With Fluid Distributer Patents (Class 362/96)
  • Patent number: 6955441
    Abstract: An ornamental tube used in a decorative lamp assembly for heating by heat energy from the lamp bulb to boil an organic solvent into a convection of bubbles is disclosed having a plastic tube body holding the organic solvent, a plastic bottom cap capped on the bottom open side of the tube body, a porous cushion mounted in the plastic bottom cap and adapted to absorb the organic solvent for heating by heat energy from the lamp bulb, and a spacer member mounted in the plastic bottom cap to seal the bottom open side of the tube body and to hold down the porous cushion in the plastic bottom cap, the spacer member having through holes for the passing of the organic solvent from the tube body to the porous cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ching-Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 6953256
    Abstract: One object of the invention is to provide an illuminated tap handle including a handle with one end capable of being secured to a tap and a threadable and detachable end allowing the placement of a removable energy source into the handle completing a circuit and illuminating a light source connected to a conducting strip inside the handle when the threadable end is substantially threaded onto the handle and a conducting portion on the threadable end touches the conducting strip and energy source. Another object is where the conducting strip is situated within the tap handle such that when the threadable end is partially or completely unthreaded the tension of the conduction strip is released and situated just above and not touching the energy source, but when the threadable end is substantially threaded onto the tap handle, the conducting strip is again pressed onto the energy source completing the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Brent Turner
  • Patent number: 6942362
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a lighted whistle connectable to a predetermined article. A housing forms an outer shape of said whistle and has therein an inner cavity. A mouthpiece adapted for a user to blow air thereinto has an opening in fluid connection with said inner cavity and a sound hole opening providing an air outlet from said inner cavity. A power source is connected in an electrical circuit with a light source and a switch. A connector for connecting said whistle to a predetermined article is positioned on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Theory3, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Deutsch, Jason Barber, Russell Rotham
  • Patent number: 6935760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a design of an apparatus that controllably generates plurality of fountains or fog. The apparatus comprises of a plurality of concave focused transducers that are immersed in a fluid with the focus located at the fluid surface. The apparatus is further comprises of a function generator that generates cyclic signals in the Megahertz range that drives the transducers at one or more of their resonance frequencies. The apparatus comprises of a sound emitting device that include a computer controlled generator, music device or synthesizer that is used to modulate the drive signal to the transducers. The apparatus is further comprised of an amplifier that drives the transducers to produce high-intensity ultrasonic waves. The apparatus comprises of a light source that illuminates the produced fountains or fog. The full embodiment of the invention consists of drive electronics that generate cyclic signals that are modulated by sound of music or other rhythmic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Yoseph Bar-Cohen
  • Patent number: 6923552
    Abstract: A wind power driving auxiliary lamp comprises a seat, a generator, a transparent cover and a circuit device. The seat has two supporting frames. The generator has a blade set and a small power generator firmly secured to a blade groove of the blade set. The blade set and the small power generator are positioned between the two supporting frames. The blade set and the small power generator rotate synchronously. A circuit device includes a circuit board in the transparent cover and a light emitting body set on the circuit board. In moving, air will push the blade set so that the small power generator and the blade set rotate synchronously, the small power generator will rotate with the central pivotal shaft so as to generate direct current power to be supplied to the light emitting body set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Eddy Tseng
  • Patent number: 6923549
    Abstract: An illuminated message or design is displayed on the surface of an inner container for viewing through an outer container. Light emitting diodes are placed under the outer container, and near its perimeter, allowing the light to be directly introduced into the peripheral wall cavity formed between the inner container and outer container. This allows optimal utilization of the light for lighting the inner container surface generally, and for directing a portion of the light to the inner container's bottom edge for entrapment within the inner container peripheral wall. The entrapped light is transmitted through the inner container peripheral wall until the light encounters a nonconformity that redirects the light outwardly through the outer container. Varying inner container shapes interact with the light and create several distinct light mantles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Dale Hoy
  • Patent number: 6924598
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne Strattman
  • Patent number: 6901925
