With Ventilating Or Cooling Or Thermally Controlled Light Guide Patents (Class 362/580)
  • Patent number: 7273309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device including a luminous element and a light guide which has coupling locations and decoupling locations and transports a light signal that is emitted by the luminous element. The inventive luminous element has a radiation characteristic, the solid angle of which can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Gary Ford, Juergen Wolf
  • Patent number: 7270459
    Abstract: A light guide is configured to direct light from a light source. The light guide has an outer guide member and an inner guide member located in the outer guide member. A light passage is defined through the light guide between the inner and outer guide members. When a first end of the light guide is positioned adjacent a light source, light is permitted to pass from the light source through only the light passage in the light guide. The configuration of the light guide reduces passage of light off-angle to the length of the light passage through the guide, such that light is directed substantially parallel to the light passage. The light guide is thus effective in eliminating light dispersion and associated light banding and in focusing light upon a particular object or area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick S. Waring
  • Patent number: 7261434
    Abstract: Dissipation of heat generated by a luminescent source, such as a fluorescent lamp, of a backlight apparatus and an LCD therewith is enhanced by providing a proximity section in a holder, making the hottest part the closest to the holder for efficient heat conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7242028
    Abstract: A light source that utilizes light emitting diodes that emit white light is disclosed. The diodes are mounted on an elongate member having at least two surfaces upon which the light emitting diodes are mounted. The elongate member is thermally conductive and is utilized to cool the light emitting diodes. In the illustrative embodiment, the elongate member is a tubular member through which a heat transfer medium flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Optolum, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel M. Dry
  • Patent number: 7223002
    Abstract: This invention provides a hybrid fiber optic framing projector of high optical efficiency that emits no UV (ultraviolet) or IR (infrared) energy in the projected beam. A preferred embodiment includes a light source on an optical axis at the primary focus of an ellipsoidal cold mirror reflector. The ellipsoidal reflector focuses visible light from the light source to a conjugate focus through a dichroic hot mirror and then into a heat-absorbing, UV-absorbing glass rod. The glass rod transmits light by total internal reflection as an optical fiber from the conjugate focus to the focal plane of a collimating lens. A confocal reflector has a spherical radius about the light source, that radius being equal to the distance from the primary focus to the conjugate focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jack V. Miller, Ruth Ellen Miller
  • Patent number: 7210841
    Abstract: The liquid crystal display device is provided with: light sources; light guiding plate for guiding light from the light sources to a direction of a liquid crystal panel; reflection sheet to cover the light guiding plate and light sources; frame portion for supporting the light guiding plate and light sources, both of which are covered with the reflection sheet (lighting element), from the upper side of the lighting element; rear face cover for housing the lighting element and fitted with the frame portion; and shield portion disposed between the rear face cover and lighting element. The shield portion is made from high heat conductivity material and shields gaps between the frame portion and rear face cover, gaps between the rear face cover and lighting element, and a plurality of heat discharge holes formed on the bottom of the rear face cover to isolate the display area from the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Amaya
  • Patent number: 7204612
    Abstract: A heat dissipation structure for an ellipsoidal lamp to provide an improved cooling effect for the ellipsoidal lamp has a redesigned shape and installing location for the blower duct that extends the outlet thereof to the edge of effective light beam zone of the ellipsoidal lamp so that the outlet is most close to the hot spots that require heat dissipation. Airflow ejected from the blower duct also is prevented from scattering to improve heat dissipation effect. The outlet may have a guiding plate located therein to channel the airflow close to the hot spots and match the shape of a reflection hood to improve airflow without scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng Wang, Wei-Cheng Lo
  • Patent number: 7163327
    Abstract: An illumination system includes a plurality of radiation generating sources, such as LED dies. A corresponding plurality of optical waveguides is also provided, with each waveguide having a first and a second end, with each first end being in optical communication with the corresponding LED die. An array of corresponding passive optical elements is interposed between the plurality of LED dies and the corresponding first ends of the plurality of optical waveguides. The illumination system provides for substantially high light coupling efficiency and an incoherent light output that can appear to the human observer as arising from a single point of light. In addition, the light can be output remotely at one or more locations and in one or more directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gordon D. Henson, Barbara A. DeBaun, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz, John J. Simbal, Ronald D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7163318
