Patents Examined by D. M. Cox
  • Patent number: 5023758
    Abstract: An arc discharge headlamp system employs a single continuously operating arc discharge source to provide both high and low beam patterns. The continuously operating arc discharge increases lamp life and eliminates the problem in arc light source headlamp systems of momentary dimming when switching to high beam operation due to mercury condensing within source. The headlamp has an arc light source mounted horizontally within a reflector. Light from an arc light source is reflected by the reflector through a lens to form a low beam pattern. A mirror within the reflector is positioned to form a virtual image of the light source and which is directed towards a second lens concentric with the first lens to form a high beam pattern when combined with the low beam pattern. Switching between the high beam and low beam patterns is accomplished in a variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary R. Allen, John M. Davenport, Richard L. Hansler
  • Patent number: 5023762
    Abstract: A channel and locking end tip for vinyl tube strip lighting. The tip includes a locking nib which is positioned within a channel opening for preventing the tip from shifting relative to the channel. To remove the tip, its outer end is pivoted upwardly such that the locking nib is spaced slightly above the channel bottom wall. A screw hole is provided through the tip body and channel for mounting. The vinyl tube light overlies the flange when carried by the channel. The mounting screw is external of the lighting bed such that the strip light may be fully assembled by the manufacturer and installed by the user with minimum effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Vista Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwayne Tieszen
  • Patent number: 5021928
    Abstract: The flat panel illumination system includes a high intensity light source with a contoured reflector assembly for providing light to the input of an optical mixer and heat removal device. The optical mixer and heat removal device removes infrared radiation and transmits de-focused light to the input ends of a plurality of rectangular couplers connected to light conducting cables which are in turn connected to the light emitting optical fibers for a light emitting panel. These fibers are woven in accordance with specific weave ratio ranges and weave configurations to emit light uniformly across the extent of a light emitting fabric surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Maurice Daniel
  • Patent number: 5016143
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or, for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transition opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Gulton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace R. Aikens
  • Patent number: 5016148
    Abstract: A flashlight defined by an elongate, cylindrical body threadably receiving a series of fasteners directed through semi-cylindrical shells. The semi-cylindrical shells are of a resilient construction to absorb shock directed through the flashlight during use of the flashlight as a defensive or offensive weapon. A modification of the instant invention includes the shell structure formed with through-extending, coaxially parallel bores receiving cylindrical rods to provide varied weighting of the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Blane D. Kohm
  • Patent number: 5016146
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet light fixture assembly comprising an elongated base with an electrical socket at each end thereof, an elongated bulb supported between the sockets, and a clear plastic tubular sleeve concentrically supported about the bulb for defining an air insulating space therebetween. A plurality of stabilizing members are mounted on the base member intermediate the ends of the tubular sleeve for engaging the tubular sleeve and preventing relative movement between the sleeve and bulb for enabling the sleeve to protect the bulb from damaging impact of forces striking the exterior of the sleeve. The stabilizing members each have a base fixed to the light fixture base member and an outwardly extending sleeve engaging arm mounted for pivotal movement between an operative tubular sleeve engaging and retaining position and a retracted position out of engagement with the tubular sleeve for permitting removal of the sleeve and bulb from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Ardco, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Kaspar
  • Patent number: 5016145
    Abstract: An illuminated display vehicle ornament includes an elongated power cord having a cigarette lighter adaptor plug at one end for engagement with a vehicle lighter socket. In a first embodiment, a plurality of sockets are spaced along the power cord, and mount replaceable ornamental bulbs. Magnetic, hook and loop, and resilient clips are disclosed for securing the sockets within a vehicle interior. In a second embodiment, a base includes suction cups for engagement with an interior vehicle window surface and a display sign is releasably secured to the base. An elongated light bulb is mounted within the base in optical communication with the display sign. The display sign may be selected from a variety of available signs to allow replacement of different holiday displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Kent A. Singleton
  • Patent number: 5014165
    Abstract: A glass-made lens of the kind having a front surface portion and a peripheral wall portion integrally formed with the front surface portion and projecting in the rear direction from the circumference of the front surface portion. The front surface portion is formed to have a curved surface portion and is formed into a twisted form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahito Naganawa
  • Patent number: 5012393
    Abstract: A candle lamp includes a chimney base incorporating a projecting glass cutting wheel against which an operator may press and rotate a glass bottle to score the same for subsequent parting of the bottle into a chimney for the lamp. The base is movable relative to the bottle for vertical and angular adjustment of the wheel; and, the base provides a steadyrest for the bottle as it is rotated. Spring clips project from the top of the base in supporting engagement with the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventors: Earl A. Knipe, Jan B. Knipe
  • Patent number: 5010452
    Abstract: A therapeutic lamp for biostimulation with polarized light, which comprises a light source with a power substantially between 30W and 300W, a reflector with a rotational paraboloid light reflecting surface arranged behind the light source so that the focal point substantially coincides with the point source, a polarizer arranged in the path to generate polarized output light which has a cross-section of at least 100 cm.sup.2. The lamp further comprises a first tube with a first axis coinciding with axis of rotation of the paraboloid surface, the reflector with the light source is fixed in the first tube so that a sealed connection is provided therebetween, a second tube with a second axis which closes an angle between 110.degree. and 120.degree. with the first axis, the tubes have substantially equal and circular cross-sections and are attached to each other to form an integral housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Harrier GmbH Gesellschaft fur den Vertrieb medizinischer und technischer Gerate
    Inventors: Werner Krebser, Michael Lantos, Peter Kolta
  • Patent number: 5010454
