Work-table Lighting System Patents (Class 362/33)
  • Patent number: 6450671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical lighting unit for clinical use comprising a lighting unit body containing at least one lamp and having at least one light outlet side, with the lighting unit body being vertically adjustably mounted on at least one flexible, coilable tensile carrying element supported on a room wall, in particular on the room ceiling. The tensile carrying element is connected at one end to the lighting unit body and at the other end to a drive unit secured to the room wall and containing a drive motor for extending and retracting the tensile carrying element, with the tensile carrying element extending vertically between the drive unit and the lighting unit body. The invention lies in the fact that the carrying element is a single chain with measures being taken, or means being provided, in order to be able to set the lighting unit body in a desired illuminating position despite the single chain suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Gebrueder Berchtold GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Scholz, Martin Braig
  • Patent number: 6443596
    Abstract: A surgical light apparatus is disclosed having a first light source generating visible light and heat energy radiation, an enclosure surrounding the first light source and including a lens substantially transparent to visible light and a reflector for reflecting light from the first light source through the lens, and a filter apparatus coupled to the enclosure and formed at least in part from a material that is substantially transparent to at least a portion of visible light radiation and that substantially blocks transmission of heat energy radiation The filter apparatus is configured to block transmission of heat energy radiation from the first light source to the reflector and to intercept substantially all radiation from the first light source that otherwise would pass to the reflector and through the lens. The filter apparatus includes a plurality of filter elements configured to define at least one gap between two adjacent filter elements allowing air flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bulko, Gerald L. Yeaney, Michael A. Taft
  • Publication number: 20020093812
    Abstract: Plural light sources are provided for directing ring patterns of light toward at least one reflective bump formed on and projecting from a first wafer surface of a semiconductor wafer. The intensity of light from the light sources may be varied and may be varied independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Electroglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Cary S. Kiest, William F. Lenzke
  • Patent number: 6416207
    Abstract: A floor/table arm adjustable lighting fixture which illuminates each edge of the table, essentially comprised of a floor arm post, one end of the arm post is provided with sections at right angle to each other to be connected in sequence to a first tube, a second tube and a shade holding pipe; a primary light source is connected to said shale holding pipe; a pair of levers respectively extending from the outer circumference of said first and second tubes are alternatively arranged at a spacing of approximately 90 degrees; an extension lever of proper length is inserted to each of said levers, and a secondary light source is suspended from each of said extension lever for a proper length closer to each edge of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: William Chang
  • Publication number: 20020085373
    Abstract: A modular furniture system is provided having vertical members with internal conductors. The conductors are coupled to a source of low voltage electrical power such that adjacent vertical members are of differing electrical polarity. Support members for use in the modular furniture system are designed to make electrical contact with the internal conductors when engaged in a vertical member. An electrical device, such as a light fixture, may be coupled between a pair of brackets engaged in vertical members of opposite polarity, energizing the electrical device. Embodiments are provided for use in merchandising displays and office partition systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Powerwall, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Slesinger, Thomas L. Collom, Frank Neidhardt
  • Publication number: 20020064038
    Abstract: A surgical lamp is mounted on a ceiling arm system (2) and is so improved that the entire light field can be uniformly aerated with germ-free air. The ceiling arm system (2) has a flow channel (12) which establishes a flow connection between the gas delivery unit (8) and the interior space (13) of the lamp. The light exit surface of the surgical lamp (1) is configured as a light permeable air-conducting plate (15) which has gas outlet openings (16) arranged in the manner of a mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Ryszard Kummerfeld
  • Patent number: 6386723
    Abstract: A tasklight includes a first elongated cover portion defining a first elongated side edge. A second elongated cover portion is connected to the first cover portion, and defines therewith a housing having a lower side. The second elongated cover portion defines a second elongated side edge, and the second side edge is spaced-apart from the first side edge to define an open space between the first and second side edges that extends along a rear side of said housing. An elongated light source is positioned proximate the lower side of the housing. A reflective surface on the lower side of the housing has a shape configured to distribute light produced by the light source forwardly onto the worksurface. The reflective surface forms a passageway with the open space of the housing, and permits heat produced by the light source to escape through the open space of the housing by convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Eberlein, Douglas D. Buyce, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Michael W. Welsh, Jonathan J. King, Michael C. Andrusiak, Royal A. Kent
  • Patent number: 6384988
