Patents Examined by Guiyoung Lee
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Patent number: 7083305Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting head assembly that incorporates a high intensity LED package into an integral assembly including a heat sink and circuit board for further incorporation into other useful lighting devices. The present invention primarily includes a heat sink member that also serves as a mounting die and a reflector cup into which the LED package is mounted. The circuit board is placed behind the reflector cup and includes riser members that extend through holes in the rear wall of the reflector cup to facilitate electrical connections to the leads of the LED. This particular means for assembly allows the reflector cup and circuit board to cooperate to retain the LED package, provide electrical and control connections, provide integral heat sink capacity and includes an integrated reflector cup.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventor: Robert D. Galli
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Patent number: 7077556Abstract: A front light of the invention has a light guide plate, an intermediate light guide disposed along the side end surface, and a light emitting device disposed on an end surface thereof. The pitch between grooves having a wedge shape in cross section formed on a backside of the light guide on the opposite side of the light guide plate is formed so as to be linearly varied with respect to the distance from an end surface disposed with the light emitting device to the groove. The depth of the groove is formed more deeply as the grooves are positioned more apart from the end surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takuro Sugiura
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Patent number: 7070314Abstract: A method for producing a light channelling panel by making an array of angled cuts in a first transparent plastic sheet, making a similarly spaced array of angled cuts in a second plastic sheet, transposing or flipping the second sheet and fixing it in contact with the first sheet to form a panel with an array of internal light channels. Alternatively, by making an array of angled cuts in the surface of a transparent plastic sheet and an array of similarly spaced angled cuts in the opposite surface of the transparent plastic sheet to form a panel with an array of internal light channels. Said light channelling panel when positioned in a window of a building channels substantially all sunlight incident on the panel through the panel and over the ceiling in the building thereby illuminating the building with daylight and shading work areas near the window.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Ian Robert Edmonds
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Patent number: 7070303Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture includes a housing having an elongated horizontal top surface with side edges and edges at opposite ends of the top surface. Oblique walls extend from the side edges of the top surface, and flare downwardly and outwardly from the side edges. The end walls extend downwardly from the top surface, the oblique and end walls joining to form a downwardly facing opening in the housing. A plurality of generally downwardly facing reflectors within the housing extend the length thereof. Fluorescent light bulbs are mounted parallel to each other in the housing beneath the reflectors, so that light from the light bulbs reaching the reflectors is reflected generally downwardly. The oblique walls and an end reflector are configured to direct a portion of light from one or more light bulbs under each end reflector in a generally upwardly direction to provide indirect lighting.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventors: Charles E. Kassay, Suzanne M. Kassay, Marc A. Kassay, John P. Kassay
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Patent number: 7066630Abstract: A gauge or dial has multiple displays for indicating various vehicle operating conditions. Pointers indicate a range of measured values on some of the displays. A fixed hub covers ends of the pointers where they connect with their drive shafts and extend through the dial. The hub has a display screen with a graphic or symbol imprinted on it. A conduit directly under the hub on an opposite side of the dial extends to a printed circuit board. A light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board within the conduit. Light from the diode is reflected through the conduit to backlight the symbol on the display screen. Switching on and off of the diode is controlled in response to sensing or measurement of a vehicle condition or vehicle component operation, such as a turn signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventor: Sanjiv Venkatram
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Patent number: 7066624Abstract: A structure of an ultra-micro reflector having abrasive surface with tapered micro bumps and free of resin layer and its fabrication method are provided. The reflector structure comprises mainly a layer of reflector metal, a scattering element with abrasive surface, and a layer of ITO. The abrasive surface has many tapered micro bumps. The reflector structure can be applied to a reflective or partially reflective LCD to achieve optimal performance. It makes the scattering angle of the reflective light source wider and more uniform. The variation of the gap of liquid crystal cells is greatly reduced, so that the reflective efficiency can be kept in an optimal condition. The reflector structure has larger scattering angle, smooth effect, and very good anti-glare effect. The fabrication process of the reflector structure is simple. The material cost for the abrasive surface is inexpensive.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Prime View International Corporation LimitedInventors: Wen-Jian Lin, Hung-Huei Hsu, Hong-Da Liu