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a lens having a light entrance end forming a recess, a heat sink having an end portion facing the recess, and a light source positioned to transmit light via the recess into the lens. The light source is in thermal communication with the heat sink, which conducts away heat generated by the light source. The apparatus may be used to provide optical radiation at various wavelengths, activating tooth whitening material, and curing dental composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Teledyne Lighting and Display Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Panagotacos, David G. Pelka, Roland Winston
  • Patent number: 7160012
    Abstract: A lamp (10) is disclosed with a single or double-sided socket, whereby a bulb element (11) is arranged on the at least one socket (12), which surrounds a volume of space (14) and said lamp is provided with at least one LED element (13). An irradiation of the LED light into the bulb element occurs and, as a result of reflection, in particular total reflection, on the defining surfaces (16,17) of the bulb element a transmission of the LED light within the bulb element occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glëhlapen mbH
    Inventors: Achim Hilscher, Harald Hofmann, Thomas Noll, Martin Zachau
  • Patent number: 7140761
    Abstract: An essentially u-shaped discharge lamp (13) comprises a gaz fill and a pair of electrodes (15) at its ends. The lamp (13) way be comprised in a handpiece (1) for treating a surface by means of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: EL. EN S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Modi
  • Patent number: 7125147
    Abstract: A light guide is configured to direct light from a light source. The light guide has an outer guide member and an inner guide member located in the outer guide member. A light passage is defined through the light guide between the inner and outer guide members. When a first end of the light guide is positioned adjacent a light source, light is permitted to pass from the light source through only the light passage in the light guide. The configuration of the light guide reduces passage of light off-angle to the length of the light passage through the guide, such that light is directed substantially parallel to the light passage. The light guide is thus effective in eliminating light dispersion and associated light banding and in focusing light upon a particular object or area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick S. Waring
  • Patent number: 7059757
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device has a plurality of lamps, a light diffusion plate and/or an optical sheet, a shield portion for accommodating the lamps, the light diffusion plate and/or the optical sheet. There is a liquid crystal display panel located opposite to one side of the light diffusion plate and/or the optical sheet opposed each with the other side to the lamps. The light diffusion plate and/or the optical sheet each have a vent, and a lamp chamber formed in the lamp-accommodating side of the light diffusion plate and/or the optical sheet. There is an LCD panel chamber formed in the LCD panel-disposing side of the light diffusion plate and/or an optical sheet that communicate with each other through the vent of the light diffusion plate and/or optical sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7026748
    Abstract: A lighting unit (1) preferably providing backlighting for a flat display device (2) and operating substantially in a vertical working position. The lighting unit (1) includes lamps (3), which are in thermal contact with a heat-conducting wall (5) of a hollow box (6). The lamps (3) make thermal contact with the heat-conducting wall (5) on the side opposite the light-emitting side of the lighting unit (1). The hollow box (6) is provided with a rear wall (8) that runs essentially parallel to the heat-conducting wall (5) and has openings (9) which are distributed across the area thereof. A top sidewall (10) and a bottom sidewall (11) are provided with additional openings (12, 13) in zones that lie closer to the rear wall (8). Preferably, the sidewalls do not have openings in zones located closer to the heat-conducting wall (5) than the additional openings (12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Wammes
  • Patent number: 7001331
    Abstract: A space through which a cooling fluid flows is provided in the inside of a connection portion between an endoscope and a light source device in order to cool heat generated in the connection portion. For example, a device for performing air supply or air suction (at least either one of air supply and air suction) in the endoscope communicates with the space, and cooling is effected by the flow of air formed by the device. In a preferred example of a cooling method, when neither air supply nor air suction is needed during manipulation of the endoscope, the device and the space are connected to each other to effect cooling, and when air supply or air suction is needed, the flow of air used for cooling is intercepted, and is exclusively directed to an air channel in the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihide Kaji
  • Patent number: 6991355
    Abstract: An LED light source has a housing having a base. A core projects from the base; is substantially cylindrical and is surrounded by tubes. The core and the base are arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A circuit board in the base supports LEDs. Each of the LEDs is positioned with one of the tubes in a one-to-one relationship at one end of the core. A heat sink is positioned in a heat-transferring relationship with the circuit board and a first reflector is attached to another end of the core. To direct the light emitted by the LEDs from the source to the reflector, the interior of the tubes can be plated with a highly reflective material. In one embodiment, each of the tubes is fitted with a light guide, each light guide extending from a position immediately above one of the LEDs to a position adjacent the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Michael Tucker, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 6945674
