Patents Examined by Denise L. Gromada
  • Patent number: 5560702
    Abstract: For a popular dome-shaped industrial van having rear left and right doors, an added pair of tail lights at the top of the van rear edge to which the doors are hinged. Which in the location noted the tail lights are visible to an oncoming motorist when the doors are open through the clearance bounded by the outwardly diverging van rear edges and upper door edges, thus contributing to safer use during loading and unloading of the industrial van.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 5560703
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a flashlight on a handgun has a first bracket for attachment to the grip of the handgun, the bracket being contoured to the surface of the handgun grip and engageable with the grip by friction. The bracket which engages the grip, extends partially around the grip, and is further urged against the grip by means of an elastic band. The first bracket is connected to a second bracket which holds a flashlight in desired alignment for coinciding with the barrel of the gun. The second bracket is located away from the grasping surface except for an upper region that is welded flush to the first bracket so as to not interfere with normal gripping of the gun. This attachment system avoids problems associated with fitting of prior attachments into holsters for handguns and provides a simple, readily attached and removed lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Lewis W. Capps, III
  • Patent number: 5560699
    Abstract: A central lighting system for providing light to locations remote from the light source includes first and second ellipsoidally shaped reflector members joined so as to substantially surround the light source. The reflector members collect the light output and focus it onto an input face of either a light guide or a non-imaging optical coupling member. If the optical coupling member is utilized, an angle to area conversion occurs so as to allow light introduced at high angles to an input face of the optical coupler to exit the optical coupler at a smaller angle. The reflector members can also be configured so that respective second optical focal points can reside at the apex of the opposing reflector member thereby allowing for a coupling efficiency of approximately 70% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: John M. Davenport, Richard L. Hansler, William J. Cassarly, Mahendra S. Dassanayake, Jeffrey A. Erion, John X. Li
  • Patent number: 5560698
    Abstract: The lighting apparatus including a cathode tube, a photoconductive member to which light from the cathode tube is conducted through an edge surface thereof, and reflecting means for reflecting the light from the cathode tube toward the edge surface of the photoconductive member. The reflecting means has on the inner surface thereof reflecting mirrors which are made of silver and arranged at uniform intervals. With this structure, even when the reflecting means and the cathode tube are disposed close to each other, it is possible to prevent a leakage current from flowing from the cathode tube to the reflecting mirrors because the reflecting surfaces are separated from each other. This stops the leakage current from lowering a driving current of the cathode tube, and it is therefore possible to maintain high light emitting efficiency in the cathode tube. Moreover, since silver is used for the reflecting surfaces, reflecting efficiency of the reflecting means is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanobu Okano
  • Patent number: 5560707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector that is tamper resistant, yet does not require the use of tools. In one embodiment, a bezel retainer is designed to snap and lock into a lamp housing assembly by using tabs on the bezel retainer that lock into slots molded into the housing. The bezel retainer is maintained in position by a wave spring washer mounted in the housing. Tabs on the wave spring sit in detents on the end of the bezel retainer. The bezel is attached to the end of the bezel retainer and is allowed to rotate freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Grimes Aerospace Company
    Inventor: Donald A. Neer
  • Patent number: 5560701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle roof top lamp in the form of an automotive vehicle roof spoiler wherein one or more lights are encapsulated within the body of a translucent aerodynamic housing. The preferred embodiment includes a housing having a base portion and a cover portion which are mated to conceal one or more lamps therein such that upon activation of the lamp means the spoiler becomes illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip E. Payne
  • Patent number: 5558422
    Abstract: A light for providing illuminated holiday decorations. The inventive device includes a fiber optic light string having a plurality of elongated optical radiators extending from a fiber optic cable. A light assembly generates illumination for dispensing through the fiber optic cable and projecting optical radiators. The light string can be incorporated into decorative garland, a wreath, or a Christmas tree structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Sanford
  • Patent number: 5558423
