With Bulb Mounting Means Patents (Class 362/519)
  • Publication number: 20100302793
    Abstract: For a turn lamp unit, a reflecting member is disposed in an inner space formed by a housing and lens section, wherein the reflecting member is fixed to the housing by a screw. The head portion of the screw is disposed inside a screw housing space arranged at the housing, and an opening of the screw housing space is closed by a waterproof moisture-transmission section. Further, since the inner space and screw housing space are communicated with each other through a breathing hole, one end of the breathing hole is continuous with the inside of the screw housing space closed by the waterproof moisture-transmission section, and the other end of the breathing section is continuous with the inside of the inner space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shungo IKENO, Masahiro MOTOMIYA, Akira FUKAI, Ryo INUZUKA
  • Publication number: 20100302794
    Abstract: The invention provides a car lighting unit comprising a reflector and a light source arranged to generate light. The reflector circumferentially surrounds the light source and has a reflector opening. The reflector is arranged to reflect at least part of the light from the light source through the reflector opening. The car lighting unit further comprises a source-related 3D hologram and a source-unrelated 3D hologram. The car lighting unit is 5 constructed to generate a beam of light and a source-related holographic 3D image, using light from the light source, during operation of the lighting unit, and a source-unrelated 3D holographic image when the lighting unit is not in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Wilhelmus Johannes Leonardus Oomen, Lingli Wang
  • Publication number: 20100296306
    Abstract: A light can be configured by assembling an additional optical system in a lower optical system in a period of time that can be shorter than that of the conventional case. In addition to this, accumulation of assembly errors can be avoided during the assembling of these optical systems. The vehicle light can include a first optical system configured to form a part of a predetermined light distribution pattern, and a second optical system disposed adjacent to the first optical system and configured to form a part of the predetermined light distribution pattern. The second optical system can include a light source, and a reflector including a first reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface, and a third reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface can be disposed in the light emitting direction of the light source, and the first reflecting surface can reflect light emitted from the light source to a predefined illuminating direction, for forming a part of the predetermined light distribution pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Hideki Toyoyama, Yoshiaki Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20100290241
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a light source unit including a light-emitting element inside a lamp housing; a planar wiring member on which the light-emitting element is mounted; and a support substrate having a flat portion that supports the planar wiring member. The support substrate is formed from a plate having high thermal conductivity, the planar wiring member is fixed to the flat portion of the support substrate, and a portion of the support substrate is fixedly supported inside the lamp housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hironori Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20100290243
    Abstract: A vehicle illuminating device for the integrated attachment in each edge region of a motor vehicle, has a housing with at least one chamber, a light source positioned in a bracket, a reflector, an intermediate light disc with a prism arranged therein in at least partial regions, wherein the intermediate light disc has at least one signal function region dyed in a signal color, and electric connection contacts and a cover housing disc are spaced from the light disc. The reflector has in a first chamber a lateral section provided in a predominantly horizontal, lateral direction facing away from the vehicle. The housing has a lateral light region extending into the lateral region of the vehicle body, an additional lateral intermediate light disc arranged in the region, wherein the cover housing disc covers also the lateral light region with the lateral intermediate light disc from the outside at a distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Andre JANSSEN
  • Patent number: 7824086
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and a plurality of light source units disposed rearwards of a rear focal plane of the projection lens. Each of the light source units includes a light emitting device; and a light guiding member having a front end light output port and adapted to guide light from the light emitting device to the front end light output port so as to allow the light be emitted from the front end light output port. The front end light output ports of the light guiding members of the respective light source units are arranged adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction in a vicinity of the rear focal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamura, Takuya Kotajima
  • Publication number: 20100246201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light module (1) for a lighting device for a motor vehicle. The lighting module (1) comprises a light source (3) for emission of electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the form of light which is visible for the human eye, and a reflector (2) for focusing the emitted radiation. At its apex, in the area of its optical axis (8), the reflector (2) has an opening (7) for holding a light-emitting part (5) of the light source (3). A reflector neck (9) is formed on the reflector (2), surrounding at least a part of the holding opening (7), to which reflector neck (9) another part (4, 6) of the light source (3) is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING REULINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Brendle, Michael Hamm, Ernst-Olaf Rosenhahn, Heike Fröhlich
