Circuit Board Patents (Class 362/646)
  • Patent number: 8002444
    Abstract: A numerical display architecture includes a circuit board substrate, a light emitting element, and a reflector. The circuit board substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and has at least one hole. The light emitting element is reversely mounted on the second surface, and a luminary source of the light emitting element is disposed in the hole through a first opening of the hole. The reflector is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board surface and partly or fully covers a second opening of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Wu, Hung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7985003
    Abstract: A forming mold of a light-emitting member includes a frame, an upper mold and a lower mold, and the frame is provided with carriers, pins and supporting portions. The upper and lower molds match with each other to provide a forming space for the base of the light-emitting member. The forming space contains the carriers and a part of the supporting portions. One or more projections are disposed at the position where the brinks of the upper and lower molds contact the supporting portions. After injection molding, the burrs formed by a plastic material along the supporting portions can be concealed in the recesses that are formed corresponding to each of the projections, thereby reducing the influence of the burrs on the external size of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Lextar Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Wen-Lung Su, Chin-Chang Hsu, Hsuan-Chi Liu
  • Patent number: 7977698
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allowing a solid substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), to act as the support structure for an electronic circuit. In one embodiment, the LEDs which form a part of a scrambler assembly are constructed on a first substrate and the electrical connections are run to the edges of the substrate and end in electrical contacts positioned thereat. The substrate is then connected to the scrambler package by a series of electrical and mechanical connections to form the LED package. The electrical contacts which are part of the LED package extend from the LED package so as to enable electrical contact with a separate controller substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Fung Ching Ling, Chia Chee Wai, Ng Joh Joh, Koay Hui Peng
  • Patent number: 7976188
    Abstract: A LED illumination device includes a base plate, a plurality of LEDs, a driving circuit and a control circuit. The plurality of LEDs, the driving circuit and the control circuit are arranged on a surface of the base plate and electrically connected to each other. The control circuit is configured for controlling the driving circuit to output a driving power. The plurality of LEDs emit light based upon the driving power. Thus the base plate, the LEDs, the driving circuit and the control circuit are integrated in a same device for simplifying the whole structure thereof to be easily assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Hung Peng
  • Patent number: 7976182
    Abstract: An light emitting diode lamp assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a base, a ballast circuit mounted on a circuit board and operable to provide a desired output current and a light emitting diode electrically connected to the ballast and driven by the output current of the ballast circuit to provide light. The base is filled with a thermally conductive substance and the circuit board is mounted in the base and in thermal contact with the thermally conductive substance such that heat is drawn away from the light emitting diode through the circuit board and into the thermally conductive substance to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Ribarich
  • Patent number: 7972037
    Abstract: A light fixture, comprising a matrix, a plurality of electrical sockets fixedly secured to the matrix and forming a rigid matrix of electrical sockets electrically interconnected in two dimensions. One or more light emitting diode modules are individually removable and replaceable within any individual electrical socket within the matrix. Each individual light emitting diode module includes a base and a light emitting diode, wherein the base is configured and arranged for fitted electrical engagement within the electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7963671
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) module includes a driving circuit board, at least one LED, a thermal dispersing sheet and a heat sink. The driving circuit board includes a front surface and an opposite back surface. The at least one LED is mounted on the front surface of the driving circuit board and electrically connected to it. The thermal dispersing sheet is attached on the back surface. The heat sink is mounted on the driving circuit board in contacting the thermal dispersing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Fu Wen, Kai Huang
  • Patent number: 7946732
    Abstract: A robust LED lamp may be assembly by forming a heat sinking sandwich with two metal heat sinks positioned around the circuit board and pinned together a heat conductive element. The assembly is positioned by pressing it into a base providing electrical connections. The robust assembly is rapidly assembled, thermally effective in draining or spreading heat from the circuit board and is readily adaptable to a variety of applications lighting. The heat sink may be decorated, colored or otherwise esthetically enhanced for consumer appreciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Luo, Zhoahuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7931386
