Plural Separate Reflectors Or Separate Sections Patents (Class 362/346)
  • Patent number: 6626565
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp having a lamp unit that emits a beam in a low beam light distribution pattern which includes a hot zone, the lamp unit being formed by a lamp unit main body and a pair of secondary reflectors provided on both sides of the lamp unit main body. The lamp unit main body emits, via a main reflector, a beam that covers a wide area with the base light distribution pattern; and the secondary reflectors, installed so as to swing horizontally with respect to the lamp unit main body, emit a beam that has light distribution patterns forming the hot zone. The secondary reflectors swing and move the position of the hot zone to the right or left, thus illuminating the road ahead even when the vehicle is running on a curved road with the base light distribution pattern kept facing the vehicle front direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 6623143
    Abstract: A strobe unit includes a light source carried by a reflector. The reflector has a plurality of reflecting regions arranged around the light source, each reflecting region including a partial parabolic section extruded linearly in a first direction, and a plurality of parabolic aiming sections extruded to a point and arranged between adjacent partial parabolic sections. The parabolic aiming sections are arranged to direct light from the light source substantially in a radial plane substantially parallel to the first direction. The reflector can also include a planar section arranged between the partial parabolic section and the parabolic aiming sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6623145
    Abstract: A light source device includes a discharge lamp having a tubular transparent bulb with sealed opposite ends for generating discharged light near a light emission center thereof, and a reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface which has a curved surface approximating a paraboloid whose focal point is positioned at the light emission center of the transparent bulb. The reflecting surface is divided by a boundary into a first curved surface extending from the boundary toward a closed end of the reflecting mirror and a second curved surface extending from the boundary toward an open end of the reflecting mirror. The first curved surface is shaped such that the angle of incidence of a ray of light emitted from the light emission center and applied to the first curved surface is progressively smaller toward the closed end, and changes of the angle of incidence are greater than changes of the angle of incidence of a ray of light on the paraboloid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Microwave Tube, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20030174509
    Abstract: A headlight having an ellipse group reflecting surface as a main reflecting surface and a projection lens further includes a second reflecting surface, a third reflecting surface, and a ring-shaped lens. Direct light from a light source reaching to a space between the main reflecting surface and the projection lens is reflected by the second reflecting surface backward. The reflected light from the second reflecting surface is further reflected by the third reflecting surface, and then is adjusted with the ring-shaped lens. Light directly emitted from the light source and being ineffective in the conventional headlight can be collected using the second and third reflecting surfaces, and forwarded in an illumination direction by passing through the ring-shape lens such that the shape of the light is controlled to provide an appropriate shape, thereby contributing to the formation of light distribution characteristics and increase in the light intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Publication number: 20030174511
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which provides a low-beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line and which enhances distant visibility in the traveling line by assuring a sufficient amount of light in a hot zone, even if the height of a reflector is small. The reflecting surface of the reflector is configured to have first reflecting zones which reflect light so as to form a horizontal cut-off line, and second reflecting zones which reflect light so as to form an oblique cut-off line. The second reflecting zones Z2 are provided at two positions on right and left sides of the lamp optical axis Ax which are arranged diagonally with respect to the lamp optical axis Ax. The amount of light in a hot zone HZ is increased by superimposing light distribution patterns produced by the light reflected from each of the second reflecting zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 6619821
    Abstract: A parabolic reflector with an asymmetrical light distribution is disclosed. The inside surface of the reflector is divided into four quadrants, and two of the four opposing quadrants are coated with a reflective material. The two remaining quadrants are uncoated or specular. With the uncoated quadrants aligned along a longitudinal center line of a narrow area to be lit, the reflector provides an asymmetrical or elliptical light distribution for more efficient lighting of narrow hallways and passageways. The reflector is particularly useful in a warehouse environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: William Bradley Waycaster
  • Patent number: 6616315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a first reflector (20, 20′) of elliptical shape, at a first focus (F1) of which is located a main light source (10), the light rays emitted by this source (10) and reflected by the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) being directed towards a concentration spot located at a second focus (F2) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), the first (F1) and second (F2) focuses of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) defining a main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′), a convergent lens (30) being placed such that its optical axis is coincident with the main optical axis (Oy) of the elliptical reflector (20, 20′) and that the second focus (F2) of the reflector (20, 20′) is located on the focal line (LF) of the lens (30) in order to emit a light beam of rays parallel to the main optical axis (Oy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6607295
