Bulb Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lenk, Carol Lenk, Daniel Chandler
  • Patent number: 8695247
    Abstract: A candle-shape decorative lamp is disclosed, including: a aquatic lamp main body, a magnet-driven element, a buoy and a bottom base. The magnetic-driven element and the buoy are disposed inside the aquatic lamp main body. The bottom base is fixedly engaged to the conic aquatic lamp main body with at least a light-emitting element disposed inside as well as a magnetic rotational axis for correspondingly attaching to the magnet-driven element, and driven by a driving element to rotate. When the magnetic rotational axis rotates, the magnet-driven element also rotates because of attachment to the magnetic rotational axis so as to wave the fluid inside the aquatic lamp main body, which leading to pushing to rotational plats to rotate the buoy. As such, the light emitted through the aquatic lamp main body forming ambient light with decorative effect so as to great rich and fun visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8641214
    Abstract: A laminar liquid motion display includes a pair of outer films and a flow separator film. The flow separator film is perforated with a number of flow holes and is sandwiched between the outer films. The films may be sealed along their periphery thereby forming a generally laminar chamber which may contain two interconnected compartments. A fluid is disposed within the chamber and may circulate between the two compartments via the flow holes in the flow separator film. The fluid may include any number of generally immiscible components which may be colored in order to make the motion of the fluid easily visible. A lamp or candle may be disposed in the proximity of the chamber in order to illuminate the fluid and power its motion by convection. The chamber may be curved concentrically around the lamp or candle and may provide the functionality of a lampshade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert G. Batchko
  • Patent number: 8562185
    Abstract: An LED bulb includes a base, a shell connected to the base, one or more LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a flexible diaphragm. The one or more LEDs are disposed within the shell. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The flexible diaphragm is in fluidic connection to the thermally conductive liquid, and is configured to deflect from a first position to a second position to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Switch Bulb Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Wheelock, Bernhard Stonas
  • Patent number: 8523403
    Abstract: A reflector spotlight luminaire includes a housing defining an optical axis. The light source is provided that includes one or more white light emitting LEDs, the lights being arranged to direct a beam of white light along the axis of the housing, such as being reflected from an ellipsoidal reflector. An image engine in the form of an LCD panel intercepts the beam of white light traveling along the axis to modify and enhance the beam of white light with image data, such as color, shape, animation, etc. Conventional projection optics accumulates the image emitted by the image engine, projects the optically enhanced light beam through the housing onto a projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Altman Lighting Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Pujol
  • Patent number: 8506124
    Abstract: A light-emitting method is provided. The light-emitting method is applied in a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes an emitting member to emit light. The light-emitting method includes detecting an air pressure of the light-emitting device and controlling the emitting member to emit light with color and luminance value according to the detected air pressure. A related light-emitting device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Feng Chen, Fang-Lun Wu
  • Publication number: 20130121005
    Abstract: An illuminating lens for a medical headlamp, endoscope or exoscope, to generate an illuminating light beam with variable light distribution includes a liquid lens with variable focal length to modify a focusing of the illuminating light beam. The invention also relates to an observation device with an illuminating lens of this type as well as a method to generate an illuminating light beam with variable light distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jan Dahmen
  • Patent number: 8434898
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide interlocked modular lighting array units to operate as a single large light source. The modular lighting array units may be connected by a network, and the modular lighting array units may communicate and send and receive control or status signals. In some embodiments, the signals may correspond to status of light sources or LEDs, lighting functions, effects routines, and various other signals of communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Nila Inc.
    Inventors: James Sanfilippo, Alan McFarland
  • Patent number: 8412018
    Abstract: A large-area optical element is described. The large-area optical element includes a monolithic container fabricated from a transparent material, wherein the monolithic container has a plurality of optical surfaces. A liquid is positioned within the monolithic container, wherein the liquid has a density substantially less than a density of the monolithic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Simon J. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8408754
    Abstract: A variable illumination apparatus includes: a first substrate; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate with a predetermined gap therebetween; a surrounding wall that is disposed between the first and second substrates, has a first opening and a second opening opposed to each other, and has an inner side surface that is tapered toward the second opening from the first opening; a partition wall to partition a liquid chamber formed by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the surrounding wall into regions, the partition wall being vertical to the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid lens having a lens surface that is formed at an interface between two liquids and is electrically deformable, the two liquids being accommodated in each of the regions and each having a different refractive index; and a light source to irradiate light to the liquid lens from the first opening side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Miki Tsuchiya, Hiroaki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 8382339
    Abstract: A light output device comprises at least one light source having a light source output comprising at least a light output, and a switchable member through which the light output is provided, and which is switchable between at least two optical states. These at least two optical states provide different levels of uniformity of the light output. The switching of the switchable member is induced by the light source output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen, Roel Penterman
  • Patent number: 8277094
    Abstract: An LED bulb includes a base, a shell connected to the base, an LED mount disposed within the shell, one or more LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a liquid-volume compensator mechanism. The one or more LEDs are mounted on the LED mount. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism moves from a first position to a second position to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Switch Bulb Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Wheelock, Bernhard Stonas