    Abstract: A flexible lighting strip includes an insulated flexible electrical power cord and spaced apart modules connected therewith. Each module includes a circuit board with a cavity, indentation, or opening and an encasing overmolding defining a fastener-receiving slot or opening aligned with the cavity, indentation, or opening of the circuit board. Power cord conductors are separated at the connection with each module to define a gap receiving a portion of the circuit board. A separate tiedown is secured to the power cord. Conductive elements receiving electrical power from the power cord and delivering electrical power to the circuit board include an insulation-displacing portion and a recess receiving at least a portion of the power cord and including a retaining barb or hook. An adhesive tape or strip is disposed over at least one overmolding opening to prevent water ingress to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Nall, Tomislav Stimac, Chenyang Li, Chunmei Gao, Babi Koushik Saha, Shanshan Xie, Douglas R. Halley
  • Patent number: 7905640
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • Patent number: 7880372
    Abstract: An LED lamp system includes a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, a printed circuit board on which the LED lamp is mounted, a connection terminal including a soldering part inserted and soldered to the printed circuit board, a body part extending parallel to the printed circuit board, and a branch part extending from the body part in a predetermined direction, a case to which the printed circuit board is fixed, the case including a holding portion for holding the branch part of the connection terminal, and a cover for enclosing the LED lamp and the printed circuit board in association with the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadaoki Ichikawa, Yukihiko Umeda
  • Patent number: 7854541
    Abstract: A backlight unit with socket connecter includes: a bottom frame having a topside and a backside; at least one lamp on the topside of the bottom frame; a socket connector disposed on a backside of the bottom frame, the socket connector being connected to the lamp; and a backlight circuit board having a plug connector connected to the socket connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 7810946
    Abstract: A lighting lamp having an enclosure housing a DC power source and contact parts for connection to a printed circuit card connected with a light-emitting diode. The contact parts comprise first contact elements electrically connected with the power source and second contact elements designed to pass successively through a pair of holes situated in a tight intermediate wall of the enclosure and a through a pair of slots of the card. Soldering of the second contact elements onto the card, in addition to electric connection of the power source, enables a tightly sealed compartment to be achieved in the enclosure around the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Zedel
    Inventors: Sebastien Jarzac, Stephane Huguenin, Paul Petzl
  • Patent number: 7806561
    Abstract: In an integrally embedded AC/DC double-headed lamp, at least one illuminative element is disposed on a lamp board, two sides of the light board are respectively disposed with a conductive terminal used for letting in a lamp seat to electrically connect to the lamp seat and an integrally formed cover body is used to cover the illuminative element directly thereby reducing the processing time and elevating the production efficiency, further attaining to the cost reducing object. Furthermore, the illuminative element is allowed to generate a different illumination effect through a different cover body to provide a user with different illumination and decoration uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nano Light Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7798702
    Abstract: A light emitting device with a top electrode and a bottom electrode is pushed by a plug to make contacts with either an upper metal plate or a lower metal plate each serving as one of the leads for an electrode of the light emitting devices. The plug is inserted through an opening larger than the light emitting device in the metal plate not in contact with the light emitting device but serving as another lead for the light emitting device. The plug is locked in place by means of threaded screw heads, snug-fit, snap-on buttons or an elastic sleeve. Thus, the light emitting device can be easily replaced without any wire bonding. A plurality of the light unit can be sandwiched between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Jiahn-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 7794131
    Abstract: A new and useful illumination device, designed especially for input/output panels that are often operated in less than favorable ambient lighting conditions, is provided. The illumination device is designed to be integrally connected with an input/output panel and is selectively actuatable to a condition in which it directs light over a predetermined portion of the panel. When actuated, the illumination device is effective to direct light at the panel that illuminates the entire panel, or at least a predetermined portion of the panel that is sufficient to enable the user to fully operate the panel. The illumination device is particularly useful with portable input/output panels (i.e. input/output panels such as (a) remote controls, (b) PDA's, (c) laptop computers, (d) cell phones, etc. that are intended to be carried about by a user and operated in the ambient lighting conditions about the user).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: John C. Teel, Jessica E. Teel
