Refractor Structure Patents (Class 362/520)
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Publication number: 20110280031Abstract: The invention relates to an LED light module for a motor vehicle, or for a headlight for a motor vehicle, wherein the light module comprises a lens and an LED light source, wherein according to the invention a diffusion disk is disposed between the LED light source and the lens as viewed in the light exit direction, wherein the diffusion disk has at least one aperture for the direct passage of at least one component of the light emitted by the LED light source, and wherein the direct component of the light emitted by the LED light source, which component emerges through the aperture of the diffusion disk, is projected through the lens so as to generate a lighting function in the region in front of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbHInventors: Andreas Luger, Andreas Moser
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Publication number: 20110260616Abstract: A vehicle exterior lamp includes an optical structure defining a plurality of geometric indicia, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting light. Light emitted by the LEDs is directed towards the optical structure, to interact with the optical structure, and exit the exterior lamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: William Chaterlea, Jeffrey Nield
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Patent number: 8042981Abstract: In a vehicle headlamp, a light source image forming device forms a first light source image and a second light source image. A projection lens projects the first light source image and the second light source image so as to have a common border with each other. The light source image forming device forms the first light source image and the second light source image at positions spaced apart from each other along respective edges forming the common border.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Kotajima, Satoshi Yamamura
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Publication number: 20110222304Abstract: A vehicle lamp unit comprising a cylindrical lens arranged on an optical axis extending in a front-back direction of the vehicle lamp unit, a semiconductor light-emitting element arranged on the optical axis behind a rear focal line of the cylindrical lens, and a reflector, which comprises a right concave curved surface located in a right side region of the reflector, and a left concave curved surface is located in a left side region of the reflector, wherein each of the right and left concave curved surfaces comprises an inner reflecting surface near the optical axis, wherein the light reflected by the inner reflecting surface of the right concave curved surface is directed to the left side region across the optical axis, and the light reflected by the inner reflecting surface of the left concave curved surface is directed to the right side region across the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Masashi TATSUKAWA
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Publication number: 20110222305Abstract: An LED car lamp structure with demisting and dehumidifying functions includes a car lamp assembly, at least one LED module, and at least one fan. The car lamp assembly includes a base and a light-transmitting lens connected to a front side of the base, so that the lens and the base form an integral body and define a closed chamber in between them. The LED module is connected to the base and has a plurality of LEDs oriented to the lens, so that light beams emitted from the LEDs are transmitted through the lens to external environment. The fan is connected to the base and located in the closed chamber. When the fan is started, air in the closed chamber is forced to flow and circulate therein, so that the closed chamber has evenly distributed temperature therein to prevent mists and condensate from forming in the car lamp assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Chiu-Mao Huang
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Patent number: 8016468Abstract: A signal indicator lamp assembly (10) for a vehicle (14) has an LED assembly (16) that emits electromagnetic radiation (20), which is visible light, such as white light, that is composed of at least two wavelengths. A collimating optic (18) is positioned forwardly of the LED assembly (16) for providing substantially parallel light rays of the emitted radiation (20). A second optic (22) is positioned forwardly of the collimating optic (18), the second optic (22) having a first planar surface (33) facing the collimating optic (18) and a second, outer surface (35), the first planar, surface (33) having an interference coating (24) thereon, the interference coating (24) reflecting back toward the LED assembly (16) at least some of the first wavelengths (31) of the radiation (20) and transmitting at least some of the second wavelengths (39).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Christian Meier
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Patent number: 8016466Abstract: A reflector 30 is constituted as an aspherical mirror that forms a light distribution S1 in which spread of reflected light in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is larger than spread of reflected light in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The light distribution expanded in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 3 makes the light less likely to impinge on a side surface of the vehicle 3, so that the rear part of the vehicle 3 can be illuminated efficiently. As a result, maximum illumination can be achieved with the minimum amount of light. In addition, because the range of illumination is long in the longitudinal direction, not only the area around an occupant's feet outside a front door 5 but also an area around the feet outside a rear door 6 can be illuminated easily.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Sato