    Abstract: An illuminated optical magnifying device with an optical focusing unit that can produce a magnified image of an object to be observed and with an illumination device whose light is at least partially applicable for illuminating the object to be observed, whereby the illumination device is composed of at least one luminous diode, which is arranged in the magnifying device in such a way that its light can emerge from the magnifying device essentially straight toward the direction of the object to be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Lifatec GmbH Faseroptik und Optoelektronik
    Inventors: Peter Müller, Horst Glaum, Rüdiger Hempfling
  • Patent number: 6371622
    Abstract: An auxiliary light source apparatus for radiating light onto a reflective liquid crystal display is disclosed. In the apparatus, a reflective display module is pivotally connected to a main body. A support member is opened and closed from and to a position adjacent to the main body in opposition to the reflective display module. An auxiliary light source is installed at the support member to radiate light onto the display area of the reflective display module. Accordingly, the auxiliary light source apparatus for the reflective liquid crystal display is connected to the main body in a position in opposition to the reflective liquid crystal display panel so that a light can be uniformly radiated onto the reflective liquid crystal display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong Min Moon
  • Publication number: 20020015296
    Abstract: A surgical theater apparatus for suspending from a ceiling structural member of a hospital includes a central hub mountable to the ceiling structural member to rotate about a rotation axis. The hub has a pivot axis spaced apart from the rotation axis. First and second devices, such as surgical lights, a cameras, and monitors, are mounted to a first end of a first device arm and a first end of a second device arm, respectively. A second end of the first device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis and about the pivot axis. A second end of the second device arm is mounted to the hub for movement about the rotation axis. The pivot axis and the rotation axis are parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Charles A. Howell, Jonathan D. Turner, Howard Reed, Richard H. Heimbrock, Scott Manlove, Gary A. Gray
  • Patent number: 6330386
    Abstract: A backlighting unit for planar and homogeneous illumination has a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp that is mounted one narrow side of a waveguide plate. The light emitted from the backlighting unit is emitted from one of the two large surfaces of the waveguide plate. The light is deflected from one narrow side to one large surface by prisms which are also mounted on one large surface. To homogenize the emitted light, the prisms are arranged in irregular fashion. Homogenization is advantageous in particular if an L-shaped or U-shaped lamp, which illuminates several narrow sides of the waveguide plate, is used as the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Arndt Wagner, Gunther Haas
  • Patent number: 6322226
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus that has a magnification means in combination with LED's (Light Emitting Diodes). The LED's are arranged in an array inside a lens hood that surrounds the magnification means and are mounted at an angle to provide optimum lighting onto the focal point of the magnification means. The lens hood is fixed to an adjustable arm that is attached to a base. The adjustable arm allows the magnification means and LED's to be directed at virtually any angle onto a workpiece. The base allows the apparatus to be self-standing and is adapted to receive a portable power source for powering the LED's. The apparatus may incorporate a diffuser lens to provide a softer lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Dickson
  • Patent number: 6273581
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and redirect it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Arista Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Gabe Neiser
  • Patent number: 6270228
    Abstract: A studio lighting system includes independently positionable light holding modules, i.e., shooting table, rear cove, and dome cove, each carrying a plurality of dimmable light sources surrounded by gel holders extending the length of each light source. Gels of any type, i.e., color, neutral density, or opaque, may be inserted within the gel holder, so that the light irradiated from the light source towards the object to be photographed or digitally captured is “blocked” or “gel colored”, as desired. A desired lighting scene characterized by position and type of the gels, and intensity levels of the light sources, is recorded into the memory and can be retrieved from there for reproducing the lighting scene in further photography processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Astron Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Axen, Denis H. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6264342
    Abstract: To achieve the object to improve an illuminating device to the effect that such a device can be produced and/or installed with a low economic outlay, can be adjusted easily, is variable with regard to the place of use, and is dependable overall, the illuminating device is improved by virtue of the fact that the at least one light source, the at least one deflecting reflector and (lacuna) at least one reflecting surface are connected to one another to form an assembly to be positioned in an appropiate position relative to surface to be illuminated, and control means for switching and dimming said at least one light source are provided including at least one dimmer switch to be positioned near an operator position independently from said assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: VH Lichttechnische Spezialgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich von Hagen
  • Patent number: 6238060
