Nonelectric Power Source Patents (Class 362/557)
  • Patent number: 11098859
    Abstract: A portable solar light system is configured to move from outdoors during the day, wherein batteries are charge by photovoltaic cells, to indoors at night to provide lighting. A portable solar light system has a Sight fixture that has one or more solar light assemblies attached thereto. A photovoltaic cell is configured on a top surface of the tight fixture and the light projects light from the bottom surface of the light fixture, Sn addition, a light fixture has a top and bottom connector to allow easy placement of the fight fixture both outdoors and indoors. The top and/or bottom connectors have attachment features to allow a hook to be attached to enable the light fixture to be hung in a desired location and the bottom connector may be attached to a stand-base to form a floor lamp. An extension rod may be configured into the top or bottom connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Ray Reeves
  • Patent number: 10895406
    Abstract: A solar concentrator utilizes an arrangement of an outer reflective ring around a centrally located inner reflective cone to concentrate light. The reflective surface of the outer reflective ring is substantially 45 degrees from a transmitted light source. Light from the light source is reflected off of the outer reflective ring to produce a reflected light having a light reflective axis. The reflected light is directed toward the inner reflective cone and is reflected off of the reflective surface of the inner reflective cone as transmitted light toward alight receiver. The reflective surface of the inner reflective cone is configured at 45 degrees from the light reflective axis. The light receiver may convert the transmitted light into electricity or heat a fluid or other article. A solar tracker may be used to keep the central axis of the solar concentrator aligned with the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Inventor: Daryll Halverson
  • Patent number: 10788180
    Abstract: An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Paul E. Tang
  • Patent number: 10374111
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting and distributing generated and/or solar radiation. The distribution is a pulsed distribution. A pulsed distribution subsystem combining a generated radiation source with a solar radiation collector is provided. Radiation from the pulsed distribution subsystem is provided to one or more discrete distribution systems; the discrete distributions systems transmit and distribute radiation, such as visible light, to one or more end use points in a facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Jorge S. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10066793
    Abstract: A LED luminaire (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is provided. The LED luminaire (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprises a LED light source (102) arranged to emit light into a light guide (104), the light guide (104) is arranged to guide the light from the LED light source (102) to a light out-coupling element (106). A reflector (108) forms a partly enclosed space (110) and comprises a slot (112), wherein the light guide (104) extends through the slot (112), the light out-coupling element (106) is arranged in the partly enclosed space (110) of the reflector (108), and the LED light source (102) is arranged outside the partly enclosed space (110) of the reflector (108) wherein the reflector (108) is arranged such that light exiting the reflector (108) has an angle different from zero with respect to a propagation direction of light in the light guide (104). This provides for a compact LED luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Hugo Johan Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 9146012
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a substantially cylindrical tube defining an interior and an exterior, and a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube defines a substantially cylindrical opening disposed in a plane at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second end of the tube defines a substantially elliptical opening disposed in a plane at a second angle that is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A reflective surface is provided on the interior of the tube, and a substantially cylindrical flashing is provided about the exterior of the tube. A substantially transparent dome is coupled to the tube proximate the first end, and a diffuser is coupled to the tube proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Bartol, Neal R. Verfuerth, Jun Wang, Brandon J. King
  • Patent number: 8979346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, at least one optical fiber, a fiber arrangement substrate and a light guide plate. The optical fiber is connected between the light collector and the fiber arrangement substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber arrangement substrate. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chechang Hu, Li-Yi Chen, Kuangyao Chang, Yong Fan, Chao Ning
  • Patent number: 8960930
    Abstract: A solar simulator including a light source and a light conduit array is provided. The light source is used for emitting a beam of ray radiation. The light conduit array includes a plurality of light conduits closely adjacent to one another. Each of the light conduits has an inner reflecting surface used for reflecting the ray radiation, a light input side, and a light output side opposite to the light input side. The ray radiation enters the light conduits through the light input side and emitting from the light output side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Si-Xian Li, Teng-Chun Wu, Hung-Sen Wu
  • Patent number: 8905586
    Abstract: A natural lighting apparatus using sunlight is provided. The natural lighting apparatus includes a second light condensing device provided in a focal region of a first light condensing device to convert sunlight condensed in the focal region by the first light condensing device into straight parallel light rays through the second condensing device to provide sunlight having a high luminous flux to an indoor space. This natural lighting apparatus may be used together with an artificial illumination apparatus in a hybrid illumination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Se Dae O, Ju Yoon Lee, Kyoo Dong Song