  • Patent number: 7789525
    Abstract: A light fixture comprising a head, which head with at least one light source, which head is carried rotatably in a yoke, which yoke rotates in relation to a base, which bases comprises bearings for the yoke, which base has at least a power module, which power module has at least one ballast circuit, which base has at least one controller. By the base having at least one drawer in which at least the power module is located, a fast exchange of the power module in a light source in situations of changing technical specifications of the power module can be achieved very easily. This can be important in a light fixture placed high above the ground if it needs to have an electronic module exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Vinther
  • Patent number: 7784970
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat dissipating structure of a light source utility that includes a rear-located heat dissipating element, a light source generating element, a thermally conductive mounting element and a front-located heat dissipating element. The rear-located heat dissipating element has a first surface, and a light source generating element arranged on the first surface. The thermally conductive mounting element is arranged around the light source generating element on the first surface. The front-located heat dissipating element is arranged on the thermally conductive mounting element, and has at least one hole corresponding to the light source generating element. The heat generated from the light source generating element is conducted to the rear-located heat dissipating element, and the thermally conductive mounting element further conducts the heat to the front-located heat dissipating element for heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Edison Opto Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung-Ting Sun
  • Patent number: 7771096
    Abstract: An illumination device for a cigar lighter or for a multifunction socket, comprising a single-piece component made from material at least partially transmitting light, the component comprising an illuminating ring and a housing for a printed circuit provided with at least one light-emitting diode and electrical connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Michel Andrieu, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Francis Lau, Jérôme Monnot
  • Patent number: 7766499
    Abstract: A light source unit including light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board by not using a soldering method but a fitting method, and a backlight unit and liquid crystal display including the light source unit. The light source unit includes light emitting diodes including lead terminals and a printed circuit board including a fitting hole. Each of the lead terminals includes a base part and a fitting part protruding from the base part. The fitting part of the light emitting diode is fitted into the fitting hole of the printed circuit board and so that the light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Hee Park, Jung Tae Kang, Jin Ho Ha, Hyun Chul Bae, Joo Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7758223
    Abstract: A lamp includes an outer shell having heat conductivity, a base provided in the outer shell, and a cover provided in the outer shell. The outer shell has a light source support, and a heat radiating surface exposed to the outside of the outer shell. The light source support is formed integral with the heat radiating surface. A light source is supported on the light source support. The light source is heated during lighting, and thermally connected to the light source support. The light source is covered with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Osawa, Kazuto Morikawa
  • Patent number: 7758222
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vacuum deposition of circuitry onto a thermoplastic material. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a vacuum deposition of circuitry for automotive applications. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a vehicular lamp housing incorporating a circuit placed thereon by vacuum deposition. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a vehicular lamp housing with vacuum deposition of circuitry powering light-emitting diodes. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a vehicular lamp housing with a vacuum deposition of circuitry powering removable incandescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ventra Greenwich Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Brian J. Malone, Todd M. Nykerk, Timothy J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7744266
    Abstract: Socket arrangements for releasably mounting LEDs and light fixtures or assemblies employing such sockets are described. The socket arrangements facilitate the replacement of LEDs to replace an original LED with a brighter replacement, to change the color of the LED, to replace a single LED with a multiple chip LED, to replace a damaged or burned out LED with a new one, or the like. In further assemblies with plural LEDs, the use of ready release sockets facilitates selective replacement of an LED or LEDs and greatly enhances the flexibility of such units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Higley, Faramarz Hafezi