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Patent number: 7066620Abstract: A novelty item for cooperating with a cap of a bottle subsequent to cooperation of the cap with a bottle opener, but prior to cooperation of the cap with a cap catcher. The novelty item includes a body, electrical circuitry, and a plurality of lights. The electrical circuitry electrically communicates with the plurality of lights. The plurality of lights are disposed along the body. The electrical circuitry causes a light to flash. The novelty item also works with any item similar to the cap, i.e., a disk, e.g., a 25¢ piece. The cap catcher is placed on a bar with the novelty item resting thereon and thereabove. A patron throws 25¢ pieces into the novelty item as a tip and watches the 25¢ pieces cause the novelty item to operate.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Warren Millet
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Patent number: 7066621Abstract: A dual-beam lantern-flashlight capable of emitting two light beams, including an elongated flashlight body having a front end and a rear end, a headlamp mounted in the front end of the body and disposed to emit a beam of light in a forward direction from the front end, a lantern body coupled to the flashlight body, the lantern body having a bottom end, and a lantern lamp mounted in said bottom end of said lantern body and disposed to emit a beam of light generally downwardly and normally relative to the beam of light emitted by said headlamp. The headlamp and lantern lamp when in use together create a single large area of continuous light around the feet and forward of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Donald J. Booty
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Patent number: 7063450Abstract: An surface light emitting device that is capable of emitting light of high luminance with higher uniformity is disclosed. The surface light emitting device comprising; a light guide plate, a reflector on the under surface of the light guide plate and, an LED light source having at least one LED element and provided so that a light emitted by the LED element is incident on at least one end face of the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate has a light diffusing portion on the one end face so that a light emitted from the LED light source enters the light guide plate while being diffused therein, and the light diffusing portion has the top end being space from the top surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Nichia CorporationInventors: Munetsugu Ehara, Hitoshi Nojiri, Eiji Nakanishi, Koichi Kunikata
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Patent number: 7059743Abstract: A clear, hollow cylindrical tube having an internal circuit board with LED lights provides a lighting and flashing illumination device. The LED lights may either all be illuminated at once, or have certain LEDs with constant illumination while other LEDs may be placed into a flashing mode. The power source for the lighting and flashing apparatus includes either standard or rechargeable batteries and a 12-volt external source. The 12-volt external source may also be used to recharge the rechargeable batteries. The cylinder has an upper collar with both magnetic and hook hanging mechanisms. The rechargeable LED lighting and flashing apparatus provides much more illumination than a flashlight using standard charging and lighting electrical parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Bradley Q. Niemann
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Patent number: 7048406Abstract: A mirror device includes one or more light devices disposed behind a mirror, to generate lights to light the mirror. A remote detecting device may be used to detect whether one or more users go toward or go close to the mirror or not, and to actuate the light device to generate the lights when the users are detected to go toward the mirror. The light device may thus be actuated to light the mirror without being contacted by the users or without being operated by the users manually. A control device may be used to actuate the light device to generate the light. The remote detecting device includes a light emitting device to generate a light to detect whether the user goes toward the mirror or not.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Sen Tien Shih
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Patent number: 7033038Abstract: A hydrological barrier plate for in-grade light fixture housings and a housing for use with light fixtures to prevent water entry into the water sensitive compartments of the light fixture. The barrier plate has a plate body with an opening in which is sealably disposed an anti-syphon wire pass-through valve for electrically connecting the components on one side of the barrier plate with the wires in the junction box on the opposite side of the barrier plate. The barrier plate is sealed around its outer edge against the housing wall. The pass-through valve is configured to prevent water from wicking along the wires and to prevent water from passing around the valve. The barrier plate is installed without tools and an effective seal is easily obtained. Using the barrier plate, water is prevented from migrating between the junction box and the primary housing compartments of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Douglas W Hagen
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Patent number: 7014351Abstract: A planar surface illuminator (20) for installation below a liquid crystal display panel includes a light guide plate (22) and a plurality of light emitting diodes (21). The light guide plate has a bottom surface (223), an end surface (221) and a number of dots (23) formed on the bottom surface. The light emitting diodes are positioned adjacent the end surface to irradiate the light guide plate. Shortfall areas (223a) in the light guide plate between each two adjacent light emitting diodes are lightened by placing special dots (23a) therein, which special dots are made of melamine-based fluorescent particles. The melamine-based fluorescent particles function as small light sources, thus lightening the shortfall areas. The brightness of the planar surface illuminator is thereby balanced.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co. Ltd.Inventors: Charles Leu, Ga-Lane Chen
