Electromagnetic Or Fluid-pressure Actuated Patents (Class 362/526)
  • Patent number: 11346522
    Abstract: A rear hidden lighting system for an automobile is comprised of a lamp mounted to a bracket attached to the vehicle's rear structure, a linear actuator mounted to the vehicle's structure which rotates the lamp, an electronic relay system which powers the linear actuator in two directions, a switch mounted to the transmission of the vehicle which provides switched power to the linear actuator. When the vehicle is placed in reverse gear, the lamp will rotate out of a hidden position becoming visible and lighting the rear of the vehicle. The lamp will rotate back to the hidden position when the vehicle is taken out of reverse gear. An objective and benefit is that the lamp and bracket and the linear actuator can be mounted to existing attachment points on the vehicle which will not necessitate drilling holes, altering vehicle componentry or welding parts to existing vehicle parts or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Kenneth Kamman
  • Patent number: 10061268
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device arranged to produce a controllable light beam for illuminating a scene. The device comprises an addressable spatial light modulator arranged to provide a selectable phase delay distribution to a beam of incident light. The device further comprises fourier optics arranged to receive phase-modulated light from the spatial light modulator and form a light distribution. The device further comprises projection optics arranged to project the light distribution to form a pattern of illumination as said controllable light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Envisics Ltd.
    Inventors: Jamieson Christmas, Mikael Collin
  • Patent number: 10061267
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device arranged to produce a controllable light beam for illuminating a scene. The device comprises an addressable spatial light modulator arranged to provide a selectable phase delay distribution to a beam of incident light. The device further comprises fourier optics arranged to receive phase-modulated light from the spatial light modulator and form a light distribution. The device further comprises projection optics arranged to project the light distribution to form a pattern of illumination as said controllable light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Envisics Ltd.
    Inventor: Jamieson Christmas
  • Patent number: 9829858
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device arranged to produce a controllable light beam for illuminating a scene. The device comprises an addressable spatial light modulator arranged to provide a selectable phase delay distribution to a beam of incident light. The device further comprises Fourier optics arranged to receive phase-modulated light from the spatial light modulator and form a light distribution. The device further comprises projection optics arranged to project the light distribution to form a pattern of illumination as said controllable light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DAQRI Holographics Limited
    Inventors: Jamieson Christmas, Dackson Masiyano, Mikael Collin
  • Patent number: 9810392
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight device 100 according to the present invention includes a first lamp 92 that has a light source 211, an optical system 21, a rolling mechanism 50, and a control circuit 60. The optical system 21 includes a first wedge prism 30 and a second wedge prism 40 in which an incident ray from the light source 211 is deflected and projected. The rolling mechanism 50 rotates the first wedge prism 30 about a rotation axis. The control circuit 60 controls the rolling mechanism 50 so that the first wedge prism 30 is rotated in a direction opposite to a vehicle bank direction in accordance with a vehicle bank angle d. The first wedge prism 30 and the second wedge prism 40 are disposed so that their surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis face each other. The first wedge prism 30 is disposed so that a wedge angle a1 directs in a road surface direction. The first wedge prism 30 is disposed so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashige Suwa, Ritsuya Oshima, Muneharu Kuwata, Atsushi Michimori, Kuniko Kojima
  • Publication number: 20130265792
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight positioning device consisting of a holder base, a headlight support, a step motor, a movable member and a swivel arm is disclosed. The headlight support is pivotally mounted in the holder base to hold a motor vehicle headlight. By means of the rotation of an output screw of the step motor to move the movable member linearly, the headlight support is rotatable by the movable member and the swivel arm to adjust the projecting direction of the motor vehicle headlight. As the output screw is rotated on its own axis and the output screw is supported in a support block of the holder base, the displacement stability of the movable member is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: TRICORE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ting-Yi KOO