  • Publication number: 20100238676
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a first lamp unit and a second lamp unit. The first lamp unit includes a first light source, a reflector on which the first light source is mounted, and a first lamp body on which the reflector is supported. The reflector reflects light emitted from the first light source. The second lamp unit includes a second light source, and a second lamp body on which the second light source is mounted. The second lamp body is configured as a one-piece structure including a concealing portion. The concealing portion partially conceals the first lamp unit in a front view of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20100214797
    Abstract: The invention provides a car lighting unit (1) comprising a reflector (10) and a light source (20) arranged to generate light (21). The reflector (10) circumferentially surrounds the light source and the reflector has a reflector opening (11). The reflector is arranged to reflect at least part of the light from the light source through the reflector opening. The car lighting unit further comprises a 3D hologram (30). The car lighting unit is constructed to generate a beam of light (22) and a holographic 3D image (31), using light from the light source (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Lingli Wang, Augustinus Gregorius Henricus Meijers, Nils Benter, Ludo Haenen, Matthias Daniel Epmeier
  • Patent number: 7771097
    Abstract: A semi-standard threaded base lamp assembly may be formed with a substitutable optical housing. The assembly enables a standard set of components to be assembled as a threaded base lamp, but during construction any one of a variety of specialty reflector shells may be substituted in the assembly process to specialize the lamp for a particular market, need or interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Buschmann
  • Publication number: 20100177526
    Abstract: An optical lens for use in a vehicle light can be compact and less expensive and has an outer appearance that has a high commercial value and achieves a high light utilization efficiency. The optical lens can include a light incident surface that receives light from a light source and a light output surface to output the light. The light incident surface can include a center light incident surface formed at its center and being convex toward the light source with a plurality of prisms with a polygonal shape formed radially from its center to its periphery. The light output surface can include a toroidal surface corresponding to the center light incident surface and a surrounding light output surface corresponding to the prisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Takashi Futami
  • Publication number: 20100149829
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a light guide including: a first end surface; a second end surface opposite to the first end surface; a front side surface; and a back side surface opposite to the front side surface; a light source disposed to face the first end surface of the light guide so as to emit light toward the first end surface; and a reflector disposed to face the back side surface of the light guide. The light is incident on the first end surface and travels toward the second end surface along an longitudinal direction of the light guide. A first beam of the light is output from the front side surface of the light guide. A second beam of the light is output from the back side surface, and reflected by the reflector to travel toward a forward area of the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Kazaoka, Masahiro Fukumuro, Kyouhei Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7726857
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a headlamp of a vehicle includes a projection lens, a light emitting device disposed on a rear side of the projection lens, a reflector, and a mirror member having an upwardly reflecting surface. The reflector forwardly reflects light from the light emitting device toward an optical axis, and the upwardly reflecting surface upwardly reflects part of the light reflected by the reflector. The upwardly reflecting surface includes a first horizontal surface disposed on a self-lane side of the optical axis, a second horizontal surface disposed on an opposing-lane side of the optical axis, and an intermediate slope surface connecting the first and second horizontal surfaces. The intermediate slope surface includes a front slope surface and a rear slope surface on the rear side of the front slope surface, and the rear slope surface is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakada, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7690818
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens through which an optical axis passes. The optical axis extends in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector which reflects a direct light from the light source toward a front direction so as to become close to the optical axis; a shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and having an edge portion positioned near the rear focal point of the projection lens; and an auxiliary reflector disposed between the projection lens and a shade. The auxiliary reflector reflects a part of the light reflected by the reflector toward the projection lens such that an upward irradiation light is irradiated from the projection lens. The shade shields a part of the light reflected by the reflector and a part of the direct light emitted from the light source and forms a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Yusuke Nakada, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Publication number: 20100067247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shield device for a headlamp, said device having a reflector with an opening that has a diameter of less than 38.2 mm and two luminous bodies. The shield device is designed in such a way that at least one boundary of the sector shielded by the shield device on the reflector in the vicinity of the opening, said sector lying on a straight line between the reflector opening and a circle around the reflector opening with a diameter of 38.2 mm, when viewed on a plane running parallel to the reflector opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Auer, Gerhard Behr, Peter Helbig, Christian Seichter, Klaus Wittmann, Sascha Zelt