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Publication number: 20110216549Abstract: A vehicle light unit can convert an LED light source to a linear light emitting state and can be incorporated into a vehicle light. The vehicle light unit can include a first to fourth lens part in front of an LED light source. The first to third lens parts can convert the point light source or the LED light source into a linear light emitting portion with improved light utilization efficiency by providing first to fourth total reflection surfaces utilizing internal reflection to the third lens part. The light rays through the linear light emitting portion can be incident on the fourth lens part. The fourth lens part can include a plate-shaped light guiding portion with a plurality of total reflection surfaces on one surface and corresponding lens cut portions on the other opposite surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Takashi FUTAMI
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Publication number: 20110211362Abstract: Disclosed herein is a security vehicle lighting system. The system includes a rocker panel trim member arranged to conceal at least a portion of a vehicle rocker panel, the trim member having a lower wall portion having at least one aperture formed therein, the lower wall portion defining an interior surface and an opposing ground-facing surface and extending inboard toward the rocker panel, and at least one light member disposed between the rocker panel and the interior surface and adjacent the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one light member is mounted on the interior surface of the trim member and operable to illuminate a portion of the ground proximate the trim member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC., NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: David Heiden, Randy Johnson, Sari Rezzo, Sue Stein, Kevin Thompson
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Patent number: 8007150Abstract: A vehicular illumination lamp includes a convex lens positioned on an optical axis in a vehicular longitudinal direction and a light emitting element positioned in a proximity of a rear side focal point of the convex lens. The vehicle lamp is configured so as to form a light distribution pattern that has a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line in an upper end portion thereof by exercising deflection control, with a use of the convex lens, over light directly emitted from the light emitting element. The light emitting element includes a light emitting chip that has a rectangular light emitting surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Yagi
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Patent number: 8007154Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a light source, a reflector having a parabolic reflective surface for reflecting light beams from the light source, and a lens formed in a generally rectangular shape (i.e., square, rectangular, substantially square, substantially rectangular). The lens can include a plurality of lens cut portions for diffusing the generally parallel light beams from the reflector. The principal optical axis of the vehicle lamp can be aligned with the center of the lens. A plurality of ridge lines or valley lines can extend radially from the principal optical axis to divide the generally rectangular lens into at least a first lens cut portion, a second lens cut portion, a third lens cut portion, and a fourth lens cut portion. The first lens cut portion can be a substantial mirror image of the second lens cut portion, and the third lens cut portion can be a substantial mirror image of the fourth lens cut portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetaka Okada, Nao Nakano, Norihide Todoroki
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Patent number: 7980742Abstract: A lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight for giving a cutoff beam, having an optical axis and comprising at least one light source (S), a reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2) of the complex surface type, and a cylindrical lens (L, La) with substantially vertical generatrices placed between the two foci (F1, F2) of the arc of an ellipse. The light source consists of at least one light emitting diode disposed so that its light beam has a mean direction (?, ?a) substantially orthogonal to the geometric axis of the reflector (R, Ra, Ra1, Ra2), which is situated relative to the plane of the rear face of the light emitting diode, on the emitted beam side, and in calculating its surface area account is taken of the protective lens of the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Pierre Albou
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Patent number: 7976203Abstract: A vehicle lamp including a light-emitting semiconductor device can have high visibility even in an area outside of the standard light distribution pattern. The vehicle lamp can include at least one light-emitting semiconductor device and at least one lens that includes both a first lens formation and second lens formation. An optical axis of the at least one lens can correspond with that of the at least one light-emitting semiconductor device. The first lens formation can receive a strong light that is within the range of a half-value angle of light emitted from the at least one light-emitting semiconductor and which forms a standard light distribution pattern. The second lens formation can receive a weak light that is beyond the range of the half-value angle and forms a light distribution pattern in an area outside of the standard light distribution formed by the first lens formation.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidetaka Okada
