Abstract: The subject invention relates to automotive lighting assemblies. Specifically, the subject invention relates to a device and method for retaining wires, which provide power to the light source, in the proper orientation. In an exemplary embodiment, a wire retaining cavity is formed by a molded rib on a cover and a molded retention feature with a hook portion on a light source retaining compartment. In this exemplary embodiment, the cover and retaining compartment are integrally connected to one another by a living hinge. The wire retaining cavity is formed once the cover is folded over the retaining cavity bringing the rib into close proximity of the wire retention feature and adjacent to the hook portion of the feature.

Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided which reduces the illumination of the foreground area in front of a vehicle so as to reduce reflective glare. A movable glare shield is moved into the portion of the beam of light produced by a lamp assembly that is associated with the foreground area, thereby reducing the illumination level in the foreground area. The shield may be rotatably moved out of the light beam to allow for full illumination when glare is not present.

Abstract: An adjustable rear lamp is disclosed to allow the adjustment of a lamp housing within the lamp cavity of an automobile's body frame. A threaded bolt is inserted into an opening in the sheet metal of an automobile. A nut is attached to the threaded bolt. The threaded bolt surrounds a threaded shaft, and one end of the threaded shaft is attached to the lamp housing. The nut and threaded bolt may be rotated, engaging the threaded shaft and moving the threaded shaft into or out of the lamp cavity. The movement of the threaded shaft and the lamp housing allows the lamp housing to be positioned precisely within the lamp cavity.

Abstract: A light assembly is provided which divides a collimated light beam into a plurality of beams using the principle of total internal reflection. A portion of the beam exits a lens in a direction generally parallel to the optical axis of the collimated light beam. A surface within the lens is located such that a portion of the collimated light beam impinges the surface at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing the portion of collimated light to be reflected within the lens. The redirected portion of the collimated light beam may then be used for other purposes such as providing an ornamental feature.

Abstract: An adverse weather headlamp assembly that comprises a foreground shield with two sides that taper up from a bottom portion to form a triangular shaped shield. The foreground shield can be movable between a blocking position and a pass-through position. In combination with a cutoff shield, the foreground shield reduces the amount of emitted light that can be reflected off of a wet or icy road in adverse weather conditions in order to reduce glare, while still allowing enough light to be emitted for the driver to adequately see the road.

Abstract: A standalone gradient detector system, utilizing a gradient detector with a several photodetectors, is disclosed. A lamp emits light toward a screen. The light strikes the photodetectors on a photodector array, which communicate the light intensity to a gradient circuit. The gradient circuit compares the intensity values from each photodetector with the intensity value for the photodetector immediately adjacent, and computes a gradient value. The maximum gradient value is displayed using a display device, and the position of the photodetector with the maximum gradient value is indicated by an adjacent light source. The gradient of an automobile headlamp may thus be found easily, assisting in headlamp positioning during headlamp and vehicle manufacture.

Abstract: A LED light source assembly, utilizing a standard electrical socket with an integrated heat sink and an adjustable secondary heat sink structure is described. The LED light source assembly places a LED light source at a similar relative position inside a lamp housing as a traditional incandescent light bulb, to take advantage of traditional reflector geometries. A heat sink is attached to an automobile electrical socket, having a standard shape for traditional incandescent lighting. A LED light source is installed on the heat sink, and receives electricity from the automobile via the electrical socket. A secondary LED heat sink, with a second LED light source, may optionally be affixed to one of several possible attachment points of the LED light source assembly. The addition of a secondary LED heat sink allows the number and position of LED light sources to be varied according to lighting requirements.

Abstract: A lamp assembly with a peripheral auxiliary finction is described for use with automobile lamps. A moveable shield and a fixed shield are positioned about a light source inside a housing. A first reflective surface and a second reflective surface are formed on the inside of the housing. The moveable shield is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the moveable shield blocks light from striking the second reflective surface, and a main beam is projected from the lamp assembly. In the second position, the moveable shield blocks light from striking the first reflective surface, and a peripheral beam is projected from the assembly. Thus, the moveable shield may be moved to switch between the main beam and the peripheral beam, creating the ability to alter the functionality of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an automotive front lamp assembly with a reflector and a light source and relates to a manufacturing defect that causes a substantial amount of glare when light from the light source strikes it. The subject invention utilizes at least one glare prevention to cover or prevent the formation of the sink. In an exemplary embodiment, the glare prevention feature comprises a rib or half-sphere with a convex surface that has a sharp radius. The convex surface spreads out the light that reflects off it over a large area in order to prevent glare. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the glare prevention feature comprises a rib with a substantially perpendicular surface and an angled or curved surface. This embodiment prevents glare by redirecting most of the light that strikes its surfaces so that it is not emitted out of the front lamp assembly.

Abstract: A peripheral beam lamp is described for use with automobile lamps. A light source is positioned within a housing, and the inner surface of the housing has a non-reflective surface and a partially reflective section. Light emitted from the light source may either strike the non-reflective surface or the partially reflective section, or may not strike any part of the inner surface of the housing before being emitted from the lamp assembly. Light striking the non-reflective surface is absorbed, and light striking the partially reflective section is partially reflected, depending on the color of the light and the color of the partially reflective section. Light emitted from the lamp assembly without striking the inner surface of the housing forms a main beam, and the light striking the partially reflective section imparts a color to the lens and lamp assembly, rendering a stylized appearance.

Abstract: A solid state adaptive forward lighting system is described for use with automobile headlamps. A central processing unit receives input from automobile wheel position sensors and incline sensors. The processing unit signals an array of light emitting diodes to selectively operate one or more diodes in the array to produce light. The array of light emitting diodes is provided with a converging lens to selectively change the angle of light projected from the light housing. The invention is thus able to change the angle of light based on the inputs from the sensors. The change in the angle of light enhances the automobile operator's view of the upcoming roadway, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bifunctional headlamp having a bulb shield operable to project a low beam light pattern or a high beam light pattern. A bulb shield surrounds a bulb inside a housing. The bulb shield is attached to an actuator, which rotates the bulb shield about the bulb. The bulb shield contains projections placed opposite one another on the bulb shield, which serve to selectively shield portions of emitted light from the bulb from reflecting out of the housing. The selective shielding of the light emitted from the housing allows the bifunctional headlamp to utilize one bulb for both a low beam pattern and a high beam pattern. The use of one bulb for two functions reduces complexity and electrical requirements.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a bending lamp apparatus and method of use. A first filament is energized as a vehicle begins to turn so as to provide illumination in the direction of the turn. As the turn becomes more severe, a second filament is energized such that an additional area is illuminated in the direction of the turn.

Abstract: A lighting assembly comprising a housing having at least one aperture formed therein and a reflector secured to the housing. The reflector comprises at least one reflector cup having a front curved surface. The lighting assembly further comprises at least one light source, such as an LED, positioned in the at least one aperture and secured to the housing. The at least one light source is positioned to emit light toward the at least one reflector cup and the light may then be focused into a collimated beam. A plurality of light sources may be circumferentially spaced around the outer edge of the reflector.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly with LESDs mounted opposite to the reflective side of a reflector. A plurality of reflectors are arranged in an overlapping fashion such that the light emitted from the LESD of one reflector is directed to the reflective surface of an underlying reflector. In this fashion, a number of LESDs may be incorporated into a lighting device in a variety of patterns while maintaining the LESDs and their mountings hidden from view.