  • Patent number: 7670037
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp bulb provides the two light or three filament sources in a single bulb. One source may be used to generate a standard headlamp beam, while the second source may be used to generate an augmenting side beam in response to a turning signal. A similar third filament may provide an augmenting beam to the opposite side, or farther to the same side. The single bulb eliminates the need for a second bulb, or a second reflector in an advanced headlamp system with turning light augmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Devir, Thomas Tessnow, Michael Tucker, Joseph L. Wegman, Andreas Osten, Craig Landcastle
  • Patent number: 7665872
    Abstract: A first LED unit, a first reflector, a second LED unit, a second reflector, and a light source mount which supports the first LED unit and the second LED unit are provided in a light chamber. The first reflector is formed integrally with a projection lens and forwardly reflects direct light outputted from a first LED to the central axis of the lens. The second reflector is formed integrally with the projection lens and forwardly reflects direct light outputted from a second LED. The light source mount has a fixing portion adapted to perform the positioning of the projection lens, the first reflector and the second reflector, which are formed integrally with a connecting member, in the direction of the central axis of the lens. The light source mount also has a positioning projection and positioning recesses, which are adapted to perform the positioning of the projection lens, the first reflector and the second reflector in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7648244
    Abstract: An illuminating unit with a compact design capable of improving collimating characteristics of beams emitted from a plurality of light sources positioned at different locations, and a projection-type image display apparatus employing the illuminating unit. The illuminating unit includes a base, a plurality of light sources to emit beams of different wavelength bands, and at least one color filter with a predetermined curvature to reflect one or more beams of predetermined wavelengths from among the beams emitted by the plurality of light sources such that the reflected one or more beams propagate in a first direction and to pass one or more remaining beams of other wavelength bands. The projection-type image display apparatus includes the illuminating unit, an optical integrator, an image-forming system, a beam splitter, and a projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kye-hoon Lee, Dae-sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7628521
    Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) bulb fixing apparatus assembles an HID bulb securely in a reflector. The HID bulb includes a circular mounting ring. The HID bulb fixing apparatus includes a base disposed at a rear end of the reflector, and a catch base detachably assembled on the base. The base includes a basal wall, and a bearing flange projecting from an inner circumferential surface of the basal wall and for bearing the mounting ring. The catch base includes two fixing walls clamping at front and rear sides of the basal wall, and two clamping parts clamping at left and right sides of the basal wall. The fixing wall located at the rear side presses against a rear end surface of the basal wall and a surface of the mounting ring. The HID bulb fixing apparatus is applicable to fixing and mounting HID bulbs of different specifications, such that different bulbs may be mounted in reflectors of the same type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Han Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7591573
    Abstract: The invention concerns a lamp holder for a headlight that is intended to carry a lamp. The lamp holder having a roughly cylindrical tubular wall and has at least one claw that is electrically connected to the wall of the lamp holder and that is intended to be in contact with the body of the high-voltage connector, wherein the claw extends in a tangential direction with respect to the wall of the lamp holder and perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal principal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Rémi Maliar, Cyril Herbin
  • Publication number: 20090225563
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes a discharge bulb fixed to a reflector and a connector coupled to the plug of the discharge bulb and designed to feed power to the discharge bulb. The reflector includes a conductive film on the periphery of a bulb fitting opening for fitting the plug of the discharge bulb. The connector includes a metallic cover covering its periphery. On the conductive film of the reflector is arranged an elastic contact member composed of a conductive material for electrically connecting to the metallic cover of the connector. The elastic contact member includes a bulb pressing piece for pressing and biasing the plug of the discharge bulb toward the opposing inner peripheral wall of the bulb fitting opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Teruaki YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7575343
