Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William H. McNeill
  • Patent number: 8058788
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flash-free lamp base (10), wherein the lamp base (10) comprises a shell (14), an eyelet (16) and a glass, electrically insulating part (18) therebetween and joining the shell (14) and the eyelet (16), the shell and the eyelet being electrically conductive, the shell (14) having a tubular portion (14a) with an open end (14b) and a partially closed end (14c) defining a volume (14d) therebetween, the partially closed end (14c) including a tapered area (14e) terminating in a reentrant section (14f) that extends into the volume (14d) and defines an inner annulus (14g).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Bupp, Tad Smith, Donald Burger, Jesse Unger
  • Patent number: 7932528
    Abstract: An optical light guide (30) comprises a base (32); a body (34) extending from the base along a longitudinal axis (36); and N light-emitting segments (38) extending laterally from the body (34), at least some of the N segments (38) being spaced a different distance from the base (32). The light guide (30) is constructed of a light-transmitting material, such as glass or acrylic, and can be clear or colored. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each of the segments (38) would extend a different distance from the base; however, the exact degree of separation would be dependent upon the curvature of surface with which the optic is to be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7915825
    Abstract: An arc discharge lamp (10) having an arc tube (12) containing an arc generating and sustaining medium (13) and first and second spaced apart electrodes (14, 16), respectively. An envelope (18) surrounds the arc tube (12) and contains an atmosphere (19) within it. The atmosphere is of a composition and pressure that will provide a burst of UV radiation in response to a spark generated within the envelope (18) and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, is selected from argon or nitrogen (with nitrogen being preferred) at a pressure of from 150 to 400 torr. First and second electrical lead-ins (20, 22) are sealed within the envelope (18), with the first lead-in (20) being electrically connected to the first electrode (14) and the second lead-in (22) being connected to the second electrode (16), for example, by connector wire (22a). Means (30) is contained within the envelope (18) and exposed to the atmosphere (19) for generating a UV-producing spark within the atmosphere (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Elliot F. Wyner
  • Patent number: 7874427
    Abstract: A locking system for two linear fluorescent lamps comprises an endcap (10) formed to receive two linear fluorescent lamps (12, 14) (FIG. 3). The endcap (10) has two chambers (16, 18) formed by the outside surfaces of endcap (10) and a central partition (19). Each of the chambers has a forward portion (20) and a rearward portion (22). The endcap (10) has a width W equal to the diameter of the fluorescent lamps, a length L equal to twice the diameter of the fluorescent lamps and a depth, for example, 4 to 6 inches, that is substantially less than the length of the lamps, which can be one to eight feet long. A stop (24) is formed in each of the chambers at the forward portion (20) to retain the lamps within the endcap. Each of the stops (24), in the form of a reverse corner, extends inwardly toward the center of the endcap and has a first leg (26) with a first dimension equal to the width W and a second leg (28) with a second dimension that is greater than one half of said width W but less than the width W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 7839066
    Abstract: A discharge lamp has an axis with an arc tube having a hollow body containing an axially aligned arc generating and sustaining medium. The lamp electrodes and hollow body are arrayed along the axis. A sealed shroud surrounds the arc tube. The shroud and arc tube form an arc tube assembly. An envelope surrounds the arc tube assembly, and includes a base portion with a cylindrical part. Electrical lead-ins extend through the base portion and mechanically and electrically connect to the electrodes. A strengthening member for preventing the arc tube assembly from axial displacement as a result of forces applied substantially normal to the axis is provided. The strengthening member comprises an elongated element having first and second ends. The first end is formed to substantially engage the arc tube assembly, near an upper end, and the second end is formed to substantially engage the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: David Hrubowchak, Graham Wark, Steven Collins, Paul Oberlies
  • Patent number: 7807084
    Abstract: A method of selectively applying a pattern to a molded part comprises the steps of forming a mold (8); molding a three-dimensional object (10) having at least one face (12) in the mold, the three-dimensional object (10) being formed of a first material. Masking the at least the one face (12) of the three-dimensional object (10) with a mask (14) comprising a reverse image of a desired pattern while the three-dimensional object is still in the mold. Overmolding the three-dimensional object (10) with a second material to provide the reverse image. Removing the three-dimensional object (10) from the mold, coating at least the one face 12 of the three-dimensional object with a third material; and removing the second material to reveal the desired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk-Martin Skirha, III, Kevin P. Morris, Sanders R. Brott
  • Patent number: 7795632