    Abstract: An illumination method and apparatus for machine-vision systems, including a ring-light source (e.g., LEDs arranged in one or more circular rows), and a reflective-ring focusing element. The illumination source exhibits multidirectional ring-illumination properties which are useful for illumination of small components (which are being inspected or measured) without unwanted shadows. One embodiment provides a dark field illumination system. One embodiment of the present invention uses a strobed (or pulsed) power supply to drive the LEDs. Yet another embodiment of the present invention uses a xenon strobe ring-light source and a backplane slit in place of the row of LEDs. In one such xenon strobe embodiment, a color filter is also placed in series with the light path in order to obtain a monochromatic light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: PPT Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Bourn, Gary A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 6183109
    Abstract: Disclosed is a molding with a built-in illumination member. The illumination member may be an ordinary light or series of lights, or a repeating message board made of light emitting diodes, or a compound that glows under ultraviolet light, or a compound that glows in the dark, or the like. The molding may be the front edge molding on a worktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas John Nelson, Peter Charles Gaa, Yein Ming Lee, Bruce Rodney Trethewey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6168292
    Abstract: A lamp comprises a base, a flexible arm extending from the base, and a lampshade attached to the other end of the flexible arm by means of two cooperating connecting members that allow the lampshade to be rotated about a first axis and about a second axis perpendicular to the first. The base may be slidably held by a bracket attached by adhesive or by other bonding material, to a computer monitor, workstation, or other device. A socket within the lamp shade accepts a high intensity bulb such as a 13-watt compact fluorescent bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Tensor Corporation
    Inventor: Roger N. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6152570
    Abstract: A light incident into a wedge type light scattering conducting element from a light incident surface of the light scattering conducting element is converted into a light flux having a directionality and is output from a light output surface. The output light is input to a wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element arranged with a positional relationship complementary to the light scattering conducting element. A prism shaped irregularity for adjusting a propagating directionality of the light in longitudinal/transverse directions is formed on a light input surface/light output surface of the wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element. The wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element has a weakened scattering power depending on requirements, thereby a degree of directionality sharpness of the light emitted from a surface light source device is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventor: Kazuaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6135602
    Abstract: Profiles for shadowless reflector for operating lighting, wherein the operating lighting includes a front and a rear shade assembled together while the front shade has an opening for projecting the light rays, and the rear shade is mounted over the opening; the lower edge of the reflector's opening in the front and the rear shades is fixed on the front transparent shade which has a handle at the edge thereof while a socket for bulbs is installed over the front transparent shade; the bulb is enclosed by a heat absorbing glass; the light rays received by the reflector are focused on the front transparent shade and are projected; the longitudinal tangent of the reflector in the longitudinal direction consists of at least two connecting datum curves, and the connecting datum curves has the same tangent slope rate at the connecting point; each datum curve reflects the light rays well-distributed to the focusing datum plane; The datum curve of the reflector near the end point of the middle of the reflector reflects
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Medline Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Fu Chuang
  • Patent number: 6120164
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a plurality of adjustable lamps provides multiple beams of light which may be simultaneously converged or focused at substantially any distance in front of the fixture or diverged to produce a broad flood. The fixture comprises a focusing mechanism for simultaneously controlling the axial position of a central lamp and the inclination of a plurality of outer lamps tightly clustered and arranged around the central lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Luminaria Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Libin, David W. Skutch, Lawrence Lieberman
  • Patent number: 6109758
    Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a brightness enhancing strip having a plurality of light reflecting facets for lining along the rims of a game table top. When one or more light sources located above the table top are used to illuminate the table top, some of light rays reaching the strips are reflected toward the center portion of the table top. Such strips are useful for enhancing the brightness of the game table and the game pieces that are placed facing the strips and away from the table rim. Moreover, the strip can be made of a sturdy material so it can also be used as a ruler for aligning a row of game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Allen Kwok Wah Lo
  • Patent number: 6099145
