Patents Examined by Jason Han
  • Patent number: 7048397
    Abstract: An instrument gauge display for a vehicle dash includes a transparent dial having an upper surface partially covered by black paint and a lower surface covered with white paint. Uncovered areas on the upper surface define a plurality of graphical images that indicate a vehicle operating condition. A light guide, supported within a light housing, is positioned underneath the dial. The light housing and at least one light source is mounted to a printed circuit board, which is supported underneath the light guide by a vehicle structure. The light guide includes a plurality of scattering elements that are positioned generally underneath each of the graphical areas on the dial. The light source cooperates with the light guide and scattering elements to improve the light efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Vyacheslav B. Birman
  • Patent number: 7044623
    Abstract: A thru-hull fitting assembly is connected to the forward end of a hollow lamp housing for mounting to a hole in the hull of a vessel in a water-tight fashion. An HID or other lamp is mounted in the lamp housing and is surrounded by a reflector which may have an outer elliptical section and an inner parabolic section. A protective transparent window extends across the forward end of the lamp housing and is sealed thereto. The window may be made of sapphire to provide improved heat dissipation and to resist scratching during hull cleaning and breakage due to thermal shock and wave slap. A circuit may be connected to the lamp to provide over-heat protection, leak detection, as well as fault and power status indicators. Alternate embodiments utilize a solid light pipe or a hollow reflective tube to convey light from the lamp to the protective window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: DeepSea Power & Light
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Zachary B. Simmons, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Ronan T. Gray, Ray Merewether
  • Patent number: 7040795
    Abstract: A Christmas tree stand has a base for supporting the stand above a ground level and a shell having a lateral surface. The shell is disposed atop the base so as to define an inner volume and the shell houses electrical components within the inner volume. The shell has a plurality of holes disposed on a top portion of the lateral surface that provide ventilation between the inner volume and an outside environment. Further, the shell has a flange overhanging the top portion of the lateral surface so as to shield the holes. A base may also be provided for the Christmas tree stand including an elevated surface and a support structure for supporting the elevated surface above the ground level. Finally, the elevated surface may define one surface of the inner volume. Other thermodynamically efficient configurations are provided. Certain safety mechanisms are provided in relation to modular electronics platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: NCP Corporation
    Inventor: Salvatore J. Puleo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7040783
    Abstract: A clip-on task lamp has a ball-shaped head that is pivotally and frictionally mounted between the cup-shaped ends of two tines of a ball-holding fork so that the ball-head can be rotated to any position. The ball-head has a front lens with two LEDs that are backed by a reflector. The ball has a flexible two-state pushbutton switch on the rear side and an internal battery. The base of the ball-holding fork comprises a single leg with a small swivel ball. The lamp has a clamp part that has, at its top end, two arms with two respective cup ends that hold the small swivel ball by friction fit. The base end of the clamp part comprises two legs, a shorter one of which is springably pivoted on an ear of the other. The end of each leg has a swivel pad and the shorter leg has a projection for facilitating spreading the legs so that they can be sandwiched around a member and clamped to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: ShowerTek, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Christianson
  • Patent number: 7036955
    Abstract: A strip lighting housing and fixture assembly (10) is provided. The strip lighting housing and fixture assembly (10) includes first and second housing sections (12 and 14) which releasably engage one another. Sections (12 and 14) are releasably locked to one another by a locking plate (30) and further by a removable connecting member (42). Additionally, a pair of cover members (38, 40) are provided, with the cover members (38, 40) being releasably joined to the respective first and second housing sections (12 and 14). The lighting housing and fixture assembly (10) is collapsible and may be selectively disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashfaq M. Kazi, Syed M. Afzal Hussain
  • Patent number: 7033055
    Abstract: A emergency light system for providing emergency lighting identification of a vehicle. The emergency light system includes a plurality of light emitting members being designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the light emitting members emits light to visually indicate the location of the vehicle. Each of a plurality of holder members selectively receives one of the light emitting members. Each of the holder members is designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the holder members is for selectively securing the light emitting members to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: David Rutter, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7033044
