With Actuator Patents (Class 362/324)
  • Patent number: 7408476
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off system includes an emergency shut-off switch cover plate with a hinged cover that cooperates with a conventional emergency shut-off switch to help prevent the unintended shut-down of a pool or spa water pumping system. The emergency shut-off switch cover plate and hinged cover function in one mode of operation to prevent the unintended shutdown of the pumping system. In another mode of operation, the emergency shut-off cover plate and hinged cover provide a user with a immediate sensory indication that the pumping system is shut-down and needs to be re-activated. The sensory indication can be either a highly visual indication or in the alternative a combination of the highly visual indication with an audible sensory indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Christopher Beaton
  • Publication number: 20080137348
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator according to the present invention includes a stator yoke 10 made of a magnetic substance and having projecting streaks 10a and 10b on the inner circumference thereof to produce magnetic bias to a rotor magnet 8. The stator yoke 10 is fitted into and fixed to a coil bobbin, a base plate 5, or a sheet metal 4 having a concave portion formed therein. This can hold shading members 2 and 3 to a totally closed position after shutoff of electric current through a coil and can stably achieve an appropriate position of the stator yoke 10 in a rotation direction to eliminate the need for fixing the stator yoke 10 with an adhesive or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CANON DENSHI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Higashiyama Yasuyuki
  • Patent number: 7329028
    Abstract: A uniform light generating system for adjusting output brightness, including a light-generating unit, a light-transmitting unit, a hollow spheroid unit, a light-sensing unit, and a control unit. The light-generating unit has a light-emitting element for generating light beams and a brightness control element for adjusting the luminous flux of the light beam. The hollow spheroid unit is communicated with the other side of the light-transmitting unit for guiding the light beams into an external casing of the hollow spheroid unit. The light-sensing unit detects electric power values in the external casing. The control unit is electrically connected to the light-generating unit and the light-sensing unit. Thereby a user can obtain a real illumination value via adjusting the illumination values of the light beams that are projected from the hollow spheroid unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Youngtek Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Bily Wang, Chih-Ming Wang, Kuei-Pao Chen
  • Publication number: 20070147061
    Abstract: A light beam adjusting device includes a housing having a reflector, a light device disposed within the reflector for generating light which may be reflected partially upwardly and partially downwardly by the reflector. The light reflected downwardly by the reflector is allowed to emit out through the housing. A shielding panel is disposed in the housing, and an actuating device may rotate the shielding panel to open and block the lower portion of the housing, and to selectively open and block the light reflected upwardly by the reflector. The light reflected upwardly by the reflector may form a high beam together with the downwardly reflected light when the lower portion of the housing is not blocked by the shielding panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Jihn Shiun Lee, Chih Ming Tsai, Jen Mao Wang
  • Patent number: 7217018
    Abstract: An improved structure of the automobile lamp includes a base, a fixing pipe having two longitudinal grooves, and a lamp seat fixedly connected on the base inside the fixing pipe for combining with an automobile lamp body. An outer pipe is provided with a driving gear at its bottom end for engaging with a DC reduction motor and two staggered threads at its inner call. A colored inner pipe is provided between the fixing pipe and the lamp seat. Two guiding rods extend from the inner pipe and penetrate through the two longitudinal grooves of the fixing pipe to be received in the staggered threads of the outer pipe. When the output shaft of the DC reduction motor rotates, it drives the outer pipe to rotate and move the inner pipe forwardly to cover the automobile lamp body to change its light into another color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: To-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 7213954
    Abstract: A variable adaptive projector system for motor vehicles comprises a positioning mechanism for variation the positions of the basic shield (3) and the wet road shield (4) of the projector lighting unit between the defined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libor Strambersky, Milan Cejnek
  • Patent number: 7207679
    Abstract: A video signal processing circuit inputs a video signal to perform processing such as frequency conversion as well as processing for generating data representing the APL (Average Picture Level) of a frame video for each frame period. A microcomputer functions as a dimmer arithmetic block to perform processing for generating dimmer data upon receipt of APL data, and functions as a lamp driver control block to perform processing for sending out a dimmer command to a lamp driver. The lamp driver receives the dimmer command, to control an amount of light emitted from a light source (a lamp).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Totani, Katsumi Terada, Hiroki Koba, Kazunobu Oketani
  • Patent number: 7207698
    Abstract: A variety of lighting apparatuses are described that utilize reflection as a basis for lighting a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
  • 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: 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: 7140759