    Abstract: A fireplace including a fire box having a means for producing flames, a trough positioned in front of or around the fire box, and a hood positioned above the fire box and extending out from the fireplace beyond a front opening in the fire box. Positioned in the trough is a plumbing assembly having a pump and piping for transporting water from the trough upward and through an opening in the hood positioned above the fire box. The hood extends outward beyond the fire box such that water will fall freely in front of the fire box containing the flames and into the trough. One or more nozzles may be connected to the piping near one or more openings in the hood to adjust the trajectory of the water as it falls from the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: David P. Coughlin
  • Patent number: 6893138
    Abstract: A device for the generation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual color patterns by the single or multidirectional rotation of a movable body containing light emitters of differing colors. The light emitters may be intermittently or continuously flashed by a wind-powered alternating current generator that also serves as a bearing for rotation. In the preferred embodiments, wind reactive blades take the form of various horizontal or vertical shaft windmills with slender or broad blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy Ray Jones
  • Patent number: 6883927
    Abstract: A frame assembly for covering a wall conduit having a connection to electrical power and a component associated with the wall conduit requiring access through the frame assembly is provided. The frame assembly comprises a light powered by an electrical circuit connected to the connection and a frame for housing the light. The frame has an opening allowing access to the component through the frame, a side and an aperture in the side allowing the light to illuminate a space outside the frame assembly through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventors: Vern Cunningham, Michael Gomes
  • Patent number: 6877883
    Abstract: An ornamental sphere includes a base and a transparent or translucent sphere mounted on the base. The sphere is completely filled with rheoscopic fluid. A driving apparatus within the sphere is energized to agitate the rheoscopic fluid to thereby create currents or movements that are visible to an observer through the sphere. In addition, a light source is mounted within the sphere to illuminate the rheoscopic fluid and enhance the appearance and visibility of the current movement. The light and/or the driving apparatus can be activated by a plurality of systems. Alternatively, the sphere can be filled with two immiscible fluids having different refractive indexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Patrick Lau Ting Yup, Jeff Wilkie
  • Patent number: 6874915
    Abstract: An inflatable flexible illuminating apparatus includes an inflatable flexible member having a first end and a second end with the first end being secured to a base and the second end having a light emitting source fixed in proximity thereto. The inflatable flexible member has a non-extended, non-rigid configuration when in a non-inflated state and the inflatable flexible member has an extended configuration when in a substantially fully inflated state. The inflatable flexible member is sufficiently rigid to be self supporting in a predetermined shape when in the substantially fully inflated state. A power source is connected to the light emitting source and a pump or motorized fan is provided to inflate the inflatable flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Eisen
  • Patent number: 6857582
    Abstract: A vehicle windshield spraying and lighting assembly (10) that includes a nozzle and light housing (12) that is designed to be attached to a vehicle's (80) hood cowling or hood (82). The housing (12) houses a rear facing adjustable spray nozzle (24) and a forward facing LED (30) and strobe light (34). The LED and strobe light are operated by an electronic control circuit (50) that is enclosed within an electronic enclosure (52) designed to be attached to an accessible structure on the vehicle (80). The circuit (50) includes a single-pole, five-position switch (51) that allows the LED (30) and strobe light (34) to be operated as follows: first position: LED and strobe light off, second position: LED on, strobe light off, third position: LED on, strobe light flashing, fourth position: LED off, strobe light flashing, fifth position: LED off, strobe light on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Calvin S. Wang
  • Patent number: 6851208
    Abstract: A firefly simulation device which has a first depending flexible line segment, a motor driven fan at the distal end of the first depending flexible line segment, a second depending flexible line segment and an LED at the distal end of the second depending flexible line segment. The fan provides thrust in a plane normal to the first depending flexible line segment. The LED has a small light-transmitting opening able to be eclipsed by the LED body. In a darkened environment, the device provides apparent random motion and blinking of a light simulating a firefly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy L. Carter
  • Patent number: 6851821
    Abstract: An annex lighting fixture for decorative ceiling fan in which a complement of self-rigging lighting fixture and optional choices of neon tubes can be changed to accommodate the environment or the occasion. The invention includes a ceiling fan and a light fixture where underneath the ceiling fan is a seat body on which a removable light fixture is installed. Inside the light fixture a fixture base with hollow conduit is disposed through the center and a plurality of neon tubes. Encompassing the fixture base is a shell case made up by a plurality of upper and lower shells while underneath the fixture base is a sectional switch that controls the number and the type of neon tubes to be lighted, further enhancing the versatility and functionality of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Nien-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6843428
