Patents Examined by James Cranson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8690380
    Abstract: A surface illumination device includes: a point light source I having high directionality; a linear light conversion unit II that converts light from the point light source into linear light; a linear light diffusion unit III that diffuses the linear light; and a surface lighting unit IV that is irradiated with diffused light and outputs surface light. The light from the point light source I is converted into the linear light by the linear light conversion unit II. The linear light thus converted is diffused in a predetermined direction by the linear light diffusion unit III. The diffused light is radiated on the surface lighting unit IV to be converted into surface light and radiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Opto Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiichi Sato, Hiroyasu Sato, Ken Sato
  • Patent number: 8690382
    Abstract: Gradient optics for even light distribution of LED light sources. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for uniform distribution of light emitted from a light source. The apparatus includes a panel coupled to receive the light emitted from the light source, and gradient optics disposed on the panel, the gradient optics providing a matching transparency gradient that is aligned with the light source to evenly distribute the emitted light. In another aspect, an apparatus includes means for receiving the light emitted from the light source, and means for providing a matching transparency gradient that is aligned with the light source to evenly distribute the emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Farmer
  • Patent number: 8684575
    Abstract: A lighting unit including a lens body can achieve luminous flux utilization efficiency equal to or greater than a conventional lighting unit even with a reduced width of the lens body. A vehicle lighting unit can be constituted by a plurality of the lighting units. The lighting unit can include an LED light source, and a lens body disposed in front of the LED light source so that light emitted from the LED light source can be incident thereon. The lens body can include a lens portion configured to receive the light from the LED light source to collect the light, a front surface including the lens portion, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, a first end surface functioning as a light exiting surface having a substantially rectangular shape greater in width than in thickness, and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Mitsuhashi, Toru Umeda
  • Patent number: 8688401
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, determining an endoilluminator output includes calculating an illuminator contribution of an endoilluminator system and a fiber contribution of one or more optical fibers of the endoilluminator system. The endoilluminator output is determined from the illuminator contribution and the fiber contribution. The illuminator contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as an illuminator leg efficiency, an attenuator factor, an initial lamp performance, and/or a lamp performance degradation factor of the lamp. The fiber contribution may be established using calibrated or empirically determined factors, such as a fiber coupling factor and/or fiber transmission ratio of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Papac, John C. Huculak
  • Patent number: 8678635
    Abstract: A surface light source device has a light emitting surface and includes a light guide plate having a light exit surface and a pair of light entrance surfaces. When the angular distribution of luminance in a plane parallel to a first direction is measured on the light emitting surface at varying positions along the first direction, the peak angle ?c in the angular distribution of luminance at a center position Pc in the first direction lies between the peak angle ?a in the angular distribution of luminance at an end position on one side in the first direction and the peak angle ?b in the angular distribution of luminance at an end position on the other side in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Goto, Hiroshi Sekiguchi, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8678623
    Abstract: A transport device used to connect to a jack-o-lantern which serves to both provide for an illumination source and an easy manner in which to transport the jack-o-lantern when it is illuminated. There are also provided related systems and methods of use of the device. The result provides for a jack-o-lantern to be easily transported as a lantern or costume prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Kirk A. Damman
  • Patent number: 8672501
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mirror device with illumination comprising a transparent conductive substrate, an isolation layer, a mirror layer and a light emitting diode (LED) layer. The isolation layer, formed on a surface of the transparent conductive substrate, divides the surface of the transparent conductive substrate into at least one first region and at least one second region. The mirror layer formed on the transparent conductive substrate within the at least one first region, while the LED layer is formed on the transparent conductive substrate within the at least one second region, wherein the mirror layer and the LED layer are electrically isolated from each other. In another embodiment, the present disclosure further provides a mirror box having the mirror device with illumination disposed therein so that the mirror device can be easily carried and kept in the pocket, or purse of user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ching-Chiun Wang, Chien-Chih Chen, Chih-Yung Huang, Szu-Hao Chen, Yi-Shan Wang
  • Patent number: 8672515
    Abstract: A spotlight for a vehicle includes a base configured to be supported by a surface of the vehicle. A housing is mounted to the base so as to pivot about a first axis relative to the base. A light-emitting device is supported within the housing. The spotlight further includes a reflector configured to reflect light emitted by the light-emitting device. The reflector is mounted within the housing so as to pivot about a second axis relative to the housing. The second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis. A lens connects to the housing such that light emitted by the light-emitting device and reflected by the reflector passes through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Power Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jason W. Anderson, Vitaly Kapelevich
  • Patent number: 8662699
    Abstract: A lantern having a plurality of removable area lights. Each area light includes a separate power source capable of powering the area light. Each area light is separately selectively illuminable by activating a switch on the area light. The lantern includes a docking station having a docking station power source capable of simultaneously powering all area lights attached to the docking station simultaneously or any subset of the area lights attached to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Tarter
  • Patent number: 8657459