  • Patent number: 8517580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle having a light source, which is arranged in a reflector, for emission of light beams in a light outlet direction, having a masking apparatus (1) which has a mask (2) which can be moved to a first position in order to mask out at least a portion of the light beams, and which can be moved to a second position in which the mask (2) is moved at least partially out of the light beams, wherein the movement of the mask (2) can be produced by an actuator unit (3) which has at least one magnet coil (4) and a magnet yoke (5) in order to form a magnetic flux circuit. According to the invention, a hinged armature (6) is provided, is held in an articulated manner on at least a part of the magnet yoke (5) and is in the form of part of the mask (2), such that the hinged armature (6) carries out a folding movement, and produces the movement of the mask (2), when current is passed through the magnet coil (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Technische Universität llmenau
    Inventor: Ralf Keilig
  • Publication number: 20130208494
    Abstract: A linearly actuated lightbar system elevates an emergency lightbar several feet above the cab or other highest point of a vehicle to provide the earliest possible notification to other drivers as to the presence of a service or emergency vehicle, and to the possible existence of a dangerous situation that requires other drivers to slow down and be more attentive. By raising the lightbar well-above the cab of the vehicle, conditions such as obstructions and topographic characteristics can be overcome that might otherwise delay such notification. The lightbar can then be lowered back to a more typical height for safe travel once the vehicle is ready to leave. A linear actuator is provided to raise and lower the lightbar that can be hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical. The system can be coupled to a frame for rigidly coupling the system to the bed, or other stable structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Russell C. Jones
  • Patent number: 8506137
    Abstract: Provided is an Adaptive Front Lighting System and a control method thereof, which includes a motor driver which controls a beam irradiation direction of a headlamp by operating a motor coupled to the headlamp according to a motor control signal, and generates a motor fault signal when fail occurs in the motor, a power supply unit which controls a magnitude of electric power supplied to the headlamp according to a power control signal, and a controller which selectively outputs the power control signal to the power supply unit according to the motor fault signal of the motor driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, SL Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Uk Choi, Hun Soo Kim, Hee Jun Jeong, Se Wook Oh, Ki-Young Ahn
  • Patent number: 8475022
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided which includes a housing, first and second light sources located in the housing, and an articulating reflector. The articulating reflector is located within the housing and moves between a use position in front of the first light source to reflect light from the second light source and a retracted position. Accordingly, light assembly housing is effectively used to provide a secondary light source, such as a daylight running lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh, Edward R. Golden
  • Publication number: 20120300487
    Abstract: Mobile lighting apparatus includes a base, traction means adapted to engage the ground, traction drive means connected to said traction means and including a hydraulic pump driven by a first internal combustion engine, a turret mounted on said base for pivoting or rotating movement about a substantially vertical axis, turret drive means for driving said turret about said vertical axis, electricity generation means mounted to said turret for pivoting or rotating movement therewith and including an alternator or generator driven by a second internal combustion engine, an extendable boom pivotally mounted to said turret, lighting means connected to said boom at or adjacent its distal end; and electricity communication means connecting said lighting means to said electricity generation means, wherein said traction drive means is mounted on one side of said boom and said electricity generation means is mounted on the other side of said boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: John Jonker
  • Publication number: 20120236581
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination system (and method) that facilitates remote adjustment is provided. The system includes an illumination system and an adjustment system. The adjustment system facilitates remote adjustment of an illumination direction and/or at least one illumination characteristic of the illumination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: CVG MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: William E. Stimel
  • Patent number: 8240899
    Abstract: A controlling device for a headlamp's high and low beam includes a fixing plate, a valve seat and a light-obstructing plate. The fixing plate is formed with a notch, and the valve seat is secured at one side of the fixing plate and installed therein with an electromagnetic valve having a valve rod positioned inside. The valve rod is fitted around with a spring, having its upper side mounted with a connecting plate with a slide groove. The light-obstructing plate, which has its lower central portion and lower two ends respectively disposed with two pivotal members. The two pivotal members respectively have a pivotal hole, pivotally assembled with the pivotal plate of the valve seat and the connecting plate of the valve rod by rivets. Thus, the light-obstructing plate can be actuated by the valve rod to shift for controlling a light projecting range of a headlamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Yun Huang
  • Patent number: 8228177