    Abstract: A light irradiating unit comprises an LED 5 and a housing 2 into which the LED 5 is incorporated and that has a heat dissipating portion wherein the housing 2 has a first housing element 21 and a second housing element 22 each of which is joined serially along a predetermined axial line, and further comprises a pressing arrangement 3 that fixes the LED 5 with pressure between a first pressing face 3b arranged at the first housing element 21 side and a second pressing face 3a arranged at the second housing element 22 side accompanied by joining the first and the second housing elements 21, 22 and a positioning arrangement 4 that positions the LED 5 so as to align an optical axis of the LED 5 with the predetermined axial line accompanied by joining the first and the second housing elements 21, 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: CCS, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Yoneda, Takashi Sugita, Kenji Miura, Shigeki Masumura
  • Patent number: 6942372
    Abstract: A heat dissipating turret for a fiberoptic illuminator includes first turret component composed of a heat conducting material and a second turret component composed of a heat insulating material. The first turret component is releasably interengaged with the front panel of the illuminator and the second turret component is releasably attached to the first turret component. The turret components include respective interior light transmitting channels that communicate when the components are interengaged. The second turret component includes a receptacle for receiving the end fitting of a fiberoptic cable. Light from the illuminator is transmitted through the communicating channels to the fiberoptic cable and the turret components dissipate heat that is generated at the focal point of the illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: James M. Davis
  • Patent number: 6880954
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing photosensitive materials uses LEDs and an optical concentrator to generate high optical power intensities. An LED array, comprising a plurality of LED assemblies, generates collimated light. A collection lens functions as an optical concentrator and focuses the collimated light to a desired spot size at a desired location. The LED assemblies may be at least partially disposed in a cooling plenum, where the cooling plenum is at least partially defined by the collection lens. Each LED assembly within the LED array may be detachably coupled to a mounting surface, enabling easy replacement of individual LED assemblies within the LED array. The photocuring assembly may also include a redirecting assembly disposed between the collection lens and the desired location that may further concentrate the light at the desired location. The photocuring assembly may include more than one of the above features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: SMD Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Ollett, Ross W. Lampe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6837608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sinking apparatus for a light pipe. The light pipe is disposed on an optical engine of a projector and optically couples with a light source. The heat-sinking apparatus includes a cover made of a heat conductive material and a fan. The cover covers the light pipe and uniformly distributes thermal energy generated by the light source over the light pipe. The fan dissipates the thermal energy distributed over the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Hung Chang, Li-Kuan Wong
  • Patent number: 6834988
    Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator system for an appliance to notify an appliance operator that an operable temperature is reached by an element of the appliance. The indicator system comprises a light source that provides light to a linear light enhancer. The linear light enhancer transmits light from the light source along the length of the linear light enhancer, to increase the ability of an appliance operator to observe the light from the light source. The light enhancer is an optical fiber or a light tube. The invention is also directed to the incorporation of such indicator systems in appliances that require a heating period, such as for example, laminators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Beno, Erven Gaines, Mike Long
  • Patent number: 6830365
    Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial tree for use outdoors that includes a tree with trunk, branches and twigs protected from moisture penetration and a plurality of optical fibers also protected from the outside element. A housing encloses a light source assembly and a fan with a hood for protection from overheating. The housing includes a sloped overhang for moisture protection. A collar with a transparent closed end is inserted into an opening in the housing. The trunk of the tree fits into the collar with its bottom end and one end of every fiber abutting the transparent closed end of the collar. When the light source assembly is on, the tree is lit by the optical fibers and the light assembly is protected from moisture and overheating. An added protective feature is that the housing sits on legs such that there is clearance between the housing and the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6808302
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight device that has a heat-generating light source, such as a fluorescent tube. This backlight device includes; fluorescent tubes that emit light when power is supplied to the fluorescent tube electrodes; and a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the fluorescent tubes to a liquid crystal panel. In this backlight device, heat release members for releasing the heat from the fluorescent tube electrodes are provided at the corners of the light guide plate that face the fluorescent tube electrodes of the fluorescent tubes. With these heat release members, the light guide plate is prevented from melting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6799878