    Abstract: A first auxiliary reflector 36 is provided above the optical axis Ax between a reflector of a lamp unit 20 and projection lens 28, and under the optical axis Ax, a second auxiliary reflector 44 is formed. An auxiliary luminous distribution pattern is formed at center area of a high-beam luminous distribution pattern additionally by reflecting forward at the second auxiliary reflector 44 after direct light directing to forward and obliquely upward from a light source 22a is reflected downward at the first auxiliary reflector 36 at the time of high-beam emission. Because of that, at the low-beam emission, an area close cut-off line at opposite lane side of the low-beam luminous distribution pattern does not brighten more than necessity, further, luminous intensity of a part of the area at the hot zone of the high-beam luminous distribution pattern is obtained enough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 6607289
    Abstract: A reflector holder retains a reflector that has a hole in one of its ends. The holder includes a base with a quick-connect connector extending from the base. In one version, the quick-connect connector includes a semi-arcuate flange member that extends from the base. The member has a pair of edges extending between the base and the outward end of the flange member and a mid-portion between the edges. The member also has a concave side and a convex side. A connection post extends from the mid-portion of the concave side of the end of the member away from the base, and terminates in an outward end. A pair of lock ears extend from the outward end of the connection post, with one ear extending toward each of the edges of the flange member. Each lock ear terminates in a locking end that is spaced from one of the edges so as to define a gap between the locking end and edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Leon Lassovsky
  • Patent number: 6603243
    Abstract: Pixels for a large video display which employs solid-state emitters, such as colored light emitting diodes, as light source are formed by outfitting each colored solid state emitter within the pixel with an individually tailored miniature intensity-enhancing optical system. Each of these miniature optical systems comprises a set of four wide field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 34, a pair of narrow field-of-view Lambertian reflectors 36, and a beam-shaping lens 38. The miniature intensity-enhancing optical system can be specifically designed to restrict emission in the vertical field-of-view, while providing a Lambertian intensity dependence throughout an unrestricted horizontal view. For example, the field-of-view in the vertical direction may be limited to about ±30° while the field-of-view is about ±90° in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Parkyn, David G. Pelka
  • Publication number: 20030133299
    Abstract: An illuminating module is adapted for use in a display apparatus, and includes a spherical first reflector segment having a first reflecting surface and a first focal point. A parabolic second reflector segments has a second reflecting surface facing the first reflecting surface in a first direction, and a second focal point that is coincident with the first focal point. A light source is coincident with the first and second focal points. Light rays that radiate toward the second reflecting surface are reflected thereby to travel in a second direction transverse to the first direction. Light rays that radiate toward the first reflecting surface are reflected thereby back to the light source. A third reflector segment has a third reflecting surface facing the second reflecting surface in the second direction to reflect the light rays received thereby to travel in a third direction transverse to the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Pokia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 6586864
    Abstract: The invention is related to a reflector lamp comprising a parabolic primary reflecting section, a parabolic or spheric secondary reflecting section joined to the primary reflecting section, a parabolic or spheric tertiary reflecting section joined to the secondary reflecting section, and an incandescent or discharge light source. The secondary and tertiary reflecting sections have faceted surfaces which longitudinally extend along the surface thereof so that most (at least 50%) or substantially all the light reflected by the faceted surfaces avoids the light source and thus the light, which would be absorbed or scattered by the light source, is minimized or substantially eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yutao Zhou, Denis A. Lynch, Jr., Tianji Zhao, Thomas M. Golz, Rolf S. Bergman, Frank E. Zalar
  • Patent number: 6582101
    Abstract: A light reflector having a row of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein one segment is located at a top of the row and another segment is located at a bottom of the row. A pair of wings is connected at the sides of the row, each one of the wings including a plurality of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein at least some of the light reflecting segments of the row and at least some of the light reflecting segments of the wings form a shell-shaped arrangement wherein at least some light reflecting segments of the row and at least some light reflecting segments of the pair of wings are bent at their respective fold lines whereby the arrangement is generally curved along an imaginary line connecting the one segment and the another segment and generally curved along an imaginary line perpendicular to the first mentioned line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Allied Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Sara, Steven C. Donner, Henry M. Avila
  • Publication number: 20030112637