    Abstract: A first backlight light source is energized either at full or reduced rated power, until such time as the brightness which can be produced has reduced by a predetermined amount (e.g. half of the original level). A second or backup source is then switched on while the first is temporarily switched off. When the backup light source has degraded to the point where the brightness which can be produced by this light source has reduced by a second predetermined amount (which is the same as the first predetermined amount, e.g. 50%) the first light source is switched back on so that both are simultaneously energized. When this measure fails to maintain the required level of brightness, the power with which the light sources are energized is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariana Sendova, Ellis G. Miller, Bret M. Lee
  • Patent number: 6092908
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively providing light of different shades as an aid in designing interiors has a housing that is closed except on an operator side. A light subsystem in the interior of the housing has a plurality of light sources. First and second panels within the housing are tack boards allowing fabric to be attached to them. The first panel is downwardly inclined toward the operator side, whereas the second panel is upwardly inclined toward the operator side. The light subsystem includes downwash light sources for illuminating fabric on the first panel so that a human sitting on the operator side can select a shade of white light to be used with a given fabric. The fabric would then be attached to the second panel where an upwash light source illuminates the fabric to confirm the selection of a given shade of white light as best matched to a given fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bigorre Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Wannas A. Ladjimi
  • Patent number: 6089724
    Abstract: Task light units provide indirect lighting for task areas in front of computer monitors and other devices having display screens. Light is directed generally upwardly such that at least a portion of the light impinges upon a visor which is generally above the source of light. The visor reflects the light downwardly and generally forwardly toward a work or task area in order to indirectly illuminate that area. The task light components do not impart any direct light onto the display screen. Glare emanating from the task light is avoided, and eye strain is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: One Tech LLC
    Inventors: Edward L. Shore, Jeffrey M. Jacober
  • Patent number: 6070986
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to make it easy to manufacture the lighting unit 4 in which a plurality of illuminants 1 are arranged on the concave face of a board 2 formed into a shape of a hollow truncated cone. A method of manufacturing a lighting unit comprises the steps of holding a flexible circular printed circuit board 2 having a concentric circular hole and a cutout which has at least two sides 2a, 2b in a planar state, embedding a plurality of illuminants 1 in the board, and jointing one side 2a of the cutout and the other side 2b of the cutout or holding both sides 2a, 2b in close contact so as to place the illuminants 1 in the side of the concave face of the board 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: CCS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Yoneda
  • Patent number: 6059421
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for providing a continuous, uniformed, diffused light environment for use in conjunction with an electronic machine vision or manual microscope inspection system, particularly for inspection of specular surfaces such as ball bearings, reflective packaging and other shiny surfaces. The illumination device includes a source of light which is associated with at least the secondary diffusers to provide secondary diffused illumination, of an object to be observed, substantially along the observation axis of the object. The same light source may also illuminate a rear surface of the primary diffuser. The height of the illumination device is approximately three and one half times the clear aperture dimension of the illumination device or less. The illumination devices is arranged to provide uniformed illumination of the object with light which is equal in intensity and character to facilitate accurate viewing of the entire area of the object to be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Northeast Robotics LLC
    Inventors: Timothy P. White, Sheila Bergeron Dunn
  • Patent number: 6039451
    Abstract: Disclosed are a backlight and avionics display using the same to provide light to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. In the backlight, a day mode light source positioned on a first side of the LCD device and adapted to provide a first source of light for use by the LCD device during day mode operations. A night mode light source positioned on the first side of the LCD device is adapted to provide a second source of light for use by the LCD device during night mode operations. A sculptured transflector positioned between the day mode light source and the night mode light source has, at a first side adjacent the day mode light source, a transflective material and a plurality of arcuate or parabolic surfaces in order to maximize a percentage of light from the day mode light source which is reflected toward the LCD device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Science Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane A. Grave
  • Patent number: 6033087
    Abstract: An illuminating device including a cylindrical main body that is provided with a circularly arranged plurality of LEDs of different colors so as to be used in, for instance, an optical inspection apparatus. The illuminating device further includes a light diffusing element, light-condensing lens and a polarizing element or a prism having polarizing surfaces, which are all installed inside the cylindrical main body. The LED lights are corrected in intensity to be even by the light-diffusing element, pass through the light-condensing lens and further pass through the prism so as to be directed toward a single point and form a superimposed light illuminating an object, thus a CCD camera that is provided in the center of the cylindrical main body can take an image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Patlite Corporation