    Abstract: A PAR lamp (10) has a body (12) with an internal reflector surface (14) disposed about a longitudinal axis (16). A cavity (18) is provided at one end (20) of the body (12) and an arc discharge tube (22) that provides a substantially spherical light source is positioned in the cavity (18) and disposed on the longitudinal axis (16). A cover receiving opening (24) is provided at a second end (26) of the body and a cover (27) closes the cover receiving opening (24). A plurality of spiral facets (28) is formed on the internal reflector surface (14), the plurality of spiral facets (28) being sufficient in number to increase the maximum beam candle power and decrease the beam angle when compared to faceted lamps having a lesser number of facets. The number of facets is equal to or greater than 75 and preferably is 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Jason J. Li, Harold Rothwell, Jr., David M. Hrubowchak
  • Patent number: 7563003
    Abstract: A retrofit HID lamp assembly adapted for use in a non-HID lighting receptacle includes in one embodiment: (1) a housing compatible in size and shape with the receptacle; (2) a ballast unit disposed substantially within the housing interior; (3) a base terminal structure receiving electrical inputs and communicatively coupled to the ballast unit; (4) an aperture-defining reflector disposed within the housing; a lens bounding a reflector cavity; and an HID lamp having a light emissive portion that is removably insertable through the reflector aperture into the reflector cavity, and having a base portion that is electrically coupleable with the ballast unit. Fabrication and retrofit method are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Luminescent Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Eddie Powell
  • Publication number: 20090129109
    Abstract: A headlight reflector (1) comprising: a reflecting wall (10) defining an optical axis (O); a first opening (12) for inserting and positioning a light source (2); a second opening (18) through which the light that has been reflected by the reflecting wall leaves the reflector; and a light mask (14, 15, 16) that blocks the path of a fraction of the light that would otherwise leave via the second opening, the reflector being characterized in that it is made integrally with the light mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Holophane SA
    Inventor: Daniel Goraguer
  • Patent number: 7518299
    Abstract: A compact PAR lamp (10) has a hollow body (12) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (14) and has an open end (16) and a substantially closed neck end (18) and containing a light source capsule (20) within the hollow body (12) and coaxial with the longitudinal axis (14). The light source capsule (20) has electrical lead-ins (22, 24) that extend therefrom and exit via the neck end (18). A first parabolic reflector (26) is formed within the body (12) and has a wide portion (28) adjacent the open end (16) and a narrow portion (30) spaced therefrom along the longitudinal axis (14). A second reflector (32) is formed within the body (12) and extends from the narrow portion (30) into the neck end (18). A lens (34) closes the open (16), and a base (36) is attached to the closed neck end (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Kling
  • Patent number: 7513648
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlamp for vehicles with a reflector comprising a reflector opening for receiving a gas discharge lamp, with an ignition device for operating the gas discharge lamp, with holding means for releasably connecting the ignition device to a reflector, with electromagnetically compatible contact means arranged between the ignition device and the reflector, wherein the holding means includes a holding element which together with the ignition device and the gas discharge lamp forms a common unit, and the electromagnetically compatible contact means is integrated in the holding element, in such a way that, in a locking position of the holding element with the reflector, there is an electrically conductive connection between the ignition device and the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.,
    Inventors: Gerhard Rotgeri, Martin Dobrescu, Markus Gösling, Wolfgang Daub
  • Publication number: 20090086501
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp bulb provides the two light or three filament sources in a single bulb. One source may be used to generate a standard headlamp beam, while the second source may be used to generate an augmenting side beam in response to a turning signal. A similar third filament may provide an augmenting beam to the opposite side, or farther to the same side. The single bulb eliminates the need for a second bulb, or a second reflector in an advanced headlamp system with turning light augmentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC
    Inventors: Daniel D. Devir, Thomas Tessnow, Michael Tucker, Joseph L. Wegman, Andreas Osten, Craig Landcastle
  • Publication number: 20090073712
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and a plurality of light source units disposed rearwards of a rear focal plane of the projection lens. Each of the light source units includes a light emitting device; and a light guiding member having a front end light output port and adapted to guide light from the light emitting device to the front end light output port so as to allow the light be emitted from the front end light output port. The front end light output ports of the light guiding members of the respective light source units are arranged adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction in a vicinity of the rear focal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamamura, Takuya Kotajima
  • Patent number: 7476014