    Abstract: A headlight has an adjustable reflector (1) which is mounted in a housing (2) closed by a light-transmissive shield (3). An opaque-baffle frame (5) surrounding the reflector extends between the reflector and the light-transmissive shield. The opaque-baffle frame supports a light-transmissive screen (4) on its rear side. A front surface of the light-transmissive screen borders on an inner edge (6) area of the opaque-baffle frame directed toward the reflector. At the bottom of a mounting area of a lamp (18) the light-transmissive screen is positioned behind an outer edge area (7) of the opaque-baffle frame. The outer edge area of the opaque-baffle frame is attached to an outer edge of the housing. The light-transmissive screen is held against movement in all directions on the rear side of the opaque-baffle frame by a shaped interlocking coupling between its outer edge and the opaque-baffle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schatka, Ralf Seiger, Josef Wieneke
  • Patent number: 5558420
    Abstract: A flat lighting device designed to be free from accidental breakage of the leading-in wires for the luminous body comprised therein if they are subjected to vibration in use to consequently enhance the overall reliability of the flat lighting device. Such a flat lighting device comprises a panel-shaped transparent substrate, a light source holding unit fitted to an end face of the substrate and a tubular luminous body fitted to said light source holding unit and is characterized in that said light source holding unit is made of a conductive material and has a substantially U-shaped cross section such that it engages said end face at the open side thereof and that one of the leading-in wires of said luminous body is connected to said light source holding unit to form thereon a power feed section for the luminous body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Oki, Koichi Hanaski, Shigeo Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5558431
    Abstract: A device for protecting leading surfaces of a lens of an emergency vehicle warning light. The device has a replaceable, transparent shield adapted to be conformed to the profile of the leading surface. The shield is attached to the lens by upper and lower grooves formed in the lens. Notches are provided to assist with removal of the shield for replacement. Channels are provided to drain moisture from the lower groove. A first lens modified protector provides tracks, secured to the lens, for securing and conforming the shield to the lens. A second modified protector provides a thin, removable film for attachment to the lens by a pressure sensitive adhesive. A third modified protector provides a heating element attached to the shield for thawing, and for operably defrosting and preventing accumulation of frozen water products from and on the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Novation Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew V. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5558425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device for lighting the cabin of a motor vehicle, the device comprising an elongate light source disposed inside a housing. According to the invention, the lighting device further comprises: two windows transparent to the light flux emitted by the source, the windows being spaced apart from each other and comprising a top window through which light radiation is emitted in a generally horizontal direction, and a bottom window through which light radiation is emitted generally downwards; a first directional light reflector disposed between two respective first edges of the windows; and a second directional light reflector disposed between the two respective other edges of the windows; the directional light reflectors having shapes that combine to guide the light flux emitted by the source towards the transparent windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventors: Sylvain Pons, Daniel Segaud
  • Patent number: 5558421
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a decorative fiber optic lamp including an enclosed base attached to a lamp shade. A motor has a rod connected to a special effects wheel located directly above a light source. The motor is connected to a transformer which is in turn connected to a power source for operating the motor to thereby rotate the wheel. An elongated fiber plug is located immediately above the light source and extends within the lamp shade. Light transmitters are bundled or joined within the fiber plug and extend from the center of the fiber plug through the top end of the fiber plug and at that point, expand outward or fan out in all directions into the lamp shade. Also, the fiber strands extend downward, thereby forming a tree-like appearance. Light is illuminated from the light source and modified as it travels through the special effects wheel and into the bottom of the fiber plug. As a result, special effects are generated within the lamp shade, thereby creating a decorative lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Michael V. Guastella
  • Patent number: 5558426
    Abstract: A set of automotive wheel lights (70) for illuminating the wheels (75f/75r) of an automobile (85) in operation at night comprises a plurality of lights, one for each wheel (75f/75r), each mounted on the frame (86) of the automobile (85) near a respective wheel (75f/75r). Each light includes a light bulb (45) in a socket (30), held fixed at its lighting position at the lighting end (27) of a rigid arm (20) bent towards the wheel (75f/75r) of the automobile (85) and mounted onto and extending from the automobile (85); the light bulb (45) is encased in a protective light bulb cover and lens in one (35) which directs illumination onto the entire outside surface of the wheel (75f/75r). The light bulb (45) in the socket (30) is electrically connected to the power source (95) of the automobile (85) sharing a single switching control (96) with the parking lights and headlights (80) of the automobile (85).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Dennis C. Cabanatan, Henry C. Cabanatan