  • Patent number: 7661852
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated LED bulb that utilizes LEDs and can be used as a standard replacement bulb for incandescent lights that operate on standard household current. One or more LEDs are disposed in a lens 102 that is capable of high optical transmission efficiencies. A base portion encapsulates a printed circuit board and connectors, as well as the LED pin leads to hold the package in a secure mounting. The lens can be molded directly to the base or can be removable. The base can be formed to fit standard threaded sockets or bayonet sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: 1 Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jing Jing Yu
  • Patent number: 7585090
    Abstract: A light-emitting-diode (LED) lamp includes a control circuit board having a control circuit and a plurality of insertion holes provided thereon; a plurality of LED units, each of which including a circuit board, a plurality of LEDs mounted on the circuit board, and terminals provided at an end of the circuit board for plugging into the insertion holes on the control circuit board to thereby electrically assemble the LED unit to the control circuit board; and a glass bulb or tube for receiving the assembled control circuit board and LED units to complete the LED lamp that can be mounted to a general lamp holder. When electricity is supplied to the LED lamp, the LEDs are driven by the control circuit to emit light for illumination. The number of LED units and of the LEDs may be adjusted according to desired illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Tsu Yao Wu
  • Publication number: 20090207609
    Abstract: Socket arrangements for releasably mounting LEDs and light fixtures or assemblies employing such sockets are described. The socket arrangements facilitate the replacement of LEDs to replace an original LED with a brighter replacement, to change the color of the LED, to replace a single LED with a multiple chip LED, to replace a damaged or burned out LED with a new one, or the like. In further assemblies with plural LEDs, the use of ready release sockets facilitates selective replacement of an LED or LEDs and greatly enhances the flexibility of such units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Higley, Faramarz Hafezi
  • Patent number: 7563070
    Abstract: A cooling fan (100) includes a frame (10), a circuit board (20) and a rotor (30). The frame includes a housing (12) and a plate (14) connecting with the housing. The circuit board is mounted on the plate. The rotor is received in the housing and includes a hollow hub (32) and a plurality of blades (38) extending from the hub. A plurality of light emitting diodes (40) is mounted on the circuit board. When the rotor rotates, each LED projects light towards the rotor and to the frame so that the light will be reflected and deflected by the fan whereby the whole fan glows and produces a fantastic visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Lin, Hong-Bo Xu
  • Patent number: 7549786
    Abstract: Socket arrangements for releasably mounting LEDs and light fixtures or assemblies employing such sockets are described. The socket arrangements facilitate the replacement of LEDs to replace an original LED with a brighter replacement, to change the color of the LED, to replace a single LED with a multiple chip LED, to replace a damaged or burned out LED with a new one, or the like. In further assemblies with plural LEDs, the use of ready release sockets facilitates selective replacement of an LED or LEDs and greatly enhances the flexibility of such units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Higley, Faramarz Hafezi
  • Publication number: 20090052198
    Abstract: A quick release illuminating and display apparatus and system for vehicles and structures to provide lighting and illumination effects and to display data or other information on a display screen. The apparatus and system includes a removable housing assembly with illumination sources, a power source and an optional display screen to provide lighting to accent a vehicle or structure and to display data, pictures or other information. The apparatus and system includes a quick release mechanism with a biasing cam operably connected to a number of biased lock shafts. The controlled movement of the biasing cam operates so as to quickly lock or unlock the housing assembly onto or off of the support structure. The apparatus and system has enhanced lighting and display effects by the use of optional ball bearings, a cap to exhibit team or manufacturer logos, the use of LED lights secured to directional nipples, a display screen, a USB port, computer memory, a control switch, remote control operation and solar power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Christoff
  • Patent number: 7494244
