Patents Assigned to Valeo North America, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20200171999
    Abstract: In an automotive lighting apparatus, at least one lighting component generates a corresponding light field. The lighting component is aligned such that the light field conforms to an illumination profile having a cutoff region meeting a cutoff criterion. At least one actuator is mechanically coupled to the lighting component to aim the lighting component in a direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned. A control component operates the actuator based on the speed of an automobile in which the lighting component is installed. The actuator is then configured to aim the lighting component in the direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned so that the light field thereof conforms to another illumination profile meeting another cutoff criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Warner, Greg Simons, Julien Hemon
  • Patent number: 10670219
    Abstract: In an automotive lighting apparatus lighting components generate respective light fields. The lighting components are aligned one with the others such that the light fields combine in a lighting profile having cutoff regions meeting a predetermined cutoff criterion. An actuator is mechanically coupled to a corresponding one of the lighting components to aim that lighting component in a direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned. A control component operate the actuator to aim the lighting component in the direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned so that the light fields of the lighting components combine in another lighting profile having cutoff regions meeting another cutoff criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Warner, Brant Potter, John Orisich
  • Patent number: 10674052
    Abstract: A compact digital camera and infrared (IR) illuminator apparatus, including IR illuminators arranged adjacent to the digital camera. The digital camera has a camera lens and each IR illuminator includes IR LEDs. A single cover lens is positioned to cover the at least one IR LED and the camera lens. A region of the single cover lens that covers the IR LEDs blocks visible light and a region of the single cover lens that covers the camera lens is a neutral lens that transmits visible light. The single cover lens is a two-shot molded lens or a three-shot molded lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Stein, Jon Beauchamp, John Orisich, Brant Potter
  • Patent number: 10663133
    Abstract: A fiber optic light panel includes an optical fiber layer having a plurality of optical fibers each configured to emit light along a length of the optical fiber. The plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a predetermined form such that the optical fiber layer has a light emitting side configured to emit light, and a mounting side opposing the light emitting side. Also included is an adhesive layer having a first surface in direct contact with the mounting side of the optical fiber layer, and a second side opposing the first side and configured to directly contact a surface of a supporting structure such that the adhesive layer connects the optical fiber layer to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Beauchamp, Chase Rouse
  • Patent number: 10663138
    Abstract: A light module includes a plurality of optical fibers configured as an optical fiber panel, wherein a first end of the plurality of optical fibers is configured into a bundle; a first solid state light source coupled to the bundle; a second solid state light source; and a reflector configured to reflect light rays transmitted from the second solid state light source towards the optical fiber panel. A method of transmitting light includes transmitting a first set of light rays, via a first solid state light source, to a plurality of optical fibers of an optical fiber panel, wherein the first solid state light source is coupled to the plurality of optical fibers; transmitting a second set of light rays, via a second solid state light source, towards a reflector; and reflecting the second set of light rays from the reflector towards the optical fiber panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Patton Davis Baker, Charles Crespin
  • Patent number: 10661700
    Abstract: Bezel apparatus for use with vehicle lamps are disclosed. A disclosed bezel for a vehicle lamp includes a skeleton defining a portion of the bezel. The skeleton is configured to provide structural integrity to the bezel. The bezel also includes a film configured to cover the skeleton. The film comprises a first side configured to contact the skeleton and a second side opposite to the first side and including a visual design. The bezel also includes a coupling mechanism configured to couple the film to the skeleton to provide a completed bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Orisich, Mark Pattison, Ambroise Servantie
  • Patent number: 10655807
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source and a reflector. The first light source is configured to emit first light in a first direction. The second light source is configured to emit second light in a second direction with a tilt angle to the first direction. The reflector is configured to have a reflection surface. The reflection surface has a first portion that reflects the first light and a second portion that reflects the second light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Hemon, Enrique Granell, David Solis
  • Patent number: 10655810
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle comprising a housing, a reflector mounted in the housing, a light source, a printed circuit board or PCB mounted on a heatsink of the lamp assembly and coupled to the light source to control operation of the light source. The PCB has a first connector for coupling to a second connector comprising a body having a plurality of resilient or elastic arms that each have a detent for locking the connector to the component and retain electrical contact with the PCB. The wall of the heatsink defines an aperture for receiving the second connector and provides a locking surface that deflects the arms towards the body while engaging and cooperating with the detests to lock the connector to the PCB. The free end of the arms extend beyond the mounting wall and are actuated to unlock the connector from the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Hunt, Jonathan Blandin
  • Publication number: 20200148173
    Abstract: A wiper blade assembly for a windshield wiper. In one embodiment, the wiper blade assembly includes a connector mounted on a blade support element. The connector has a receiving portion shaped to receive a first part of the end portion of a wiper arm and further has a securing portion shaped to secure a second part of the end portion of the wiper arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicants: Valeo North America, Inc., Delmex de Juarez S. de R.L. de C.V.