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Publication number: 20110164429Abstract: A reading device, such as a reading lamp or reading spotlight, is provided for use in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle with immovable properties or ships. The reading device for example can be used in passenger cabins and/or cockpits of aircraft. The reading device includes, but is not limited to an LED light source with a color temperature that can be adjusted with the color “warm-white” to “cold-white”, a primary optics or lens advantageously designed as a converging lens, and a secondary optics or lens to focus the light emitted by the light source onto a surface, such as a reading plane to be illuminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Detlef HEYM, Tilo BUDINGER, Frank GINDELE
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Publication number: 20110149587Abstract: To provide a front portion structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle which is constructed to install a combination lamp on a front cowl and improves visibility of a blinker of one of left and right sides of the vehicle from the other side. Lens-side recess portions are formed as concavities which are recessed to the rear of the vehicle and extend in a vertical direction in front of the blinker lamps as well as on the inner side of a vehicle width direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Kazuhito HAYASHI, Hirotsugu UENO, Hiroaki TSUKUI, Manabu ICHIKAWA, Takahiro OYAMA
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Patent number: 7954987Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a convex lens and a light emitting device. Light directly reaching a rear surface of the convex lens from the light emitting device is deflected through the convex lens to form a light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line and an oblique cutoff line. The light emitting device includes a light emitting chip having a rectangular light emitting surface oriented to face the rear surface of the convex lens, and a corner of the rectangular light emitting surface is disposed on a rear focal point of the convex lens. A front surface of the convex lens includes a horizontally diffusing region which diffuses a part of the light in the horizontal direction, and an obliquely diffusing region which diffuses another part of the light toward the self lane side in an oblique direction forming an upward angle with respect to the horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Yagi
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Publication number: 20110122636Abstract: A signal indicator lamp assembly (10) for a vehicle (14) has an LED assembly (16) that emits electromagnetic radiation (20), which is visible light, such as white light, that is composed of at least two wavelengths. A collimating optic (18) is positioned forwardly of the LED assembly (16) for providing substantially parallel light rays of the emitted radiation (20). A second optic (22) is positioned forwardly of the collimating optic (18), the second optic (22) having a first planar surface (33) facing the collimating optic (18) and a second, outer surface (35), the first planar, surface (33) having an interference coating (24) thereon, the interference coating (24) reflecting back toward the LED assembly (16) at least some of the first wavelengths (31) of the radiation (20) and transmitting at least some of the second wavelengths (39).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Christian Meier
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Publication number: 20110122638Abstract: A vehicle light can electrically change over between a horizontally wide light distribution pattern and an AFS suitable light distribution pattern for projecting light beams leftward (or rightward according to the traffic system). The vehicle light can include a projection lens having a light incident surface and a light exiting surface; and a horizontally long rectangular surface light source including a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices that are horizontally disposed on both sides with respect to a focus of the projection lens and are independently controlled to be turned on/off. The projection lens can vertically converge and horizontally diffuse light beams for projection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: Sadayuki KONISHI
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Publication number: 20110084608Abstract: An LED-based lighting unit for retrofitting a fluorescent light fixture in a transit vehicle has a concave frame or structure conforming to the shape of the fluorescent lighting fixture cavity, connector pins on either end of the frame for secure attachment to sockets of the fluorescent fixture, a plurality of LED modules for illuminating an area of a transit vehicle, a power adapter for receiving and converting an input power supply signal, and a diffusive lens cover. The frame may have rear fins or other features for facilitating dissipation of heat generated by the LEDs. A controller adjusts the intensity of the LEDs based on a reading from a temperature sensor and on a manual brightness setting. The change in light output may be accomplished by reducing a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) waveform supplying the LEDs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Jerry Lin, Yongchang Wang
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Patent number: 7922369Abstract: A device having an inner surface with a combination of reflective and refractive surface facets swept about an axis of revolution perpendicular to the optical axis of the device. The outer surface has a non-planar, non-circular, non-spherical shape. This outer surface generates an appropriate intensity distribution in a direction generally parallel to the major axis of the output rectangle and may also distribute energy generally parallelly to the minor axis of the output rectangle as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: TecNiq, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Jeffrey Condon, Mark Bryan Pruss