    Abstract: A moveable, adjustable lighting system for use in television/movie sets and locations, and other similar indoor/outdoor applications comprises at least one horizontal framework that is disposed on a plurality of vertical members in such a way as to allow the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the system, as well as the individual lights and fixtures within the system to be adjusted and adapted to the requirements of a specific set. Lights, lighting fixtures, and other similar fixtures are connected in such a way as to enable them and/or the dimensions of the system to be remotely controlled. The vertical members are equipped with moving means, such as rollers, that allow the entire rig to be moved from one set to another. The system suggests and embodies an “assembly-line production” process in which sets are separately constructed to allow the rig to move between and among them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Farsight LLC
    Inventor: Mary Griffin
  • Patent number: 7029143
    Abstract: A light cove (20), which is adapted to be secured to a wall (46), includes elongated top and bottom fastening devices (22) and (24), a light-transparent panel section (26), and a plurality of two-piece adjustable supports (28). A light fixture (82) with one or more bulbs (80) is positioned intermediate to the top and bottom fastening devices, and all three elements are separately securable to a wall (46) for accommodating any unevenness of the wall and to provide maximum adjustment among the three parts. The panel section is pivotally couplable to the bottom fastening device and can be articulated upwardly so as to position its end (50) adjacent to the adjustable supports. The supports include a strap (62) having projections (78) which can be snapped past a snap-in lip (58) to form a secure joint between the strap and the panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ceilings Plus
    Inventors: Albert Kiechle, Lester Eisner
  • Patent number: 7029154
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight, which comprises a casing enclosing a light source and fixed on a chassis, as well as frangible means of linking the casing to the chassis, which are able to absorb in the course of their rupture at least part of the energy of an impact suffered by the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Philippe Arlon, Laurence Marechal, Pascal Harand, Jean-Paul Ravier
  • Patent number: 7021812
    Abstract: A lighting device including a light guide plate, a light source unit disposed on the side of the light guide plate and a polarization separation element disposed between the light guide plate and the light source unit. The polarization separation element is used for transmitting linearly polarized light in a first polarized direction and reflecting linearly polarized light in a polarized direction normal to the first polarized direction. The light source unit includes a pillar-shaped light guide which light exits at a first side surface, a spot light emission source disposed on the end surface of the pillar-shaped light guide, and a reflecting layer disposed on a second side surface of a prism surface opposed to the first side surface for reflecting light from the spot light emission source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Maeda, Hirokazu Aritake, Chikara Nishio, Takao Satake
  • Patent number: 7018074
    Abstract: A reflector mounting for fluorescent light fixtures in which a rectangular reflector sheet is formed and held in a trough shape by a series of bracket clips hooked to side edges thereof, the bracket clips having a hole receiving the light tube to thereby hold the reflector in the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce R. Raby, Fredrick R. Raby, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7014352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an endurable decoration light string of light strings and one or more non-electrical connector. The light string includes mutually connective luminaries and electrical connector, in which the luminaries are composed of luminescent elements including lamp bulb, tungsten lamp, LED and lamp holder. Electrical conductor can be single or multiple wires, and uses the non-electrical connector parallel or by winding to fix on the predetermined fixed position of the head and tail ends and center part of the decoration light string, to tie a knot on the predetermined fixed position to enhance endurable strengthen of decoration light string. Thus, during the arrangement, the draw force of the decoration light string will be firstly supported by non-electrical connector to avoid the damage on the decoration light string and increase the life span on the decoration light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jeng-Shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 7011422
    Abstract: A decorative, illuminated electrical wall outlet cover plate having an LED light source and a translucent face plate. A method and arrangement is described for illuminating a electrical wall outlet to provide an easily changeable, decorative face plate for matching the walls, wallpaper, furniture or other decorative items in a room. The cover plate is made from an acrylic or polycarbonate plastic that can be clear, translucent, transparent, or partially opaque. Preferably, a reflective backing is provided to reflect light in the desired direction and to enhance the effective brightness of the light. In a second embodiment, a power strip is illuminated to more easily locate the plug in area of the power strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jonas J. Robertson, Robert M. Currie