  • Patent number: 5559681
    Abstract: A flexible, self-adhesive, lighting system includes a continuous length of flexible, self-adhesive, light emissive material, cuttable into segments of light emissive material, each segment including a plurality of light emitting diodes serving as light emissive devices. The segments are electrically coupled by different shaped couplers, for forming a variety of configurations of light emissive material, and further coupled to a source of power. Each coupler includes at least two electrical conductors for conducting power from one segment of light emissive material to a coupled segment or a source of power. Each of the light emissive devices may be covered by one clear or colored lens. Alternatively, multiple light emissive devices, of the same or different color, may be covered by one lens. Further, steady or intermittent power from a power control unit may be supplied to each light emissive device for providing different lighting sequences and colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: CNC Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Noah G. Duarte
  • Patent number: 5558427
    Abstract: This invention relates to a base structure for a three-section type third braking light which can be converted into a triangular failure warning light. The base structure having a base seat and a supporting seat can be mounted inside the rear windscreen glass of an automobile, and the base seat is provided with pivot axes for the adjustment of the mounting angle of the third braking light supported by the supporting seat. The supporting seat is provided with several engaging projections or Velcro tapes for being conveniently positioning the third braking light which can be converted into a triangular failure warning light when needed if an automobile is in failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Chang A. Yang
  • Patent number: 5558428
    Abstract: A portable reading light device worn about the head of a user. The light of the device projects a beam for reading a book or magazine or the like and may be adjustable. The light device may be powered by either a DC battery pack or AC. The light diffuses a beam substantially uniformly over a quadrilateral area so that a book or magazine or the like may be read with comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Robert A. Lehrer, Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5559679
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicles has a housing, at least one light source, and a holder fastenable to the housing and formed so that the at least one light source is insertable in the holder. The holder is provided with at least one electrical contact element on which the light source comes to rest. At least one electrical lead is connected with the at least one electrical contact and connectable to a voltage source. The holder has a covering composed of an electrically insulating material. A plug includes a plug part, and at least one electrical connecting element connected with the plug part is arranged on one part of the housing. The connecting element is bringable to rest at the contact element of the holder under the action of a spring force in built-in position of the holder in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Frieder Liedtke
  • Patent number: 5558430
    Abstract: A dual beam flashlight has a primary fixed headlamp and a recessed rotatable secondary lamp energized only in the rotated position. Each lamp has its own energizing system to enable a user to utilize either lamp separately or to have both lamps illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Phorm Concept and Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5556193
    Abstract: A lamp especially suitable for use as a headlamp in a motor vehicle. The lamp includes a lamp housing, a lens sealed to the housing and coacting with the housing to define a sealed chamber, and a lightbulb positioned in the chamber and operative to generate light within the chamber for projection through the lens to a location to be illuminated. The lamp further includes a compensator mechanism which is operative in response to variations in chamber temperature to compensatingly vary the chamber volume whereby to maintain an essentially constant pressure in the chamber irrespective of changes in the chamber temperature resulting from ambient temperature changes or from energization and de-energization of the lightbulb. In one disclosed embodiment the compensator mechanism comprises a bellows positioned exteriorally of the chamber and a conduit interconnecting the bellows and the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 5556191
    Abstract: The electric lamp has a lamp vessel (1) having an axis of symmetry (2) and a window (9). The lamp vessel has a first mirrored paraboloidal wall portion (5) remote from the window and a second mirrored wall portion (7) near the window. The second portion (7) is curved according to a branch (15) of a parabola, the axis (16) of which includes a sharp angle .alpha. with the axis (2) of the lamp vessel and the focus (8) of which coincides there with. The focus (8) is spaced from the focus (6) of the first wall portion (5). A cylindrical light source (10) is axially disposed in the lamp vessel (1) coincident with said foci (6,8). The lamp generates a wide beam and nevertheless has sizes which are normal for reflector lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Egbertus J. P. Maassen