    Inventors: Hitora Shozo, Tokio Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6012821
    Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus includes a first arm and a first clevis appended to the first arm and having a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The arm assembly also includes a second arm formed to include an interior region and a second clevis appended to the second arm and having a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The surigcal lighthead is supported by the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Yeaney, John M. Bulko, Frank L. Martyna, Thomas M. Peterson, Michael A. Taft
  • Patent number: 6004005
    Abstract: A track lighting fixture in which decorative lamp housings are adjustably positionable along a fixture track, and which provides for several angular adjustments of each decorative lamp housing. Each decorative lamp housing comprises a common outer housing in which different interchangeable decorative inserts can be interchangeably inserted. In first and second embodiments, each track lamp fixture has a power supply housing for an enclosed power transformer and power supply which is attached to the fixture track. A support element of the power supply housing is rotationally mounted relative to the power supply housing and supports a decorative lamp housing thereon, such that the support element and decorative lamp housing can be rotated to different angular positions. In the first embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a cylindrical shaped housing, and in the second embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a rectangular shaped housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Demshki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5984486
    Abstract: A task light shelf system provide a task light having an elongated housing with a planar top wall structure that acts as a shelf surface. The housing of the task light has sufficient structural strength to carry loads on the shelf surface and is supported over a task area by means of angle brackets that attach to attachment slots formed in the top wall of the task light. Extended shelf surfaces can be provided by means of insert elements and angle brackets having extended attachment arms, which attach to the extended arms of the angle brackets. The insert elements can be optionally closed channel members to provide wire or cable channels behind the task light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Willi Munz, Douglas J. Herst
  • Patent number: 5971572
    Abstract: A device for the angular positioning of a mass with respect to a horizontal support axis includes a support arm intended to carry the mass and the mounted angularly displaceable about the support axis and the balancing device for balancing the arm connected thereto and cooperating with an elastic return member adapted to apply to a point of the support arm a mass balancing moment opposed to the moment generated by the weight of the mass. The assembly of the balancing member and the elastic return device is mounted oscillating on an oscillation axis parallel to the support axis and situated at a fixed distance therefrom so as to be orientated permanently towards the point during angular displacements of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: ALM
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Rouchon, Alain Verdier
  • Patent number: 5971569
    Abstract: A surgical lighthead having a stacked elliptical reflector (20) directs light from a lamp (10) to an illumination zone (Y) without the need for a refractor to redirect the reflected light. The reflector is formed of at least three annular reflector segments (22, 24, 26) stacked on top of each other to form a continuous reflector surface. Each of the reflector segments has a longitudinal cross section of a different conical shape such as elliptical or parabolic for directing the light to a different portion of the illumination plane. The stacked elliptical reflector provides the benefits of reduction of the image of the filament in the light field and reduction of shadowing due to objects passing between the lighthead and the illumination plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: A. Michael Smith, Henry Holt Frazier
  • Patent number: 5951139
    Abstract: A frame (10) supports a plurality of illumination modules (12) arranged in a common plane in a spoke-like pattern extending radially outward from a central axis. Each module includes a lamp (24) with a vertical filament (26) mounted in a faceted reflector (22) to direct a beam of light to a planar, dichroic mirror (30). The mirror (30) reflects the visible spectrum portion of the beam of light downward toward the central axis with all of the beams of light intersecting the central axis in a common plane to create an illumination zone of selected diameter. A disk (32) which is light transmissive at least in portions (34) forms a bottom cover for a cover (14). A handle (40) is rotatably mounted to the frame and connected by a mechanical linkage (50) with the reflectors for tipping the angle of the emitted light beams to adjust the diameter of the illumination zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: A. Michael Smith, Mark P. Jongewaard, Henry Holt Frazier
  • Patent number: 5931556
    Abstract: A configurable furniture integrated lighting system has a plurality of interchangeable symmetric and asymmetric fixture heads for indirect lighting and a plurality of different supporting structures for supporting any one of the fixture heads at a predetermined mounting height from a variety of different support surfaces associated with the furniture system, including floor level support surfaces, desk top surfaces, book shelf surfaces, and binder bins. The described invention can be mounted virtually anywhere along the partition walls of almost any open office arrangement, with different alignments with respect to the walls being possible. Free-standing fixtures can additionally be placed as required to achieve an optimum ambient lighting distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Herst, Utkan Salman