    Abstract: An automobile security device includes an enclosing housing mounted to a roof of a vehicle. An erectable, pivoting mooring post is located within the housing. A motion control and power delivery system erects the mooring post upon activation providing power and control to devices mounted to the post. Means are provided for activating and controlling the control system. Various surveillance devices are mounted to the mooring post including a video camera, a lighting system to illuminate an area surrounding the vehicle and sound recording equipment to record sounds adjacent the vehicle. The means for activating and controlling the motion control and power delivery system includes manual controls located within the vehicle, a wireless remote control, timing systems linked to starting and turning off of the vehicle electrical system and sound and motion detectors located on the vehicle. The system is provided as original equipment and as an after market product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Toshio Yamada
  • Patent number: 8147107
    Abstract: A headlight rotating device includes a carrier pivotally and slidably supported in a housing for supporting a light device, a lever supported in the housing and coupled to the carrier for pivoting and sliding the carrier relative to the housing, and a motor is disposed in the housing and coupled to the lever for rotating the lever to pivot and slide the carrier relative to the housing and for rotating the headlight device of the vehicle in accordance with the movement of the vehicle's steering system and for suitably lighting the environment for the vehicle driver while turning the vehicle, the carrier is adjustable or movable forwardly or rearwardly relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Jing Hang Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien Hung Lee, San Chi Chang, Yu Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 8136970
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a head lamp. The apparatus comprises: a lamp electronic control unit for generating a lamp steering signal according to a received steering angle and speed information; first and second head lamp control sections for generating motor driving signals corresponding to the lamp steering signal; and first and second step actuators for rotating first and second head lamp modules at predetermined angles by converting a rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement according to the motor driving signals of the first and second head lamp control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Gon Lee
  • Patent number: 8092057
    Abstract: A device for automatic switching of the touring diaphragm by an extreme travel of the height controls of the headlight is provided with a mechanism for changing the spatial distribution of the light, consisting of a projector (1), attached by fixed hinges (2) to the body of the headlight (3). The adjustable hinge (4) enables movement of the projector (1) relative to the body of the headlight (3) by means of an actuator (5), so that in the extreme position there is a collision of the two-armed lever (6) with the body (3) and its rotation on a pivot (7), resulting in a change in the shape of the light beam. A spring (8) can be used to ensure the extreme positions of the travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vlastimil Sedlacek, Jaromir Cacala, Petr Smajser, Michal Novy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110249464
    Abstract: An assembly for a lighting and/or signalling device of an automotive vehicle. The assembly has a bracket or support, in particular made of plastic, comprising a housing, and a motor, in particular a stepping motor, arranged so as to be able to be permanently mounted, directly, in the bracket or support housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Hassan KOULOUH, Claudio CHIATTELLI
  • Publication number: 20110249463
    Abstract: A controlling device for a headlamp's high and low beam includes a fixing plate, a valve seat and a light-obstructing plate. The fixing plate is formed with a notch, and the valve seat is secured at one side of the fixing plate and installed therein with an electromagnetic valve having a valve rod positioned inside. The valve rod is fitted around with a spring, having its upper side mounted with a connecting plate with a slide groove. The light-obstructing plate, which has its lower central portion and lower two ends respectively disposed with two pivotal members. The two pivotal members respectively have a pivotal hole, pivotally assembled with the pivotal plate of the valve seat and the connecting plate of the valve rod by rivets. Thus, the light-obstructing plate can be actuated by the valve rod to shift for controlling a light projecting range of a headlamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Ching-Yun HUANG
  • Patent number: 8007151
    Abstract: A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; and an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a support portion attached to the support member; and a main unit being supported by the support portion so as to be movable in a front-rear direction. The support portion includes a shaft holding portion on a lower surface thereof. The main unit includes a bearing portion on an upper surface thereof. A driving mechanism is provided in the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 7909475
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a lamp set is provided. The apparatus includes: a motor; a shaft which is rotatable by the motor and includes screw threads formed thereon; a sliding unit which includes a hole having screw threads formed therein that are engaged with the screw threads of the shaft and an insertion ball, the sliding unit being movable along the shaft upon rotation of the shaft; and a holder unit which includes a groove, the insertion ball being inserted into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: SL Seobong, SL Lighting