    Abstract: A light beam adjusting device includes a housing having a reflector, a light device disposed within the reflector for generating light which may be partially reflected upwardly and partially reflected downwardly by the reflector. The light reflected downwardly by the reflector is allowed to emit out through the housing. A panel is disposed in the lower portion of the housing, and an actuating device may actuate the panel to selectively open and block the lower portion of the housing, and to selectively open and block the light reflected upwardly by the reflector. The light reflected upwardly by the reflector may form a high beam together with the light reflected downwardly by the reflector when the lower portion of the housing is not blocked by the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Tsai, Jen Mao Wang, Jihn-Shiun Lee
  • Patent number: 7128443
    Abstract: A light-collimating system for collimating light from a light source has a plurality of elements (2, 2?, . . . ), each element including at least a first wall (3, 3?, . . . ) and at least a second wall (4, 4?, . . . ). The first (3) and second wall (4?) of adjacent elements are spaced with respect to each other at a side of the light-collimating system facing the light source, the spacing defining an aperture window (5, 5?, . . . ) for admitting light into the light-collimating system. The first and second wall of said adjacent elements form a wedge-shaped structure widening in a direction facing away from the light source. The first and the second wall are provided with a specular reflecting surface at a side facing the wedge-shaped structure. According to the invention, the wedge angle (w of the first and second wall with respect to the normal on the aperture window are adjustable for enabling adjustable collimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Marra, Harald Glaeser
  • Patent number: 7090369
    Abstract: A magnetic device for rotating a floating candle is comprised of a first magnetic member for attaching to the base of the candle, a transparent container for holding water to float the candle, and a base for supporting the transparent container. A second magnetic member is rotated by a motor inside the base. A decorative cover is positioned around the base. When the second magnetic member is rotated, the first magnetic member and thus the candle are caused to rotate by magnetic attraction to produce a pleasing rotating flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Ephrian Jordan
  • Patent number: 7055965
    Abstract: A shutter device comprises a plurality of shutters. Each of the shutters is provided at a position in the vicinity of a fly's eye lens positioned on the side of a polarization conversion system (one of fly's eye lenses in an integrator lens) and not preventing the passage of effective illuminating light. Each of the shutters is constructed as a first shutter or a second shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Koba
  • Patent number: 7052164
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly including a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of the headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing with or without an adjuster housing. The gear screw has an O-ring in radial compression so as to ensure a good seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 7052160
    Abstract: A reflective mechanism includes a base fixed on a support member of a stage lamp, a bracket fixed on the base, a mirror frame, and a reflective mirror mounted on the mirror frame. A hollow shaft rotatably extends through an axial hole of the base and includes a fork on an end thereof. The hollow shaft is driven by a first motor mounted on the base to turn about a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft. The mirror frame includes a pivotal portion pivotally mounted to the fork of the hollow shaft. The pivotal portion of the mirror frame is driven by a second motor to pivot through transmission by an endless cord that extends through the hollow shaft without interfering with rotation of the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 7045984
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the adjustment and automatic readjustment of the lamp in a microscope. The present invention is used for adjusting the lamp in a microscope. In the solution according to the invention, the tilting direction of the glass body relative to the lamp cap is marked at the lamp. The lamp cap is likewise marked for oriented insertion of the marked lamp so that the tilting direction of the lamp lies in direction of the optical axis of the collector after insertion. For adjusting, the collector-reflector unit is displaced in direction of the optical axis of the collector and the lamp cap is then oriented in vertical direction of the optical axis of the collector. For automatic readjustment, the lamp cap has an actuating drive. A reference variable is determined for the actuating drive by a control unit by evaluating lamp voltage or lamp current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Gonschor
  • 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: 7018078
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly which provides additional light adjacent the main beam of a light. A shield within the light assembly is moved in response to a sensed condition so as to provide a first area of additional illumination at the edge of the light's main beam. In response to a second sensed condition, the shield is moved such that a second area of additional illumination is illuminated in addition to the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 7008093
    Abstract: A first shade 32 is properly moved to vertically shift the position of a cutoff line, and furthermore, a lighting unit 20 is properly tilted in a vertical direction to displace a whole light distribution pattern in the vertical direction. Consequently, a light irradiation is carried out with a light distribution pattern at an irradiation angle corresponding to a vehicle traveling situation. In that case, a second shade 34 is properly moved to form a dark portion in a central part on the lower end of the light distribution pattern in a predetermined size if necessary. Consequently, the amount of a light irradiation on a short-distance region can be controlled finely, and a road surface on this side can be prevented from becoming too bright in a high-speed travel and a light reflected by the road surface which causes a glare can be prevented from being generated in a rain travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Fukawa, Tomoyuki Moritani, Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 7002740