    Abstract: An LED and light guide assembly has an LED with an output surface; a first power input lead electrically coupled to a first pole and having a first surface and a second surface; and a second power input lead electrically coupled to a second pole and having a first surface and a second surface. A unitary, molded light guide has an axially extending, light transmissive body with a light output window. An input window is formed with the unitary, molded light guide being aligned in a zero-gap relationship to capture substantially all the light emitted by the LED. A support is formed integral with the light guide and envelopes a portion of the first surface and the second surface of the first power input lead and the first surface and the second surface of the second power input lead to anchor the guide with respect to the power inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Ralph Johnson, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7753540
    Abstract: An illuminable indicator (40) has an opaque base (42); a cover (44) for the base (42), the cover (44) having a formed design (46) therein having a given circumference with an area (48) defined by the circumference, the area (48) provided with a reflector (49) and at least the formed design being translucent; and mounting means (50) formed in the base for receiving a light engine (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7736015
    Abstract: A light (10) comprising: a cup-shaped, substantially rigid base (12) having a circumferential ridge (14) on the outer wall (16) of the base (12); a battery (18) having first and second poles (20, 22) within the base (12); a PCB (24) overlying the battery (18) within the base (12), the PCB (24) having a plurality of apertures (26) therein, at least one of the apertures (26) containing a LED (28) having first and second lead-ins (20a, 22a), a first of the lead-ins (20a) being electrically connected to the first pole (20) via a connector (30); switch means (32) associated with the PCB (24) electrically connecting the second lead-in (22a) to the second pole (22); and a cup-shaped, flexible, translucent cover (34) on the base, the wall (36) of the cover (34) engaging the outer wall (16) and the circumferential ridge (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Laura Peach
  • Patent number: 7731404
    Abstract: An illuminator (10) for a plurality of optical fibers (12). The illuminator (10) comprises a housing (14) that can be formed of two housing halves, (14a) and (14b) of a suitable material such as an opaque ABS plastic. First and second compartments (16, 18) are provided in the housing. A suitable battery (20) is contained within the first compartment (16) and a light source (22) is contained in the second compartment (18). The light source (22) is preferably a LED. The light source (22) is mounted upon a printed circuit board (24), which, in turn, can be mounted upon a heatsink (24a), for example, a black, anodized aluminum. An optical coupler (26) is associated with the light source (22) and comprises a central body (28) arrayed along a light source axis (30) and has a proximal end (32) with a lens (34) adjacent the light source (22) and a distal end (36). At least one lateral projection (38) (preferably, two) is formed on the central body (28), the lateral projection (38) including mounting means (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc
    Inventor: Charles M. Coushaine
  • Patent number: 7731545
    Abstract: A socket (10) for receiving and retaining a lamp (12) and providing electrical connection to electrical lead-ins (14a) and (14b) of the lamp (12), the electrical lead-ins (14a) and (14b) projecting from the lamp in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (18). The socket (10) comprises a first socket body half (16) arrayed about the longitudinal axis (18) and including a receptacle (20) aligned with the longitudinal axis (18) for receiving a portion (22) of the lamp (12). Lead-in receptacles (24) are formed in the socket body (16), the receptacles being laterally disposed relative to the longitudinal axis. Electrical lead-in contact receivers (26) are formed adjacent the lead-in receptacles. Radially spaced contact retainers (28, 29) are associated with the contact receivers (26). An electrical contact (30) is positioned in each contact receiver (26), each of the electrical contacts (30) comprising first and second spaced-apart lead-in engagers (32, 34) joined by a bight (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Scholeno
  • Patent number: 7686660
    Abstract: An assembly (10) comprises a receptacle (12) having a base (14) including a single longitudinal row (16) of male connector pins (18) extending above and below the base. First wall and second walls (20, 22) project above the base (14) and have similar heights but differing widths, W and W1. The first wall and the second wall are spaced differing distances D and D1 from the single row of pins (18). A connector (24) with a central body (26) is formed to engage the receptacle (12) by mating with the uneven walls W and W1 and the asymmetric spacing of the pins (18). The uneven walls and the asymmetrical spacing of the pins (18) from the walls provide plural asymmetries assuring a positive alignment for the pieces of the assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Steve R. Chamuel
  • Patent number: 7665237
    Abstract: An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7656080
    Abstract: A vibration resistant, energy efficient lamp (10) that is suitable for, for example, ceiling fan operation where vibration is always a concern. The lamp (10) comprises an envelope (12) of a suitable transparent glass, for example, a borosilicate glass, having a substantially spherical upper body (14) with a given diameter D, a substantially cylindrical waist (16) having a diameter W of about 38% of the given diameter; a neck portion (18) having a diameter N of about 31 to about 32% of the given diameter and a threaded base (20) having a diameter B of about 25 to 27% of the given diameter. The base (20) has a skirt portion (22) adjacent the neck portion having diameter S substantially equal to the neck portion (18) diameter N and larger than the diameter B of the base (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignees: Osram Sylvania Inc., Everlite Electric Ind. Corp.