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Patent number: 7011440Abstract: A planar surface illuminator (20) for installation below a liquid crystal display panel includes a light guide plate (22) and a plurality of point light sources (21). The light guide plate has an optical input surface (221) and an optical output surface (222). The point light sources are positioned adjacent to the optical input surface. A number of scattering dots (23) are positioned on and integrated with the optical input surface. At least three scattering dots corresponding to each one point light source are provided, for converting a beam having a Gaussian distribution received from the point light source to a beam having a uniform light intensity which illuminates the light guide plate. This promotes uniform intensity light emission from the optical output surface to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chales Leu, Ga-Lane Chen
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Patent number: 7011420Abstract: A solid-state light source includes a planar substrate, a single unitary organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer deposited on the planar substrate, the organic light emitting diode layer including first and second electrodes for providing electrical power to the OLED layer, an encapsulating cover covering the OLED layer; first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, and extending beyond the encapsulating cover for making electrical contact to the first and second electrodes by an external power source; and a lenslet array located on the substrate and/or encapsulating cover and coextensive with the OLED layer for directing the light emitted by the OLED layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Ronald S. Cok
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Patent number: 7008098Abstract: In a headlamp assembly, a reflector unit includes a bearing surface for supporting a lighting control circuit. The lighting control circuit is mounted to the backside of the reflector unit across a holder, and directly connected to a discharge bulb. The reflector unit further includes a mounting portion to which a lampshade unit is mounted. In the reflector unit, the backside of the mounting portion is offset from the bearing surface in both of the axial direction and the radial direction. That is, the lampshade unit and the holder are fixed to the reflector unit so as to be distanced from each other. Thus the holder is thermally disconnected from the lampshade unit, and thereby the heat transfer from the lampshade unit to the lighting control circuit is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hironao Yamaguchi, Kenji Yoneima
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Patent number: 7008090Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a housing for the reflective element and a control establishing a reflectance level of the reflective element. The control includes a circuit board having opposite sides and at least two photo-sensors on one of the sides. The system further includes at least one light conduiting element adapted to expose one of the at least two photo-sensors to a light environment that is different from the light environment to which the other of the at least two photo-sensors is exposed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Rodney K. Blank
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Patent number: 7004606Abstract: An automatic headlamp control system includes an image sensor, such as an imaging array sensor, and a control. The image sensor is operable to capture an image of a scene forwardly of the vehicle and the control is operable to process the image to determine if any light sources in the captured image are indicative of headlamps of oncoming vehicles or taillights of leading vehicles. The control may adjust the state of the headlamps between a high beam state and a lower beam state in response to such processing of the captured image. The control may be operable to distinguish a reflection of the controlled vehicle's headlamps from the taillights of a leading vehicle, headlamps of an oncoming vehicle, other light sources, and/or reflections from other light sources via recognition of a signature, code or pattern superimposed on the light output of the headlamps of the controlled vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 7001049Abstract: A worklight assembly used as a stand-alone unit and mountable on a tripod. A pair of worklight heads are mounted in side-by-side relation on a linearly extending base portion. A number of support feet extending outward from the base portion are secured to the base portion proximate the lateral ends of the base portion for supporting the worklight assembly as a stand-alone unit. A handle member is centrally disposed between the worklight heads and secured to the base portion so that a user can conveniently position the worklight on the tripod. A hole is provided at least through the base portion generally midway between the worklight heads for use in securing the base portion to the tripod. An electrical power junction is disposed on the worklight assembly for distributing electrical power to the worklight heads in multi-head embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: EML Technologies LLCInventor: Wade Lee
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Patent number: 6997579Abstract: A reflecting-mirror-equipped lamp 2000 is constituted by a high pressure discharge lamp 150 and a reflecting mirror 300. The reflecting mirror 300 includes a wide opening 310 and a narrow opening 320. A first sealing portion 101a of the high pressure discharge lamp 150 is fixed near the narrow portion 320 of the reflecting mirror 300, and provided with no base. A second sealing portion 101b of the high pressure discharge lamp 150 is provided at a side of the wide opening 310 of the reflecting mirror 300. An external lead 104 of the first sealing portion 101a and an outward-drawn lead wire 204a are joined to each other by the plastic flow of a caulking member 10.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Horiuchi, Tsuyoshi Ichibakase, Tomoyuki Seki