    Inventors: Sang-Woo Jeon, Young-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 7758218
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a light amount control device that controls the amount of light from at least two of a plurality of light source units each having a light-emitting element as the light source. The light amount control device performs a contrasting control of the lamp to increase the amount of light from at least one of the light source units and decrease the amount of light from the other light source unit, thus enhancing the visibility by increasing the amount of light from one light source unit and enhancing the brightness in an area that the unit illuminates, and decreasing the amount of light from the other light source unit that illuminates an area where visibility is required less, lowering the power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Mochizuki, Takashi Hori, Naohisa Tatara
  • Patent number: 7658523
    Abstract: An axial direction of an output shaft of a motor is perpendicular to an axial direction of a shaft that moves back and forth with respect to a housing unit. A plurality of power-supplying terminals is symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical line passing through a center of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuuki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7651242
    Abstract: A wheelchair lamp that is primarily for making a wheelchair more visible. The wheelchair lamp includes a housing that is mounted to the wheelchair. An extendable member having a light on top extends from the housing. The extendable member may be extended and retracted. A motor is contained within the housing to extend and retract the extendable member. An electrical conductor is longitudinally disposed with the extendable member. The electrical conductor electrically connects the light and the power source. A switch is used to selectively connect the motor to the power source causing the motor to operate so that the motor may extend or retract the extendable member. The light is extended and lit when a wheelchair user is near traffic or potentially at risk for a collision and is typically retracted when the user is indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: George H. Guerrant
  • Patent number: 7635211
    Abstract: An aiming device of a lighting device for a vehicle for transversely and vertically tilting a lamp unit supported tiltably in vertical and transverse directions on one fulcrum in a lamp housing formed by a lamp body having a concave portion which is opened almost forward and a transparent cover for covering a front opening of the lamp body includes a case, a slider provided movably in a longitudinal direction along a vertical aiming shaft supported on the case, an output shaft, which is rotatably supported on the slider and is coupled to the lamp unit, and a transverse aiming shaft supported on the slider in almost parallel with the vertical aiming shaft, coupled to the output shaft, and serving to rotate the output shaft by a rotation. The vertical aiming shaft is rotated so that the slider is moved in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7621663
    Abstract: A lamp device for vehicles includes a lamp unit for irradiating light in a desired light distribution pattern, a support body configured to support the lamp unit so as to be tiltable up and down, and tiltable right and left, and an actuator for tilting the lamp unit up and down with respect to the support body, and for tilting the lamp unit right and left with respect to the support body. The actuator includes a right-and-left tilting mechanism and an up-and-down tilting mechanism provided in an actuator housing. The right-and-left tilting mechanism includes an output shaft capable of turning in a right-and-left direction coupled to said lamp unit. The up-and-down tilting mechanism includes an output portion capable of moving said actuator housing back and forth with respect to the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Tajima, Tsutomu Takiguchi, Naoki Takii
  • Patent number: 7611268
    Abstract: A headlight adjustment device with at least two drive units for adjustment of a light module in at least two directions, each drive unit having at least one drive motor and a gear mechanism with two input elements movable relative to each other, which are connected by means of a coupling element. At least one input element of each drive element is coupled to the drive motor of the drive unit. Each coupling element is connected to an output element of the corresponding gear mechanism. In addition, each output element has an adapter for connection to the light modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel J. Flynn, Robert Apfelbeck, Andreas Leittretter
  • Patent number: 7572044
    Abstract: An emergency light bar mounting assembly for either trucks without a cargo box that extends vertically above the level of the cab, or for trucks having a bed that is lower than the cab, provides additional vertical clearance for the vehicle when needed, by having an emergency light bar mounting platform hinged to an immovable horizontal frame member. The mounting platform is rotated to a horizontal position when the light bar is in use, but rotated to a vertical position when greater vertical clearance is needed for the vehicle on which it is mounted. When the mounting platform is vertically positioned, the contribution of the emergency light bar to the height of the vehicle is completely eliminated. Rotational movement of the mounting platform is accomplished using an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Philip D. Nebeker