    Abstract: A surface-mounted lighting system and method wherein a lamp (e.g., an LED) is mounted within a surface (e.g., a wall, the wall of a pool or spa, a panel, etc.) such that it casts light to one side of the surface. A lighting system of the present invention comprises a) a lens cap/light emitting diode/first connector subassembly and b) a second connector/wire subassembly. A first connector located on the lens cap/light emitting diode/first connector subassembly is connectable to the second connector located on the second connector/wire subassembly such that power may be delivered through the second connector/wire subassembly to the lamp. Thereafter, when it is desired to remove or change the lamp, the first connector is disconnected from the second connector and the entire Lens cap/LED/first connector subassembly may be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: J & J Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Van Diep, Lawrence Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 7481570
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a night light assembly which plugs directly into an electrical wall receptacle to provide a beam of light that can be directed along different paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Souza, Wilson Brunkhurst, John Ferreira, Anthony Pacitto, Jenkin P. Hua, Joseph Diorio, Mehmet K. Tanacan
  • Patent number: 7470055
    Abstract: A mounting structure for LED lighting sources, includes a support body having attached on one side thereof a circuit board for mounting the LED lighting sources. The circuit board is preferably a printed-circuit board with conductive traces to feed electrical power to the LED lighting sources. The support body is in the form of an elongated bar or a box with a linear, round, square, hexagonal or octagonal shape. The support body is a drawn or molded body of a lightweight material and preferably exhibits good heat transfer properties. The support body includes a back side for mounting the structure on a supporting surface, such back side possibly having associated a heat dissipation fixture. Additionally, the support body may have free space inside and/or be at least partially apertured to permit cooling air flow for a driver circuit for driving the LED lighting source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrische Gluhlampen mbH
    Inventors: Christian Hacker, Alessandro Maschietto, Giovani Scilla, Alessandro Scordino
  • Patent number: 7448772
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an assembly comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light producing components mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a light housing designed to accept a standardized light producing bulb comprising a mounting adapter designed so that the pcb can snap/lock into position in the adapter and the adapter can mount into the housing in the manner of a standard bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Little Giant Pump Company
    Inventor: Steve Hampton
  • Patent number: 7401954
    Abstract: Control panel architectures, and, specifically, architectures having bulb assemblies as features, particular those in control panels used in motor vehicle applications, are disclosed. By providing restricting means such as for leg features as part of the control panel assay, bulb assemblies are more resistant to damage to the bulb globe or filaments, or other elements, due to the effect of undesired movement or vibration that occurs in motorized vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Callahan, Laurent Lucaora
  • Patent number: 7384163
    Abstract: A lamp socket includes a first shell, a second shell combined with the first shell, a separation plate rested on a bottom of the first shell and the second shell, a base secured to the separation plate, an electronic unit mounted in the first shell and electrically connected to the base to supply an electric current to the base, a light-regulating unit mounted in the second shell and electrically connected to the electronic unit to regulate the electric current from the electronic unit to the base. Thus, the electronic unit is used to provide a current to light the electric bulb, and the light-regulating unit is used to regulate the current value of the electric bulb, so that the lamp socket has a stageless light-regulating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Sun-Lite Sockets Industry Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 7362057
    Abstract: A circuit board of a multi-way flashing control box includes a control circuit to be connected electrically to a plurality of LED lamp strings and operable to activate and deactivate the LED lamp strings, and a plurality of connecting units, each of which is for connecting electrically the control circuit to a respective LED lamp string. Each of the connecting units includes a string terminal to be connected electrically to the respective LED lamp string, first and second conductive retainers connected electrically and respectively to the control circuit and the string terminal, and a circuit protection member having opposite ends clamped removably and respectively by the first and second conductive retainers such that the control circuit is connected electrically to the string terminal via the circuit protection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent Lin
  • Patent number: 7344296