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp unit that is configured for use with either a halogen lamp or a high intensity discharge lamp. The headlamp unit includes a housing within which a reflector is located for reflecting light from the headlamp unit. A lamp is supported within the reflector and a lamp socket is electrically connected to the lamp. The lamp socket including a wire harness receptacle having a first configuration that is configured to matingly engage the wire harness connector. A secondary receptacle is also connected to the housing. The secondary receptacle has a second configuration that at least partially duplicates the first configuration and is configured to matingly engage the wire harness connector. Accordingly, both the wire harness receptacle and the secondary receptacle are configured to alternately receive and matingly engage the wire harness connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Dennis McCarthy, Scott William Nicol, Chris Greco, John Kallio
  • Publication number: 20080291689
    Abstract: An LED light source device can have a simple configuration which can easily create a desired light distribution pattern with a low profile and light weight. An illumination apparatus and a vehicle lighting device can also be configured to use the LED light source device. The light source device can include a light guide plate made of a flat plate-like material that is transparent in the visible range, and which has a front surface serving as a light emission surface. A point light source can be opposed to an end surface of the light guide plate. A rear surface of the light guide plate can include a luminance control element configured to control a luminance distribution on the light emission surface. The luminance control element controls light from the light source, incident through the end surface of the light guide plate, so that a reduced inversion of a light distribution pattern that is to be emitted is formed on the light emission surface as the luminance distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Shuichi AJIKI, Koichi Masuyama, Naoya Sone, Sadayuki Konishi, Yasuo Toko
  • Publication number: 20080273346
    Abstract: A vehicular light assembly, comprising: a housing and a lens cover, wherein at least one of the housing and lens cover includes at least one previously damaged sub-component which has been repaired utilizing a mold from a vehicular light assembly and/or assembly sub-component void of damage relative to the repaired sub-component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: David C. Hartman
  • Patent number: 7407310
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp 1 including a projection lens 16 installed on the optical axis Ax extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle a light source 12a provided behind the rear side focal point F of the projection lens 16, and a reflector 14 that reflects direct light from the light source 12a forward and toward the optical axis Ax; and in this headlamp, an additional lens 30, which deflects and directs light from the light source 12a to the front is provided around the outer perimeter of the projection lens 16, and grooves 33, which have side faces that direct at least a part of the incident light toward the side of the vehicle, are formed in the outer surface of the additional lens 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7404657
    Abstract: A light source is movable between a reference position located on an optical axis on the rear side of a rear side focal point of a projection lens and a forward shift position located on the forward side of the reference position. At a predetermined position of the reflecting surface of a reflector on the lower side of the optical axis, an auxiliary reflecting surface having a vertical section of substantially an elliptical shape is formed which has a first focal point set at the center of the light source at the forward shift position, and a second focal point set at the rear side focal point of the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Takada
  • Publication number: 20080151568
    Abstract: A lamp, in particular a vehicle lamp, is equipped with a burner (12), which is secured to a holding device (20, 22) made of metal. The lamp (10) is further equipped with a bottom section (24) made of plastic. In order that the lamp is of a simple, mechanically stable design, and nonetheless is thermally stable, in accordance with a first aspect, an opening (28) of the bottom section (24) is provided with projections (40) in such a way that a base sleeve (26) made of metal, which is disposed in the opening (28), does not bear laterally against the bottom section (24) over its entire surface. In accordance with a second aspect, the base sleeve (26) develops a flange (26a), which screens a top side (36) of the bottom section (24), at least partially, against the burner (12), wherein a (10) space remains between the flange (26a) and the top side (36) of the bottom section (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Rosenmuller, Jurgen Flechsig, Hans-Joachim Helmar Unger
  • Patent number: 7372055
    Abstract: An illuminator assembly is provided for supplying night vision illumination. The assembly includes a support housing and an infrared illumination source. An infrared reflector receives the radiation emitted from the infrared illumination source and reflects the infrared radiation in a first substantially collimated field of view and transmits visible light therethrough. A visible light reflector is located behind the infrared reflective mirror for receiving visible light transmitted through the infrared reflector and reflecting scattering the visible light in a second field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Harter, Jr., Gregory K. Scharenbroch, Siddharth S. Rege
  • Patent number: 7252421
