Patents Examined by David Crowe
  • Patent number: 8360599
    Abstract: A LED-based replacement light for a fluorescent socket is constructed such that an entirety of a radially outer portion of a tubular housing at least partially defined by a high-dielectric light transmitting portion is formed of a high-dielectric material. Forming a radially outer portion of the tubular housing of a high-dielectric material prevents a person handling the light from being shocked as a result of capacitive coupling occurring when the LED-based replacement light is installed one end at a time. A circuit board is in thermally conductive relation with the tubular housing, allowing for conduction of heat generated by the LEDs from a side of circuit board opposite the LEDs to the tubular housing for dissipation to the ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: ilumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, Dennis Siemiet
  • Patent number: 8353615
    Abstract: An optically coupled light guide includes a light source having a surface defined by a channel, a light guide and an optical gel coupling the channel of the light source to the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: David W. Douglas, Jeffrey S. Thelen
  • Patent number: 8348475
    Abstract: A lens for distribution of light predominantly toward a preferential side from a light emitter having an emitter axis and defining an emitter plane. The lens has an emitter-adjacent base end forming an emitter-receiving opening to an emitter-surrounding cavity defined by an inner surface which includes a front sector centered on the preferential side and a back sector centered on the non-preferential side radially opposite the preferential side. The front and back sectors differ in their respective configurations for refracting light from the emitter. The lens further includes an primary back surface positioned to receive light from at least a portion of the inner-surface back sector and configured for total internal reflection (TIR) thereof. The inner-surface back sector and the primary back surface extend along substantially elliptical cross-sections in planes substantially parallel to the emitter plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher Strom
  • Patent number: 8348471
    Abstract: A LED lamp assembly is disclosed. The LED lamp assembly includes a heat radiator, a base body and a cover body. The base body is located on one end of the heat radiator and the cover body is located on the other end of the heat radiator. The base body has a plurality of first engaging parts, each of which is associated with a first engaging portion. The cover body has a plurality of second engaging parts, each of which is associated with a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is configured to correspond to and engage with the second engaging portion so as to sandwich the heat radiator between the base body and the cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsung-Chin Huang, Chang Hung Peng
  • Patent number: 8342704
    Abstract: A lighting device 12 of the present invention includes a light output portion 15z from which light is output, a light source 17, and an optical member 15b provided on the light output portion 15z side with respect to the light source 17. The optical member 15b is held by a pair of holding members. The holding members include a first holding member 15a that holds the optical member 15b from the light source 17 side and a second holding member 16 that holds the optical member 15b from an opposite side from the light source 17 side. A buffer 70 is provided in at least one of a space between the optical member 15b and the first holding member 15a and a space between the optical member 15b and the second holding member 16. The buffer 70 has at least one rough surface on a side that abuts the optical member 15b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kaori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8337062
    Abstract: An LED lighting unit, and a vehicle lamp using the LED lighting unit can have a favorable light distribution that can be perceived as a single, integrated lighting surface. The LED lighting unit can include a plurality of base boards, a plurality of LED light sources located on each mounting surface of the base boards, a plurality of parabolic reflectors and at least one V-shaped reflector configured to locate between the adjacent parabolic reflectors. Because each of the LED light sources is located substantially at each focus of the parabolic reflectors and the at least one V-shaped reflector, light emitted from the LED light sources can be illuminated as a single, integrated light via their reflectors. Thus, a vehicle lamp using the LED lighting unit can have a favorable light distribution that can be perceived as a single, integrated lighting surface and which can be used for a headlight, a tail lamp, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemi Tanaka, Yukio Yamanaka, Kunihiko Seki
  • Patent number: 8328379
    Abstract: A backlight for a liquid crystal display device includes a first plurality of light emitting diodes having a first luminance and a second plurality of light emitting diodes having a second luminance, wherein at least the first and second plurality of light emitting diodes are interspersed with each other to provide an average luminance at or substantially near a predetermined target value of luminance that is consistent across the liquid crystal display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Hyeok Kim, Kee Tae Yoo
  • Patent number: 8322884
    Abstract: Where a lighting device uses solid state emitters and an optic processes light from the emitters, it may improve efficiency in light extraction from the emitters to have an index of refraction matching material in between emitter output and a surface of solid of the optic that receives emitted light. However, such improved out-coupling or extraction efficiency may cause an overall color shift in the output of the overall lighting device, for example, if improved emitter output reduces internal reflection and associated internal phosphor excitation. To reduce the color shift in the output of the lighting device, the device may have index matching material used in association with one or some of the solid state light emitters but not all of the emitters, so that the combined light output of the device exhibits a desired spectral characteristics, e.g. remains a desirable color of white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8297804
    Abstract: A recessed light fixture is provided with vertically extending mounting tracks integrally formed in opposed sidewalls of a light fixture housing. The mounting tracks have a continuous front face. The recessed light fixture also has a lamp support bar that extends between the mounting tracks and has at least one spring clip proximal each end thereof. Each at least one spring clip frictionally engages the front face of a corresponding of the mounting tracks, thereby allowing the lamp support bar to be temporarily affixed at a desired vertical orientation along the mounting tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Buse
  • Patent number: 8297814
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a first light source configured to emit first light that is projected to form a first irradiation region, a second light source configured to emit second light that is projected to form a second irradiation region joined to the first irradiation region to extend in a transverse direction with respect to an optical axis, a movable shade configured to move between a position at which light irradiation to a joined region of the first irradiation region and the second irradiation region is shielded, and a position at which the light irradiation to the joined region is permitted, and a controller configured to select one of light distribution patterns that are determined by combinations of turning on and off of the first light source, turning on and off of the second light source, and the positions of the movable shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetada Tanaka, Satoshi Yamamura, Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8292457