    Abstract: The present invention is a fiber-optic illuminator with a single or multiple internal turret used for connecting the illuminator with different fiber-optic cables. The internal turret may be incrementally rotated by a handle to present a customized predetermined port for a predetermined fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the light source. Incremental indexing rotation is accomplished through use of a biased bearing mechanism located inside the illuminator. The turret has cooling fins distant from the handle turned by the operator. The turret may carry a tubular lens for internal reflection of the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Klootz
  • Publication number: 20040090794
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing photosensitive materials uses LEDs and an optical concentrator to generate high optical power intensities. An LED array, comprising a plurality of LED assemblies, generates collimated light. A collection lens functions as an optical concentrator and focuses the collimated light to a desired spot size at a desired location. The LED assemblies may be at least partially disposed in a cooling plenum, where the cooling plenum is at least partially defined by the collection lens. Each LED assembly within the LED array may be detachably coupled to a mounting surface, enabling easy replacement of individual LED assemblies within the LED array. The photocuring assembly may also include a redirecting assembly disposed between the collection lens and the desired location that may further concentrate the light at the desired location. The photocuring assembly may include more than one of the above features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Scott H. Ollett, Ross W. Lampe
  • Publication number: 20040076019
    Abstract: The invention relates to mirrors for use in confined spaces which are subject to being covered by fluids and debris, principally dental mirrors, for use by dentists and similar medical professionals. The mirror assembly includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion includes a housing with a rotor assembly and a rotor drive means. In accordance with the invention, a secondary member has a reflective surface. The mirror assembly includes attachment means for removably attaching the secondary member with respect to the rotor assembly so that the reflective surface can be replaced when degraded. In use, the rotor drive means spins the rotor assembly and with it the secondary member to remove fluids and debris that may fall on the reflective surface so that vision when using the reflective surface is not impaired by such fluids or debris. Advantageously the attachment means include magnetic components although mechanical attachment means may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Efraim Tsimerman, Emil Chouster
  • Patent number: 6719447
    Abstract: A low voltage power supply includes a plurality of output terminal pairs interconnected by electrical circuitry effective to permit individual adjustment of the voltages applied between each such pair for powering simultaneously a plurality of light sources at individually selected voltages. The light sources are associated with dental handpieces through umbilical tubings, an exemplary one of which includes a bundle of flexible, light-conducting fibers connected between a first coupling fixture holding a subminiature bulb and a second coupling structurally adapted for connection to a dental handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Dental Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Woodward, Brad B. Heckerman, Dennis A. Meuchel
  • Publication number: 20040037087
    Abstract: An exterior automotive lighting device is provided. The device includes a light guide housing and a single Light Emitting Semiconductor Device (LESD). The light guide housing includes reflective material and optical elements to reflect emitted photons from the single LESD in multiple directions. The light guide has a thermally conductive material and thermally conductive connectors to dissipate heat generated by the single LESD. The lighting device may be used in accordance with lighting systems, such as a high mount stop lamp and a tail lamp on an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: North American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Deval M. Desai
  • Publication number: 20040032751
    Abstract: A light coupling assembly that couples a light source to a light conducting system attached to a medical instrument so that light from the light source is transmitted to a surgical site. The light coupling assembly according to the present invention includes a member formed of a heat conducting material that receives and transfers heat from the light source to a light source housing. The light coupling assembly also includes an insulating member that receives a portion of the heat conducting member and prevents an attendant from being injured by the heat generated by the light source and carried by the heat conducting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Solovay, James H. Layer, Thomas P. Jacobs, Gregory Madden
  • Patent number: 6648497
    Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Puleo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6644835