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Patent number: 7922370Abstract: An LED module includes an LED and an elongated lens. The lens includes a center axis, a concave incident face, and an opposite convex emitting face. The emitting face includes a portion with a curvature radius at any point along a first plane larger than a distance between the point and the LED, and larger than a curvature radius at a corresponding point of the incident face on the first plane. A curvature radius at any point of the portion of the emitting face along a second plane perpendicularly intersected with the first plane at the center axis is larger than a distance between the point and the LED, while smaller than a curvature radius of a corresponding point at the incident face on the second plane. A radiating angle of the LED module in the first plane is larger than that in the second plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hai-Wei Zhang, Xing-Gui Huang
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Publication number: 20110051447Abstract: A headlamp for vehicles is disclosed. The headlamp for vehicles includes a lamp housing having an opening; an exterior lamp disposed on the opening of the lamp housing; a light source received in the lamp housing to emit light, a cooling fin received in the lamp housing to cool the light source, a conductive line connected at one end thereof to the cooling fin, and a conductive film connected to the other end of the conductive line and mounted on an inner surface of the exterior lens. The headlamp can eliminate a cooling fin or a cooling fan, thereby enabling reduction in size, weight and power consumption of a cooling device and can achieve prevention of moisture generation and immediate removal of moisture without a separate moisture removing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: BYUNG PYLL LEE
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Publication number: 20110051448Abstract: A vehicle headlight can include an LED optical unit with a high cooling efficiency. The LED optical unit can include a projector lens, a lens holder including a frame that has a tapered portion, and an LED light source mounted on a base member. The base member can be located in the tapered portion of the frame to define an air flow space between the frame and the base member. The projector lens can be attached to the lens holder so as to face the light source. Cool air can flow from the air flow space towards the light source, and heat generated from the light source can flow toward the upward air flow space. The LED light source can be efficiently radiated even when it is located close to the projector lens. Thus, the vehicle headlight can be used for various vehicles including a small size car.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Ryotaro OWADA
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Patent number: 7896532Abstract: An LED luminescent device includes an LED light source, a reflector, a light shade and a projecting lens. The LED light source includes at least one LED element having a light-emitting surface emitting light. The reflector faces the light-emitting surface of the at least one LED element and has multiple reflection surfaces of different curvatures reflecting the light from the light-emitting surface of the at least one LED element. The light shade adjusts the light reflected by the reflector to provide a required light distribution pattern. The projecting lens project the required light distribution pattern. Thus, the device and a vehicle lamp including the device can prevent losing light energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Jih-Tao Hsu, Chun-Ching Lai, Yu-Jen Chuang
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Publication number: 20110029194Abstract: A cover for use in connection with one or more vehicle lights is provided. A lens of the cover contains an electrically activatable material that prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from one or more of the vehicle lights when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. The cover may be configured to be releasably installed over one or more of the vehicle lights such as military combat vehicle lights. A coupling device electrically couples the electrically activatable material to an electrical power source. An actuator is adapted to set the electrically activatable material of the lens to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights to reduce the observability of the one or more vehicle lights.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Control Solutions, LLCInventors: Alyn Brown, James Wiff
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Publication number: 20110026266Abstract: A light source module for a vehicle lamp, including an optical system that guides light emitted from the light source module in a certain irradiation direction and has an optical center, the light source module has a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements disposed in a straight line and electrically connected to each other in series. One of the semiconductor light emitting elements that is positioned closest to the optical center of the optical system has a light emitting area that is smallest of the plurality of the semiconductor light emitting elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasutaka Sasaki, Hiroyuki Ishida
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Publication number: 20110002135Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes: a lamp outer housing composed of a lamp housing with an opening on one side and a cover attached to the lamp housing to close the opening; a light source disposed inside the lamp outer housing; a reflector that is disposed inside the lamp outer housing, reflects light emitted from the light source, and is formed with an optical path notch or an optical path hole which serves as a path for a part of the light emitted from the light source; and a control optical section having a lens member attached to the reflector so as to close the optical path notch or the optical path hole, and controlling light emitted from the light source toward the optical path notch or the optical path hole to guide the light in a predetermined direction for radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryosuke Hara