    Abstract: A socket fixed to a heat sink holds a card-type LED module formed by integrating LED elements. The socket (6) includes: a frame structure for holding the LED module (1000) with its light source unit exposed through the frame opening; and a pressing member positioned around the opening for pressing the back surface of the LED module against the heat sink (2122). The socket may include a structure including a lower member (61) placed on a heat sink and an upper frame member (62) holding the LED module with its light source unit (1002) exposed through the frame opening. The upper member supported by the lower member via a hinge can open/close, and includes a pressing unit pressing the LED module set in the open state, against the lower member (61). The lower member (61) includes, in its main part, a lock unit (63) directly or indirectly lock the upper member (62) when the upper member is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsui, Masanori Shimizu, Kazuhisa Matsuo, Eiji Kawabe
  • Patent number: 7322718
    Abstract: In a module socket, a connecter and a connector are connected by wiring, and three LED modules are connected in parallel with respect to a constant voltage circuit unit via the wiring. Each module has a constant current circuit unit and an LED mounting unit. The constant current circuit unit includes one resistor and two transistors mounted on a surface of a sub-substrate on which a conductive land is formed. The sub-substrate is bonded to a main substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsumi Setomoto, Nobuyuki Matsui, Tetsushi Tamura, Noriyasu Tanimoto, Masanori Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7318661
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a light emitting diode and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent lightbulb applications. The disclosed embodiments will perform with high efficiency at a wide operating voltage range with a very small size allowing for the incorporation within the envelope and form of existing lightbulb bases. Therefore, a single universal LED light bulb module can be used to replace the dozens of conventional LED and incandescent lights currently being used. The electronic circuitries used to drive the LEDs are extremely compact and consequently can be incorporated in nearly any standard bulb base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Catalano
  • Patent number: 7300173
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a solid state light emitter and driving circuitry integrated into a component module that will retrofit common incandescent light bulb applications. The disclosed embodiment is directed to the retrofitting of small flashlights using miniature bulbs, such as the Mini Maglite®. Because the emitter and driving circuitry cannot readily fit within the envelope of the bulb being replaced, the volume occupied by the module needs to be acquired from within the flashlight's interior, such as from part of the volume occupied by the reflector. In that case, the invention includes a replacement reflector supplied with the module. The invention provides that no original functionality of the flashlight is sacrificed. Consideration is also given to the conduction of heat from the light emitter and module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Technology Assessment Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison
  • Patent number: 7293897
    Abstract: An integrated fluorescent lamp device for use with a lamp fixture including a lamp socket configured to removably receive a portion of the integrated fluorescent lamp device therein to selectively support the integrated fluorescent lamp device thereon, the integrated fluorescent device comprises an enclosure to house an electronic ballast coupled to a lamp base affixed to the enclosure having a pair of mounting members formed on opposite sides thereof configured to be removably received in the lamp socket obversely configured to secure the integrated fluorescent lamp device to the lamp fixture and a fluorescent lamp affixed to the enclosure including a spiral shaped glass tube containing a gas electrically coupled to the electronic ballast such that when a switch mounted on the lamp fixture is in the on position electricity flows from an AC power source through the lamp base, electronic ballast and fluorescent lamp to energize the gas within the spiral shaped glass tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Fred Mendelsohn
  • Patent number: 7284896
    Abstract: A light emitting device with a top electrode and a bottom electrode is pushed by a plug to make contacts with either an upper metal plate or a lower metal plate each serving as one of the leads for an electrode of the light emitting devices. The plug is inserted through an opening larger than the light emitting device in the metal plate not in contact with the light emitting device but serving as another lead for the light emitting device. The plug is locked in place by means of threaded screw heads, snug-fit, snap-on buttons or an elastic sleeve. Thus, the light emitting device can be easily replaced without any wire bonding. A plurality of the light unit can be sandwiched between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jiahn-Chang Wu
  • Publication number: 20070153515
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes at least one backlight sub-unit, the backlight sub-unit including a light emitting diode (LED) unit that includes at least one LED that emit a predetermined color arranged in a predetermined pattern and a sidewall surrounding the LED unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Hee-Jung Hong, Eui-Yeol Oh
  • Patent number: 7201511
