Patents Examined by Christopher E Dunay
  • Patent number: 10807523
    Abstract: It is intended to cause a light emitter to properly emit light for notifying an occupant of a movement direction of an object approaching a conveyance. A vehicle lighting device includes sensors (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) configured to detect an approaching object approaching a vehicle, light emitters (5) attached to the vehicle, and a control device (2) configured to control the light emitter (5) when the sensor (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) has detected the approaching object. The control device (2) controls the light emitter (5) such that a light emitting spot of the light emitter (5) moves along a direction corresponding to a movement direction of the approaching object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Nomura
  • Patent number: 10800320
    Abstract: An illumination system for a vehicular tailgate includes a tailgate bracket at the tailgate of the vehicle, an illumination device pivotally mounted at the tailgate bracket, and a weighted arm pivotally mounted at the tailgate bracket. The weighted arm has a pivot end and a weighted end opposite the pivot end. Pivotal movement of the weighted arm about the pivot end imparts pivotal movement of the illumination device. As the tailgate of the vehicle pivots between its raised position and its lowered position, the weighted arm imparts pivotal movement of the illumination device due to gravitational force at the weighted end of the weighted arm, such that light emitted by the illumination device illuminates the same ground region. The illumination device may project an icon and part of a light-transmitting element through which the emitted light passes may magnify the projected icon when the tailgate is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Justin E. Sobecki
  • Patent number: 10793064
    Abstract: An accessory lighting assembly for vehicles. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one attachment portion for selectively attaching the assembly to the vehicle wherever lighting is desired. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one integrated lighting portion for selectively providing lighting to the interior of the vehicle. The accessory lighting assembly incorporates a grab handle for attaching to the at least one attachment portion for allowing a vehicle occupant a grip/handle for grabbing onto inside of the vehicle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick H. Troeger, Jose N. Vigil, George C. Stickles, Ronald Manzanares, Eric D. Getzschman
  • Patent number: 10775022
    Abstract: An artificial illumination device for generating natural light similar to that from the sun and the sky includes a direct-light source; and a diffused-light generator, wherein the direct-light source includes a first light-emitting device configured to emit a primary light, and a first emitting surface positioned downstream the first light-emitting device, wherein the diffused-light generator is at least partially light-transparent and is positioned downstream of the first light-emitting device and includes a second emitting surface and is configured to cause diffused light at the second emitting surface. Both co-operate to form outer light at an outer emitting surface which includes a first light component which propagates along directions contained within the narrow peak and a second light component which propagates along directions spaced apart from the narrow peak, and wherein the first light component has a CCT which is lower than a CCT of the second light component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CoeLux S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Di Trapani, Davide Magatti
  • Patent number: 10746394
    Abstract: A mirror assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror includes a light pipe configured to emit a substantially constant amount of light along a periphery of the mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be configured to adjust the amount of emitted light based on the position of a user in relation to the mirror. Certain embodiments of the mirror include an algorithm to adjust light based on the position of a user relative to the mirror, the level of ambient light, and/or the activation of different light modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas, Frederick N. Bushroe
  • Patent number: 10731815
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a cover lens, a housing that is coupled to the cover lens and that defines a lamp space with the cover lens, a light output unit including a plurality of light generation groups that are arranged inside of the lamp space in a first direction, and a light guide that has a three-dimensional (3D) shape and that is configured to guide light from the light output unit in a light output direction. The light guide includes: a first surface that defines a portion of the 3D shape of the light guide and that faces the light output unit, and a second surface that defines a portion of the 3D shape of the light guide and that defines an acute angle with respect to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
    Inventors: Youngil Kim, Yongjae Kim, Myungjae Song
  • Patent number: 10732342
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) is disclosed comprising at least one optical chamber (10) delimited by a light exit window (11) and a curved reflective surface (15) extending from the light exit window to a mounting surface (17) extending from the curved reflective surface towards the light exit window. Each optical chamber comprises a light source (20) mounted on the mounting surface; and a light guide (30) extending across part of the optical chamber. The light guide comprises a total internal reflection major surface (40) facing the light exit window; a further major surface (50) facing the curved reflective surface, said further major surface comprising a light outcoupling portion (51) comprising a plurality of light outcoupling structures (53); a first edge surface (60) optically coupled to the light source; and a further edge surface (70) opposite the first edge surface arranged to direct light towards the curved reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Qin Li, Qun Luo, Kang Li, Zhengyi Zheng, Min Chen
  • Patent number: 10731944
    Abstract: A pair of hollow tubular members is connected at a first end by a tether. Each distal end of the tether is held in place within each respective end of the tubular member by a sealed ball bearing assembly. Within each tubular member is a cavity suitable to secure a light stick. Each second end of each tubular member has a friction fit cap. Illumination from the light stick emanates through the tubular hollow members or through cut portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Jay Struss
  • Patent number: 10723257
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided herein. A grille has raised members pointing in a vehicle-forward direction. Light sources are disposed within each raised member and a photoluminescent structure is coupled to each raised member and is configured to luminesce in response to light excitation from one or more of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 10724700