  • Patent number: 8864354
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-emitting pompon including a handle, a plurality of flexible streamers, and a plurality of elongate light-emitting objects is provided. The handle may include a first end and a second end and the plurality of streamers may extend from the first end of the handle. The plurality of elongate light-emitting objects may extend from the first end of the handle. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongate light-emitting objects may be flexible. A light source may be disposed in the handle. The light source may be configured to emit light towards the first end of the handle such that the emitted light enters into and is dispersed out of the plurality of light-emitting objects. In some embodiments, the light source may be spaced from the plurality of elongate light-emitting objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: School Specialty Co. of Oregon, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lorati
  • Patent number: 8839783
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a hybrid solar radiation collection and distribution system comprising both passive solar and active solar components, generating electric potential, generating heat, and distributing visible light to numerous endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jorge Simon Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20140268863
    Abstract: A light tube kit for skylight with a light tunnel and a spring clip. The light tunnel may be configured from a sheet member rolled upon itself such that two opposite edges overlap, such overlapped edges secured with the spring clip engaged through slots proximate to the overlapped edges. The spring clip has first and second hooks that are engaged through such slots and a handle disposed between the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Charles Joseph Rimsky, Jeffrey Joseph Ronan, Alan John Ruhoff
  • Patent number: 8746942
    Abstract: A tubular skylight, comprising a tubular body (2) provided with an inner reflecting surface (3), a light collector (4) mounted to a first end of the tubular body (2) and a light diffuser (6) mounted to a second end of said tubular body (2). The skylight further comprises a source of artificial light (9) external to the tubular body (2) to enable it not to interfere with the natural light, and mounted in the vicinity of the diffuser (6). This artificial-light source (9) is preferably defined by a plurality of LEDs positioned around the diffuser (6) itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Gennaro Bracale
  • Publication number: 20140132881
    Abstract: The present invention provides a direct light backlight module with solar light assistance, which comprises a backboard. The backboard is provided with a waveguide. A light source is disposed under the waveguide. An optical film module is disposed above the waveguide and faces the light emitted from the direct light source. An assisting light source device is provided and which collects solar light and direct it to an optical film module. The present invention further provides a liquid crystal display device with the direct light backlight module with assisting solar light. With the provision of the assisting light source, the solar light can be used as an assisting light source making the backlight module and the liquid crystal display device made therefrom become more environmental friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Che-Chang Hu, Hu He
  • Patent number: 8632201
    Abstract: A display device, in particular digital display screen, with integrated photovoltaic cells, including (a) an array of image zones emitting light or backlit by a light source placed behind the array of image zones, (b) an array formed by a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a plurality of orifices, in which array two neighboring photovoltaic cells form an orifice, and (c) a lenticular array making it possible to focus the light emitted by the image zones into the orifice between two neighboring photovoltaic cells. The lenticular array of the display device is positioned between the array of image zones and the array of photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: WYSIPS
    Inventors: Joel Gilbert, Philippe Cardi, Remy Tasse
  • Patent number: 8579446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-spectrum solar simulator for characterising photovoltaic systems. The simulator can be used to obtain a spectrum adjusted to the solar spectrum, both for a standard spectrum or a real spectrum adjusted to local irradiation conditions. The simulator also allows the spatial-angular characteristics of the sun to be reproduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Abengoa Solar Technologies, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Martinez Antón
  • Publication number: 20130271014
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to internally illuminated pavement markers that may be attached to or installed into a roadway surface to enhance traffic delineation, such as, for example, traffic lane skip lines and edge lines and include at least some of the following elements: a light source capable of emitting light; a power source; a solar energy system capable of collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy into electrical energy, the solar energy system conductively coupled to the rechargeable electrical power source such that the solar energy collected and converted into electrical energy is capable of recharging the power source; an optical light guide capable of propagating the light emitted by the light source within the pavement marker by means of total internal reflection; and a housing including at least one of the light source, the power source, the solar energy system, and/or the optical light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ramya S. Dasaratha, Shrey Gupta, Amit V. Rao
  • Publication number: 20130219781
    Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor system for use in an open-ended photo-bioreactor having an aqueous liquid for a photosynthetic culture, comprising: at least one light distributor each including a concentrator supporting section with a light entry surface adapted to receive sunlight rays, an elongated rod section with a light distribution surface adapted to redirect the received sunlight rays within the aqueous liquid, a light concentrating element provided at the light entry surface which concentrates within the elongated rod at least a portion of the sunlight rays received at the light entry surface; a displacement system operatively connected to the light distributors and adapted to change an orientation of the light entry surface of the light distributors to track a solar position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBEC, INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE
    Inventors: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE, CENTRE DE RECHERCHE INDUSTRIELLE DU QUEBEC
  • Patent number: 8491138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar light condensing system for realization of natural lighting, and more particularly, to a vertical solar light condensing system which is formed on an outer wall of a building using a reflective member and a light condensing member so as to secure large light condensing area and to increase light condensing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nsnet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se Dae O
  • Patent number: 8475024
    Abstract: A photoluminescent track for an emergency lighting system comprises an elongate holder and an elongate photoluminescent insert received in a channel extending lengthwise of the holder. The insert is a push-fit in the channel and is retained by engagement of opposed inwardly directed lips at the mouth of the channel with the upper side edges of the insert so that the upper surface of the insert is exposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Saf-T-glo Limited
    Inventor: Peter David Stokes
  • Patent number: 8459851
    Abstract: A multi-mode lighting system includes a collector unit having a base including a cavity and a transparent or translucent cover mounted on the base. The system further includes a lighting module having a base, a transparent or translucent cover and a photovoltaic element mounted therein. A plurality of fiber optic filaments extend from the collector to the lighting module to transmit radiation from first ends of the fiber optic filaments to second ends of the fiber optic elements. The first ends of the fiber optic filaments are disposed in an array in the collector unit to receive radiation and second ends are disposed in an array in the lighting module to emit radiation received by the first ends of the fiber optic filaments. Radiation transmitted by the fiber optic filaments illuminates an area external to the lighting module and impinges the photovoltaic element to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: BMD Properties, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wemmer
  • Patent number: 8376600
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a substantially cylindrical tube defining an interior and an exterior, and a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube defines a substantially cylindrical opening disposed in a plane at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second end of the tube defines a substantially elliptical opening disposed in a plane at a second angle that is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A reflective surface is provided on the interior of the tube, and a substantially cylindrical flashing is provided about the exterior of the tube. A substantially transparent dome is coupled to the tube proximate the first end, and a diffuser is coupled to the tube proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Bartol, Neal R. Verfuerth, Jun Wang, Brandon J. King
  • Patent number: 8350991
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Mahowald
  • Patent number: 8040465
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Mahowald
  • Patent number: 7967470
    Abstract: An illuminating ribbon has a decoration ribbon and a flexible circuit board with light-emitting devices. The decoration ribbon has two long sides, in which one of the two long sides has a sewing line. The flexible circuit board with light-emitting devices is disposed on the decoration ribbon and fixed to one long side of the decoration ribbon via the sewing line. The flexible circuit board with light-emitting devices includes an insulator with flexible flat surface; first and second electrical wires; N light-emitting devices; and a power device. The first and second electrical wires are embedded in parallel into the insulator with flexible flat surface. The N light-emitting devices are connected to the first and second electrical wires. The power device is connected to the first and second electrical wires to supply power to the N light-emitting devices and thus to generate light on the decoration ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Shieng Huong Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Chi Chang
  • Patent number: 7631996
    Abstract: A lamp shade includes a light permeable bottom layer and a light reflection structure provided on the light permeable bottom layer and including a plurality of reflective stripes formed and distributed on a surface of a side of the light permeable bottom layer and a plurality of recessed gaps formed between the reflective stripes and each located between any two adjacent reflective stripes. Each of the recessed gaps has a depth direction extending into a thickness direction of the light permeable bottom layer. Thus, the light patterns of the lamp shade will produce variations by provision of the reflective stripes and the recessed gaps of the light reflection structure, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Chao-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 7618176