  • Patent number: 7524075
    Abstract: A shock absorbing mounting for a rotating warning light for a light bar is provided by the assembly of the rotator with a base member useful for mounting one or more rotators and other light producing array units. The light bar base member has longitudinal grooves and the mounting enables the rotator to be attached wherever desired along the grooves. The grooves are blind grooves. The rotator has its own base with a plurality of holes in which are provided resilient shock absorbing grommets with holes therethrough. The assembly of the rotator to the light bar base member is via self-threading screws which have heads, parts of which may be washers, which enlarge the diameter of the heads. The screws are of such length that when they engage and are stopped by the bottom of the grooves, the head compresses the grommet sufficiently to provide a resilient shock absorbing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Mastin
  • Patent number: 7478934
    Abstract: Provided is an automotive lamp assembly that can dynamically control the amount and direction of side radiation of light, as a vehicle travels along a curved road. The lamp assembly includes a projection lamp module including a light source, a reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light source forward, and a lens refracting and condensing the forward reflected light; a rotative actuator rotating the module about a predetermined driving axis; and an additional reflecting mirror rotating with the module and reflecting light intercepted by a shield to make the light travel at an angle in a direction proportionate to the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventor: Dong-Mok Lee
  • Patent number: 7445365
    Abstract: A position adjustment device includes a housing, a limit rod, a movable rod, a rotation knob, a linking member, a driven member, a worm wheel, a direct-current motor, and a circuit board. Thus, the movable rod is movable to adjust the position and projecting angle of the headlight so that the direction of the headlight can be adjusted according to the slope of the road so as to provide a larger illuminating zone and a better viewing angle, thereby protecting the driver's safety when driving the car. In addition, the position and angle of the headlight is adjusted manually or in a motorized manner, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the direction of the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Lezi Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shou-Kang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7427152
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly for a motor vehicle having a light source, a chamber that receives the light source and a cooling channel for removing heat from the chamber. A conductive wall and an insulating wall cooperate to define the chamber and the channel. The conductive wall has a substantially higher thermal conductivity than the insulating wall to promote the heat exchange between the chamber and the cooling channel and to reduce heat exchange between the cooling channel and the relatively hot engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Erion, Andrew Zachary Glovatsky, Myron Lemecha, Prathap Amervai Reddy
  • Publication number: 20080080164
    Abstract: A shock absorbing mounting for a rotating warning light for a light bar is provided by the assembly of the rotator with a base member useful for mounting one or more rotators and other light producing array units. The light bar base member has longitudinal grooves and the mounting enables the rotator to be attached wherever desired along the grooves. The grooves are blind grooves. The rotator has its own base with a plurality of holes in which are provided resilient shock absorbing grommets with holes therethrough. The assembly of the rotator to the light bar base member is via self-threading screws which have heads, parts of which may be washers, which enlarge the diameter of the heads. The screws are of such length that when they engage and are stopped by the bottom of the grooves, the head compresses the grommet sufficiently to provide a resilient shock absorbing connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Michael F. Mastin
  • Publication number: 20080007961
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a light amount control device that controls the amount of light from at least two of a plurality of light source units each having a light-emitting element as the light source. The light amount control device performs a contrasting control of the lamp to increase the amount of light from at least one of the light source units and decrease the amount of light from the other light source unit, thus enhancing the visibility by increasing the amount of light from one light source unit and enhancing the brightness in an area that the unit illuminates, and decreasing the amount of light from the other light source unit that illuminates an area where visibility is required less, lowering the power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Mochizuki, Takashi Hori, Naohisa Tatara
  • Patent number: 7275846