    Inventors: Fred Hernandez, Jr., Catherine M. Emerling, Joe Wang, Chin Shui Hsu
  • Patent number: 7642703
    Abstract: A lamp base (10), for example, for a tungsten-halogen lamp, comprises three electrically conductive parts or elements and a glass insulator. Specifically, the lamp base (10) comprises a first metallic outer part (12), a glass inner part (14), an electrically conducting eyelet (18), and an upper electrically conductive part (20), all symmetrically arrayed about a longitudinal axis (16). The glass insulator (14) bonds all of the electrically conductive parts, (12, 18) and (20). The metallic outer part (12) is preferably threaded for insertion into a socket and has a major, internal diameter D1. The glass inner part (14) has a primary, external diameter that is equal to the major internal diameter D1; i.e., the external diameter of the glass inner part (14) is contiguous with the internal diameter of the metallic outer part (12). Further, the internal glass part (14) has an opening (14a) therein and the opening (14a) has a secondary diameter D2In an aspect of the invention, D2/D1 is greater than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Middleton, Jay Yeaple, Neil Bupp, Donald Burger, Tad Smith, Timothy McGill
  • Patent number: 7637685
    Abstract: An adjustment device (10) having a socket (12) attached to an article (14) to be adjusted; a housing (16) remote from the article (14); a shaft (18) moveable along a longitudinal axis (20) in the housing (16), the shaft (18) having a socket end (22) engaging the socket (12); a clutch (24) to allow slippage of the shaft (18), the improvement wherein a friction brake (26) is positioned in the housing (16) and engages the socket end (22) of the shaft (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sanders R. Brott, James W. Acker
  • Patent number: 7637649
    Abstract: A lamp (160) comprising: a light-emitting lamp capsule (161) arrayed about a longitudinal axis (161a); a base (162) supporting said lamp capsule (161), said base (162) including a peripheral flange (163) extending normal to said longitudinal axis 161a); and electrical contacts (164) attached to said peripheral flange for providing power to said light-emitting lamp capsule (161), said electrical contacts (164) extending from said peripheral flange (163) in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis (161a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Ceferino Garcia, Richard C. Laird
  • Patent number: 7618171
    Abstract: A light gathering module (10) has a body (12) with a first end (14) comprising a single light transmitting surface (16) and a second end (18) having a plurality of arms (20), each arm (20) having an independent light gathering terminus (22) that is rectangular. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end (14) of the body also is rectangular. The light gathering module (10) can be fabricated from acrylic, plastic, glass or other suitable material and preferably has no cladding so that light output I maximized. When combined in a housing (32) with a projector lens (34) the light gathering module (10) provides a vehicle headlamp (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Michael Tucker, Ralph Johnson, Steven Sidwell
  • Patent number: 7615930
    Abstract: A low-wattage, high intensity arc discharge electric lamp (10) has a thick-walled outer envelope (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (14) and has a bulbous portion (16) and a narrow, cylindrical base (18) including oppositely disposed grooves (20) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (14). An electrically conductive mounting member (22) has grippers (24) formed on ends (26) thereof to engage the grooves (20). The electrically conductive member (22) has a center portion (28) with a U-shaped segment (30) that is positioned within the base. An arc tube assembly (32) comprises an arc tube (34) having axially extending electrode lead-ins (36, 38) sealed within a shroud (40). The shroud (40) has parallel electrical connections (42, 44) extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Hrubowchak, Paul W. Oberlies, Steven A. Collins
  • Patent number: 7600890
    Abstract: An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour