Angularly Patents (Class 362/322)
  • Patent number: 7217007
    Abstract: A dark-sky friendly lamp-housing combination is provided for use with a light fixture. The combination uses a standard lamp having a light element and a base section. The base section includes a neck attached to the light element and a connector that is received in a socket of a light fixture. A housing attached to the neck is adapted to direct light from the light bulb in a predefined direction to reduce light pollution. In one aspect, the housing is rotatable about the base section so that the direction of illumination can be adjusted as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Bulbrite Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Undo Choi
  • Patent number: 7207697
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided that has sufficiently high efficiency irrespective of a size of a light source. The illumination apparatus projecting light forward includes an LED chip, a small-diameter reflecting mirror positioned in front of the LED chip for receiving light from the LED chip to project the light forward, and a reflecting mirror enclosing the LED chip and the small-diameter reflecting mirror for directing and reflecting forward the light from the LED chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Shoji
  • Patent number: 7198392
    Abstract: An adjuster to be used with numerous applications including the adjusting of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly includes a clutch mechanism that prevents over-driving and over-traveling of the adjuster output shaft during an overload condition. The adjuster includes generally an output shaft, drive gear, spring, and a driven gear that allow the headlamp adjuster to clutch. The driven gear is held in an engaged position with the drive gear by the spring force of the spring. In a high torque condition, such as when the output shaft encounters a high load, the driven gear will disengage from the drive gear overcoming the spring force of the spring. In this position, the headlamp adjuster will clutch, thereby preventing the over-driving and over-traveling of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Darien P. Hobbs, Peter B. Brazas
  • Patent number: 7182470
    Abstract: A light amount control apparatus includes a pair of light amount control plates arranged at side edge portions of a light path, a driving device having a drive rotating shaft, and a transmitting member for transmitting rotation of the drive rotating shaft to the light amount control plates. The light amount control plates are supported by the rotating support shafts at two side edges of the light path to pivot in an advancing direction of the light path. The drive rotating shaft is arranged substantially parallel to the rotating support shafts. A transmitting member includes a first gear assembly connected to the drive rotating shaft, and a second gear assembly rotated in a direction reverse thereto. One light amount control plate is fixedly supported by the first gear assembly, and the other light amount control plate is fixedly supported by the second gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Kenitiro Hashimoto, Yukihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7147350
    Abstract: A novel light modification device is described that includes an optical wheel having at least two light modification sections, the optical wheel being turned by an electric powered actuator and the electric power used to operate the actuator being provided by a light power to electric power converter. All of the optical wheel, actuator and light power to electric power converter being mounted on a housing. The housing being supported by a mounting mechanism so that light from a light source is aligned to illuminate the optical wheel and the light power to electric power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: David P. Schofield
  • Patent number: 7121703
    Abstract: A multifunction adaptive projector system for motor vehicles is provided having a positioning mechanism designed to vary the position of a shield between three defined positions. The system includes an ellipsoidal reflector, a light source, a shield and a mechanism for variation of the position of the shield, in relation to the reflector, between a position for low beam light, a position for motorway light and a position for high beam light. For low beam light, the shield is in proximity of the focal point of the reflector. For motorway light, the shield is shifted by a first distance below the focal point of the reflector. For high beam light, the shield is shifted by a distance below the focal point of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libor Strambersky, Milan Cejnek, David Vozenilek, Jaroslav Purma
  • Patent number: 7108401
    Abstract: A specialized lighting fixture, such as a framing projector provided with a plurality of adjustable framing shutters, is modified to incorporate a pair of locking rings, surrounding the body of the lighting fixture and positioned on opposite sides of outwardly projecting portions of the framing shutters. After initial adjustment of the framing shutters has been completed, the locking rings are tightly compressed together, as by locking screws positioned between adjacent pairs of framing shutters, to lock the shutters in position against unintended dislodgment. For lighting fixtures of non-uniform shape, the locking rings may be made in two parts, preferably hinged together, which are secured together after being positioned on the housing of the lighting fixture. The locking rings are particularly adapted for retrofit installation on lighting fixtures of existing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Lighting Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kane, Frank Cogliano
  • Patent number: 7033047
    Abstract: A shutter section includes a stack of circular plates independently rotatable in a nest formed as a laminar formation of rings. The plates have central openings defining a light path. Four central plates in the stack are shutter guide plates with radial guide slots slideably holding shutter blades. Two outer pairs of plates are shutter drive plates connected by cams to the shutter blades. Simultaneous rotation of a shutter guide plate and associated shutter drive plate causes rotation of an associated shutter blade around the light path. Rotation of a shutter drive plate while the associated shutter guide plate is stationary causes the cam to move the associated shutter blade radially. The nest is enclosed by end plates. A motor section has motors driving pinions to rotate the circular plates. The circular plates, rings pinions and shutter blades are made of sheet metal. Shutters may be provided as interleaved pairs each driven by a pair of rotatable drive plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Gennrich, Sheldon Roberts
  • Patent number: 7029155
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a reflector arranged to be oriented along the horizontal axis of the vehicle, together with a light source situated in the vicinity of the focus of the reflector. It also includes a filter which is able to occupy a withdrawn first position in which it does not interfere with the light beam, and a working second position in which it interferes with at least part of the beam. Means are provided for moving the filter between its working and withdrawn positions. The filter is a diffusing and absorbing filter which does not substantially modify the wavelengths of the emergent light as compared with the incident light, and which is arranged so that, with the filter in the working position, a second type of light beam is produced having a reduced intensity, and, optionally, a modified photometric distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Patrice Bos, Etienne Pauty
  • Patent number: 7018071
    Abstract: A light apparatus, which produces a central motionless light beam and at least one light beam rotating around the central beam, includes a cylindrical housing, a parabolic reflector, a lamp having a light sours in reflector's focus and a rotating non-transparent disk having a central round opening and at least one non-central opening. The disk is placed in front of the lamp with the reflector. The disk rotates without use of an electromotor. For rotation, the disk is mounted in an inner mobile metallic, for example aluminum, ring of ball-bearing, wherein balls, separators and an outer fixed ring are electric insulators. The diameter of the disk is preferably close to the diameter of the inner ring and to the diameter of the reflector. The inner ring is rotated by a rotating magnetic field. The disk rotates together with the inner ring. The rotating magnetic field is created by an inductor-stator, when the inductor-stator is supplied by polyphase alternating electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Lyudmila Belousova, Julia Viseysky
  • Patent number: 7008070
    Abstract: An illumination device includes: a light source; a polarization converter (114) that converts a light beam irradiated by the light source into a substantially uniform linear polarized light, the polarization converter (114) being slanted relative to a central axis of the light beam irradiated by the light source and including a plurality of polarization-separating films (1141) and a plurality of light reflection films (1143) alternately arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central axis of the light beam irradiated by the light source; an optical filter (311) provided between the light source and the polarization converter (114) and having a plurality of optical conversion layers, which are formed striped with the pitch thereof corresponding to the arrangement of the polarization-separating films (1141) to optically convert the incident light beam; a holder frame (312) that holds the optical filter (311); and a filter-driving mechanism (313) that moves the holder frame (312) in a direction i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nishida, Akira Momose
  • Patent number: 6979098
    Abstract: A portable electric torch comprises a lighting module with light-emitting diodes, and optical transmission means mounted swivelling around a swivel pin securely fixed to the housing. The optical transmission means can be a colored filter or a lens able to be actuated with a limited swivelling movement between an inactive position away from the diodes and an active position situated facing the diodes. The swivel pin is horizontal being placed back from and under the diodes, and extends parallel to the direction of alignment of at least two diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Paul Petzl, Sébastien Jarzac
  • Patent number: 6966683
    Abstract: The proposed device uses a plastic of any color with a cavity introduced in it and preferably with a polished inner surface, instead of a reflector or a light guide, to utilize increased reflection with grazing incidence (large angle of incidence versus the normal to the surface). The light from a light source is transported to the symbol by reflection in this cavity and on the inner surface. The light source is preferably of a flat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Haiko Glienicke
  • Patent number: 6945679
    Abstract: A tire illuminating apparatus 12 for illuminating the tires 14 of a vehicle 10 is provided. The tire illuminating apparatus 12 includes a base member 20 which is coupled to the vehicle 10 above the tire 14. The illuminating apparatus 12 is also provided with a light directing member 36 which is coupled to the base member 20 which directs light so that diagonally extending light beams are cast on the tire 14. An illuminating member 44 for providing a predetermined source of light is also provided. The illuminating member 44 is coupled in the base member 20 so that light is provided to the light directing member 36 to illuminate the tire 14 as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond Young
  • Patent number: 6939026
    Abstract: A shutter section includes a stack of circular plates independently rotatable in a nest formed as a laminar formation of rings. The plates have central openings defining a light path. Four central plates in the stack are shutter guide plates with radial guide slots slideably holding shutter blades. Two outer pairs of plates are shutter drive plates connected by cams to the shutter blades. Simultaneous rotation of a shutter guide plate and associated shutter drive plate causes rotation of an associated shutter blade around the light path. Rotation of a shutter drive plate while the associated shutter guide plate is stationary causes the cam to move the associated shutter blade radially. The nest is enclosed by end plates. A motor section has motors driving pinions to rotate the circular plates. The circular plates, rings pinions and shutter blades are made of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David James Gennrich, Sheldon Roberts
  • Patent number: 6877880
    Abstract: An electric light for work comprises a support stand, capable of being magnetically fixed to a metal surface; a reflector, formed in the shape of a semicircle arc, attached rotatably to the support stand in the vertical direction at a predetermined range; and a lighting device attached so that a luminous body is arranged into the reflector, illuminated the luminous body by a battery attached to the reflector so that the electric light can be illuminated in the place that it is narrow and entered spaces and can be magnetically fixed anywhere when it is metal material, and can be performed to repair with both hands illuminating a work place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Toshiaki Endo
  • Patent number: 6834983
    Abstract: A lighting standard, and a method for its use, that has incorporated into its top end a swivel means for the adjustment of a lighting fixture head in train and elevation. The swivel means also incorporates passages through which electrical conductors are passed to provide power for the lighting fixture. The elevating member can include a fixture body, or in the alternative, the fixture body and elevating member can be separate components. The lower end of the standard can be buried in the ground, with the wiring necessary to power the fixture entering through the lower end of the standard and wiring terminations being made through a covered opening on the side of the standard. In the alternative, the standard can be connected directly to a junction box. Applications may include, but are not limited to, landscape lighting, accent lighting, and the lighting of signs, driveways, and walkways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Lee Guritz
  • Patent number: 6824296
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a night light assembly which plugs directly into a wall receptacle to provide a beam of light that can be directed along different paths. The assembly comprises a base member having a plug with projecting blades for insertion into a wall receptacle, a light sensor for automatically controlling activation and de-activation of the lamp of the nightlight and cover member rotatably supported by the base member. The cover member includes a lens, a low wattage lamp located within a lamp support member. The low wattage lamp is coupled via sliding contacts to the PCB board-blade contacts assembly in the base member. This arrangement allows the cover member and lamp to rotated as a unit relative to the base member without limitation. The lamp support member is non-rotatably coupled to the cover member and is rotatably coupled to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Souza, Wilson Brunkhurst, John Ferreira, Anthony Pacitto
  • Patent number: 6764202
    Abstract: Illuminators illuminate tombstones. Human beings frequently desire to remember and show respect for their departed loved ones through the use of vigil lights. Illuminators are solar powered, thereby eliminating the need for an electrical outlet near the grave site and ensuring that the tombstone will always be illuminated at night. An alignment adjuster and lens are provided so that the emitted light is focused on the desired location. A rod with a pointed end is included to secure the illuminator in place on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Larry Herring, Judy Herring
  • Publication number: 20040114369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for storing light in which light from a light source passes through a rotary chopping disk and through an entrance slot in a light box where the chopped light is allowed to accumulate over time within a closed portion of the light box. After the storage process is stopped, sometime later, which may be a matter of days, the light source in the box is turned on and the light exiting the light box is detected, with the amount of output light increased over the amount of input light due to the storage of light energy within the light box. The amount of light stored in this manner is proportional to the pulse repetition frequency of the light pulses, with the spinning disk having apertures therethrough. The pulse repetition frequency may be multiplied through the utilization of cascaded rotating apertured disks positioned along the light path between the light source and the entrance slot of the light box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Elmer L. Layman
  • Patent number: 6749323
    Abstract: A generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surface elements is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within a housing having an opening. A light source and a mirror are disposed in the housing to reflect light rays from the light source onto the mirror then to the spherical body to cause the light rays passing through the opening in the housing onto an exterior wall to simulate descending snowflakes. The mirror is adjustable in order to change the path of the simulated snowflakes on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: James L. LaChance
  • Publication number: 20040109319
    Abstract: An illumination control system comprises a rotation detecting section, an abnormality determination section, and a filter removing section. The rotation detecting section detects the rotational driving of a filter which is located on a path of illumination light emitted from a light source, which irradiates color light rays having different wavelengths to an object, and which is driven by a rotational driver. The abnormality determination section determines whether status of filter rotation is normal or abnormal based on the detected rotation of the filter by the rotation detecting section. The filter removing section removes the filter from the path of the illumination light when the abnormality determination section determines that the status of filter rotation is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD
    Inventor: Tomoya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6746143
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp in which the radial beam of radiated light is continuously adjustable between a first position and a second position. Semi-cylindrical lamp shields surround a lamp. The lamp shields are attached to gears which operate to rotate the lamp shields radially about the lamp. An actuator is attached to the gears, such the actuator can turn the gears in order to rotate the lamp shields. The actuator is controlled by a circuit which prevents over-rotation. The actuator may move in very small increments, such that the lamp shields may be continuously adjustable between the first position and the second position. The lamp shields are thus continuously adjustable to vary the projected radial beam of the headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 6744693
    Abstract: A lighting fixture projects a light beam for spot lighting in theater stages, cinema and television studios and the like. The fixture includes a light source at one end of a housing having a light beam exit aperture at the opposite end thereof, the light source and aperture being arranged generally concentric with a longitudinal or optical axis of the lighting fixture. One or more beam-shaping blades, and preferably also other light beam influencing elements, such as one or more lenses, an iris, and/or a pattern or gobo, are arranged along the path of the light beam along the longitudinal axis through the housing from the light source to the aperture. The position of the beam-shaping blade or blades, and preferably of all the light beam influencing elements, is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis. The fixture produces a well-defined light beam or light cone with a geometry, angle of conicity and focal point that may be altered manually or by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: N.V. ADB TTV Technologies SA
    Inventors: Thomas Brockmann, Peter I. W. Plesner, Christian Poulsen
  • Patent number: 6676276
    Abstract: A black light display device is provided which utilizes a black light source in combination with fluorescent/phosphorescent display elements which can be thread, strings, monofilaments, disks or sculptured material. The display elements are formed about a spindle which is secure by fixed in a housing which houses the black light source and the fluorescent/phosphorescent elements. One form of housing comprises selectively removable transparent barrier which is transparent to the visible light radiating from the fluorescent display elements but opaque to the ultraviolet light radiating from the black light illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Stephens
  • Patent number: 6618213
    Abstract: A rotary optical filter apparatus containing an optical filter is integrated with a sirocco type cooling fan having a plurality of fan blades. The cooling fan is supported by a rotary holder of the optical filter apparatus so as to be integrally rotatable with the optical filter. The cooling fan inhales an air from its center part and discharges thus inhaled air from its outer peripheral part due to an action of the fan blades upon rotating, so as to make an airflow along the filter face and cool the optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Inamoto
  • Patent number: 6601973