  • Patent number: 8162498
    Abstract: A solid state lighting device, such as a lamp or light fixture, includes a solid state source and one or more semiconductor nanophosphors dispersed in a light transmissive material in the element. The material is of a type and the nanophosphor(s) are dispersed therein in such a manner that the material bearing the semiconductor nanophosphor(s) is at least substantially color-neutral to the human observer, when the solid state lighting device is off. In some examples, the material appears relatively clear or transparent when the device is off. In other examples, the material appears translucent, e.g. white, when the device is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8162514
    Abstract: An illumination device with a fire-fighting function includes a transparent hollow casing, fire-fighting water, a light-emitting unit, and a light-guiding unit. The transparent hollow casing has a receiving space. The fire-fighting water is filled into the receiving space of the transparent hollow casing. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed beside one or more lateral sides of the transparent hollow casing. The light-guiding unit is disposed over the transparent hollow casing. Hence, when fire accident happens, the transparent hollow casing will melt and crack due to the developed over-heat, and the fire-fighting water is sprayed out from the receiving spaces in order to extinguish one part of flames. Therefore, the present invention can be used as a lighting device or can be used as a fire-fighting device when fire accident happens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Harvatek Corporation
    Inventor: Bily Wang
  • Patent number: 8110968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an irradiation device having a radiation source and a filter which is arranged in the optical path and has two transparent filter disks which are substantially arranged in parallel with each other and which are held with their surrounding edges in a frame made of a material of good heat conduction, the filter disks and the frame defining a closed cavity which has provided therein a medium which selectively influences the radiation spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Maxs AG
    Inventors: Werner Braun, Dietmar Loffler
  • Patent number: 8021008
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a source of light of a first spectral characteristic, a reflector or a diffusely reflective chamber or cavity having a transmissive optical passage, and a liquid containing quantum dots. The quantum dots provide a wavelength shift of at least some light emitted by the source of light to produce a desired second spectral characteristic in the light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventor: David P. Ramer
  • Patent number: 7997750
    Abstract: A high power LED lamp comprises a container having a cavity to fill with a liquid, a light source module for providing a high power LED source light to penetrate through the liquid, and an axial thermal conductor having a first portion nearby the light source module and a second portion extending in the liquid along an axial direction of the cavity to far away from the light source module to evenly transfer heat from the light source module through the liquid to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Liquidleds Lighting Corp.
    Inventor: Kun-Yuan Chiang
  • Patent number: 7997759
    Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination device for projecting a substantially uniform light at a remote distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Designs For Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E Feinbloom, Kenneth Braganca, Peter Yan, Michael Botta
  • Publication number: 20110164405
    Abstract: An optical element (103) for inducing a variation of light from a light source comprising a reservoir (102) containing a flexible material (104) arranged to form a light guide (104) configured to guide light (200) incoupled into the light guide (104) within a first boundary (105) formed by an interface between the flexible material (104) and a surrounding medium (109) having a refractive index being lower than the refractive index of the flexible material, and a second boundary (107) formed by an interior surface of the reservoir; a surface exciting unit (111) being arranged to induce a time varying distortion of the interface (105) between the flexible material (104) and the surrounding medium (109), wherein the distortion enables outcoupling of light at varying angles. An advantage is that a light guide enables a more compact illumination device as the light source does not need to be arranged underneath the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Boonekamp, René Van Der Wal
  • Patent number: 7967445
    Abstract: An image projecting apparatus enables the formation of a projected image faithful to original image information by reducing degradation in the projected image due to decrease in imaging performance of a projection optical system. Image information is processed by an image processing device, which includes a first and a second image processor. A light modulating device modulates a flux of light emitted by an illumination optical system based on the processed image information. The modulated flux of light is projected on a screen by a projection optical system. If the image information processed by the first image processor in a pixel region is not within a representable modulation range of the light modulating device, the image information is processed by the second image processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiko Hamano, Ryosuke Kasahara, Toshiyuki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7871173
    Abstract: A lighting device. The lighting device includes a base portion, a diffuser portion having a wall defining an inner cavity, wherein the wall includes a plurality of colors, the plurality of colors defining a color pattern, and a light source for illuminating the diffuser portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lava Lite, LLC
    Inventors: Yan X. Lin, Yao Z. Tan, Thomas M. Spain
  • Patent number: 7798673
    Abstract: An aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand accommodating therein an incandescent lamp assembly that is engageable with a power source to generate heat. The stand has an open end in which an aqua-lamp base that defines an internal chamber is mounted. An illuminator for lighting purposes is arranged at an opening of the chamber. Thus, the heat generated by the incandescent lamp assembly is employed to cause a liquid contained in the aqua lamp base to flow and show a shining effect; and the illuminator of the internal chamber serves as a twinkling night lamp. As such, the aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device shows dual interests of visual effects in both light twinkling and liquid flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7794095
