Patents Assigned to Lumitex, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6874925
    Abstract: Fiber optic light panel assemblies include a panel member having one or more layers of individual optical fibers arranged in close proximity to each other. One or more of the optical fibers may be completely severed adjacent the light receiving end of the panel member to prevent any light entering the light receiving end from being transmitted through the severed optical fibers. At least some of the severed optical fibers may extend along one or more side edges of the panel member and/or intermediate the side edges. A slot may extend through an unlighted end of the panel member toward the light receiving end intermediate the side edges that sever a number of the optical fibers at the innermost end of the slot. The panel member may also be cut into a plurality of smaller width panel sections to provide gaps between the panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Page, David B. Larson, Joseph Lee Diamond
  • Patent number: 6872220
    Abstract: A phototherapy system includes a flexible pad for positioning an infant during phototherapy treatment and one or more light emitters for directing light through portions of the pad for exposing the infant's skin to the light during phototherapy treatment. The pad may include pockets and/or other attachment means for attaching one or more light emitters to the pad bottom and/or to one or more padded side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Williams, James T. Burke, Bryan M. Merritt
  • Patent number: 6861600
    Abstract: Integrated switch and backlight assembly includes a flexible light panel disposed between a circuit board and a keypad for backlighting the keypad. On the back side of the light panel is a back reflector having a plurality of contacts for selectively establishing electrical contact with the circuit board upon actuating selective portions of the keypad to cause corresponding portions of the light panel and back reflector to flex toward the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter B. Schulz, David J. Page
  • Patent number: 6779715
    Abstract: Counter mechanisms for measuring the useful life of a reposable or disposable device include an actuator that drives a counter each time the device is used, sterilized and/or two or more parts of the device are fitted together. A display may be provided to display the number of times the counter is driven. A signaling device may also be provided that is responsive to the device having been used a specified number of times (based on the actual number of uses, sterilizations and/or fitting of two or more parts together) to provide an indication of when the device should no longer be used. Further, a disabling mechanism may be provided to prevent further use of the device after the specified number of uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Williams
  • Patent number: 6739744
    Abstract: A lighting device includes an optic light guide having a free end that emits directional light. Surrounding the free end is a sleeve having an aperture through which a beam of light emitted by the free end of the light guide passes. The sleeve may be moved in and out relative to the free end to vary the size of the beam of light passing through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Williams, Peter W. Broer
  • Patent number: 6733187
    Abstract: Connector assemblies for tightly compacting end portions of a bundle of optical fibers together include a plastic tube surrounding the optical fiber end portions and a metal ferrule surrounding the plastic tube. The metal ferrule is crimped to maintain a compression force on the optical fiber end portions while the plastic tube acts as a buffer to prevent damage to the optical fiber end portions by the metal ferrule and is stiff enough to prevent the compression force from causing the optical end portions to sink into the plastic tube blocking light entering the optical fiber end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Page, Paul E. McCreight
  • Patent number: 6591049
    Abstract: Light delivery systems/lighting devices include a light distributor and a flexible light emitter. A malleable member adjacent said light emitter is bendable to hold the shape of the light emitter once arranged in a desired position. A protective cover protects the light emitter and/or light distributor from direct contact with contaminants or components which may interfere with proper operation thereof. A handle connected to the light distributor contains a light pipe or rod that provides an interface between the light distributor and a light source conduit which may be inserted into a socket in the handle or connected to a male adaptor mounted in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Williams, Robert Caywood, Jeffery R. Parker
  • Patent number: 6504985
    Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle having an elongated first blade portion connected at one end to one end of the handle and an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of the first blade portion. One end of the second blade portion defines an illumination input end to which a connector is coupled. The connector is shaped to optically couple the illumination input end to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of the first and second blade portions is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Jeffrey B. Williams, Robert Caywood
  • Patent number: 6236785
    Abstract: An optical splitter for distributing a beam of light along a plurality of output paths. The amount of light output from each output path is user adjustable according to one embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment the amount of light output from each output path is determined by the arrangement of the optical splitter. The present invention allows a single high-power high-intensity light generation source to simultaneously provide light to a plurality of lighting devices, instruments or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Parker, Jeffrey B. Williams
  • Patent number: 6185356
    Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a lighting device from direct contact with contaminants or components which may interfere with proper operation thereof. The contaminant (e.g., blood, body tissue, dirt, oil, grease, paint, etc.) or other component (e.g., adhesive pad) can interfere with the desired internal reflection of the light propogating through a light transmitting member, by changing the angle of reflection of the propagating light. The result is that optical energy is absorbed by the contaminant or component and converted to heat, thus causing the contaminant or component to quickly rise to an undesirable temperature. The present invention protects a lighting device from such interference, while maintaining its versatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Parker, Jeffrey B. Williams, Robert Caywood
  • Patent number: 6158867
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Thomas A. Hough
  • Patent number: 6079838
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 6030089
    Abstract: A light distribution system includes an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to an input edge of the light emitting portion for conduction within the light emitting portion and emission therefrom, and a power source for the light source. A holder may be provided for the light emitting portion. The holder may be made of a flexible material to permit the holder to conform to a contoured surface such as the arm or other body part of a person. Also, a flexible band or belt may be provided for personal wear. The light distribution system may include an additional light source which is directional so it can be seen at a greater distance than the area light emitting portion. An information display system controlled by an interactive switch may also be provided for displaying selected information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Terrence P. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5975711
    Abstract: Integrated display panel assemblies include a light conducting panel having opposite sides and an end portion for receiving light from one or more light sources for conduction through the panel. On one of the sides of the panel is a first light emitting area for causing a portion of the conducted light to be emitted from the panel for backlighting an LCD or other display supported by the panel in overlying relation to the first light emitting area. The remainder of the conducted light passes beneath the first light emitting area to other light emitting areas on the panel for illuminating other displays associated with the other light emitting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 5921652
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 5895115
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Thomas A. Hough
  • Patent number: 5894686
    Abstract: Light distribution systems include a light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to the light emitting portion and a power source for the light source. A sealed holder or pocket may be provided for the light emitting portion. The light emitting portion may be located on an upper portion of a shoe and include a raised or relieved area from which light is emitted. The light distribution systems may include an additional light source which is directional so it can be seen at a greater distance than the light emitting portion. An information display system may also be provided, including a liquid crystal display located on an upper portion of a shoe, and a motion sensor for controlling operation of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Terrence P. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5876107
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 5618096
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 5613751
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Daniel N. Kelsch