    Abstract: A light effects projector includes a light source and effect wheels interposed between the light source and an exit aperture of the projector. A gobo wheel includes a plurality of apertures and gobo holders containing gobos. The gobo wheel is adapted to rotate so as to place a gobo, which is retained in one of the holders, within the light path from the light source. The gobo holders of the gobo wheel are removably secured to the gobo wheel by a spring retainer that engages flange portions of a gobo holder. The projector further includes a cooling system to cool the gobos during operation. Additionally, the projector includes an effects wheel that provides a “frost effect” portion to variably distort light from the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Publication number: 20030137844
    Abstract: A landscaping light fixture including a housing containing a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or LED, that produces light when powered, a lens through which light from the lamp passes and a multi-colored wheel, strip or shutter juxtapositioned between the lamp and lens such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter and then through the lens, the wheel, strip or shutter including a translucent material of different segmented colors or of a graduated color and being operatively positioned within the housing of the landscaping light fixture to be movable to align the colored segment or graduation of the wheel, strip or shutter into alignment with the lamp such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter prior to shining through the lens assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
  • Patent number: 6565245
    Abstract: A movable shade includes a shade main body in a cylindrical shape extending in a front and rear direction and a shade leg portion extending to a lower side from a lower end portion of the shade main body. Further, a strip extending in a peripheral direction of the shade main body is disposed at an upper end portion of a peripheral face of the shade main body to which the largest inertia load is carried. Thereby, rigidity of the shade main body is increased to achieve a thin-walled construction of the shade main body. Further, the movable shade is effectively restrained from being shifted to deteriorate its light blocking function by vibration while the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Syouichirou Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6561678
    Abstract: A variable focus indirect lighting fixture has a pair of first reflectors with each reflector arranged to substantially surround a light source, and a second variable focus reflector positioned in front of the first reflectors. Each of the first reflectors has an opening arranged to provide direct rumination from the light source. The second reflector is positioned in front of each opening of the pair of first reflectors to receive and reflect the lumination from each light source passing through each opening. The second reflector has a pair of inner, concave surfaces arranged such that each inner surface faces a respective opening of the first reflectors and is arranged to receive and reflect the lumination from the respective light source passing through the opening of each of the first reflectors. The inner surfaces are aligned along a center line of the second reflector between the pair of first reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Loughrey
  • Patent number: 6561677
    Abstract: A night light having a base unit with a central cavity designed to house a light sensor, a printed circuit board, a light bulb, and a pair of electrical prongs. Attached to the front surface of the base unit is a fixed half-spherical lens. Disposed over the lens is a rotating, half-spherical cap having an approximately quarter-spherical sized opening that allows a portion of the lens to be exposed so that light from the light bulb located inside the lens may shine therethrough. Thus when the outer cap is selectively rotated around the base unit, the quarter-spherical sized opening is rotated therewith, and a dissipated broad beam of light may be selectively aimed in any 360 degree direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Monte A. Leen
  • Publication number: 20030086265
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus used for a projection type display is provided, which can change the incident ray volume to an optical modulation device without changing the optical output intensity of the lamp, and can exhibit excellent effects in expressive power of an image and adaptability to the use environment. The lighting apparatus of the present invention comprises; a light source, two fly-eye lenses constituting a uniform lighting device, and a shading plate arranged between these fly-eye lenses and constituting a dimming device for adjusting the amount of light of the outgoing light from the light source. The angle of inclination of the shading plate is controlled based on an image signal supplied to the optical modulation device, thereby enabling adjustment of the amount of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidehito Ilsaka, Shoichi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6554454
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an improved filter or illumination device. In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device is provided having multiple optical color filters wherein a first time period, required for at least one of the multiple optical color filters to pass across a light path, is different from a second time period, required for each of the other optical color filters to pass across the light path. According to another aspect of this invention, an illumination device has multiple optical color filters and an optical member wherein a boundary, which extends in a direction, is provided between one of the multiple optical color filters and another one of the multiple optical color filters, and the optical member includes an inlet for receiving light from the optical color filters, wherein the inlet extends in a first direction corresponding to the direction of the boundary when the boundary crosses the light path, for a greater distance than the inlet extends in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Kitano
  • Publication number: 20030076681
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes an effect wheel which is mounted on a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is mounted on a mechanism which moves the effect wheel from a position outside of the light path to a position in which the effect wheel intersects the light path to provide a continuous wheel effect. The translation mechanism can move the effect wheel between positions in which the effect wheel crosses the light path in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, respectively. The apparatus allows a continuous wheel effect to be added to a multi-purpose luminaire and also allows the direction of travel of the continuous wheel effect across the illuminated field to be continuously varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Patent number: 6540376
    Abstract: A night light which plugs directly into an electrical outlet with a rotatable housing which swivels 360° to direct light in a desired direction. The night light includes a light bulb connected to its power source in a self-contained housing. The night light also includes a light sensor which activates and deactivates the bulb depending upon ambient light levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Au Yeung Tin Shun Victor
  • Patent number: 6533443
    Abstract: At least one of diagonal cut lines CL1 and CL2, and horizontal cut lines CL3 and CL4 among a spatial distribution pattern PL of luminous intensity for a low beam can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kawamura, Kinya Iwamoto, Kiyotaka Ozaki, Kenjo Umezaki
  • Publication number: 20030026099
    Abstract: An illumination device that includes at least two concentrically mounted cylinders. Mounted within the narrower cylinder is at least one light source. The cylinders are mounted such that at least one of the cylinders may be selectively rotated, by a user, about the common axis of concentricity relative to the other cylinder. Each of the cylinders further includes sections which extend along the long axis thereof, at least one of which is completely opaque and at least one of which is either semi-translucent, completely translucent, or entirely transparent. The sections of various opacities are sufficiently and appropriately sized such that, by corresponding alignments thereof, by the selective relative rotation of the cylinders, the light source within the nested cylinders may alternatively provide illumination, or be effectively covered without requiring the active turning on or off of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Dutka, Philip V. Salkie
  • Patent number: 6513952
    Abstract: A high lumen output illumination device includes a light source secured within a socket and a reflector. The reflector redirects light emanating from the source along a direction of interest. The socket is mobile relative to the reflector and varies the directional output of the device. The socket holds the light source substantially vertical regardless of the relative angle of the reflector. The reflector includes a channel through which the socket moves. The device may also be inverted, keeping the light source substantially vertical, to give a range of illumination complementary to the range offered by tilting the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Johnson, Byron R. Collins
  • Patent number: 6508575
    Abstract: A light source valve 2 is disposed on a non-effective reflecting surface 13 of a reflector 1, and a movable shade 3 is disposed around the light source valve 2 such that the movable shade 3 can rotate between a first position and a second position. The non-effective reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 1 is provided with a first reflecting surface 11 for forming a low bend beam light distribution pattern LBP and a second reflecting surface for forming a high bend beam light distribution pattern HBP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Shouichi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6485163
    Abstract: A laser light projector includes a housing having a plurality of apertures, a number of laser diodes and drivers mounted on said housing and aligned to direct laser light beams through the apertures, a controller connected to each driver for controlling the timing and sequence of laser light beams from the laser diodes, and a plurality of mirrors aligned to receive the laser light beams and deflect the beams in desired directions. A second embodiment includes connectors connected to the controller and utilizes plug-in modules, each including a laser diode and a driver to permit various types and numbers of laser modules to be operated by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Neville Hanchett
  • Publication number: 20020167806
    Abstract: An assembly to selectively hold, position and provide a stable platform for a light source has malleable legs. The assembly has a pair of clamp members attached to a base. The legs attach to the base and are formed of electrical cable with an elastomeric insulation coating. An extension tube can interconnect the clamp member to the malleable, bendable leg portion to further increase the range of the flexible leg stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Rocky A. Thaxton
  • Patent number: 6461021
    Abstract: A reflector-positioning apparatus, and an associated method, for a lighting assembly. Rotational forces are generated and applied to rotatable ring members. Rotation of the ring members is transduced to tilt and pan movements, as desired, of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Wybron, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Warnecke
  • Patent number: 6454446
    Abstract: A motorcycle headlamp assembly has a headlamp for emitting a beam and a cover with a spherical shell that encloses the headlamp. The shell has an aperture through which the beam is emitted when the headlamp is operative. A shutter closes the aperture when the headlamp is inoperative. The shutter lies closely adjacent the inner surface of the shell so that an outer surface of the shutter closely conforms to the inner surface of the shell. The shutter is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis coincident with a center of the shell such that the shutter pivots about the axis between closed and open positions. In its open position, the closely conforms to the inner surface of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel John Hanna
  • Patent number: 6447153
    Abstract: A reflector is for reflecting light rays from the light source bulb to set up a brightness intensity distribution pattern. The reflector is separated in a movable reflector part and a fixed reflector part. The movable reflector part has a first separated edge. The fixed part has a second separated edge in opposition to the first separated edge. A driving means is for moving the movable reflector part relative to the fixed reflector part to change a brightness intensity distribution pattern of light rays from the light source bulb. The shading flange is for shading an air gap between the first separated edge and the second separated edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6447154
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 6443606
    Abstract: A shade driving unit 24 provided in a vehicle headlamp is a solenoid for displacing a movable iron core 36 that pivots a movable shade to a high beam or a low beam position. An inverted diode parallel to the coil is connected to a solenoid driving circuit. A current is kept flowing through the coil by the induced electromotive force generated across the coil after the supply of power to the coil is cut off to gradually de-excite the movable iron core 36. Thus, the movable shade 22 is prevented from strongly butting against a positioning projected portion 26b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20020109993
    Abstract: An illumination system for a display apparatus is capable of reducing electric power consumption and lengthening a life span by minimizing a loss of marginal rays that are spaced away from a main optical axis. The minimum loss of the marginal rays is obtained by a light reflective surface of a predetermined degree of curvature formed on an optical device for diffuse-reflecting and altering an optical path of a light from a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myung-ryul Jung, Chi-wang Son
  • Publication number: 20020105807
    Abstract: A variable focus indirect lighting fixture has a pair of first reflectors with each reflector arranged to substantially surround a light source, and a second variable focus reflector positioned in front of the first reflectors. Each of the first reflectors has an opening arranged to provide direct rumination from the light source. The second reflector is positioned in front of each opening of the pair of first reflectors to receive and reflect the lumination from each light source passing through each opening. The second reflector has a pair of inner, concave surfaces arranged such that each inner surface faces a respective opening of the first reflectors and is arranged to receive and reflect the lumination from the respective light source passing through the opening of each of the first reflectors. The inner surfaces are aligned along a center line of the second reflector between the pair of first reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Loughrey
  • Patent number: 6386737
    Abstract: Effect wheel rotation system, having a base and at least one effect wheel which is coupled thereto and can be rotated about an axis of rotation by means of a drive, the axis of rotation being arranged offset with respect to an optical axis and the effect wheel having at least one optical element which can be rotated into the region of the optical axis, in which system the effect wheel, independently of a rotation about the axis of rotation, can also be rotated about the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Armin Hopp, Dirk Bertelmann
  • Patent number: 6386725
    Abstract: A new night light comprises a night light as a permanent part of a face plate assembly that fits on a standard electrical box for a double socket or light switch. The face plate has assembled to it a small light bulb socket for a low wattage bulb, an on-off switch and a standard three prong socket in the preferred embodiments. The wiring for the components is all pre-assembled thereby permitting the new night light to be installed by connecting the ground and hot leads to the respective three wires extending into the standard electrical box. A suitable shade to diminish glare and direct light extends from the face plate, as does the on-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: James D. Amburgey