    Abstract: This portable light source apparatus accommodates a deuterium lamp in a lamp box and housing in order to minimize influence of temperature changes in the outside air. The deuterium lamp, which is susceptible to changes in temperature, is enveloped both by the lamp box and the housing for accommodation in a double shield structure. Consequently, the temperature change of the housing, which is the most likely to be affected by the outside air, is harder to be transmitted to the deuterium lamp, whereby the latter can be utilized without consideration of weather changes during outdoor operations or influences of air conditioners and the like during indoor operations. The deuterium lamp can be inserted into and removed from the lamp box from thereabove, so that lamp replacement becomes easier even when the housing is made compact, whereby the light source apparatus can be carried easier outdoors and in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yujiro Sei, Masaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20030179591
    Abstract: The present invention sucks in the air from the fan at the top of the imaging assembly of the optical engine and blows the air from the air duct device downward. Some of the air is guided by the diversion board, aslant guiding surface, and aslant isolating board of the air duct device and blown into the imaging assembly for cooling the optical components. Some of the air is guided through a first air duct, a second air duct, and a third air duct extended from the outside of this main body respectively to the outer surface of the light valves for heat dissipation. Further, some of the airflow is guided into a branch air duct and blown to a vent of the imaging assembly of the optical engine. By means of the changing direction diversion board, the airflow is guided towards the plarizer module such that the heat at the projection lens of the plarizer module can fully be dissipated, and flown out from a vent on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Bor-Bin Chou, Chih-Chung Kang, Chien-Ming Tsao
  • Patent number: 6616317
    Abstract: A remote light source device for generating light which is transmitted to a light emitting device of an illumination system by a fiberoptic cable coupled between the light source device and the light emitting device. The light source device includes a light source and a cover or housing containing the light source, the cover or housing having a light orifice aligned with the light source. A fiberoptic cable coupler assembly is mounted to an exterior surface of the cover or housing adjacent the light orifice. The coupler assembly permits removable coupling of a fiberoptic cable to the device, the coupler assembly also being operative for aligning an end of the cable with the light orifice of the cover or housing so that light generated by the light source is received at the end of the cable for transmission thereby. Structures are provided for preventing the fiberoptic cable coupler assembly from becoming substantially heated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Designs for Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feinbloom, Amy Sue Grumet-Avallone, Hil Sim Yee
  • Patent number: 6609816
    Abstract: An illumination system for delivering light includes a light source, a reflector including a reflective surface adapted to reflect visible light from the light source and to allow heat energy to pass through the reflector, and a housing. The housing includes a base defining a first cavity and a heat dissipation portion extending from said base and defining a second cavity with an opening extending therebetween. The housing is adapted to support the light source and provides a thermal barrier between the housing and the light source. The heat dissipation portion is adapted to transfer heat energy from the reflector to a surrounding environment. A ballast is mounted to the housing to supply power to the light source and a cap is mounted to the heat dissipation portion and is adapted to interconnect the heat dissipation portion to an optical light distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajmal I. Ansari, Jeffrey A. Erion, Leonard S. Livschitz, William Ince
  • Publication number: 20030147232
    Abstract: A general lighting system has been created to collect light from a high efficiency light source, concentrate the light into a flux with a tapered light guide, transport the light flux via a large diameter hexagonal light pipe to the edge of a light emitting flat panel. The light panel emits the light remote from the light source. The light source may use high intensity discharge lamp or combination of lamps to provide a light flux that is efficiently generated and balanced for the desired color. A hollow, tapered light pipe concentrator made of polished reflective heat resistant material, concentrates the light flux into an area of transmission output. The light flux is transported via a solid plastic hexagonal light pipe. The light flux is fed to the edge of a light emitting flat panel. The system is specifically created to replace fluorescent light luminairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Opti-Flux Technologies
    Inventor: Edward Robert Kraft
  • Publication number: 20030147261
    Abstract: A liquid-filled light guide is coupled with a solar collector and a light dispersion device to form a system used to illuminate the interior of a human-inhabitable structure, such as building, underground space or lightless underwater space. The liquid filled light guide establishes a light transmissive pathway that may be split and joined through the use of liquid filled coupling devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Victor Babbitt, Neil L. McClure
  • Publication number: 20030112639
    Abstract: A compact, long-life illuminator for an optical fiber or bundle of fibers uses an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to selectively illuminate and color such fibers from within an enclosure which may be a compact, multipurpose, sealed housing. The illuminator is composed of solid-state components with no moving parts. It performs in several lighting and signage applications and has a surprisingly long life. The brightness and color of the light output from the LEDs, and changes in same over time in pre-set or variable cycles, can be set, changed, and carried out through an internal or external control board. That control board can be used in combination with an external digital multiplex (DMX) device, either hard wired or wirelessly controlled, and may be programmed by a computer system operating through a data bus management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Stack