  • Patent number: 7011439
    Abstract: An adjustable spotlight fitting for use with an illuminated fiber optic bundle. A spherically contoured pivot element is received within a pivot housing and retained therein by an adjustable locking ring which clamps the pivot element in any angularly adjusted position. A focusing member is mounted by the pivot element for limited axial adjusting movement in relation thereto. A fiber optic bundle is inserted through the back of the pivot element and the exposed optical fibers at its terminal end are positioned within the focusing member. A lens, carried at the outer end of the focusing member, is movable by the focusing member toward and away from the fiber optic bundle for converging and expanding the area of illumination. Optical filters can be selectively installed behind the lens for various lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Lighting Services Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kane, Jeremy S. Brotchner
  • Patent number: 7008074
    Abstract: A hands-free dental or surgical light system (10) is disclosed which allows the dentist or surgeon to dim and turn a light (12) on and off by simply moving their head. First and second infrared sensitive switches (16, 18) are mounted on glasses (14) worn by the operator. The switches are positioned at different angles so that if the operator moves their head to point the first infrared sensitive switch (16) at a remotely located infrared source (20), the first infrared sensitive switch (16) will be activated to dim the light (12). Similarly, if the operator moves their head to point the second infrared sensitive switch (18) at the infrared source (20), the light (12) will be turned on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Gary V. Halm
  • Patent number: 7008088
    Abstract: A lighting and safety unit for a vehicle trailer hitch providing enhanced rearward lighting to a motor vehicle for safety. The unit has a T-shaped support made from square tubing adapted for being received in a trailer hitch. The T-shaped support has a crossbar and a mounting bar perpendicular to the crossbar. A pair of halogen lamps are disposed at opposite ends of the crossbar. An accessory post is mounted on the mounting bar and may support additional lighting accessories, such as an elevated lighting assembly or a strobe light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Richard J. Pisciotti
  • Patent number: 7008086
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a fish strike indicator for ice fishing comprised of a base 20 of sufficient length to span the ice-fishing hole. A hook, line 24 and reel 64 mounted to an arm 62 is operatively connected to the platform 20 and a mast 14 having a flag 26 mounted thereto engaging the arm 62 whereby a fish strike of sufficient pressure causes the mast 14 to pop up. The mast 14 incorporates a tilt sensitive switch 54 engaging a power supply 48 selectively energizing a circuit 36 having a flashing light 34 forming an integral part therewith and optionally having an RF transmitter 50 integrally mounted within the circuit 36 for transmitting a signal to a remote receiver 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Curtis Kell
  • Patent number: 7008076
    Abstract: A folding knife light tool with an ergonometric handle in which an illuminating means whether an LED or light bulb or a laser light is incorporated into the handle housing in the spaces existing between the blade, the locking mechanism, and the handle. A knife handle is provided having a body contoured for the hand. The housing is made from one molded piece with a slit in the middle. The handle includes a pivot point for supporting a blade between the longitudinal sides or scales of the blades. A conventional locking or non-locking system is utilized for keeping the blade open once it is unfolded. When the blade is folded, a portion of the blade extends above the sides of the knife handle for digital engagement in the opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Jason E. Zirk, Darren Kady
  • Patent number: 7004607
    Abstract: A motorized adjuster for adjusting the aim of a lamp having a housing, motor, and control rod. The control rod passes through the motor. An anti-rotation gear is positioned inside the housing. The control rod passes through the gear. A flex point is positioned inside the housing to functionally engage the gear. The adjuster may be operated manually or electrically. Manual operation is accomplished by actuating a driver inserted into the housing. Electrical operation is accomplished by actuating the motor. Actuating the driver or the motor causes the control rod to move along its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Asyst Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Raul Aguinaga
  • Patent number: 7004613
    Abstract: A display structure. The display structure has a substrate, a panel, a lamp disposed on the panel, a lead wire connected to the lamp, and an intermediate disposed between the lead wire and the substrate. The substrate has a first sliding portion and a first positioning portion. The intermediate has a clamping portion, a second sliding portion and a second positioning portion. When the lead wire is placed in the clamping portion, the intermediate is moved to an engaging position on the substrate by sliding the second sliding portion on the first sliding portion. Thus, the second positioning portion is engaged to the first positioning portion, and the intermediate is elastically deformed so that the lead wire is wedged by the clamping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Shen Martin Sun, Kuo-Chung Lee