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Publication number: 20100290242Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle headlamp (1), in particular motor vehicle headlamp (1), with a first light source (10), with at least one second light source (24) and with an integrally designed, transparent shaped part (2), wherein the shaped part (2) comprises a first optical structure (3) for orienting light radiated by the first light source (10) and at least one second optical structure (4) for orienting light radiated by the second light source (24), and wherein the first optical structure (3) and the second optical structure (4) each have a continuously curved surface or a continuous, curved surface with an extent of at least in each case half a centimetre, in particular one centimetre, in two orthogonal directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2006Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Jens Fischer, Steffen Holtz
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Publication number: 20100284198Abstract: A LED package (10) for use in a lamp as well as a method for manufacturing such kind of a LED package (10) are provided, wherein the LED package (10) comprises at least one LED (16), an optical element (18) for guiding light emitted by the LED (16), a cover (26) for covering at least partially electrical components (20, 22, 24) connectable to the LED (16) and at least one optical detectable reference mark (32; 36), wherein the optical element (18) comprises at least one first optical detectable mark (30) and the cover (26) comprises at least one second optical detectable mark (34), whereby the optical element (18) and the cover (26) are arranged and aligned both with respect to the same reference mark (32; 36) by means of the first mark (30) and the second mark (34). Due to the same reference (32; 36) for both the optical element (18) and the cover (26) manufacturing tolerances are not added to each other so that the accuracy of a correct arrangement is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Harald Willwohl, Norbertus A.M. Sweegers, Jan Kloosterman
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Patent number: 7824086Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Yamamura, Takuya Kotajima
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Publication number: 20100265729Abstract: A red light identification coated lens has a lens body and a coating film. The coated lens filters light with wavelength of 380 to 600 nm with a transmission ratio of 10 to 50% and passing red light fully. Moreover, a car-used red light identification system is provided, which is suitable for rainy day or fog day and comprises: at least one red light source arranged to a car; and at least one coated lens as above said. Red light has a long wavelength and low reflection rate so that red light can passes through the water drops easily with very low reflection, low scattering and low deflection. Thereby, when a driver wears the coated lens of the present invention, he (or she) can see the image of red light clearly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Wan-Hsiang Huang
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Patent number: 7815344Abstract: A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Inventors: Thomas Bleiner, Bruno Dussert-Vidalet
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Publication number: 20100238677Abstract: The invention discloses an illumination module with an LED light source for illuminating interior of the vehicle and for establishing a map reading light, controlled by a touch sensitive switch. A further aspect of the invention shows an overhead console that encloses additional modules: module with a door light switch, a module with a pivotable door member to form a compartment, module with touch sensitive switch for sun roof, module with LEDs for rear compartment illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: SMR Patents S.a.r.I.Inventors: Mark de Laine, Mark Leonid Olijnyk, Gary de Kievit
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Patent number: 7798689Abstract: An infrared light irradiating lamp for a vehicle includes a projection lens disposed on an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a light source bulb disposed behind a rear side focal point of the projection lens that includes a filament for emitting a light; a reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light source bulb in a forward direction close to the optical axis; and an infrared light transmitting filter disposed between the reflector and the projection lens. The infrared light transmitting filter includes an infrared light transmitting film and a diffusing portion for diffusing a light transmitted from the reflector. The infrared light transmitting filter is movable between a transmitting position in which the infrared light transmitting film intercepts light reflected by the reflector and a retreating position in which infrared light transmitting film does not intercept the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Kagiyama
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Patent number: 7798688Abstract: The invention relates to a headlight lens for a vehicle headlight comprising a light source, particularly for a motor vehicle headlight, wherein the headlight lens comprises a transparent lens body made of glass comprising a surface arranged to face the light source and a surface arranged to face away from the light source, and wherein the headlight lens comprises at least with respect to said surface arranged to face away from the light source a layer comprising an aluminum concentration which is higher than an aluminum concentration inside the lens body and/or a sodium concentration which is lower than a sodium concentration inside the lens body.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Docter Optics GmbHInventor: Jan Heiko Hamkens