    Abstract: A method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector used in a vehicle lamp includes a first base curve generating step of generating a first base curve Q; a second base curve generating step of generating a plurality of second base curves R; and a surface shape generating step of generating a surface shape of the reflective surface RS, based on the first base curve and the plurality of second base curves, wherein the first base curve generating step includes repeating a step of generating one partial curve Qi and thereafter generating a subsequent partial curve Qi+1 so as to be connected to the partial curve, thereby generating one first base curve Q consisting of a plurality of partial curves Qi connected to each other, and wherein each partial curve Q1 is generated based on a shape parameter according thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawashima, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20030107892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp reflecting apparatus for use in a direct under type backlight module, wherein the backlight module comprising a plurality of lamps, a diffusing plate and a bottom reflecting plate. The diffusing plate is located above the lamps while the bottom reflecting plate is deposited under the lamps. The lamp reflecting apparatus provided between the lamps and diffusing plate comprises a reflecting layer for use in reflecting light emitted from the lamps to the bottom reflecting plates. Light non-uniformity resulting from light directly emitted to the diffusing plate directly above the lamps and the thickness of the backlight module can be reduced. Besides, light efficiency is also increased. The present invention can be applied in different backlight modules by changing shapes and sizes of the light reflecting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yao
  • Patent number: 6575609
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight can include a light source, first and second ellipse group reflecting surfaces having a focus corresponding to the light source, a first parabolic group reflecting surface with a focus on a second focus of the second ellipse group reflecting surface, and a second parabolic group reflecting surface with a focus corresponding to the position of the light source. A movable shutter can be provided with a shutter part and a shade part. When the shade part is placed in the light flux of the first ellipse group reflecting surface, the shade part shades the light flux irradiating from the light source to the second parabolic group reflecting surface. On the other hand, when the shutter part is withdrawn from the light flux, the second parabolic group reflecting surface can receive light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Taniuchi, Hiroshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6575584
    Abstract: An illumination device comprising a plate provided for guiding light there through, having an input for receiving an input light beam to be injected into said plate and an array of N micro-prisms for receiving the input light beam and producing an output light beam from the input light beam. The array of micro-prisms is located inside the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Universite De Liege
    Inventor: Serge Habraken
  • Patent number: 6575608
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a multi-reflex optical system having a light source, a first reflecting surface system and a second reflecting surface system. The first reflecting surface system can include a parabolic group reflecting surface, an ellipse group reflecting surface or combination thereof. The second reflecting surface system can include an ellipse group reflecting surface having a first focus located approximately on the light source and a second focus. The ellipse group reflecting surface can be located such that it covers the front of the light source and collects light rays emitted from the light source directed to its second focus. The second reflecting surface system can include a parabolic group reflecting surface having a focus in the vicinity of the second focus of the ellipse group reflecting surface, and an adjusting reflecting plate located in the vicinity of the second focus of the ellipse group reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroo Oyama, Go Adachi, Takashi Akutagawa, Yoshifumi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6575600
    Abstract: An Optic Reflection device, for application as Reflectors in the Light Track of optic installations, more specifically, as Reflector for single or multiple reflections in the scanner, apparatus of optics industry. Designed trapezoidal as opposed to rectangular or otherwise configuration pursuant to prior arts. In a preferred embodiment, the application is in the form of a reflector of single reflection to incident light beam; in another preferred embodiment, the application is in the form of reflector permissive of multiple reflections. Design pursuant to the trapezoidal optic reflector pertaining to the invention can substantially reduce space required of Light Track in an optic system, and therefore commensurably volume and weight claimed in the entire optic system, which facilitates compact design of the products and installation of other devices or utilities in the space so saved in the entire optic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Chih-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 6575603
    Abstract: A reflector for projection systems and spot (image projecting) luminaires is molded in separate sections and then assembled into a unitary reflector. Forming the reflector in separate sections reduces the amount of surface contact between the reflector and the mold die which in turn substantially reduces the risk of damage or breakage of the reflector section. Each reflector section includes alignment features to assure correct alignment of the sections upon assembly. The reflector sections are formed with edges that mate with edges of an adjacent reflector section along seams to prevent light from showing through the seams. The mating edges preferably include light-blocking features formed by a geometric shape along the seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Stahl, Lawrence J. Gianola
  • Patent number: 6572246