    Abstract: A fountain having a substantially-rectangular fountain body having a dividing floor disposed horizontally therein, dividing the fountain body into a lower chamber open on its bottom end and an upper chamber open on its top end. A conduit, passing through the dividing floor, connects the lower chamber to the upper chamber. A light source is disposed in the lower chamber. A pump, disposed within the upper chamber, pumps water up to a water spout disposed above it, which is returned to the pump by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Corporation
    Inventors: David Wooten, John Walker, Michael Wang
  • Publication number: 20040264169
    Abstract: A flameless candle includes a housing, which defines an enclosure. A wall is positioned in the enclosure to form an air intake chamber and an air outflow chamber. At least one opening is in communication with both the ambient air and the air intake chamber. At least one opening is in communication with the air intake chamber and the air outflow chamber. And at least one opening is in communication with the ambient air and the air outflow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Limburg, Thomas J. Szymczak, Milan L. Zdrubecky
  • Publication number: 20040257798
    Abstract: A device is described which includes a vertical body, the vertical body having contained therein a wick and a source of a vaporizable material. The vertical body further includes at an open end a silky material with irregular shapes to simulate the profiles of a flame such as a candle flame. Within the vertical body is a means for supplying an air current such that, when operating, the air current passes upward causing the silky material to flutter and simulate a flame, while also entraining vaporizable material which is present in the wick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Leslie Hart, Susan Hart, Colin William Brown, Guy Edward Naish, Kishen Gohil, Simone Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040252520
    Abstract: An LED signal using a novel optical element to control the light distribution of a small LED light source. Light emitted by the LEDs illuminates the optical element. The optical element has a plurality of clusters, shaped along the x-, y- and z-axis to control the light. After the light is distributed, it encounters a second optical surface of the optical element, typically a fresnel surface. The light is controlled by the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Martineau, Eden Dubuc
  • Patent number: 6827464
    Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SuperVision International, Inc.
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Richard Heiner
  • Patent number: 6824289
    Abstract: A beverage accessory device having a housing with a cavity therein, a buoyant filler within the cavity, a buoyancy-reducing feature to incrementally decrease the buoyancy of the device, a straw receptacle attached to the housing, and a switchable light-source within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Carl R. Vanderschuit
  • Publication number: 20040233660
    Abstract: An annex lighting fixture for decorative ceiling fan in which a complement of self-rigging lighting fixture and optional choices of neon tubes can be changed to accommodate the environment or the occasion. The invention includes a ceiling fan and a light fixture where underneath the ceiling fan is a seat body on which a removable light fixture is installed. Inside the light fixture a fixture base with hollow conduit is disposed through the center and a plurality of neon tubes. Encompassing the fixture base is a shell case made up by a plurality of upper and lower shells while underneath the fixture base is a sectional switch that controls the number and the type of neon tubes to be lighted, further enhancing the versatility and functionality of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Nien-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6821183
    Abstract: The invention provides a circuit embedded within a Mylar balloon for providing a desired effect such as sound, illumination, or both. The circuit includes a switch for preventing premature discharge of the power source and a tab for closing the switch when the balloon is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sing-A-Toon Balloons, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Blackman, Melchiore (Mike) Tripoli, III
  • Patent number: 6814460
    Abstract: An ornament includes a main body, and at least one light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a transparent cover mounted on the main body, a circuit board mounted in the transparent cover and having two connecting legs each exposed outward from the cover, and a light emitting member mounted on and connected to the circuit board. Thus, when the two connecting legs of the circuit board contact liquid, the circuit board and the light emitting member are connected and conducted, so that the light emitting member can emit blinking light outward from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Lai Su
  • Publication number: 20040212993
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 6806952
    Abstract: An inspection and retrieval device for vehicle fuel tanks comprising an elongated insertion tube having an end illumination source. A fuel pump in communication with the insertion tube defining a fuel path there through. An extensible gripping element extending from the insertion tube at its inlet and an illuminating source. A power source for the fluid pump and illumination source with interconnected control switches. The insertion tube is placed within a vehicle fuel filled tank and the illumination source is activated. The inspection tube can be maneuvered within the tank for visual inspection. Foreign objects can be engaged by the gripping element and removed while foreign liquid in the tank can be pumped out by activation of the fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Bernard A. Kois
  • Patent number: 6805458
    Abstract: A showerhead (802, 804) or faucet (12, 602, 702) includes a water outlet (16, 606, 706, 802) for emitting a water flow (22, 610, 710) and a handle (18, 20, 604, 704, 830) for controlling the water flow (22, 610, 770). At least one LED (42, 242, 342, 442, 542, 544, 546, 624, 658, 730, 810) is arranged on or in the showerhead (802, 804) or faucet (12, 602, 702) and viewable by an associated user thereof. A light-transmissive encapsulant (630, 660, 732) seals the at least one LED (42, 242, 342, 442, 542, 544, 546, 624, 658, 730, 810) and transmits light produced by the at least one LED (42, 242, 342, 442, 542, 544, 546, 624, 658, 730, 810) to the associated user. A controller (550) produces a controller output for controlling the LED light emission responsive to at least one of a water flow rate, a water flow temperature, an ambient light level, and a position of the handle (18, 20, 604, 704, 830).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: GELcore LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Schindler, Srianath K. Aanegola, Greg E. Burkholder, Frank P. Dornauer, Mitchell J. Hart, Kerry D. Moore, James T. Petroski, Tomislav J. Stimac
  • Publication number: 20040184260
    Abstract: The invention is a multifunctional law enforcement tool, which preferably includes several of the tools needed by law enforcement and security personnel. In one embodiment the multifunctional tool comprising a flashlight, stun gun, deterrent spray, glass breaker, I.D. holder, deterrent spray taser and cartridge housings. The cartridge housings allow the user to fire non-lethal rounds such as taser, bean bag, rubber bullets, balls and other projectiles. It may also fire tactical rounds such as colored smoke, breach rounds and concussion rounds. The cartridge housings may also house other battery powered devices such as cameras, audio and video recorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Allen Kukuk
  • Patent number: 6793362
    Abstract: A novelty translucent liquid container provides a separately compartmented electronic assembly with a multiplicity of bulbs for flashing distribution of light throughout the container. The production and distribution of flashing light throughout a liquid in the container generates a pleasant and dynamic luminescent effect rendering the container useful, as a promotional item or novelty item for a business establishment, business, product, or service. The container includes a vessel having translucent circumferential or polygonal side walls and a separate segregated compartment preferably formed at the base of the container for housing the flashing electronic device. A circuit board with a multiple light bulb flashing capability in the form of LEDs operates within the separate compartment to effect blinking lights through the vessel causing a dynamic luminescent effect throughout the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Ti Hsien Tai
  • Publication number: 20040179351
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system comprises a liquid dispensing device and a light source that is attached to or located within a close proximity of the liquid dispensing device. Light emitted from the light source illuminates an area in close proximity to the liquid dispensing device. Such light can aid a user by increasing the visibility of various components of the liquid dispensing system. Further, such light can improve the aesthetic appearance of the liquid dispensing system, particularly when the liquid dispensing system is located in an otherwise dimly lit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Wade C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6789972
    Abstract: A wand-type applicator for liquid cosmetic material includes a first housing part carrying an elongated wand of light-transmissive material with a fixed end mounted in or to the housing part and projecting outwardly therefrom to a free end remote from the housing part. The free end carries a pad of absorbent material or other structure for retaining a cosmetic liquid stored or contained in a reservoir in a second housing part which is formed as a vial that is disengageably matable with the first housing part. A selectively-activatable light source such as an LED and an associated power source is mounted in the first housing part so that light emitted from the activated LED enters the fixed end of the wand and diffuses through the wand toward its surface, to thereby illuminate the wand from the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Craig P. Nadel
  • Patent number: 6789911
    Abstract: An illuminated assembly that can be configured as a pinwheel, pinwheel bow or decorative bow. The illuminated assembly includes segments of material that are folded over to form looped structures. At least some of the looped structures retain chemical light assemblies that are used to illuminate the folded loop structures when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Webb Nelson, Mark Chernick
  • Publication number: 20040165374
    Abstract: A simulated flame device which includes a casing, means for creating an upwardly directed air flow through the casing, a light source mounted within the casing, a piece of lightweight material mounted within the casing for simulating a flame and light directing means for directing light onto each side of the material to produce a flame effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Glyn Robinson
  • Patent number: 6776511