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a light-permeable water-carrying outflow pipe that has (i) an exposed end face and (ii) an input face located upstream of the exposed end face. A light source, preferably including light emitting diodes (LED), inputs light into the outflow pipe through the input face. The light emerges from the outflow pipe at the end face, and may also emerge at an exposed outer peripheral surface area of the outflow pipe. The outflow pipe has a stationary first outflow pipe piece with the input face and a rotatable second outflow pipe piece with the exposed end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Christian Gautschi, Stefan Brunner, Michael Lehner, Daniel Baumann
  • Publication number: 20100226135
    Abstract: An exemplary water jet guided laser device includes a water-ejecting device and a hollow light guide pipe. The water-ejecting device has a water chamber, a light incident through hole and a water-ejecting through hole defined at opposite sides thereof. The light incident through hole and the water-ejecting through hole are in communication with the water chamber. The water-ejecting device is configured for ejecting water from the water chamber through the water-ejecting through hole. The light incident through hole is configured for introducing a laser beam in the water chamber. The hollow light guide pipe is mounted in the water chamber and aligned with the light incident through hole and the water-ejecting through hole. The light guide pipe is watertight and is configured for receiving and guiding the laser beam from the light incident through hole to the water-ejecting through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HSIANG-HUNG CHEN
  • Patent number: 7784959
    Abstract: A whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand accommodating therein a motor for driving rotation of a magnetic piece and an aqua lamp that defines a chamber mounted to an open end of the stand. The aqua lamp receives therein a magnetically-driven moving piece located on a bottom thereof and corresponding to the magnetic piece and a light generation assembly is set under the aqua lamp. An illuminator for generating twinkling lighting is arranged at an opening of the chamber. Thus, the motor, once set in operation, rotates the magnetically-driven moving piece, which in turn causes a liquid flow inside the aqua lamp in a whirlpool and dazzling/shining manner; meanwhile, the illuminator on the chamber provides a function of simulating a twinkling candle flaming. The whirlpool type aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device shows dual interests of visual effects in light twinkling and entertainment of observing liquid flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7753545
    Abstract: The invention is an illuminable tank that includes a partially translucent plastic tank and an illumination apparatus. The illuminable tank enables a user to determine the level of liquid in the tank, to make the tank more visible at night, and to light the area surrounding the tank's mouth and a spout. The illumination apparatus has a magnetic reed switch and an electrical circuit with a plurality of light emitting devices that are directed toward the interior of the tank, therein backlighting the tank and illuminating a visible level line at an interface of a surface of the liquid in the tank and the space above the surface. There can also be external lights which provide a cone of light for the spout. The illumination apparatus is explosion proof, and the illuminable plastic tank can be used to store, carry and dispense all commercial retail fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Guy Groover
  • Patent number: 7717599
    Abstract: A light source module is provided comprising an emitter having at least one light emitting surface and an at least partially hollow integrating optic mounted over the emitting surface; where the index of refraction within the hollowed area is less then the index of the subsequent medium along the optical path. The integrating optic has a proximal end facing the emitting surface and a distal end facing away from the emitting surface. The distal end of the integrating optic is flat and has a rectangular aspect ratio which can differ from the aspect ratio of the emitter. One or more optical films and/or an optical component such as a collection lens can be adhered to the distal end of the integrating optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Grace, Patrick R. Destain, William E. Phillips, III
  • Publication number: 20100103700
    Abstract: A light source module includes at least one light emitting device and a focus adjustable lens array. The light emitting device is adapted to emit a light beam, the focus adjustable lens array is disposed in the transmission path of the light beam and includes a plurality of focus adjustable lenses arranged in an array. Each of the focus adjustable lenses includes a first light transmissive plate disposed in the transmission path of the light beam, a first electrode disposed on a peripheral area of the first light transmissive plate, a second light transmissive plate disposed in the transmission path of the beam, a second electrode disposed on a peripheral area of the second light transmissive plate, and a focus adjustable solution disposed between the first light transmissive plate and the second light transmissive plate. The focus adjustable solution includes a solvent and an electrotaxis solute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Jen Tsang
  • Patent number: 7658528
    Abstract: An illumination system has a plurality of light emitters (R5G5B), a first light-collimator (1) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters, and at least a second light-collimator (2) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters. The first light-collimator is arranged around a longitudinal axis (25) of the illumination system, and second light-collimator is being arranged around the first light-collimator along the longitudinal axis. Light propagation in the first light-collimator on total internal reflection. Light propagation in the second light-collimator is based on total internal reflection or on reflection at an outer surface of the second light-collimator facing away from the longitudinal axis. The cavity (3) is provided between the first and the second light-collimator. The cavity is provided with a switchable element based on electrowetting, wherein the switchable optical element is switchable in a mode of operation reducing the effect of the second light-collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Gerard August Hoelen, Johannes Petrus Maria Ansems, Stein Kuiper
  • Patent number: RE42339
    Abstract: A competitive swimming starting system for producing faster starts of competitive swimmers after the start of the race has been signaled. The competitive swimming starting system may include a platform structure for resting on a surface adjacent to a pool, and a light for illuminating to indicate a starting signal for a swimming race. In one embodiment of the invention, the light is mounted on the platform structure in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure. The present invention also contemplates a method of signaling the start of a swimming race, which includes providing a competitive swimming starting platform structure positioned adjacent to a pool, providing a light proximate to the starting platform structure in a location in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure, and illuminating the light to signal a start of a swimming race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Brice