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Publication number: 20100226142Abstract: The invention relates to a projection module (1) for a motor vehicle headlight. The module (1) serves for generating different light distributions. It comprises a plurality of light sources (2, 3) which are switchable independently of one another. In order to generate a first light distribution (12) with the horizontal bright-dark boundary (13), light from a first light source group (2) is coupled into an optical element (9) arranged in the beam path. The optical element (9) has a totally reflecting underside (9a) having a contour corresponding to the course of the bright-dark boundary (13). The light coupled out from the optical element (9) is projected onto the road by a projection lens (11) for generating the first light distribution (12). A further light source group (3) is additionally activated in order to generate a second light distribution (15). The light emitted by said group (3) illuminates a region of the light distribution (15) above the bright-dark boundary (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Matthias Brendle, Matthias Gebauer
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Publication number: 20100226144Abstract: The present invention relates to a light module (10) for an illumination device, in particular for a headlight (1), of a motor vehicle. The light module (10) comprises at least one light source (18) for emitting light beams, at least one primary optical unit (20) for concentrating the emitted light beams, a diaphragm arrangement (22) in the beam path of the concentrated light beams, and at least one secondary optical unit (30) for imaging the light beams that have traveled past the diaphragm arrangement (22) onto a roadway in front of the motor vehicle in order to generate a desired light distribution. There is formed in the diaphragm arrangement (22) at least one opening (26) and/or cutout to which is assigned an optically active element (28), which deflects or attenuates at least a portion of the light beams passing through the opening (26) and/or cutout.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Florian Stade, Benjamin Stauss, Michael Scholl
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Publication number: 20100220490Abstract: A light emitting device (100) comprises a light source (114) mounted in a housing (112), a lens (122) through which light from the source (114) is emitted from the housing (112), and a filter (126) arranged between the light source (114) and the lens (122) to filter the emitted light, the filter (126) being of dichroic type and the lens (122) being asymmetric. The light emitting device (100) may comprise a plurality of light sources (114) and/or the filter (126) may be adapted to transmit perpendicularly incident light and to at least partially reflect obliquely incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Timothy George Bushell, Darren Mark Cavan
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Publication number: 20100220491Abstract: A low profile vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing having a top end, body with an interior portion and a lens portion covering the top end. The housing is adapted to fit within an opening in a surface such that the lens portion is substantially flush with the surface and the body is positioned behind the surface. In addition, circuitry is disposed within the interior portion of the housing and at least one light source is electrically connected to the circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Gary Johnson, Adam Wagner, Robert C. Bartkowski, Timothy A. Dipenti, Kurt L. Schwab, Rodney Ehrlich
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Publication number: 20100214798Abstract: A vehicle interior panel having a substrate with a receiving slot. A support lens is disposed in the receiving slot and includes a light source. A sensor is operably connected to the light source and disposed proximate the support lens. A connector operably links the sensor to the light source through the support lens. A decorative layer extends over the support lens and the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey Singer, Chi Li, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Denis Patrick Igoe
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Publication number: 20100208483Abstract: A vehicle lighting system according to the present invention is provided, and includes: a pivot portion for optical axis adjustment; an optical axis adjustment mechanism mounting portion for vertical direction; and an optical axis adjustment mounting portion for horizontal direction, which are integrally provided at a heat sink member having a semiconductor-type light source mounted thereon. As a result, the vehicle lighting system becomes capable of efficiently radiating a heat generated in the semiconductor-type light source by means of the pivot portion for optical axis adjustment and the optical axis adjustment mechanism mounting portions for vertical and horizontal directions, which are integrally provided at the heat sink member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Yoshihiko HAMASHIMA
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Publication number: 20100208482Abstract: An illuminating lamp which can be easily assembled is provided. The illuminating lamp includes a decorative component including a mounting member mountable to an opening provided to a roof trim of a vehicle and a lens mounted on a compartment side of the mounting member, and a functional component including a light source and a holder which holds the light source and is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member includes a flat plate to which the holder is mounted, an aperture provided at the flat plate to transmit light into the compartment, and a cover portion receiving the light source and reflecting the light of the light source into the compartment. The cover portion includes an opening portion at one end thereof along a longitudinal direction of the flat plate through which the light source is inserted along the flat plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Haruhito Ohtsuka, Ryohei Ochiai