    Abstract: There are three different embodiments of lamp assemblies according to this invention that can be exposed to forms of moisture and still be protected against a potentiality of short-circuiting. The first embodiment has the lamp shade oriented below a horizontal plane. The lamp shade is secured to a base with an o-ring mounted there between, and this secured connection-is covered by a base cap. The base cap and o-ring prevent water from entering the lamp shade at the connection with the base, and the orientation of the entire assembly below the horizontal plane prevents water from entering the open end of the lamp shade. The second embodiment has the lamp shade resting in a base cap and the socket and base of the electrical components are arranged in the fixture such that the top of the socket and base rise above the top edge of the base cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Lance Trimble Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20040156187
    Abstract: A transparent outer tube for a vehicular exhaust pipe comprises an inner tube, a first outer tube, a second outer tube, a socket and illumination devices. The inner tube is secured within the first outer tube to form a space between the inner tube and the first outer tube. The space receives the socket and the illumination devices therein. The first outer tube is axially secured with the second outer tube. Either the first outer tuber or the second outer tubes, or both of them are made of heat-resistant and transparent material. The second outer tube further comprises a ring. Thus light from the illumination devices emits direct or indirect to the tail of the exhaust pipe or reflects through the first outer tube, the second outer tube or the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 6773132
    Abstract: A kit for changing a tire having a portable carrying case with a first compartment and a second compartment which are movable between an open position and a closed position. The first compartment is used for housing an air compressor motor and a tank for holding compressed air and the second compartment includes a plurality of preformed depressions for containing an impact wrench, a tire jack and a plurality of hoses therein. The compressed air holding tank includes a plurality of air connector ports for attaching the hoses to the air connector ports and to the impact wrench and to the tire jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: James Gilligan, Denim Dycsok
  • Patent number: 6764201
    Abstract: An inflatable figure assembly is disclosed that has an inflatable, semi-permeable body and a base unit with a continuously operating fan. The body is releasably secured to the base unit with a zipper that facilitates manufacture and interchangeability of a plurality of different bodies with the base unit. Internal lighting is optionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Tsai Chi-Cheng
  • Patent number: 6762412
    Abstract: The optical apparatus of the present invention comprises; an optical member such as a lens; a casing containing the optical member; a gas supply device that supplies gas at a predetermined flow rate to inside the casing; and a gas introduction mechanism that reduces the flow rate of the gas supplied to inside the casing to below the predetermined flow rate. The casing has an inlet through which gas is supplied from the gas supply device to the inside. The gas introduction mechanism comprises an impingement member which is disposed between the inlet and a surface of the optical member, and the gas introduced from the inlet impinges against the impingement member. As a result, contamination of the optical member due to gas introduced to inside the casing can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Akagawa, Taichi Taniuchi
  • Publication number: 20040130886
    Abstract: A liquid-activated lighted ice cube includes a battery-powered electrical circuit and LED housed in a hollow body that resembles an ice cube. The circuit includes electrodes exposed to the exterior of the hollow body that, when in contact with water or other liquid beverage, cause the circuit to turn on the LED and illuminate the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Edward D. Lewis, Christopher A. Webber
  • Patent number: 6758575
    Abstract: A decorative apparatus comprises a primary container defined by an upper portion and a lower portion. The primary container has an opening defined in the upper portion. A secondary container comprises a cap and a reservoir body extending therefrom. The secondary container is suspendedly disposed within the primary container such that the cap of the secondary container substantially corresponds to the opening of the primary container and the reservoir body of the secondary container extends toward the lower portion of the primary container. A reservoir access aperture is disposed in the cap. A method of manufacture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen C. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20040125609
    Abstract: A kit for changing a tire having a portable carrying case with a first compartment and a second compartment which are movable between an open position and a closed position. The first compartment is used for housing an air compressor motor and a tank for holding compressed air and the second compartment includes a plurality of preformed depressions for containing an impact wrench, a tire jack and a plurality of hoses therein. The compressed air holding tank includes a plurality of air connector ports for attaching the hoses to the air connector ports and to the impact wrench and to the tire jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: James Gilligan, Denim Dycsok
  • Publication number: 20040114351