    Abstract: In order to develop a lighting apparatus having a light source unit which has at least one light source and a first reflector, and having at least one optical element, with the light which is emitted from the light source being focused by the first reflector to form a light beam which can be influenced by the optical element further, in such a manner that the type of structure, in particular the diameter of the light outlet openings of the lamp housing, does not restrict the optical elements which can be used, said apparatus has a reflector unit having a second reflector and having a concave third reflector, with the concave third reflector having an opening for the light beam and the light beam being reflected by the second reflector onto the third reflector, and with the optical element being arranged between the light source unit and the reflector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Armin Hopp, Dirk Bertelmann
  • Patent number: 6568835
    Abstract: The luminaire comprises a concave reflector (1) with an optical center (2) on an optical main axis (3), in an optical main plane (4). A screen (6) extends along the main axis (3) up to a light emission window (5). A panel (7) extends at a first side of the main plane (4) from the screen (6) up to the light emission window (5). The reflector (1) includes a first, faceted reflector portion (10) at the first side of the main plane (4), which extends towards the main plane (4), and which may be parabolically curved, the optical center (2) being its focus and the main axis (3) being its axis. A second, faceted reflector portion (20) is present at the other side of the main plane (4) and may be parabolically curved, which reflector portion has a side axis (22) passing through the optical center (2), and a focus lying in the optical center (2). The side axis (22) is tilted, with respect to the main axis (3), through acute angles in the main plane (4) and out of said main plane (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop, Cornelis Johannes Maria Erkamp
  • Publication number: 20030095407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-angle reflector for use in a backlight unit. The back light unit comprises a plurality of lamps, a multi-angle reflector and a diffuser. The multi-angle reflector comprises a plate and a plurality of reflecting protrusions. The plate has a top surface toward to the lamps. The reflecting protrusions are respectively disposed on the top surface of the plate. Each reflecting protrusion has a reflecting surface. The reflecting surfaces have a plurality of reflecting angles corresponding to the top surface of the plate so that the light from lamps are adapted to reflect to the diffuser according to the reflecting angles. Therefore, according to the invention, the reflecting angles of the reflecting surfaces on the reflecting protrusions can be adjusted so as to suit to various actual conditions. The lights are uniform and the utility of the lights is improved. Because the reflecting protrusions are small, the reflector can be made into a thin type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yao
  • Patent number: 6565250
    Abstract: A designing method of a reflective surface RS according to the present invention has a step of generating an XY curve Q on an XY plane including the X-axis (optical axis) and Y-axis; a step of, at each of a plurality of base points P existing on the XY curve Q, generating an XZ curve R on a plane (UZ plane) including the base point P and being parallel to a reflection direction of light at the base point P and normal to the XY plane; and a step of generating a surface shape of the reflective surface RS, based on the XY curve Q and the plurality of XZ curves R. This substantiates a method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector in a vehicle lamp with improved controllability of a light distribution pattern and with improved efficiency of a designing work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawashima, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20030090906
    Abstract: A first auxiliary reflector 36 is provided above the optical axis Ax between a reflector of a lamp unit 20 and projection lens 28, and under the optical axis Ax, a second auxiliary reflector 44 is formed. An auxiliary luminous distribution pattern is formed at center area of a high-beam luminous distribution pattern additionally by reflecting forward at the second auxiliary reflector 44 after direct light directing to forward and obliquely upward from a light source 22a is reflected downward at the first auxiliary reflector 36 at the time of high-beam emission. Because of that, at the low-beam emission, an area close cut-off line at opposite lane side of the low-beam luminous distribution pattern does not brighten more than necessity, further, luminous intensity of a part of the area at the hot zone of the high-beam luminous distribution pattern is obtained enough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 6561670
    Abstract: A semi-recessed downlight wall wash canopy luminaire includes a plaster frame, a lamp socket, a lamp, a downlight reflector, a wall wash reflector, and a trim piece. The plaster frame mounts behind the canopy or ceiling sheeting for supporting the components of the luminaire in relation to an opening in the sheeting. The lamp socket holds the lamp above the opening. The downlight and wall wash reflectors are positioned in surrounding relation to the lamp. The wall wash reflector has a bottom portion which extends below the plaster frame and the sheeting for reflecting light toward a wall at high angles. A trim piece extends downward from the plaster frame and below the bottom portion of the wall wash reflector providing a finished appearance. The trim piece has a bottom opening and a side window, which may be covered by refractive lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Mark Paul Jongewaard, Katsuhiro Unoki
  • Patent number: 6561687