    Abstract: A lighting device having a light source, light pipe, and a light-dispensing element is disclosed. The light source emits light at a first wavelength and transmits that light to the light pipe. The light dispensing emitter includes an extended section coupled to the light pipe that emits light along the extended section, the extended section having a side surface through which light exits from the extended section. The extended section can include a medium that is transparent to light of the first wavelength and a plurality of scattering centers, the extended section having a shape such that light that is not scattered by the scattering centers is trapped within the extended section by internal reflection. The extended section can also include a light conversion material that converts light of the first wavelength to light of a second wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kee Yean Ng
  • Publication number: 20090148931
    Abstract: Illumination systems, devices, and methods for cultivating biomasses. A bioreactor system is operable for growing photosynthetic organisms. The bioreactor system includes a bioreactor and an illumination system. The illumination system includes one more optical waveguides configured to light at least some of a plurality of photosynthetic organisms retained in the bioreactor. In some embodiments, the one or more optical waveguides include a plurality of structures configured to direct light energy from a solar energy collector, and a plurality of artificial light sources, along the interior of the waveguide. In some embodiments, the one more optical waveguides include a plurality of light-diffusing structures configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the solar energy collector and a plurality of artificial light sources directed along the interior of the waveguide, to the exterior of the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Bionavitas, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilkerson, Wayde Watters
  • Patent number: 7500775
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for providing backlight to a display in an electronic device. The device comprises: a housing; an ambient light collector; a backlight panel; a shutter; and a photodetector. The ambient light collector has: a body having the first end and a second end, which is located within the housing. The body receives ambient light from around the electronic device and transmits it to the second end. The body is shaped to direct the ambient light from the first end towards the second end and has a turn in it between the first and second ends. In the body, each conduit has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being connected to the second end of the body, and each conduit extending downward and away from the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Norman Ladouceur, Jason Griffin, Robert Lowles
  • Patent number: 7213955
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for providing backlight to a display in an electronic communication device. The device comprises: a lens to collecting ambient light from outside the device; a body to transmit the ambient light from the lens to a backlight system for the display for dispersion within the backlight system. The backlight system then provides the light as a backlight to the display. A reflector may be provided for the device. An internal shutter may also be provided to block light from escaping out of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Norman Ladouceur, Jason Griffin, Robert Lowles
  • Patent number: 7185464
    Abstract: A tubular skylight for lighting rooms with natural light, comprising a tubular body with a reflective inner surface which leads into a room and has, at its external end, a natural light collector assembly and, at its internal end, a light diffuser. The collector assembly comprises, inside an optically transparent dome arranged so as to close the tubular body, a mirror-finished body which is substantially shaped like a cylindrical band with mirror-finished inner and outer surfaces. The axial width of the band-like body varies gradually from a minimum-width point to a maximum-width point, which lie diametrically to each other. It is also possible to provide a cylindrical refracting body that surrounds said mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Gennaro Bracale
  • Patent number: 7146084
    Abstract: A light source includes at least one optical fiber having a length and first and second ends and at least one electromagnetic wave source disposed along at least a portion of the length of the fiber for transmitting electromagnetic waves through a side surface of the fiber. A reflective surface is disposed at the first end of the fiber for directing light generated within the fiber toward the second end. A heads-up display can make effective use of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CMC Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Atac, Todd Ashcraft
  • Patent number: 7111953
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display portion with a monitor, an operating portion, a button portion and an illuminant. The operating portion is pivotally connected to the display portion, and includes a casing and a touch unit located inside the casing. The button portion is located in the casing and facing to the touch unit. There is no through seam provided between the button portion and the casing. At least one part of the button portion is pervious to light. The illuminant is installed in the casing and near the button portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Hua-Yu Hunag, Chih Cheng Liao
  • Patent number: 6840645
    Abstract: Hybrid lighting systems use light distributor tubes to distribute artificial light and natural sunlight through the same distributor tubes. Devices for gathering uncollimated light from conventional sources (such as electrically energized arcs or filaments housed in evacuated or gas filled glass envelopes) and directing the light into the ends of tubes designed to distribute such light. Devices for gathering and concentrating inherently collimated sunlight to be fed into the same light distributing tubes used by the artificial light. One preferred embodiment comprises a light gathering and concentrating system in the form of a pair of opposed parabolic reflectors, one which is preferably large, e.g. having a diameter of five feet, and the other much smaller, e.g. the size of the much smaller distribution tubes. This light gathering system is connected to the light distribution tubes through a pair 90° elbows which are rotatable in the X and Y axis in order to track the location of the sun in the sky.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: James A. Eisenman, Walter A. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6827474