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adaptive head light assembly, comprising a parabolic reflector for housing a filament assembly; a lever arm having one end pivotably affixed to a bearing point of the parabolic reflector; an actuator in operative communication with the other end of the lever arm to actuate motion of the lever arm, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory material adapted to change a shape orientation or modulus property upon receipt of an activation signal; and a spring in operative communication with the other end of the lever arm and adapted to provide a restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Jan H. Aase, Nancy L. Johnson, Andrew C. Keefe
  • Patent number: 7261443
    Abstract: An extendable lighting system having a main housing with a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls. A lamp housing is retractable positioned within the main housing and a flexible diaphragm connects to the main housing above the bottom wall and connects to the lamp housing to create a substantially enclosed space between the diaphragm and the bottom wall. An air passage communicates with the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Hayes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163323
    Abstract: A vehicular rotatable lamp unit includes a main seat adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, a lamp seat assembly connected pivotally to the main seat, a conducting wire, a first contact assembly mounted on the main seat, and a second contact assembly adapted to be connected to a power source of the vehicle. The conducting wire has a first end connected electrically to the lamp seat assembly, and a second end opposite to the first end. The first contact assembly includes a first contact member connected electrically to the second end of the conducting wire and rotatable along with the lamp seat assembly. The second contact assembly includes a second contact member to contact the first contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Chian-Yin Tseng
  • Patent number: 7057504
    Abstract: In a headlamp apparatus comprising a sub-CPU integrally provided on a headlamp for controlling an optical axis direction changing operation and a main CPU for sending out to the sub-control circuit a control signal for changing the direction of the optical axis, the sub-CPU comprises a power-on resetting circuit of a simple configuration comprising a capacitor and a resistor. When the main CPU detects an abnormality in the sub-CPU, a power supply is temporarily cut off by a power supply control means, and the sub-CPU is reset by a power-on resetting circuit. An abnormality triggered by a runaway of the sub-CPU can be resolved so that the sub-CPU can be restored to a normal condition as quickly as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihisa Hayami
  • Patent number: 6994458
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for operation of a vehicle headlight as well as a vehicle headlight (1) with a housing and a light source (3) provided within the housing. In accordance with the invention the housing of the vehicle headlight (1) is designed to be pressure-tight and the headlight (1) is associated with a controller (7), which controls the headlight (1) depending upon the pressure within the housing. The controller (7) brings about that the headlight, depending upon the pressure within the housing, is switched off, is adapted in its light intensity and/or is changed in its emission characteristic. Thereby a headlight is produced characterized by being safe for the eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Michael Holz, Joerg Moisel, Manfred Rode
  • Patent number: 6984060
    Abstract: Provided is a reference angle position setting means for setting an optical axis at a reference angle position (direction of going straight ahead: 0°) by detecting the maximum deflection angles when swivel lamps 3R and 3L are pivoted in one direction and in the opposite direction and gaining the reference angle position based on both the maximum deflection angles detected. Projector lamps are pivoted in one direction toward the reference angle position so as to set an optical axis position through the steps of detecting a first maximum deflection angle by pivoting each projector 30 lamp in one direction until it is no longer able to pivot in one direction, detecting a second maximum deflection angle by pivoting a headlamp in the opposite direction until it is no longer able to pivot in the opposite direction and computing the reference angle position of the irradiation optical axis from the first and second maximum deflection angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Baba, Atsushi Sugimoto, Naoki Takii, Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 6953274
    Abstract: The subject invention comprises an adaptive front lighting system (“AFS”) utilizing at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) as a light source and a means for moving the LED to achieve AFS functionality. An exemplary embodiment of the subject invention comprises a plurality of LEDs positioned and located on a LED carrier. The LED carrier is mechanically connected to at least one actuator that causes the LED carrier and LEDs to move. A controller is used to cause the actuator to move the LEDs. In this manner, this exemplary embodiment adjusts the light beam and creates the desired light beam pattern. Other exemplary embodiments of the subject invention pivotally connect the LEDs to the lens and to each other and utilize the actuator and controller to adjust the light beam. Another exemplary embodiment positions the LEDs in a spherical surface and connects them to the actuator by an extension in order to adjust the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 6923563