    Abstract: The shape of a horizontal cross section Sho including a reference axis Ax on a reflective surface 14a is set to a curved shape for focusing and reflecting light from a light source 12a closer to the reference axis Ax within the horizontal cross section Sho. The shape of a vertical cross section including the axis in the direction of emitting reflected light at each of the points on the horizontal cross section including the reference axis Ax on the reflective surface 14a is set to a curved shape for reflecting the light from the light source in substantially parallel to the axis in the direction of emitting the reflected light in a central reflective area near the lateral reference axis Ax. The shapes of peripheral reflective areas 14a2 on both sides of the central reflective area are respectively set to curved shapes for focusing and reflecting the light from the light source 12a closer to the axis in the direction of emitting the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Satsukawa, Yasuyuki Amano, Hiroshi Kawashima
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030086269
    Abstract: A surface mountable strobe incorporates an elongated light source and a multi-element reflector. The reflector includes a first generally circular partial parabolic reflector element with an axis of rotation which corresponds to an axis of symmetry of the source. The first reflector element produces a spike of on-axis radiant energy which substantially exceeds the off-axis output profile. A plurality of spaced apart arcuate reflector elements provides output light profiles in horizontal and vertical planes which intersect at or near the axis of the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6558032
    Abstract: In the conventional lighting equipment for vehicle using LED lamp, as the LED lamp irradiation angle is narrow, an optical irregularity making the luminescent surface spotted is generated, resulting in a feeling of wrongness of the viewer. Means to Solve the Problem. A LED lighting equipment 1 for vehicle of the present invention, comprising at least one light emitting unit 3 wherein an LED lamp 2 is disposed approximately at the focus of one hyperboloid, a reflection surface of hyperboloid 4 defined by the other hyperboloid comprising a transmission portion 4a disposed in an appropriate range near the optical axis is arranged in the LED lamp 2 optical axial direction, and a refection surface of paraboloid of revolution 5 having the approximate focus at the focus of said the other hyperboloid focus is arranged at the side of said LED lamp 2, allows to enlarge the irradiation angle at the reflection surface of hyperboloid 4, and to emit light in a larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kondo, Hidetaka Okada
  • Patent number: 6554455
    Abstract: A lighting device, particularly a motor vehicle light, having a primary reflector (2) composed of a hollow body that defines a pair of pointed elements (4, 5), which face opposite directions, between which a luminous source (1) is placed; and a secondary reflector composed of an elongated element (3) with steps (6), at whose centre the primary reflector (2) is placed with its relative pointed elements (4, 5) facing the steps (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Davide Capello, Denis Bollea, Piermario Repetto, Daniele Pullini
  • Publication number: 20030076668
    Abstract: A high lumen output illumination device includes a light source secured on a ballast housing and a reflector. At least one reflective element redirects light emanating from the source along a direction of interest. At least one support element gives the reflective element a useful optical shape and aids in the retention of the optical shape. The reflector is capable of being transitioned between two orientations, an open orientation, where the reflector is functional, and a collapsed orientation, where the reflector occupies a greatly reduced amount of space. The reflector includes a fastening means that allows the reflector to be removed from the ballast housing, and re-attached to the ballast housing when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Kovach, Gary A. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6543910
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a single light source and be capable of switching between low-beam mode and high-beam mode by moving a movable portion. The vehicle light can also include a first reflecting surface, a projection lens, and a shutter selectively insertable in the luminous flux from the first reflecting surface to the projection lens. The vehicle light can further include a second reflecting surface having a first focus and a second focus, a third reflecting surface having a first focus and second focus, a fourth reflecting surface having a focus approximately on the second focus of the second reflecting surface, wherein when the third reflecting surface is located in its inserted position relative to luminous flux between the second reflecting surface and the fourth reflecting surface, the first focus of the third reflecting surface is substantially on the second focus of the second reflecting surface. The movable portion can include the shutter and the third reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Taniuchi, Hiroshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6543919
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a light source co-operating with a mirror and a glass, the mirror having a back and at least one side cheek exposed to radiation from the source. According to the invention, at least one of the cheeks is suitable in at least one zone for reflecting light so as to extend laterally and with continuity the beam generated by the back of the mirror, substantially without reinforcing said beam on the road axis; the glass is smooth or deflects to a very small extent only. Application to homogeneous light beams of great width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Benoit Reiss
  • Patent number: 6543921