    Abstract: A portable light assembly for an automobile having a flashlight and a signal lamp. The flashlight has an inverted U-shaped handle whose bottom ends are pivotally attached to a rechargable battery base unit. The lamp housing itself is pivotally mounted between the upright members of the handle at a point intermediate its height. The signal lamp has a rechargeable battery base unit and the bottom ends of an inverted U-shaped handle are pivotally secured thereto. A combination recharging and storage housing detachably receives both of the respective rechargeable battery base units. An electrical circuit connects the battery of an automobile through the ignition switch to terminals on the exterior surface of the rear wall of the combination recharging and battery storage housing. The flashlight and signal lamp each have their own L.E.D. indicator bulb mounted on their rechargeable battery base units that are illuminated when the rechargeable batteries therein are being recharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Steven R. Hopper
  • Patent number: 5008781
    Abstract: Disclosued herein is a headlamp unit. The unit comprises a multi-surface concave reflector having a beam axis along which a light beam projects forward to produce a beam pattern, the reflector including upper and lower concave light reflecting parts which are respectively located at upper and lower positions with respect to a given portion of the reflector, and left and right concave light reflecting parts which are respectively located at left and right positions with respect to the given portion and have respective focuses on their respective optical axes, the optical axes being inclined with respect to the beam axis, each of the left and right concave light reflecting parts having respective curves of second degree when cut by vertical and horizontal planes; and first and second filaments of an electric bulb which are located on the beam axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naohi Nino
  • Patent number: 5008785
    Abstract: A miniature two or three cell flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tailcap, a head assembly, and means for holding a miniature lamp bulb and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel and having a charger for recharging the chargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Maglica, Ralph E. Johnson, Armis L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5008780
    Abstract: An illuminating device comprises a tubular outer sleeve (12) provided with an elongated transparent window (13), with an inner sleeve (22) formed with an aperture (27). The inner sleeve (22) houses a pair of self-luminous light sources (30). Relative rotation between the inner and outer sleeves (22, 12) determines the shape illustrated by the sources (30) and visible through the window (13). The inner sleeve (22) thus serves as a shutter in controlling light emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Patrick A. Pennington-Ridge
  • Patent number: 5008784
    Abstract: A lighting equipment includes a cylindrical tube having a profile formed in a bottom. The profile has a pair of lower grooves and a pair of higher grooves. A barrel, a spring, a cell and a braket are received in the cylindrical tube. A rod is coupled to the bracket. A pin is laterally provided on the rod. The pin is actuated to follow the profile so that the pin is laid in either the upper grooves or the lower grooves. A center electrode of the cell is actuated either to contact or to be separated from a prong of a light bulb in order to turn on or turn off the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Howard Wang
  • Patent number: 5006968
    Abstract: A wall mounted lamp in which a bulb can be moved vertically within a shade to adjust its pattern of illumination. The bulb is suspended by its cord from a cane shaped tube, within which the cord is moved by a straight tube, which extends below the fixture for making the adjustment and to keep the cord neat. The lampshade has foil lining, a corrugated paper core, and flexible edge molding, so its covering can be changed easily. A simple plumb-and-distance instrument facilitates installation. Spring brackets keep the mounting snug and resist lifting the lamp off its mounting screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Elmo E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5006970
    Abstract: In a fluorescent light fixture having a panel for supporting thereon an electrical socket assembly for holding a fluorescent tube, a simple, mechanical, manually-effected interlock for securing the socket assembly in a tube-receiving and supporting mode on the panel. The panel itself is formed with a non-rectangular cut-out zone for receiving an upwardly extending wall of the socket assembly inserted upwardly through the cut-out zone, and a base of the socket assembly being then shiftable arcuately to effect interengaging intercoupling between a laterally-opening slot in the base of the socket assembly and a projecting edge of the panel bounding the cut-out zone formed therein. A dimple-like deformation formed in the panel on an underside thereof defines a detent to deter inadvertent mechanical separation of the socket assembly from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Kenall Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward T. Mackiewicz
  • Patent number: 5003432
    Abstract: A down lighting system for elevator cabs and the like includes halogen lights in standard and emergency light fixtures. Both types of fixtures are connected to the ceiling by a clamp arrangement which is universally adaptable to a wide variety of ceiling types without changing the light housing dimensions. The clamp arrangement fastens light housings against rotation with respect to the ceiling and it is adjustable to different height ceiling configurations merely by connection to different vertical positions of the outer surface of the fixture. The standard fixture includes a halogen bulb with its own reflector. The emergency lighting fixture includes a halogen bulb/reflector unit with the emergency self focusing bulbs concentrically spaced around it. Both light sources pass focused light directly into the space below the ceiling for meeting test point candle power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Robert R. Mandy
  • Patent number: 5003439
    Abstract: The invention relates to low-voltage lamps that have bar-shaped shades that are used outdoors, especially as indicating lights at night. There may be a plurality of shades that are joined together by coupling elements so that the user may select the precise position of the lamp relative to the object being illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5001616
    Abstract: A lighting fixture to illuminate a target surface, particulary a surgical site, is provided which includes a light source, a reflector superposing and partially circumscribing the light source, a cylindrical filter surrounding the light source coaxial to the axis of symmetry of the lighting fixture and a refractor positioned beneath the reflector through which the light reflected from the reflector must pass to reach the target surface. The refractor is divided into a plurality of portions which radiate outwardly from the axis of symmetry. Each portion includes first, second and third prism means having individual prism members of varying configuration for focusing the light to first, second and third areas, respectively, within a cylinder of light defined by the light passing through the refractor, to provide small, medium and large patterns respectively, of the cylinder of light when it impinges upon the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Joel C. Gehly, A. Michael Smith