  • Patent number: 6543908
    Abstract: The invention concerns a submersible light generator with an impermeability protection index (IP) of 68 for glass or plastic optic fibers, including a plurality of impervious modules, wherein at least one lamp module and at least one transfer module of the light beam are provided, these modules being thermally separated and insulated from each other, but connected to each other in an impervious manner. Moreover, the generator sheath has the ability to capture and transfer of heat towards the exterior within each module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Optectron Industries
    Inventors: Pierre Chenet, Jean-Michel Gerbeaux
  • Patent number: 6517229
    Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus radiating heat generated by a spot-like light source. The apparatus includes a metal enclosure (31) integrally formed at an end of a metal frame (27) so as to enclose a cover portion (14) which receives a spot-like light source (6) and dummy patterns (26) provided on inner surfaces of the first, second and third face portions (18, 20, 22) of the cover portion (14). The enclosure (31) functions as a heat sink and conducts heat generated by the spot-like light source (6) outwardly for radiation. Heat is conducted owing to the dummy patterns (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Suzuki, Koichi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6508579
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus mountable on a support and used for illuminating well-defined limited areas is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame pivotably mounted to the support thereby to allow the support frame to pivot about a predetermined axis, a light-generating system supported by the support frame, the light-generating system having a light source, a light-gathering/directing element, a guide rod and a reflector, the light-generating system generating one or more beams directed toward corresponding target areas, and preferably a shield for blocking non-reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Alan J. Ruud, Roger Buelow, II, John M. Davenport, Eric J. Haugaard, Juris Sulcs
  • Patent number: 6502950
    Abstract: The installation comprises a housing (3) which is assigned to one of the walls (5) of the room (42) which is to be lit. A light-guiding arrangement is provided in the housing (3) and is designed such that it can guide light from the outer end part (38) of the housing (3), through an opening (8) in the wall (5) of the room (42) which is to be lit, into said room. The outer mouth opening of the light-guiding arrangement is covered over with the aid of a sheet-like arrangement (25) which is designed such that it allows light to enter into the light-guiding arrangement. An arrangement for ventilating the room which is to be lit is also provided. One of the mouth openings (36) of said ventilating arrangement is located in the covering arrangement (25). A window (1) is arranged in the opening (8) of the room (42) which is to be lit, said window being designed such that it allows not only the incidence of light but also ventilation of the interior (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Heliobus AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Signer
  • Publication number: 20020136028
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus to provide concentrated illumination to an end of a fiber optic bundle to produce useable light includes a light source emitting visible light and heat, including infrared radiation and ultra-violet radiation. A reflector is positioned adjacent to the light source to direct light from the light source toward an end of the fiber optic bundle. A light and heat trap is positioned adjacent to the reflector for trapping heat and redirecting stray light in combination with the reflector toward the end of the fiber optic bundle. A hot mirror is positioned between the light and heat trap and the end of the fiber optic bundle to allow visible light to be transmitted through the mirror and to reflect infrared and ultra-violet radiation to prevent substantially all of the emitted infrared and ultra-violet radiation from reaching the fiber optic bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Juno Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020105814
    Abstract: A fiber optic light source having an improved cooling scheme for preventing heat damage to the fiber optic cable input ends. The housing for the light source is divided into two sections, with a separate cooling air supply for each section. The first section is provided with a high volume cooling air flow for general area cooling of the lamp assembly, power supply and other exothermic components. The second section is provided with a high velocity cooling air flow directed at the fiber ends. The second cooling air flow is isolated from the heat generated by the lamp assembly and is provided to the fiber ends at essentially ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Roy Archer
  • Patent number: 6422730
    Abstract: A fiber optic light source having an improved cooling scheme for preventing heat damage to the fiber optic cable input ends. The housing for the light source is divided into two sections, with a separate cooling air supply for each section. The first section is provided with a high volume cooling air flow for general area cooling of the lamp assembly, power supply and other exothermic components. The second section is provided with a high velocity cooling air flow directed at the fiber ends. The second cooling air flow is isolated from the heat generated by the lamp assembly and is provided to the fiber ends at essentially ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Super Vision International, Inc.