    Abstract: A vehicular indicator lamp that provides an observer with a novel visual impression even when the point of observation is moved either horizontally or vertically while ensuring clarity of the lamp. A reflective surface of a reflector is divided in an orthogonal grid into a plurality of segments, each of which is allocated a reflective element. The reflective surface is formed as a two-dimensional wavy surface in which concave surface reflective elements and convex surface reflective elements are alternatingly repeated in each of two directions. As a result, in the case where the reflective surface of the lamp is viewed from the front, when the point of observation is moved horizontally or vertically, the brightness pattern of the reflective surface changes dynamically to accompany the movement of the point of observation, causing the observer to perceive a strong glittering sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
  • Publication number: 20030063474
    Abstract: LED lamp assembly particularly adapted for automotive applications that utilizes one or more standard replaceable LED bulbs with changeable optics to make multiple beam patterns. Preferably the optic is molded and easily replaced. An electric module is mounted directly under the LED to facilitate the electrical connection and provide good thermal contact. The LED light source(s) and interchangeable optic are positioned and sealed in the base of a main reflector or the vehicle hull by means well known to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Charles M. Coushaine
  • Publication number: 20030063461
    Abstract: A dual-mode indirect light unit designed for easy installation, fitting closely against a vertical wall surface, indirectly illuminates a nearby ceiling region with a uniform wash and also provides a functional task light component while also providing an unusual luminous visual accent effect from a major lower region of the unit. A horizontally oriented fluorescent lamp is located about one-third way down from the top of the shallow vertically-elongated enclosure. The lamp is concealed behind a lamp shield running across the front. A concave upper reflector, offset upwardly from the lamp and extending to the top of the unit, is made with a smooth reflective surface shaped to distribute the upward illumination field from the lamp uniformly as a ceiling wash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Tant
  • Publication number: 20030053314
    Abstract: An arena light reflecting assembly includes an asymmetric parabolic shaped reflector having an exit aperture. The reflector surrounds a horizontally extending high intensity light source and has a focal axis that lies along an axis of an arc tube of the light source so that the reflector acts as a collimator redirecting light from the light source into essentially parallel rays from the exit aperture. A pan circumscribes the exit aperture and a louver assembly is disposed within the exit aperture behind a front surface of the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Summerford, Randall P. Bergin
  • Patent number: 6527426
    Abstract: A vehicle light having a multi-reflex optical system can include a light source, at least one pair of ellipse group reflecting surfaces located so as to substantially surround the light source. Each ellipse group reflecting surface can be symmetrical relative to the light source and have a first focus in the vicinity of the light source, a second focus, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the vehicle light. The same number of parabolic group reflecting surfaces as the ellipse group reflecting surfaces can be located substantially linearly, with each parabolic group reflecting surface having a focus on the second focus of the corresponding ellipse group reflecting surface and a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the optical axis of the vehicle light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., LTD
    Inventors: Hiroo Oyama, Go Adachi, Masahito Okamoto, Yoshifumi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6527420
    Abstract: An illuminating module includes two spaced-apart light sources, two hemispherical reflectors, two parabolic reflectors and two planar reflectors. Each of the light sources is disposed at a common focal point of one of the hemispherical reflectors and one of the parabolic reflectors. Each of the parabolic reflectors faces a respective one of the hemispherical reflectors in one direction, and confronts a respective one of the planar reflectors in the other direction such that light rays from each of the light sources which radiate toward the respective hemispherical reflector and the respective parabolic reflector are directed to the respective planar reflector so as to be subsequently reflected to travel in parallel lines parallel to an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Prokia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 6523977
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus includes a plurality of light sources that generate a plurality of primary color light components, a reflector unit for receiving the primary color light components from the light sources, and an integrator having an input side to receive the primary color light components reflected by the reflector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Prokia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Ming Chuang, Shih-Ping Lee, Sheng-Hsiung Chan, Han-Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 6520668
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight has a light source cooperating with a reflector to produce a light beam. The reflector has an active base region immediately behind the light source, and is arranged to reflect the radiation from the source to produce a beam of given photometry. The said base region includes, in at least one zone from which light would, in the absence of the invention, be reflected back to the close vicinity of the light source, a corrected reflective surface which produces corrected radiation that remains spaced away from the vicinity of the source without disturbing the photometry. Reflection back to the source, and consequently the danger of overheating the source and/or production of parasitic images, are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Benoit Reiss
  • Patent number: 6511210