    Abstract: A vehicular light assembly including a dichroic lamp, a socket, a cradle and an optional support to mount the assembly to a vehicle. The dichroic lamp includes a reflector which reflects light emitted by the bulb forward but allows radiant heat to pass rearwardly through the reflector. The dichroic lamp also includes an electrode electrically coupled with a socket which defines at least one of a recess and an aperture, the socket including an electrical connector. The cradle defines a chamber, and the socket and dichroic lamp both are positioned in the chamber. The cradle includes a locating pin that registers with the at least one of a recess and an aperture to selectively locate the dichroic lamp within the cradle. A related installation method includes: joining the light assembly cradle with a vehicle, and aligning the lamp assembly so that it focuses light on a pathway of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: A & L Assembly, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Dawson, Lance L. Wilson, Gregory A. Matheson
  • Patent number: 7249876
    Abstract: An improved lamp holder for a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes a base and a metallic positioning member, in which the metallic positioning member includes a vibration-damping clamping ring having three extension feet extending outwards and downwards from a bottom rim of the clamping ring and inserted into their respective corresponding insertion slots of the base; and the clamping ring clips a lamp tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kong Li Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chao Jong
  • Patent number: 7220046
    Abstract: A replaceable lamp header for positioning a lamp within a reflector assembly includes a base member having first and second lateral portions, at least one first source connection coupled to each of the first and second lateral portions, at least one second source connection coupled to each of the first and second lateral portions, a first interconnect coupling the first source connections and being external to the base member, and a second interconnect coupling the second source connections and being external to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John Lee, David Huhn, Andrew Lovvorn, Jimmy Perez, Bob Sattem
  • Patent number: 7175325
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes a lamp body having an opening, a first reflector disposed within the lamp body, a lens, and a second reflector. The second reflector serves as an extension reflector to cover a gap between the opening of the lamp body and the first reflector. The lens and the second reflector are joined together at an edge portion thereof by laser welding. The second reflector has a leg portion on a back surface thereof. An edge portion of the opening has a groove to receive the leg portion, and seal material having a predetermined adhesibility, which can be pulled off, is injected into the groove. The second reflector joined to the lens is mounted on an edge of the opening of the lamp body via the seal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Otani, Fujihiko Sugiyama, Kazuhiro Yamazaki, Michihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7108412
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp structure includes a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line formed by a first reflecting optical system. The structure includes a first light source including a light emitting diode in which a rectangular light emitting chip is covered with a hemispherical mold lens, and a first reflector for reflecting a light emitted from the first light source toward a front part of a lighting unit. In that case, the first light source is provided in such a manner that the light emitting chip is turned in a horizontal direction with one side of the light emitting chip set horizontally. The horizontal cutoff line is formed by selectively utilizing a light emitted from the first light source and reflected by the first reflector, which is reflected in a reflecting region Za positioned in an almost front direction of the light emitting chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Kiyoshi Sazuka
  • Patent number: 7063446
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing which defines a longitudinal axis. A hollow holding ring and a reflector are fixed within the housing and spaced apart along the axis. A hollow positioning sleeve is disposed at a rear end of the reflector and is arranged on the axis at a distance forwardly from the holding ring. A tube extends along the axis and includes front and rear portions. The front portion is mounted in the positioning sleeve and includes a bulb receptacle for positioning a bulb within the reflector. The rear portion includes an electrical connection portion disposed in the holding ring. The tube is inserted axially through the holding ring and the positioning sleeve and into the reflector and then is rotated about the axis in order to cause the tube to become locked against axial movement relative to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Oechsler AG
    Inventor: Markus Deuter
  • Patent number: 6976776
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are described to provide a bulb insertion structure of a vehicular lamp which allows bulb replacement and accurate positioning of a bulb with respect to a reflector. In general, in one implementation, a bulb insertion structure of a vehicular lamp includes a plurality of fixing protrusions formed on an outer periphery of a rear end portion of a cylindrical socket fixture fixed in a bulb insertion hole of a reflector; a plurality of engaging protrusions formed on an outer periphery of a focus ring provided on a bulb and corresponding to the fixing protrusions; and a cup-shaped socket covering the outer periphery of the socket fixture from the rear, the socket incorporating a spring for pressing forward the rear end portion of the accommodated bulb, and having an outer peripheral wall provided with, at multiple locations corresponding to the fixing protrusions, an engaging notch (J-slot) for holding the engaging protrusion and the fixing protrusion overlapped together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Kakidaira, Takaaki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6929386