    Abstract: A candle, lantern, or the like, having one or more light pipes. Reception faces of the light pipes gather light from the flame arena, and emission faces of the light pipes emit the gathered light at another location. The other location may be an exterior surface of the candle, or a decorative fixture. Multiple sets of light pipes may come into play at various times during the life of the candle. The reception faces may move as the candle burns, to stay in the flame arena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Owen Clapper
  • Patent number: 6811284
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and apparatus for modifying the irradiation distribution of a radiation source. In accordance with the method the radiation source (1) is used to direct radiation to an essentially planar target surface (6). In accordance with the invention between the radiation source (1) and the target surface (6), several plates (4), which are essentially transparent to the radiation and have spaces between them, are placed close to the radiation source (1), in order to use the reflection and absorption of the transparent plates (4) to attenuate the radiation to desired areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Endeas Oy
    Inventors: Jaakko Hyvarinen, Folke Stenman
  • Publication number: 20040076017
    Abstract: A candle, lantern, or the like, having one or more light pipes. Reception faces of the light pipes gather light from the flame arena, and emission faces of the light pipes emit the gathered light at another location. The other location may be an exterior surface of the candle, or a decorative fixture. Multiple sets of light pipes may come into play at various times during the life of the candle. The reception faces may move as the candle burns, to stay in the flame arena.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Owen Clapper
  • Publication number: 20040022071
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical energy collecting system for providing optical power to a display system for showing an image. The optical energy collection system includes an optical energy collecting system for collecting optical energy from a background illumination source surrounding and illuminating on the display system whereby an optical energy provided by said optical energy collecting system to said display system for illumination is naturally adjusted according to a background illumination of the background illumination source surrounding the display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce C. H. Cheng, Guan-Jey Leu, Mao-Cheng Weng, Yin - Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6558031
    Abstract: In a lighting system for motor vehicles, light from a HID or MPXL lamp is collected by a collector which surrounds the light source at least partly and is guided further to a separator of optical waveguide material, which separator forms a desired light beam via a specially shaped light outlet surface so as to obtain as high as possible a light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Helmut Tiesler-Wittig
  • Patent number: 6540389
    Abstract: A lighting system for illumination of an observation space, especially an observation space in which a pressurized and/or hot medium is contained, comprises an optical-fiber cable, one end of which can be connected to a light source, and a lighting head, which is connected to the other end of the optical-fiber cable and whose distal end can be introduced into the observation space through an opening in a wall enclosing the observation space. The lighting head comprises a light guide rod made from a pressure and/or temperature-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop GmbH
    Inventors: Pavel Novak, Manfred Kuster, Harald Haan, Beat Krattiger
  • Patent number: 6402357
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an unpowered lighting device for an emergency trunk release in a vehicle, including: a light pipe having an external end disposed so as to gather light from a light source external to a trunk compartment of the vehicle; and the light pipe having an internal end disposed in proximity to the emergency trunk release so as to illuminate the emergency trunk release with light from the light source external to the trunk compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert James Myers
  • Patent number: 6113255
    Abstract: An illuminator system for the interior of buildings provides natural sunlight illumination. The system comprises a sunlight collector mounted on the building's roof, such as a large condenser lens or a reflector, to focus the sunlight at a focal point. A transparent end plate, at the focal point, transmits the condensed sunlight to the exterior end of a thin and flexible optical conductor, such as a polymer core fiber optic cable. The conductor extends through the roof to an exterior room and terminates in a light dispersing illuminator which illuminates the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Hanoch Shalit
  • Patent number: 6024475
    Abstract: A lighting conduit system for collecting sunlight and distributing it inside a building structure to provide natural lighting to the inside of the building structure. The lighting conduit system includes a plurality of interconnected elongate tubular conduits adapted for mounting inside a building structure. Each of the conduits has a lumen in communication with the lumens of the other conduits to permit passage of light between the lumens of the conduits. The conduits include a plurality of fixture conduits each comprising spaced apart and generally concentric inner and outer sleeves each having upper and lower portions. The lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves each comprise a translucent material to permit passage of light in the lumen of the respective conduit through the lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves. The conduits also include a terminal conduit with an outer end adapted for extending outside of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Robert K. Kufrovich, Michelle K. Kufrovich