    Abstract: The invention is a lamp consisting of a housing frame formed of four interconnected profile strips; a translucent pane made of glass or synthetic set into one housing side; a bottom plate set into the opposite side; as well as an illuminant, arranged in the housing, with the profile strips having on the exterior side of the housing border strips for attachment purposes and, on the interior side, backing strips to support and attach the pane or, respectively, the bottom plate, that are designed identically and arranged in mirror-symmetric fashion; with, moreover, the pane being connected to the profile strips of the housing frame by means of contact-pressure strips screwed together with the backing strips, and the attachment screws for the contact-pressure strips being screwed into threaded bore holes running vertically to the strip surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephen Schenk, Reinhard Binder, Volker Weinmann
  • Patent number: 8282245
    Abstract: Spot illumination apparatus and methods are described. According to one implementation a spot luminaire includes a light source for emitting a beam of light and a projection lens configured to project the beam of light towards a distant target. A first field stop, through which the beam of light passes, is positioned between the light source and the projection lens. A filter apparatus is positioned proximate the first field stop and is adapted for selectively moving at least one variable density filter across the beam of light. A relay lens group is positioned between the first field stop and the projection lens. The relay lens group is configured to prevent the at least one variable density filter from being imaged by the projection lens. Methods for providing stage lighting are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Whiterock Design, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hough
  • Patent number: 8277096
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light arrangement, comprising a motor vehicle light which can be operated in at least two operating modes, as well as further comprising a control mechanism for the motor vehicle light. The invention further relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle light and a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Rampf
  • Patent number: 8277084
    Abstract: A lamp unit with a relay lens that allows two different focus points. Two different optical altering elements are hence simultaneously in focus. The elements can be taken in and out of focus to allow different effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hough, James Bornhorst
  • Patent number: 8277099
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system according to the present invention is provided, and includes: a pivot portion for optical axis adjustment; an optical axis adjustment mechanism mounting portion for vertical direction; and an optical axis adjustment mounting portion for horizontal direction, which are integrally provided at a heat sink member having a semiconductor-type light source mounted thereon. As a result, the vehicle lighting system becomes capable of efficiently radiating a heat generated in the semiconductor-type light source by means of the pivot portion for optical axis adjustment and the optical axis adjustment mechanism mounting portions for vertical and horizontal directions, which are integrally provided at the heat sink member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Hamashima
  • Patent number: 8267542
    Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for grouping light emitters and devices including the same. Embodiments of such methods may include selecting a portion of the light emitters using a region of a multiple axis color space that is configured to represent each of a plurality of colors as at least two chromaticity coordinates. The region may be proximate a predefined point on the multiple axis color space and includes a major axis having a first length and a minor axis having a second length that is less than the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: John Roberts, Chenhua You
  • Patent number: 8256920
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination unit having an adjustable color location consisting of a discharge lamp as primary light source and LEDs as secondary light source and additionally a phosphor layer in the form of a phosphor screen comprising conversion phosphors. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for lighting usable areas by the illumination unit according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Holger Winkler, Thomas Juestel
  • Patent number: 8256938
    Abstract: A street lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a housing having an inner region and an outer region. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure. The apparatus also has a transparent cover coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region and a socket being provided within the cavity structure. The apparatus has an electrodeless plasma lamp coupled to the socket. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has an RF power source provided between the socket and an AC power source. In a specific embodiment, the RF power source is configured to generate a frequency of about 1 GHz and less to cause a fill material in the plasma lamp to discharge. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a heat sink provided form one or more portions of the housing. In a specific embodiment, the one or more portions of the housing is thermally coupled to the RF power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Topanga Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik H. M. Lundin, Frederick M. Espiau, Mehran Matloubian
  • Patent number: 8256925
    Abstract: A rotatory table lamp includes a base, a holder, a connection element, a rotation mechanism, a first lamp and a second lamp. One end of the holder is fixed in the center of the bas, and the other end is received in the connection element. The rotation mechanism is rotatably received in the connection element, the holder and the base. The first lamp is fixed on the connection element. The second lamp is fixed on the rotation mechanism, and is as the same structure of the first lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui Yuan
  • Patent number: 8251533
    Abstract: An improved luminaria assembly with controlled ballast mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, the improved luminaria assembly has an outer container and an inner reservoir. In some instances, the outer container and inner reservoir are assembled over a base. The inner reservoir is configured to hold a controlled volume of ballast for the improved luminaria assembly and also to hold an illuminating source. In one embodiment, spillover cavities are provided on the base region surrounding the inner reservoir to enable removal of excess ballast from the inner reservoir. In one embodiment, a decorative sleeve is inserted in the region between the outer container and the inner reservoir. The decorative sleeve contains decorative elements that are visible when the luminaria is illuminated using the illuminating source. In some instances, the improved luminaria assembly is treated with fire retardants to mitigate fire hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nextarts
    Inventor: Anthony Imperial