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting module, comprising: a plurality of thin plate-shaped conductors (2) spaced apart from each other in a first direction; at least one light source (4) connected between at least one pair of adjoining ones of said conductors; and at least one insulating joint member (4) for mechanically joining said plurality of conductors, wherein said at least one insulating joint member exposes both sides of at least a portion of said conductors where said light source is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Moriyama Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Moriyama, Koichi Yanagita, legal representative, Munehiko Yanagita, deceased
  • Patent number: 7153008
    Abstract: A LED lamp mounting assembly for use in motor vehicle lamps is described. The LED lamp mounting assembly connects a LED lamp to a pre-existing incandescent lamp socket in a motor vehicle. The LED lamp mounting assembly therefore allows a LED lamp to be operated from incandescent lamp hardware. In one embodiment, the LED lamp mounting assembled includes a LED lamp assembly, a heat sink, a cradle, printed circuit boards and an electrical connector. The electrical connector is insertable into the incandescent lamp socket and connects to the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards power the LED lamp assembly and the heat sink adsorbs excess heat created by the LED lamp assembly. The motor vehicle lamp becomes a LED lamp without any changes to the existing incandescent lamp hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dominic Grote, III, Kevin Scott Williams, Jay Frederick Koehler
  • Patent number: 7128450
    Abstract: A method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle includes first providing a common printed circuit board base. One of a plurality of different types of illumination sources is then attached onto the printed circuit board base to form a modular light assembly. The modular light assembly is then mounted onto one of a plurality of trim bezels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Tiesler, Ted Chou, Chuck Minear
  • Patent number: 7111973
    Abstract: A light directing device for a connector includes a translucent tube having a slanted portion and a straight portion. The slanted portion has a perpendicular face adapted to be engaged with a side face of a light emitting diode. A reflection seat is adapted to be securely connected to the connector and having at least one pair of covering plates. Each pair of covering plates defines therebetween a gap for receiving therein the light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lankom Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lu-Ta Liu
  • Patent number: 7036962
    Abstract: A light-up accessory which includes a plurality of elementary building units and a chaining arrangement, wherein each of the elementary building units includes a supporting case; a lighting system, which is disposed in the supporting case, and includes an illuminating unit; an operating system which includes an operating member electrically connected with the lighting system and operatively connected with an electrical power supply in such a manner that when the operating member is switched on, the illuminating unit is supplied with electrical power to illuminate. The chaining arrangement which contains a plurality of chaining passageways longitudinally formed on the supporting cases of the elementary building units respectively, and includes a connecting chain adapted to connect the elementary building units by passing through the chaining passageway of each of the elementary building units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Kwok Hung Chan
  • Patent number: 6979097
    Abstract: The invention is a modular ambient lighting system for providing lighting to the interior of the building. The system features three separate modules: (1) a support module, (2) a power module, and (3) a light fixture body module. The support module provides an electrical connection to the building and structural connection to the ceiling of the building. An interchangeable power module fits into a recess or “foot print” in the support module. The power module includes the electrical components of the lighting system (e.g. ballast, transformer, emergency batteries, etc). An interchangeable light fixture body module houses the lamp that can be configured to deliver direct, indirect, or direct/indirect illumination. The interchangeable features of the modules offers superior flexibility because of the ease to reconfigure the electrical operation of the light system, the type illumination delivered, or the aesthetics of the light system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas E. Elam, Timothy P. Scherf
  • Patent number: 6957906
    Abstract: A solid-state light source (10) that is compatible with the existing sockets normally reserved for filamented lamps (100). The solid-state light source (10) comprises a hollow base (12) formed to mechanically and electrically adapt to an existing socket normally reserved for lamps (100). A sub-assembly (14) is adapted to cooperate with and fit into the hollow base (12). The sub-assembly (14) comprises a circuit board (16) with a plurality of solid-state light sources (18) mechanically and electrically connected to one side (20) of the circuit board. Two electrical contacts (22, 24) are positioned on the other side (26) of the circuit board for connection to an electrical circuit. A light pipe (28) covers the plurality of light sources (18) and extends away therefrom to a terminal end (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Steve C. Sidwell, Michael Tucker, Thomas Tessnow