    Abstract: A low profile lighting apparatus is characterized by a battery housing, a rail-engaging plate connected to the housing by a pair of arms, and a recessed activating push-button located between the arms and adjacent the rail-engaging plate. A flexible resilient tab, also recessed between the arms, secures the apparatus to a rail. A lock-out switch is built into a plug for closing an end of the housing. The plug has three discrete rotational positions, one for attachment, a second for activation of an illumination source, and a third for preventing accidental activation of the illumination source by requiring simultaneous axial pressure and rotation. Instead of the plug, a hinged door having a sliding latch part can be utilized. The sliding latch part includes a pair of resilient legs that cooperate with surfaces inside the door to urge the latch part toward a latching condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Princeton Tectonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Janice, Michael Aaskov, Kyle Walters
  • Patent number: 8651680
    Abstract: An occupant protection device is provided for a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to at least one airbag module that is arranged in a hub region of a steering wheel. The airbag module includes, but is not limited to a visual surface facing a vehicle driver and the visual surface is entirely or partially formed of a textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ulrich Rick
  • Patent number: 8651702
    Abstract: Self-aligning light source and detector assembly having a sensor support mounted in a predetermined, fixed position, a light source holder mounted in a predetermined, fixed position relative to the sensor support, a sensor mounted in a fixed position on the sensor support, and a lamp assembly removably mounted to the light source holder in a predetermined position defined by mating surfaces which engage each other and seat the lamp assembly in the predetermined position whenever the lamp assembly is installed in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Wynn
  • Patent number: 8651711
    Abstract: A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Rudisill, Daniel John Whittle
  • Patent number: 8651688
    Abstract: The flashlight accessory is a device that attaches onto a lighted end of an existing flashlight, and which reflects light radially from said flashlight in order to produce lighting consistent with a lantern. The flashlight accessory includes a hollowed cylinder within which a reflective cone shaped surface reflects light radially with respect to the hollowed cylinder. The hollowed cylinder includes an opening upon which the lighted end of the flashlight is placed against. A strap is provided at a distance above said opening in order to secure the flashlight accessory onto the lighted end of the flashlight. At least one hook is included on a distal end of said cylinder, and which enables the accessory to hang from an object in a manner consistent with a traditional lantern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Golden
  • Patent number: 8651710
    Abstract: A detachable lamp includes a seat, a fastening mechanism and a lighting module. The fastening mechanism includes a rotary latch having a stem and a latching portion extending from the stem. The lighting module is disposed on the seat corresponding by the fastening mechanism and includes a frame and an LED assembly received in the frame. The frame has an engaging member for being fastened by the latching portion. Thereby, the lighting module can be detachably mounted on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Leader Trend Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Wang
  • Patent number: 8651728
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lighting master, which includes a base and a lighting module. A region defined between the base and a housing accommodates a power module. The lighting module is disposed over the base. The base has an outer surface to be bonded with an inner surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Chang Wah Electromaterials, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Kuei Tsai
  • Patent number: 8646948
    Abstract: An lighting fixture includes a reflector, a pedestal, and a lighting module. The reflector includes an opening formed therethrough and the pedestal is positioned in communication with the opening. The lighting module is coupled to the pedestal. In certain embodiments, the reflector is organically shaped and includes four parts, where each part is substantially S-shaped. The lighting module includes a frame and indirect LEDs that emit light toward the interior surface of the reflector. The indirect LEDs are positioned below the lowest portions of the reflector a are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis. The frame includes a cut-off wall that provides for a cut-off angle for the indirect LEDs and one or more fins. The frame and the pedestal provide thermal management for the LEDs. In certain embodiments, the lighting module also includes one or more of direct LEDs and an active cooling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Ann Marie Reo, Chantal Louise Pittman
  • Patent number: 8628220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode, LED, light source that may be arranged for retrofitting into a luminaire employing an incandescent light source. The light source comprises a light guide into which light from one or more LEDs in a light unit arranged at one end of the light guide is injected, and a reflector having a reflecting surface arranged at the other end of the light guide and facing towards the light guide capable of reflecting light incident on the reflecting surface. According to the present invention, the reflecting surface can be arranged in a number of exemplary ways such as to enable the light emitted from the light source to have a spatial intensity distribution that is similar to the light intensity distribution of an incandescent light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Boonekamp, Thomas Duester
  • Patent number: 8628213
    Abstract: An indoor illuminator for adjusting lighting field includes a casing, two adjusting portions and two illuminating strips. The casing has a top plate and two side plates. Each adjusting portion includes a bottom plate and a base plate. The base plate is mounted on the bottom plate. The two illuminating strips are respectively and correspondingly disposed on the two adjusting portions. Each illuminating strip includes an elongated loading plate and an elongated positioning plate. The loading plate has multiple light emitting diodes mounted on the loading plate. The positioning plate is respectively connected with the loading plate and the base plate of a corresponding adjusting portion to be enclosed as a triangular tube. The loading plate is pivotable relative to the base plate such that a projecting angle of the loading plate is adjustable and the lighting field is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: National Chung Cheng University
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chen Wang, Jung-Ming Yeh
  • Patent number: 8616740
    Abstract: The lighting assembly (20) includes a light guide (22) formed of a resin material propagating light through internal reflection. A housing (28) surrounds the light guide (22) and maintains the light guide (22) in a predetermined position. A light transmissive coating (24), such as a vacuum metalized coating, is disposed on the light guide (22) and faces outwardly of the housing (28). The light transmissive coating (24) disguises the resin light guide (22) so that the light guide (22) appears to be a metallic trim. A non-light transmissive coating (26), such as a paint, appearing to be the same material as the light transmissive coating (24), may be disposed on the light guide (22) adjacent the light transmissive coating (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: James Burr Anderson, Alexis Antonio Silva Perez