  • Patent number: 5897195
    Abstract: The illuminator has a cylindrical or truncated-conical array of LEd's producing collimated light beams that are directed onto axially-spaced, inclined surfaces formed on the outer periphery of a hollow, similarly shaped (i.e., cylindrical or truncated-conically shaped) Fresnel-like diffuser which refracts and directs rings of light beams onto the surface of a workpiece at angles of incidence ranging anywhere from 15.degree. to 80.degree.. The array of LED's surrounds the associated Fresnel-like diffuser coaxially thereof, and in turn is surrounded by a circuit board which supplies power selectively to illuminate LED's in the array thereof. The Fresnel-like diffusers have in the outer peripheral surfaces thereof circumferential grooves forming on their outer surfaces annular, prism-shaped projections which differ in shape depending upon the desired angle of incidence of the light beams that are to be projected thereby onto a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Optical Gaging, Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert G. Choate
  • Patent number: 5868487
    Abstract: A computer keyboard light comprises, in a first embodiment, at least one small upright lamp unit mounted to a flat plate that is secured to the underside of the computer keyboard or PC monitor. The lamp arms are telescopeable and are rotatable by rachet connections to allow for adjustment of the lights. The arms could also be formed of an internal structure that allows them to be twisted or adjusted into different shapes and positions. In another embodiment, the computer keyboard light further comprises a small lamp unit mounted to a small rectangular plate that is adhered to the side of the PC monitor in order to illuminate either the keyboard, the monitor screen or a copy holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Catalina Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent S. Polley, Robert M. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 5855428
    Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining a desired tint comprising light colouring means in the form of a cylinder having a number of different regions of respective different colours forming a ring around the axis of the cylinder, and region which is neutral as regards colour, which forms a ring around the axis of the cylinder, and which is adjacent to all the coloured regions. A light source directs light towards the cylinder, an aperture defining a selected region of the cylinder which affects the light which creates the desired tint. First movement control means are operable to effect rotation of the cylinder about its axis to effect a change in the hue of the tint without changing the saturation thereof, and said second movement control means are operable to effect axial movement of the cylinder to effect a change in the saturation in the tint without changing the hue thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Medical Research Council
    Inventor: Arnold Jonathan Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5765943
    Abstract: A projector comprises optical elements arranged each to constitute a passage port comprising, on the one hand, a first lens (d.sub.1) ensuring focussing of the light source (3) in the plane to be illuminated, whilst optimizing the correction of optical aberrations and, on the other hand, a second lens (d.sub.2) ensuring a multiplication of the image of the source to permit rendering uniform the illumination in the illuminated plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: ALM
    Inventor: Alain Verdier
  • Patent number: 5722754
    Abstract: Auxiliary lighting for a computer monitor display screen that consists of simulated natural daylight, as provided by commercially available full spectrum bulbs. Using to advantage the usual sitting position of a user which places the upper edge of the display screen at his/her eye level, the full spectrum light source is mounted on the display screen upper edge to maximize the impingement on the user's eyes of full spectrum light to ease the eye strain caused by partial full spectrum light of computer-generated illumination on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Eli Langner
  • Patent number: 5707144
    Abstract: A lamp housing for a surgical lamp having a light exit opening at one end thereof, an access opening disposed on a side opposite from the light exit opening and a cover member for closing the access opening. The cover member is attached to a pivotable spring member located in the interior of the housing. The cover member is held in the access opening through spring action by a flange-type circumferential flange on the inside of an edge surrounding the access opening. The spring member is a leaf spring connected to the cover member and is pivotably hinged to the interior of the lamp housing. By applying external pressure to the cover member, the cover member is inserted into the housing and shifted along the interior of the lamp housing by a swivel motion to the extent that access, for example, for changing the bulb, without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Med GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Gampe, Berthold Gerhart, Stefan Maier, Rudolf Marka
  • Patent number: 5669694
    Abstract: Two embodiments for an illumination system are described as a lighting system for computer keyboards and copy text holders and any related printed materials. The first embodiment, a novel keyboard lighting fixture, which is the principal device and includes a base for securing to the underside of keyboards or directly onto a work station, fixed or movable, thereby stabilizing the light fixture to allow pivoting of the housing. The pivoting of the housing to a desired operational position energizes the system which is powered by a plug-in transformer. The second embodiment, the copy text illuminator, is half the size of the keyboard light and is powered by a cord that connects the two light fixtures, making it an auxiliary fixture, to the keyboard light. The cord allows total flexibility and the employment of Velcro pads on each end together with a Velcro strap, enables placement of this light fixture on horizontal or vertical work surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald N. Morton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5619792