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Publication number: 20100202154Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an optical lens element (2), particularly for illumination purposes, particularly for producing a headlight lens (2) for a vehicle headlight, particularly for a motor vehicle headlight (1), wherein a blank (136) made of a transparent plastic is shaped in an injection molding tool (131, 132) by means of an injection molding method, and the blank (136) is subsequently pressed into the lens element (2) by means of a final shape mold (140, 141, 142), particularly in a polished manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Jan H. Hamkens
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Publication number: 20100202153Abstract: A light guide and various vehicular lamp assemblies using the same are presented herein. In one embodiment, the lamp assembly includes a light source, such as an LED module. A light coupler is operable to receive light from the light source, and distribute the light in a first direction. The light guide includes an elongated, curvilinear body with first and second longitudinal end faces, and opposing light-emitting and light-guiding surfaces extending between the two end faces on a respective side of the body. The first end face communicates with the light coupler to receive light therefrom. The light guide body transmits light generated by the light source along the longitudinal expanse thereof. The light-guiding surface includes an array of longitudinally-spaced optical grooves configured to refract light generated by the light source in a second direction. The depth of preselected optical grooves is varied along the length of the light guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Leo F. Schwab
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Patent number: 7772988Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Condon, Mark B. Pruss, Hans Christian Lassen
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Patent number: 7762697Abstract: A light-emitting element is disposed to face the front side such that an end point of a rectangular or square light-emitting chip corresponding to the vehicle's own lane is positioned at a rear focal point of a convex lens. An additional lens is disposed to surround the convex lens. The additional lens includes an incident surface, a reflection surface, and an emitting surface. The additional lens is divided into a-plurality of fan-shaped areas in a circumferential direction with respect to an optical axis Ax. The division is performed for each angular range where a corner point of the light-emitting chip, which is positioned at an uppermost end of an image of the light-emitting chip formed on the reflection surface by the light emitted from the light-emitting element, becomes the same corner point.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Yagi
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Publication number: 20100177526Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Takashi Futami
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Publication number: 20100172146Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a headlamp lens (2) for a vehicle headlamp, in particular for a motor-vehicle headlamp (1), wherein the headlamp lens (2) comprises a transparent body (3) with an optically effective surface (5), which is in particular substantially planar and can be turned towards a light source (10), and an optically effective surface (4), which is in particular convex and can be turned away from the light source (10), wherein the gradient of a light-dark boundary (25) projected by the headlamp lens (2) or a further headlamp lens is measured, and wherein a light diffusing structure (35) is produced in the transparent body (3) in accordance with the measured gradient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Jens Fischer
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Publication number: 20100165650Abstract: In a lighting device provided on a ceiling of an interior of a vehicle, the lighting device has: a map lamp including: a case; a first light guide plate accommodated in the case, and having a light incident area on an end face and a light radiation area on a flat plate surface of the interior side of the vehicle; a first light source part having a plurality of LED lamps, the LED lamps being opposed to the light incident area and arranged in an array; and a prism lens provided in the light radiation area side of the first light guide plate. The map lamp allows the light of the first light source part to be incident on the first light guide plate from the light incident area, radiates the light from the light radiation area to convert the light into a planar light, and then converts the light into a light advancing in a prescribed direction to light a prescribed area in the interior of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Norihito Kino, Satoshi Inagaki
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Patent number: 7731400Abstract: A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which is capable of emitting a linear beam in the direction of an optical axis and which comprises a point light source that emits light rays radially around a source; a light ray guiding plate; wherein the light guiding plate is shaped so that the light rays generally propagate in incident propagation planes normal to the plate between the light source and the reflection edge and in reflected propagation planes normal to the plate between the reflection edge and the output edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Christophe Dubosc, Antoine De Lamberterie