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle lighting device including a plurality of primary optical elements, intermediate lenses, and a curved projecting lens. Each primary optical element has a curved exit refracting surface and comprises a plurality of rectangular light guides that are each intended to interact with one light-emitting diode one laser. Each intermediate lens is placed between an exit refracting surface of the primary optical element and the projecting lens. Each intermediate lens is configured to distribute and concentrate the radiation issued from an exit refracting surface of the element over and onto the projecting lens. The lighting device is configured so as to project the diode radiation entering into the light guides and exiting via the projecting lens in the form of luminous pixels, or luminous strips, the light intensity of each of which is controlled despite the curvature of the projecting lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Antoine De Lamberterie, Yves Gromfeld
  • Patent number: 10718503
    Abstract: A touch controllable light-emitting film is provided. It comprises a flexible, formable, foldable, stretchable and/or bendable light-emitting and/or light transmitting active layer. It also comprises at least two conductive or semi-conductive electrodes positioned on each side of the light-emitting active layer and/or light-blocking layer, wherein at least one electrode comprises HARMs (High Aspect Ratio Molecular structures), Monolayer Crystalline Surface (MCS) structures, transparent conductive oxides, conductive or semiconductive polymers and/or a metal mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Canatu Oy
    Inventor: David P. Brown
  • Patent number: 10717383
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle illumination device that achieves good design and that appropriately emits light in a sequence of operations for charging. A vehicle illumination device 1 includes: first light emitting portions 21a and 21b disposed in the vicinity of a boundary portion 4 between a body 2 and a lid 14 via notched portions 18a and 18b formed at upper and lower edges of the lid 14; and second light emitting portions 22a and 22b disposed inside the lid 14. When the lid 14 is unlocked in operation to unlock the lid 14, the first light emitting portions 21a and 21b are turned on. When the lid 14 is depressed in operation to open the lid 14, the first light emitting portions 21a and 21b are turned off. When the lid 14 is opened, the second light emitting portions 22a and 22b are turned on to illuminate power supply ports 11 and 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Taeko Ueno, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Hiroshi Ochiai, Atsushi Doi
  • Patent number: 10703263
    Abstract: A vehicle light system is provided herein. The vehicle light system includes a seal including an engagement member having first and second portions defining a channel and a cavity. The cavity is separated from the channel by the first portion. The first and second portions have varied opacities. A light guide is disposed within the cavity. A light source is operably coupled with the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Lori Ross, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 10690313
    Abstract: An automotive lighting unit wherein the lighting assembly that backlights the front half-shell comprises: at least one light-guide body made of photoconductive material, which is placed inside the rear body and is structured to channel, by total internal reflection and towards said transparent or semi-transparent portion of the front half-shell, the light that enters into the light-guide body through a light-incoupling end or sidewall of the same light-guide body; an active light deflector device which is placed inside the rear body, facing the light-incoupling end or sidewall of said light-guide body; and an electrically-powered light source which is placed inside the rear body and emits, on command, a collimated light beam towards the active light deflector device; the active light deflector device being adapted to reflect/divert said collimated light beam towards the light-incoupling end or sidewall of said light-guide body, so that the collimated light beam can enter into the light-guide body and then tra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Buzzurro, Patrick Bianco
  • Patent number: 10690334
    Abstract: An operatory light may comprise a bulb that includes a light emitting diode (LED) module positioned such that when the bulb is installed into a socket of the operatory light and powered, none of the light emitted from the LED is directed directly toward a lens of the operatory light, and only reflected light passes through the lens of the operatory light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: CAO Group, LLC
    Inventors: Zhaohui Lin, Densen Cao
  • Patent number: 10677430
    Abstract: A driving device of an embodiment includes a first rotational unit and a holding unit. The first rotational unit is disposed with an object to be operated on one surface side intersecting with a first rotating shaft, and rotationally moves around the first rotating shaft with the object to be operated. The holding unit is disposed on another surface side of the first rotational unit, rotates with the first rotational unit, and holds a cable for supplying power to the object to be operated at a position away from the first rotational unit toward the other surface side, while placing the cable along the first rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MINEBEA MITSUMI INC.
    Inventors: Shinichi Fujisawa, Hidenori Fuma
  • Patent number: 10677511
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minsub Kim, Hongsik Kwon, Dongjeong Kim, Jungjae Lee, Jaehoon Shin
  • Patent number: 10677415
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical system including a TIR mother lens and a secondary output lens, preferably for efficiently distributing light out of an LED track lighting system. The optical system of the present disclosure is configured to create variant beam angles from a lens assembly using the same TIR lens. Preferably, by altering the dimensions and focal lengths of the secondary output lens in a single TIR lens, the optical system can create a variety of beam angles, including, but not limited to, Spot (“SP”), Narrow Flood (“NFL”), Flood (“FL”), or Wide Flood (“WFL”) beam angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: AMERLUX LLC
    Inventor: Feng Zhao
  • Patent number: 10676023
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination system for a vehicle capable of traveling in an automatic driving mode includes a left-side communication support lamp and a right-side communication support lamp configured to lit light toward an outside of the vehicle and arranged to be visually recognized from the front of the vehicle, and an illumination controller configured to, when the vehicle detects a target object, change an illumination state of at least one of the left-side communication support lamp and the right-side communication support lamp. Each of the left-side communication support lamp and the right-side communication support lamp includes a plurality of light-emitting segments arranged side by side in a right and left direction of the vehicle. The illumination controller is configured to change an illumination state of each of the plurality of light-emitting segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Tatara, Toshihiro Okamura, Takeshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 10677510
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minsub Kim, Hongsik Kwon, Dongjeong Kim, Jungjae Lee, Jaehoon Shin