    Inventors: Andreas FINK, Wolfgang Scholl, Gerhard Schremmer
  • Patent number: 10648640
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a heat sink including a pad surface, and an LED mounted on the pad surface. An optical device is optically coupled to the LED, and a support structure is provided for connecting the optical device to the heat sink. The support structure includes fixation spacers to connect the supporting structure to the heat sink, and both the LED and the fixation spacers contact the pad surface on a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Hemon, Fred Roth
  • Patent number: 10648637
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical device for a motor vehicle comprising: a light guide; at least one collimator; at least one light source associated with each collimator; and at least one optical coupler having at least two reflecting facets. The optical coupler couples a collimator with the light guide at the light entry face of the light guide. The collimator is adapted to receive the light beam emitted by a light source and to collimate this beam, and directing the collimated beam towards the reflecting facets of the optical coupler. At least part of collimated light beam from the reflecting facets enters the light guide and directed towards the light exit face along an optical axis of the light guide. The optical device further comprises at least one aperture for diverting other part of the collimated light beam out of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lionel Floc'h
  • Patent number: 10641473
    Abstract: A lighting module having a heat sink and at least one light source supported by the heat sink. A printed circuit board is also supported on the heat sink and electrically coupled to the at least one light source with at least one conductor. The heat sink is folded or formed to define a conductor protector for protecting the at least one conductor and has at least one wall that is situated in operative relationship with the at least one conductor in order to shield or protect the at least one conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Allen Roth, Julien Hemon
  • Publication number: 20200130924
    Abstract: A packaging device for a windscreen wiper blade has a housing configured to receive the blade, having a first support surface configured to contact a portion of an upper part of the blade, a second support surface configured to contact a first portion of a lower part of the blade, a third support surface configured to contact a second portion of the lower part of the blade, a centering means, and a hooking means for hanging the packaging device vertically. The centering means blocks the blade at the center of the housing when the packaging device is hung. The first support surface extends opposite an area situated between the second support surface and the third support surface, and the first, second, and third support surfaces together immobilize the blade inside the housing in a position that is at least partially straightened out relative to a resting position of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Clamagirand, Stéphane Houssat
  • Patent number: 10637330
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly, a system, and a method for reducing electromagnetic interference are provided. The vehicle light assembly includes a light source, DC-DC conversion circuitry including a switch, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to generate a reference voltage, the reference voltage being changed periodically within a predetermined range, and drive the switch associated with the DC-DC conversion circuitry with a signal based on at least the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Monji Moumen, David Boudikian, Youssef Zahi
  • Publication number: 20200124243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit of an automotive headlamp comprising: a series of two or more reflectors arranged side by side and coincident with each other; at least two light sources are arranged per reflector and disposed such that each light source provides light rays to the reflector targeted immediately adjacent to a focal point of the corresponding reflector and on opposing sides of the focal point; and the at least two light sources for each reflector are rotationally arranged at a set positional angle relative to the at least two light sources of the coincident reflector to produce a centered output beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lionel Floc'h
  • Publication number: 20200124244
    Abstract: In an automotive lighting apparatus lighting components generate respective light fields. The lighting components are aligned one with the others such that the light fields combine in a lighting profile having cutoff regions meeting a predetermined cutoff criterion. An actuator is mechanically coupled to a corresponding one of the lighting components to aim that lighting component in a direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned. A control component operate the actuator to aim the lighting component in the direction other than that in which the lighting component was aligned so that the light fields of the lighting components combine in another lighting profile having cutoff regions meeting another cutoff criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin WARNER, Brant POTTER, John ORISICH
  • Patent number: 10627069
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle. The headlamp uses individual light emitting didoes or LEDs to generate individual light beams, which collectively form a composite beam. Because of manufacturing irregularities, some of the individual beams overlap neighboring beams, and form bright spots within the composite beam, which are not desirable. It is possible to de-focus the individual beams, to thereby spread out the bright spots, and reduce their intensities. However, that de-focusing would conflict with another goal. When the vehicle follows another vehicle, some individual beams which would apply glare to the other vehicle are shut off. But it is desirable that the remaining active individual beams which flank the other vehicle have sharply defined edges. De-focusing would soften the edges. Therefore, one form of the invention selectively de-focuses individual beams only when they are not adjacent individual beams which are active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Steven Orisich, Brant James Potter
  • Patent number: 10627570
    Abstract: A fiber panel, a light module, and a method for transmitting light using the fiber panel are provided. The fiber panel includes a plurality of optical fibers; and wherein each of the optical fibers have at least one base surface, and the fibers being arranged such that the at least one base surface of each optical fiber have a common orientation with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kayla Greene, John Orisich, Shivi Singh
  • Patent number: 10620356
    Abstract: A fiber optic light panel assembly including an optical fiber layer including a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a predetermined form such that the optical fiber layer has a light emitting side configured to emit light, and a mounting side opposing the light emitting side. An adhesive layer is provided having a first side in direct contact with the mounting side of the optical fiber layer, and a second side opposing the first side and configured to directly contact a surface of a supporting structure such that the adhesive later mechanically connects the optical fiber layer to the support structure. Also included is a fiber bundle including portions of the plurality of optical fibers that are not in direct contact with the adhesive layer, and abrasions provided along a length of each of the plurality of optical fibers such that light can be emitted from the respective fiber, the abrasion being provided in the optical fiber layer and in at least part of the fiber bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Jon Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 10619814
    Abstract: A configurable vehicle lighting module system includes a shared lens configured to provide a first light pattern for a first vehicle lighting function and a second light pattern for a second vehicle lighting function. The shared lens includes a mounting axis which provides a reference for mounting the shared lens on a vehicle. First internal optics are configured to direct light toward the shared lens to provide the first light pattern, and second internal optics are configured to direct light toward the shared lens to provide the second light pattern. A coupling system is configured to join the shared lens with either the first internal optics to form a first module configuration for providing the first vehicle lighting function, or with the second internal optics to form a second module configuration for providing the second vehicle lighting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chadwick Fritz, Don Hodnett, Greg Simons