    Abstract: An illuminating device for use in a terminated cable part inspection device for a stripped terminal crimping machine is of a reflected image capturing type and can ensure a satisfactory illuminance required for photographing. The stripped terminal crimping machine includes a stripping portion and a terminal crimping portion between which the terminated cable part inspection device (8) is located on a bidirectional path (P). The terminated cable part inspection device (8) includes an image pickup camera (11) having a high shutter speed, an illuminating means (12), and a detecting means (13) including first and second sensors (31, 32) for detecting the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmori, Yoshihide Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5604586
    Abstract: A color-matching apparatus for visual on-light evaluation of flexible copies includes a support for at least one copy having a supporting surface being concave as viewed by an observer. An areally radiating illumination configuration emits light of a defined type onto copies and generates a defined intensity of illumination in the supporting surface. The illumination configuration has a radiating surface being substantially convex, as viewed by the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Bahr, Eckhard Kobler, Tobias Muller
  • Patent number: 5542017
    Abstract: A light scattering light guide, which is capable of converting a light flux of a relatively small cross-sectional area into a light flux of a relatively large area with high efficiency and uniformity, manufacturing method thereof, and applied optical apparatuses such as backlight light source apparatuses and light branching/mixing devices which make effective use of the characteristics of said light scattering light guide. Such light scattering light guide is obtained by utilizing various structures with irregular refraction indexes generated in the process of polymerization of organic materials. The values of scattering power (effective scattering irradiation parameter E, etc.) are selected according to applications. The mechanism for forming the structures with irregular refraction indexes by the polymerization process of organic materials is based on, for example, the difference in compatibility, reactivity, density, etc. among the organic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 5530628
    Abstract: An improved task light is comprised of a housing having a center cavity portion, a light passage opening below the center cavity portion, and an edge cavity for supporting a light source that emits light from the housing's edge cavity portion into its center cavity portion. A reflector, at least a portion of which spans the center cavity portion of the housing and which portion has a proximal and distal edge in relation to the light source, lies along a path that curves inwardly of the housing such that, when the reflector is viewed through the housing's light passage opening from the level of a task surface below the task light and from any position to the front of the task light, the luminance of the spanning portion of the reflector from reflected source light is substantially uniform over substantially the entirety of the spanning portion of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Peerless Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Y. Y. Ngai
  • Patent number: 5384658
    Abstract: There is provided a plastics optical member having on its surface a light-diffusing layer composed of a layer of micro-joints formed by immersing a plastics material successively in a good solvent and a poor solvent, and a plastics light-quantity-controlling member having on its surface a white pattern composed of the micro-joints. The superiority in light diffuse reflection, transmission and light-quantity-controlling property permit their incorporation into various optical systems such as screens for projection, various displays, light-source-directly-under-an-illumination-surface type light boxes, edge light type light boxes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Ohno Research & Development Laboratories Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Genji Ohtake, Hisao Morohashi, Souichi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5383105
    Abstract: A lamp for surgical illumination includes at least one reflector and at least one light source that are displaceable with respect to the one another by means for automatically adjusting the concentration of the light rays on an operating field. The direction of displacement of the light source or reflector is a function of the outcome of comparison, performed by a comparator, between the current algebraic value of the measurement of the luminous intensity of the light reflected by the operating field, with that of a previously performed measurement. The intensity is measured with a device which is sensitive to the light and is accommodated in a gripping handle. Touching of a sensor on the handle actuates a cycle of adjustment, in the course of which a plurality of measurements of the luminous intensity and displacements of the light source are performed jointly with the displacement of the light source, to arrive at the optimal optical concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: STE Distributon Materiel Chirurgical (S.D.M.C.)(S.A.)
    Inventor: Gerard Agut
  • Patent number: 5377085
    Abstract: An enclosed, portable, lighted lap-desk is provided to facilitate reading or writing at night while the rays from the light are confined within the enclosure so as not to disturb others. The invention is particularly suited for use by a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling at night to provide light for reading or writing without interfering with the vision of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: William A. Hermann, Nancy C. Hermann