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Roy Archer
  • Patent number: 6422719
    Abstract: A heat source shielding device for a hollow integration rod of a projecting apparatus wherein the hollow integration rod has an incident light end and an outgoing light end. The heat source shielding device has a heat source shielding mask that is an integrally formed metal sheet structure used for slipping onto the incident light end of the hollow integration rod. And the heat source shielding mask consists of a first end, a second end. an end cover, a heat shielding plate, a first side plate, a second side plate, and a top plate. Heat accumulated by the heat shielding plate on the heat source shielding mask is dissipated by the use of the ventilation system in the projecting apparatus due to convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Tech Hung, Nien Hui Hsu, Shun Chi Lee
  • Publication number: 20020064056
    Abstract: A temperature control system for a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as an arc lamp, in a collecting and condensing system including a first reflector having a first focal point and a first optical axis, and a second reflector having a second focal point and a second optical axis. The source may be located proximate to the first focal point of the first reflector to produce rays of radiation that reflect from the first reflector toward the second reflector and substantially converge at the second focal point. A sensor, such as a voltage or a temperature sensor, may be placed near the source, and produces an output which may be substantially proportional to an attribute of the source. A comparator compares the output to a predetermined value and produces a difference between the output and the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Publication number: 20020064043
    Abstract: At a position opposite to a first board 130(a) supporting a fist light-emitting diode group 131 which has light-emitting portions on the same side and is arranged annularly surrounding a light-delivering hole, a concave mirror 150(a) is located so that the focal point thereof would be formed at the position of the light-delivering hole. Behind the concave mirror 150(a), a second board 140 supporting a second light-emitting diode group 141 is located. Light beams emitted from the first light-emitting diode group 131 are reflected by the concave mirror 150 (a) and collected on an optical connector 181, and light beams emitted from the second light-emitting diode group 141 are allowed to pass through a hole formed at the center of the concave mirror 150(a) and directly collected on an optical connector 181. To the optical connector 181, an optical fiber cable as a light guide is connected to form a light source of illumination for a light guide 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: TB Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadakazu Ariga, Fumio Yagasaki
  • Publication number: 20020051367
    Abstract: An optical waveguide concentrator and photocuring device with the optical waveguide concentrator having at least one solid optically transparent member for combining the output radiant energy from a plurality of optoelectronic light emitting devices mounted in a circular array facing the solid optically transparent member with the optically transparent member having an input surface, an output surface and a sloping surface intersecting the input and output surface to form an acute angle and with with each optoelectronic light emitting device having an optical axis directed parallel to or inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the concentrator. The geometry of the solid optically transparent member may be conical or hyperbolic with the sloping surface tapered to form a tapered angle of between 5° and 15°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Brian Hooker, Joshua Friedman
  • Publication number: 20020048178
    Abstract: A remote light source device for generating light which is transmitted to a light emitting device of an illumination system by a fiberoptic cable coupled between the light source device and the light emitting device. The light source device includes a light source and a cover or housing containing the light source, the cover or housing having a light orifice aligned with the light source. A fiberoptic cable coupler assembly is mounted to an exterior surface of the cover or housing adjacent the light orifice. The coupler assembly permits removable coupling of a fiberoptic cable to the device, the coupler assembly also being operative for aligning an end of the cable with the light orifice of the cover or housing so that light generated by the light source is received at the end of the cable for transmission thereby. Structures are provided for preventing the fiberoptic cable coupler assembly from becoming substantially heated by the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: RICHARD E. FEINBLOOM, AMY SUE GRUMET-AVALLONE, HIL SIM YEE
  • Patent number: 6371635
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for a vehicle, having a light-decoupling element in a decoupling bay of the vehicle. The light-decoupling element is fed by a light source arranged at a distance, where an optical fiber connects the light source and the light decoupling element. A light panel is used to achieve a visual shielding of an inner bay containing structural elements and components. The light panel facilitates a visual shielding of the rear inner bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Alfred Ott, Uwe Frederking, Wener Heinz, Karsten Eichhorn, Ewald Topp, Gerhard Jost, Micheal Wuestefeld, Stefan Wiesner