    Abstract: An operating-room lighting device with an inner lighting unit that includes at least one discharge lamp and an inner reflector in a housing. The lighting unit is at least partially enclosed by an outer annular housing with an annularly or polygonally designed reflector for convergent deviation of light emitted by the lighting unit into an illumination field. The outer reflector includes, on its side facing the inner lighting unit, a closed transparent surface whose back adjoins a reflective layer. The reflective layer is applied to the back of the transparent surface. The inner lighting unit and the outer reflector are held together by a connecting member, which is articulated to a curved intermediate piece for attachment to a stationary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Heraeus Med GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Gampe, Jörg Eduard Hartge, Rudolf Marka
  • Publication number: 20030016538
    Abstract: A resin part of a vehicular lamp and a method for producing such a part in which a metallic vapor deposition coating for forming a reflective surface is formed directly on a surface of a resin body part without applying an undercoating layer. The body of the resin part is produced by injecting molten resin into a cavity of a molding die in which a heat insulating layer is formed on a portion of the cavity surface corresponding to the reflective surface. A metallic vapor deposition coating is applied directly to the portions of the body of the resin part which were in contact with the heat insulating layer during injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mamoru Kosuge, Makoto Sano, Masaru Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 6508562
    Abstract: A reflector for backlighting an indicating instrument has two groups of flutes arranged for evenly distributing light and reducing bright spots. A plate has a recessed portion for receiving the indicating instrument and a semi-bowl-shaped compartment extending away from the plate and opening to the indicating instrument. The compartment has a base with a central projection formed by parabolic flutes and a semi-circular wall connecting the base with the recessed portion of the plate. The semi-circular wall has an inner surface facing the parabolic flutes. The inner surface has flutes extending in a radial direction from the base. Two apertures are positioned in the compartment across a boundary between the base and semi-circular wall. The apertures each receive a light emitting diode mounted on a printed circuit board when the board is assembled on the reflector. The parabolic flutes distribute the light from the light emitting diodes to evenly backlight the indicating instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjiv Venkatram, Ching Fong
  • Patent number: 6508574
    Abstract: A light fixture suitable for illuminating highway signage and billboards having large surface areas. The fixture includes a curved reflector assembly, shaped generally like a cobra hood that is attached to a plate disposed in a base. The reflector assembly 38 includes a plurality of spectral segments, integrally disposed in bands and rows of the reflector assembly so that an portion of the spectral segments is disposed above the plate, an intermediate portion of the spectral segments is disposed partially above and partially below the plate, and a portion of spectral segments is disposed below the plate surface. A lamp is supported within the fixture for facilitating projecting a substantially rectangularly shaped plane of light distributed in a plurality of substantially rectangularly shaped luminance patterns onto a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Allied Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Sara, Steven C. Donner, Henry M. Avila
  • Publication number: 20030007364
    Abstract: Luminous intensity distribution patterns of a sub reflector and a main reflector are combined, and the combined pattern continuously changes based on a movement of the sub reflector. The main reflector and the sub reflector reflect the light from a light source to illuminate the road surface and the like in a target luminous intensity distribution pattern. As a result, it is possible to effectively utilize the light from the light source, as compared with the headlamp that makes only the main reflector reflect the light from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nakata
  • Patent number: 6502965
    Abstract: A lighting assembly (10) is designed to control glare or spill light from an arc discharge lamp (12). A reflector insert (40) is formed from an identical reflector housing (14) and cut into an arcuate shape. An outer perimeter (42) is secured to the reflector housing and an inner perimeter (44) is adjustably secured to the reflector for subsequent manipulation or adjustment. The reflector insert advantageously has the contour of the primary reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Reed A. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6502963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to luminaries or floodlights and more particularly to reflectors for such floodlights. The present invention is embodied in a reflector that has the one or more of the following features: a combination of two or more different types of reflecting sheet; spectral sheet in a band in a central portion of the reflector; concentrating or concave peened reflecting sheet in a band in a central portion of the reflector; three different parabolic curves forming the reflector all having a common focal line; a visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Walter Wadey & Co. PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey David King
  • Publication number: 20030002284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dipped headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (10) cooperating with a mirror (30) in order to form an illuminating beam with a V-shaped cut-off, the mirror comprising four regions (32, 31, 33, 34) arranged side by side, a first region (32) giving the beam its width, a second region (31) giving the beam its range under the horizontal part of the cut-off, a third region (33) giving the beam its range under the inclined part of the cut-off, and a fourth part (34) giving the beam its range along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Herve Perrin