Patents Examined by Adam C. Rehm
  • Patent number: 7223001
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight positioning device comprising a pivoting headlight support and a linear actuator comprising a housing (16), an electric stepping motor with a rotor having a part in the form of a nut, and a linear-movement screw engaging the nut part of the rotor. The screw has a coupling portion arranged at one of its ends and is intended to transversely engage a coupling portion part integral with a pivotable headlight support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Société Industrielle de Sonceboz, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Pfister, Jean-Pierre Joigneau
  • Patent number: 7217002
    Abstract: In a room lighting system (1; 27), e.g. an architectural lighting system, including two alignedly arranged refractive elements (9, 10) whose centers are substantially located in the beam axis (11) of a light source (7) and one (10) of which is mounted to be rotatable about said beam axis (11), also the other refractive element (9) is mounted to be rotatable about said beam axis (11), wherein drive means (18, 19; 13 to 17) plus control means (20) are associated with to the two refractive elements (9, 10) for selective rotation in the same sense or in opposite senses, and both of the refractive elements (9, 10) are prism elements, wherein at least the two refractive prism elements (9, 10) are arranged in a common housing (2; 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Johannes Jungel-Schmid, Dimitre Tochev, Ivan Tochev
  • Patent number: 7217026
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a light guide plate, having a plane of incidence into which light enters and a plane of emission from which the light is emitted, a light source, having a luminous portion and a non-luminous portion, that is located adjacent to the light guide plate so that the light guide plate is irradiated by light. The system further includes a lamp socket, for holding at least one end of the light source, and a reflector, which is extended along the light source for reflecting the light produced by the light source. The lamp socket exhibits a transmittance of 20 to 90% in wavelengths of from 300 to 900 nm, and the light is scattered through the lamp socket. An embodiment discloses also relates to a display device using the above described side light device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Nishikai, Akihiro Horibe
  • Patent number: 7207691
    Abstract: A light emitting device including three light emitting sources and a phosphor, with the three light sources consisted of following light emitting diodes (LED) emitting lights having different wavelengths. Wherein, two light sources are used to excite the phosphor to produce a distinct wavelength different from those of the two light sources. The distinct wavelength is blended with portions of the two light sources and a light source from another independent light source, and a blended light is released to obtain a white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Kun-Chui Lee, Tzu-Chi Cheng, Jung-Pin Cheng
  • Patent number: 7204616
    Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes at least one light source, a light conductive plate having the at least one light source disposed toward one end surface thereof, and at least one light controlling means disposed between the at least one light source and the light conductive plate. The at least one light controlling means is formed such that a plurality of transparent rectangular solids are stacked one over another vertically and horizontally, and that the transparent rectangular solids are put together by means of adhesive which can transmit light emitted from the at least one light source. The at least one light controlling means has a refractive index profile formed in both directions parallel to and vertical to the light exit surface of the light conductive plate thereby controlling light with respect to the both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7192170
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flush mounted lighting system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a frame member and a light member mounted in the frame member. The frame member is disposed within a portion of the vehicle so that the frame member is flushly mounted with an outer surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Rowland & Hunsucker LLC
    Inventor: Edward Rowland
  • Patent number: 7192164
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus includes a light-emitting element, a base body, a reflection member and a fluorescent material layer. A cross section of the inner surface of the reflection member cut by a virtual plane including a virtual axis penetrating a center of the inner surface and perpendicular to the upper principal surface of the base body has a sectional profile defined by a curved line expressed by the following formula, and the inner surface of the reflection member is a curved surface obtained by rotating the curved line about the virtual axis: Z=(cr2)/[1+{1?(1+k)c2r2}1/2] (where ?10?k??0.001, 0.001?c?10). An angle ?1 which is made by an upper surface of the fluorescent material layer and a line which connects one corner of a light-emitting portion of the light emitting element with an uppermost position of the inner surface and is tangent to the one corner, is given as ?1?90°?sin?1 (1/n1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7192167
    Abstract: A lamp device includes a pivot ring disposed in a main sleeve and formed with two aligned first pivot shafts that extend radially and outwardly away from each other and that are mounted rotatably between the main sleeve and a rear connecting ring such that the pivot ring is pivotable relative to an assembly of the main sleeve and the rear connecting ring about the first pivot shafts. A lamp-mounting unit is disposed in the main sleeve, and is rotatable about two aligned second pivot shafts formed on the pivot ring and extending inwardly and radially toward each other and perpendicular to the first pivot shafts. A lamp unit is mounted fixedly on the lamp-mounting seat such that an assembly of the lamp-mounting seat and the lamp unit is pivotable relative to the pivot ring about the second pivot shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Benny L. Kuo
  • Patent number: 7186016
    Abstract: A LED-type wall lamp with decorative liquid consists of a transparent container for liquid on top and a base on bottom. The transparent container for liquid is used to accommodate various kinds of decorative liquid for displaying. Plug pins are disposed on the base projecting outwards so as to connect with an electric socket while a circuit board and a plurality of LED lights with different colors are disposed inside the base. The light emitted from LED lights illuminates toward the bottom of the transparent container for liquid. By the transparent container for liquid, the decorative liquid, and light from LED lights, the present invention has bright and colorful visual effect as well as effects of electricity saving, higher safety and decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chzh-Lin Jao
  • Patent number: 7163329