    Abstract: Apparatus for simulating flames and producing a more realistic flame effect is provided. The apparatus comprises a light source to illuminate at least one flame element which is movably suspended within the apparatus, and viewed through a diffusing screen. The apparatus includes a means for simulating airborne burning embers which comprises the tape used as the suspending means for the flame elements. The apparatus also includes reflective flicker flame elements to produce a variation in the colour and intensity of the flame effect produced. In has been found that the realism of the flame effect can be enhanced if the top of the flame element it is angled rearwards with respect to the viewing screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Stokes, Dominic Begley
  • Patent number: 6746134
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultra-violet device for use with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The device includes an ultra-violet lamp mounted to a base having a switch for operating the lamp. The ultra-violet lamp and base couple to a mounting plate having a spring-loaded lever for engaging the switch of the base. The spring-loaded lever only engages the switch when the mounting plate, ultra-violet lamp, and base are properly configured. Thus, the ultra-violet device only operates when the device is properly configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Field Controls, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steve Guzorek
  • Patent number: 6746131
    Abstract: A transparent container has two immiscible liquids of different densities, colors and viscosities. A pump with a magnetic coupling injects the denser liquid upwardly into the less dense liquid in response to changes in sound volume or frequency of the vicinity of the device providing a geyser display reactive to music or voice. Pump control circuitry includes a microphone, an amplifier; a filter for extracting a beat from dance music or syllabic content of speech; an amplitude detector for detecting a short-time amplitude envelope; a long time averager providing a reference signal proportional to the average sound level and an attenuator; a comparator connected to both the averager and the attenuator to change state when the attenuated version of the short time amplitude envelope momentarily rises above reference signal to provide an activating signal to a pump power controller causing electric power to be delivered to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Steven G. Goldstein, Mark R. Barton
  • Patent number: 6739736
    Abstract: A radiating system for projector device includes a ventiduct structure with a ventiduct space, a light source having a lamp center and arranged in the ventiduct space, a baffle provided around the light source to divide the ventiduct space into a first ventiduct space and a second ventiduct space, and an arc-shaped inner bend provided for communicating the first ventiduct space and the second ventiduct space. A lamp radiating fan inhales an air blowing toward the lamp center and a radiating fan drains the air out it of the second ventiduct space to carry away a heat generated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Wen Neng Liao
  • Publication number: 20040095748
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a waterfall lampshade comprising a shroud, a liquid supply unit provided at a first end of the shroud, and a liquid collection unit provided at a second opposite end of the shroud so that liquid may flow cyclically through the surface of the shroud, the liquid supply unit, and the liquid collection unit. When the shroud in mounted on a support mechanism of the lamp, a light emitting element on the support mechanism may project light onto the surface of the shroud. At the same time, liquid continuously flows down along the surface of the shroud. As a result, a continuous change of brightness and darkness is shown on the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Junhon Lin
  • Patent number: 6736523
    Abstract: A combination flashlight and container device comprising a first casing including a battery operated, manual flashlight with a threaded end, and a second casing detachably connected to the first casing at the threaded end, the second casing having a sealable and totally enclosed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Alvey
  • Publication number: 20040085754
    Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Richard Heiner
  • Publication number: 20040066648
    Abstract: The invention is a new lighting system constituted by a bearing structure (S) that can be inflated manually, with the mouth or electrically with fans, made of fabric or plastic material and provided with one or more light sources (L) at its top and with a support base (B) to its bottom. This bearing structure (S) comprises an airtight air tube provided with a suitable valve system (VG, VS, VR) for the inlet, maintenance and outlet of air and with a manual or automatic system that operates the fans and opens the air inlet valves (VG, VR) to keep a constant pressure inside the structure (S). The pressure can be measured by a set of sensors (PS, PI) connected to a logic circuit that gives or denies consent for the operation of the fans and of the valve. The bearing structure (S) can be produced by combining two surfaces, an inner one suitable for ensuring airtightness and an outer one suitable for ensuring mechanical resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Tambini
  • Publication number: 20040057232
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hand-held flashlight that is telescopically extendable along a concentric axis. The flashlight having a transparent portion which allows light to radiate out of the flashlight in a 360-degree sector when in the extended configuration. The flashlight having an exhaust unit for equalizing pressure between an interior and exterior of the flashlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Tit Wing Poon