    Abstract: A headlight unit that is adapted for use on a motor vehicle, such as a land vehicle, can be moved from one orientation with respect to the road into other orientations that are angularly spaced apart from the first orientation in response to movement of a control switch inside the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: James O. Barber, Barbara A. Barber
  • Patent number: 6923558
    Abstract: A system for aligning a light source to a reflector on a frame for efficiently illuminating a target along a first axis of the reflector. The light source is coupled to an arm that is linearly translatable by a driver assembly coupled to the frame. The travel of the driver assembly is aligned to a plane defined by two axes of the reflector with an alignment pin coupled to the driver assembly and adjusted to the frame. The light source may then be aligned for travel in the first axis by mechanically isolating the drive mechanism from a malleable arm connected to the light source and by bending the malleable arm in at least one dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: NextEngine, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Knighton, Kevin H. Vuong, John Z. Zheng, David D. Drobnis
  • Patent number: 6918688
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp device contains a rotation-state recognizing circuit operating such that when any of Hall elements used for controlling a rotational position of a drive motor for deflecting the optical axes in a headlamp device is abnormal, a rotation-state recognizing circuit recognizes a rotational position of the drive motor based on the output signals of the remaining Hall elements and a predetermined angle prediction time computed using a rotational period of the drive motor. With provision of the rotation-state recognizing circuit, even when any of the Hall elements becomes defective, the rotation of the drive motor is normally controlled to thereby secure a proper optical-axis deflection control in the headlamp device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ishida
  • Patent number: 6918687
    Abstract: A leveling apparatus for a vehicle headlamp has a case body, a motor disposed within the case body, a worm wheel supported by the case body rotatably but unmovably in the longitudinal direction and rotated by the motor and a shaft screwed into the worm wheel. The shaft and the worm wheel are screwed together by thread ridges provided on the inner side of the worm wheel and thread ridges provided on the outer periphery of a driven portion forming the shaft. The thread ridges on one side out of the thread ridges on two sides are formed by one to two pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Deguchi
  • Patent number: 6866407
    Abstract: Vehicle headlight including a light emitting unit for emitting a light, an operating member joined with the light emitting unit, the operating member fitted with a magnet, a coil in the vicinity of the operating member for generating a magnetic field, and a housing for holding the operating member and the coil therein, thereby permitting selective lighting of a high beam for regular running at night or a low beam required in crossing an opposite vehicle by using a single light emitting unit and a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignees: CPIKOREA Ltd., Tae.Kyu Park
    Inventor: Tae Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 6837603
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Sergiy Komarynsky
  • Patent number: 6824302
    Abstract: Due to an effect of a solenoid of a moving mechanism, when a valve and a shutter are positioned at a first position, a light source is positioned at a first light source position and a shutter is in a state of closing a window. A lighting luminous flux from a light source is reflected by a reflector so as to be irradiated as a first light distribution pattern. Thus, a part of the lighting luminous flux is introduced to the reflector from the open window. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the lighting luminous flux emitted from one valve in correspondence to a light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Akizuki, Yasumitsu Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 6821005
    Abstract: In a headlamp comprising low beam irradiating, there are provided main beam irradiating means, light distribution switching means for switching a low beam and a main beam, abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal situation in which a proper low beam cannot be formed, and optical axis tilting means for vertically tilting an optical axis of at least a main beam, and the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, a light distribution is switched into a main beam by the light distribution switching and the optical axis of the main beam is turned downward by the optical axis tilting means. When a proper low beam cannot be formed, a main beam having a larger light amount is generally turned on to maintain a visibility in of a vehicle and the optical axis of the main beam is turned downward such that glare light is not generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Uchida, Makoto Izawa
  • Publication number: 20040218401
    Abstract: A digital lighting apparatus for a vehicle, which employs a reflection digital light deflector, includes a storage unit that stores digital data of a plurality of light distribution patterns and a controller. The controller selects digital data corresponding to a predetermined light distribution pattern from among the digital data stored in the storage unit and controls the reflection digital light deflector, and illuminates a road surface and the like with the predetermined light distribution pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Seiji Hayashi