    Abstract: A light pipe fixture with adjustable beam spreads comprises a bayonet assembly having a generally tubular coupling for receiving a light-dispensing end of a light pipe, and a receiver assembly. The receiver assembly has a generally tubular coupling for receiving therewithin the bayonet assembly coupling at adjustable levels of penetration of the bayonet assembly coupling within the receiver assembly coupling. The receiver assembly further comprises an optical lens and a hollow portion for focusing a light beam from the end of the light pipe through the lens. The radial interior surface of the receiver assembly coupling and the radial exterior surface of the bayonet assembly coupling may be configured so the receiver assembly coupling slidably and lockingly receives the bayonet assembly coupling in any of a plurality of positions along the length of the receiver assembly coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Fiberstars, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Bina, John M. Davenport, Roger F. Buelow, II, Gregory P. Frankiewicz
  • Patent number: 7160017
    Abstract: A brightness enhancement article (30) provides light from a two-dimensional surface. The brightness enhancement article (30) has a plurality of light collecting structures (32), wherein each light collecting structure (32) is longitudinally extended in a length direction along the surface. Each light collecting structure (32) has an input aperture (33) optically coupled to a light-providing surface and an output aperture (35) distal from the input aperture (33), wherein the output aperture (35) has a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the input aperture (33). A pair of curved side walls (38) extend from the output aperture (35) toward the input aperture (33). In a cross section taken orthogonally with respect to the length direction, the curved side walls (38) approximate a parabolic curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Junwon Lee, David Kessler
  • Patent number: 7156537
    Abstract: An after-market shade for a strip light, typically containing several bare bulbs, either clear or frosted. The shade is a molded mainly one-piece translucent shade, or a translucent shade with two end caps for mounting. The shade is not attached to the fixture but to the wall, or possibly ceiling, on which the strip light is mounted. The shade is typically curved or half cylindrical. Translucent sheets with decorative patterns or colors may be mounted on the inside or outside of the shade to produce decorative effects and coordinate with room decor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Marie Laverne Cohrs
  • Patent number: 7153012
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp in which a light source unit in a lamp body is tiltably supported by an aiming mechanism and aiming is carried out by turning a bevel gear of an aiming screw provided outside the lamp body. The bevel gear is covered by a synthetic resin cap, and the cap is formed with an opening into which a screwdriver is to be inserted, and a lid is continuously formed in the peripheral edge portion of the opening, so that once the lid 46 is folded and covers the opening, the headlamp becomes to comply with the visual aiming specification that prohibits users to perform aiming adjustment of the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 7147345
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an embossed lens 20 having properties that when combined and inserted into a flashlight 22 in replacement of the existing flashlights lens, augments the passing light from the flashlight into a projection 12 having a predefined shape, orientation and color themes for the typical application of presenting to viewers a symbol or logo for organizations typically in the genre of fraternities, sororities, political parties and other symbolically representable groups. The surface of the lens 20 comprises primarily a clear or tinted region 16 used as a primary backdrop during projection and composing the majority of the lenses mass while an embossed portion 18 is used to create visual differences in the projected image 12 using contrasting color and shape. Additionally, the present invention 10 may be provided with indicia 28 to present to the viewer which way the lens should be inserted into the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Samuel Toney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7137728
    Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of a system and method for allowing predetermined and/or preconfigured lamp assemblies to be utilized with lamp fixtures. The exemplary embodiments may include a fixture assembly, a key configured to couple to the lamp fixture, and a lamp assembly including a base with a receiving structure, wherein the receiving structure is configured to engage the key, such that only predetermined lamp assemblies may couple to the fixture assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Witham, Roberto E. Arance, Keith M. Crawford, Michael A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7131757
    Abstract: A signal light supporting apparatus for emergency vehicle warning signal lights employing light emitting diodes provides a secure and removable mounting for one or more of the light emitting diodes and an optic of each light emitting diode to a support casing that functions as a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 7128445
    Abstract: An ornamental lamp assembly which mounts a diffraction grating in the form of a compact disc about a light socket. The diffraction grating is mounted so as to freely wobble relative to the light socket. A light bulb mounted in the light socket produces light that is reflected by the refraction grating which visually produces a series of different colors that are constantly moving due to the wobbling mounting of the grating on the light socket. The compact disc could include a series of light reflective areas and a series of light transmitting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Avi A. Karkay
  • Patent number: 7125159
    Abstract: A fluorescent adapter having a housing including a tip contact compatible with an electrical socket, a threaded ring contact compatible with the electrical socket, the ring contact surrounding the housing and rotatable with the housing when the housing is rotated in a first direction and not rotatable with the housing when the housing is rotated in an opposite direction, and a fluorescent ballast supported by the housing and having input electrodes in electrical contact with the tip contact and the ring contact, respectively, and output electrodes for removably receiving the contact pins of a fluorescent lamp. The adapter is easily inserted into the socket but is not removable after insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sea Gull Lighting Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hirsch, Douglas R. Bray
  • Patent number: 7121704
    Abstract: A pair of additional reflectors are disposed face to face under a light source. The reflective surfaces of the respective additional reflectors are formed of paraboloids of revolution, with the first focal point of the reflective surface of a reflector as a focal point, and with an optical axis as the central axis of the revolution. As a result, retroreflective light from both reflectors is incident on the upper reflective region of the reflector. Thus, the spreading of the retroreflective light can be reduced based on the enhanced efficiency of utilizing the luminous flux of the light source, to the extent of the presence of the retroreflective light, as compared with the related art structure, wherein a spherical reflective surface centering on the light source is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 7118246
    Abstract: A flashlight kit including a flashlight including a body including a light and a battery disposed in the body, which is electrically connectable to the light with a switch, and an attachment device for attaching the body to an attachment surface, the attachment device including a spike for jabbing the attachment surface. The spike may be shorter, the same as, or longer than the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Arie Sansolo