    Abstract: The invention refers to a setting module for an illumination apparatus (2) of an optical instrument (1), in particular of a microscope, in which the illumination apparatus (2) comprises a light source (4), an illuminating optical system, and positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16) with which the position of the light source (4) and/or of the illuminating optical system within the illumination apparatus (2) can be modified. The setting module (17) comprises a module housing (18) having at least one drive device (19, 20, 21, 22) and coupling members (27, 28, 29, 30) for the transfer of a drive motion to the positioning elements (7, 8, 9, 16). Also described is an illumination system comprising the illumination apparatus and the setting module. The result is to create an alignment capability with excellent functionality and user-friendliness, thereby making possible rapid positional adjustment of the light source and/or the illuminating optical system in the context of use under clean-room conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Veith, Uwe Graf, Joachim Wienecke
  • Patent number: 6971770
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Patent number: 6969183
    Abstract: A digital lighting apparatus for a vehicle, which employs a reflection digital light deflector, includes a storage unit that stores digital data of a plurality of light distribution patterns and a controller. The controller selects digital data corresponding to a predetermined light distribution pattern from among the digital data stored in the storage unit and controls the reflection digital light deflector, and illuminates a road surface and the like with the predetermined light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Seiji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6918691
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly having a housing, a shaft axially moveable in the housing and a gear having a thread engaging a thread of the shaft for causing axial movement of the shaft from rotation of the gear. The gear and/or housing are adapted to receive rotary input tools for adjustment. All parts can be made of plastic or other non-corrosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gattone, Adolph G. Galinski
  • Patent number: 6902302
    Abstract: A cassette containing a gel scroll is releasably attached to the forward portion of a housing of a luminaire. A light path through the cassette is aligned with a light exit opening of the luminaire. A gel scroll is wound upon a pair of drums in the cassette and intersects the light path. The drive motor for the cassette is contained in the housing of the luminaire. A drive system for the drums includes a driven member in the cassette that engages a drive member of the luminaire driven by the motor when the cassette is mounted on the luminaire. A fan in the luminaire moves cooling air through the cassette when the cassette is mounted on the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Cary L. Foster
  • Patent number: 6883936
    Abstract: A shutter apparatus for a curing lamp housing is provided. The shutter apparatus may be pulled out of the housing along ribs. The ribs slide with respect to recesses formed in rails of the shutter apparatus. When the shutter apparatus is pulled out of the housing, easy access to fasteners holding the shutters onto drive and pivot shafts enables the shutters to be readily replaced. A method detailing such replacement is also provided. A drive mechanism enables the shutters to be opened and closed in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Register, Mark Tausch
  • Patent number: 6869208
    Abstract: An animated ornament comprises inner and outer hollow globes mounted to a housing which contains powering components to rotate the inner globe while the outer globe is held fixed relative to the housing. A light bulb mounted inside illuminates the inner globe to project an image carried on the surface of the inner globe onto the surface of or through the outer globe, and due to the rotation of the image, an animated presentation of the image is seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Vogel Applied Technologies
    Inventors: David S. Vogel, Dean DiPietro
  • Patent number: 6857768
    Abstract: In a projector-type lamp unit, a shade is pivotally supported on a holder provided between a reflector and a projection lens. This support is provided at a plurality of regions disposed on an axis Ax1 of pivotal movement of the shade. This support at the plurality of regions is effected through a single shaft extending in a direction of the pivotal movement axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Shoichiro Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6848814
    Abstract: A headlamp in which a frame member 50 is supported on a lamp body 14 in a vertically swingable fashion, and a lighting device unit 20 is supported on said frame member 50 in a horizontally swingable fashion. A control unit 108 controls the circular movement of said frame member 50 and said lighting device unit 20 in accordance with vehicle running conditions. With such a construction, a beam emitted from said lighting device unit 20 may be vertically and horizontally varied in its direction in accordance with vehicle running conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Katsuhito Mochizuki, Takashi Hori
  • Patent number: 6834982
    Abstract: A spotlight with perimetrical delimitation of the emitted light beam, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical element that can move axially with respect to the light beam in order to adjust the breadth of the light beam, and a Fresnel lens for diffusing the light beam. Beam adjusting elements are provided for delimiting perimetrically the light beam which are associated with the optical element and can move axially with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040240222
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster and a headlamp adjustment assembly have a fixed annular boss, a shaft axially moveable through the boss, and a gear having a thread engagement with a threaded portion of the shaft. A cap is non-rotatably engaged with the shaft and the boss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Peter B. Brazas, Michael T. Gattone
  • Patent number: 6814478
    Abstract: An electric current path for an oscillating warning light of an emergency vehicle includes a spring that is connected between a stationary base of the warning light and an oscillating assembly of the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Publication number: 20040213010
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp assembly comprises a reflector positioned within a housing. The reflector defines a lamp cavity where a light source is positioned. The reflector includes a first portion designed to reflect light in a low beam pattern and a second portion designed to reflect light in a high beam pattern. An actuator is also positioned within the lamp cavity. The actuator is operable to move a light shield in a linear direction parallel to the optical axis of the reflector. In particular, the actuator is operable to move the light shield between a low beam position that exposes the light source to the first portion of the reflector and a high beam position that exposes the light source to both the first portion and the second portion of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Van Duyn, Tony E. Collins, James M. Mills
  • Publication number: 20040202004
    Abstract: A bifunctional headlamp having a bulb shield operable to project a low beam light pattern or a high beam light pattern. A bulb shield surrounds a bulb inside a housing. The bulb shield is attached to an actuator, which rotates the bulb shield about the bulb. The bulb shield contains projections placed opposite one another on the bulb shield, which serve to selectively shield portions of emitted light from the bulb from reflecting out of the housing. The selective shielding of the light emitted from the housing allows the bifunctional headlamp to utilize one bulb for both a low beam pattern and a high beam pattern. The use of one bulb for two functions reduces complexity and electrical requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Guide Corporation, A Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 6799878
    Abstract: The present invention is a fiber-optic illuminator with a single or multiple internal turret used for connecting the illuminator with different fiber-optic cables. The internal turret may be incrementally rotated by a handle to present a customized predetermined port for a predetermined fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the light source. Incremental indexing rotation is accomplished through use of a biased bearing mechanism located inside the illuminator. The turret has cooling fins distant from the handle turned by the operator. The turret may carry a tubular lens for internal reflection of the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Klootz
  • Patent number: 6796685
    Abstract: A variable color filter for fluorescent lamps has a color tube supporting colored filter strips disposed longitudinally along the color tube so that the strips are circumferentially adjacent to each other. A motor rotates the color tube inside a mask so that an aperture in the mask limits emission to light filtered by only a circumferential portion of the color tube. A controller positions the color tube in relation to the aperture to achieve a desired coloring of light emitted by the lamp tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bruce Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur T. Nemirow
  • Patent number: 6755554
    Abstract: A field sequential color display device includes a color wheel assembly. The color wheel assembly has a color wheel which is divided into a plurality of color regions and a motor for rotating the color wheel. The motor contains a sensor for detecting rotation of the motor and the sensor outputs at least one pulse per one revolution of the motor. The color wheel assembly also has a spatial light modulator for displaying image data that is driving in synchronization with the pulse output by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmae, Mitsuhiro Wada, Kazunori Tanabe, Shigeru Aruga, Hirokazu Sakaguchi, Hisatoshi Shimose
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040090792
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly including a simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aim of the headlamp. The mechanism includes a gear screw that is snap fit into the headlamp housing with or without an adjuster housing. The gear screw has an O-ring in radial compression so as to ensure a good seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Publication number: 20040070975
    Abstract: A shutter apparatus for a curing lamp housing is provided. The shutter apparatus may be pulled out of the housing along ribs. The ribs slide with respect to recesses formed in rails of the shutter apparatus. When the shutter apparatus is pulled out of the housing, easy access to fasteners holding the shutters onto drive and pivot shafts enables the shutters to be readily replaced. A method detailing such replacement is also provided. A drive mechanism enables the shutters to be opened and closed in unison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Register, Mark Tausch
  • Patent number: 6705745
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 6688755
    Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs employ visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The lighting system includes handheld laser lighting units or flares particularly useful for search and which have an optic which emits a laser beam for generating a laser line which is uniformly illuminated from end to end. The handheld laser lighting units may have a pistol grip housing or a cylindrical housing, and may feature either a trigger switch, a plunger switch, or a rotary switch. The handheld laser lighting units are battery powered, and include waterproofing seals for protection from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: James C. O'Meara
  • Patent number: 6641291
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a moveable shade. The front end of the shade body of the movable shade is formed into a substantially semispherical shape. The maximum radius of the pivotal locus of the shade body is smaller than conventional shades that have a front end portion formed into a cylindrical shape. Further, a slot is found in the front end portion that extends along the pivotal face of the movable shade. Therefore, the shade body and the discharge bulb do not interfere with each other even when the movable shade is caused to pivot, and the maximum radius of the pivotal locus of the shade body is further reduced. Thus, the shade body of a fixed shade can be smaller in size so that a greater space can be secured for use in disposing the fixed shade within an allowable range that refrains from unnecessarily shading the light reflected from a reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichiro Yokoi, Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20030137842
    Abstract: A reflective mechanism is provided for a stage lamp providing an incident light. The reflective mechanism includes a mounting device, a rotary device, a rotary frame, a reflective device rotatably mounted to the rotary frame, and a transmission device. The rotary device is mounted to the mounting device and comprises a fixed outer ring, a middle ring concentrically, rotatably mounted in the fixed outer ring, and an inner ring concentrically, rotatably mounted in the middle ring. The inner ring and the middle ring are driven by a first power device and a second power device, respectively. The rotary frame is attached to the middle ring to turn therewith. The transmission device includes a first transmission member mounted to the inner ring to turn therewith and a second transmission member that is mounted to the reflective device to turn therewith and that is connected to the first transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 6582090
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for compound angle illumination of items such as electronic components and features on those components that are within a field of view of a camera. Illumination assemblies are provided on opposite sides of the components, where illumination criss-crosses the component and its features. The illumination assemblies are also tilted at a vertical angle relative to the component. Light emitting diodes are used as a light source and, in one embodiment, refracting prisms are provided to refract the light from the LED's to provide the criss-cross illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation
    Inventors: Charles A. Coots, John E. Danek, George D. Eck, Michael J. Gorenflo
  • Publication number: 20030107899
    Abstract: An electronically controlled retractable landing light (100) for use with aircraft. A controller (106) compares the commanded position of a lighthead (108) by means of a contactless absolute position sensor (212). Operation of a brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112) is controlled by a control unit (210). Electrical power to the brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112) is slowly applied and removed to reduce electromagnetic emissions and extend the service life of a power stage (208), brake (111), motor (110), and lamp (112). The lighthead (108) may be manually stowed in the event of a fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Brian J. Barnhart, Craig E. Giffen, Scott E. Hamilton, Saed M. Mubaslat
  • 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: 20030053319
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a moveable shade. The front end of the shade body of the movable shade is formed into a substantially semispherical shape. The maximum radius of the pivotal locus of the shade body is smaller than conventional shades that have a front end portion formed into a cylindrical shape. Further, a slot is found in the front end portion that extends along the pivotal face of the movable shade. Therefore, the shade body and the discharge bulb do not interfere with each other even when the movable shade is caused to pivot, and the maximum radius of the pivotal locus of the shade body is further reduced. Thus, the shade body of a fixed shade can be smaller in size so that a greater space can be secured for use in disposing the fixed shade within an allowable range that refrains from unnecessarily shading the light reflected from a reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Shoichiro Yokoi, Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20030048640
    Abstract: A light beam shutter apparatus for a lighting instrument includes several individual shutter mechanisms arranged radially around the axis of a light beam. Each shutter mechanism includes a generally circular shutter blade having a circumference, but with a cut-out or void area such that a portion of the circumference is eliminated. The shutter blade preferably includes at least one straight edge at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, which straight edge passes through the center around which the shutter blade rotates, and is used for intercepting at least a portion of a light beam passing through the light beam shutter apparatus. The shutter blade may alternatively include other edge shapes at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, as desired. Driven surfaces, such as gear teeth or the like, are formed in opposed portions of the remaining circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Travis J. Reinert