    Abstract: A lamp with connector housing for motor vehicles comprising a push/push switch, a light source, and a backplate with a 3-way connector. The backplate with a 3-way connector further comprises a connection between point ground and point door and a connection between point ground and point B. This lamp with connector housing is twisted into the motor vehicle headliner with no screws or other fasteners, it has a compact size, and only uses one light source to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Shu-Hsiung Chou
  • Patent number: 6913376
    Abstract: A sealing bulb boot for use in a vehicular lighting assembly comprising a boot with a lip running along its outer perimeter and a hole at its approximate center. The hole in the boot is generally circular in configuration with at least one notch which allows a conventional tabbed locking mechanism of a light source, which requires an approximate quarter turn to lock the light source to the reflector, to pass therethrough. The outer lip of the sealing bulb boot presses around a portion of the housing of the lighting assembly. A seal is also created around the inner portion of the sealing bulb boot upon the insertion of the light source through the hole at the center of the boot and the turning of the light source to engage the light source's locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Judd, Paul H. Fort, Douglas A. Elrod, Robert A. Kidd, Jack D. Bodem, Vince E. Stanley
  • Patent number: 6893149
    Abstract: A lamp socket for a bulb has two latching hooks by means of which the lamp socket can be latched into place at a reflector, and that a spring, which can abut at the lighting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Mock, Olaf Rottstädt
  • Patent number: 6866409
    Abstract: A light bulb retention assembly for an automobile headlight includes an socket with an opening adapted to receive a light bulb, plural holes in the socket and around the opening that each have an end surface with an upper step and a lower step, plural pins that are each in a respective one of the holes, where each of the pins has a head with a first underside part that bears against the upper step and a second underside part that is separated from the lower step by a gap, and a lock ring having plural latching parts that each rotationally fit into a respective gap. The socket has a sealing edge and the plural latching parts mate with the sealing edge to hold a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Brent Fields, Sanders R. Brott
  • Publication number: 20040252519
    Abstract: A light bulb retention assembly for an automobile headlight includes an socket with an opening adapted to receive a light bulb, plural holes in the socket and around the opening that each have an end surface with an upper step and a lower step, plural pins that are each in a respective one of the holes, where each of the pins has a head with a first underside part that bears against the upper step and a second underside part that is separated from the lower step by a gap, and a lock ring having plural latching parts that each rotationally fit into a respective gap. The socket has a sealing edge and the plural latching parts mate with the sealing edge to hold a seal therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: William Brent Fields, Sanders R. Brott
  • Publication number: 20040213011
    Abstract: An emergency taillight for a vehicle includes a reflective housing with a transparent cover and a light source resiliently suspended in the focal center thereof. In the first embodiment, the light source is energized by a periodic source of electrical power to provide the impression of flickering light both during the movement of a vehicle as well as when it is standing still and no vibration is transmitted to the resilient suspension means of the light source. According to the second and third embodiments, electromechanical means are provided to cause the oscillating motion of the light source even when the vehicle is not itself in motion. The invention provides for a better attraction of the observer to the emergency light in poor visibility conditions regardless of the presence of vehicle motion. One or more light bulbs, LEDs, or laser light diodes may be used as a source of light for the emergency light of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Segiy Komarynsky
  • Patent number: 6773151
    Abstract: An automobile dome lamp assembly which includes a metal reflector unit, plastic lamp housing,cartridge lamp, and cover lens. The reflector unit comprises two concave reflector portions that are mounted on the plastic base in electrical isolation from each other. Each of the two reflector portions include a unitary electrical terminal and lamp retainer clip. The cartridge lamp is mounted to the reflector unit by the two retainer clips such that it is located in front of the reflector. Power supplied to the electrical terminals is routed to the lamp through the reflector portion and their unitary retainer clips. The reflector unit is stamped from a single pieces of metal frangible bridges interconnecting the two reflector portions. The reflector unit can be insert molded to the plastic housing and the frangible bridges are separate at that time to electrically isolate the two reflector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Brown
  • Publication number: 20040145908
    Abstract: A light source housing and light device with a light source securing mechanism is provided. The light housing has a reflector with a mounting block on its backside. A bulb shield with a mounting arm is mounted within the housing such that a curved end of the mounting arm slides over the mounting block. A portion of the curved end extends beyond the mounting block providing an area to fasten a light source within the light housing using a retaining spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: North American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric John Ognian, Dean Bryant Bowles