Patents Examined by John Anthony Ward
  • Patent number: 6979100
    Abstract: A work light for work or task areas which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the source of light. LED clusters are mounted on a circuit board which is located in a housing. The LED work lights may be powered by conventional 120 or 240-volt electrical outlets, a DC generator, a battery, a battery pack, or a car adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Reiff, David L. Reiff, Clyde M. Brown
  • Patent number: 6979103
    Abstract: A lamp standard for mounting in an air handling system composed of a stand having a plurality of channels wherein the channels span along the longitudinal axis of the stand and a plurality of lamp modules positioned over the channels. The lamp modules include a housing, a lamp bulb extending from the housing, and the wiring associated with the lamp modules are positioned within the channels. In use, the lamp standard can be installed within a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system to minimize airborne and/or surface microorganism contaminants. The ultraviolet dosage delivered to the HVAC system can be controlled by varying the number of lamp standards, number of lamp modules coupled to the lamp standards, and spacing between the individual lamp standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Witham, Robert Arance
  • Patent number: 6979115
    Abstract: The invention includes a bar-shaped light source and a light guiding plate for entering a light of the light source from the lateral end surface and emitting the light from the emissive surface, wherein a cover having the bracket shaped cross sectional shape for covering the bar-shaped light source and one portion of the light guiding plate supports the light source at the lateral side portion of the light guiding plate, the bracket-shaped cover made of a spring material in a shape of clip pinches the light guiding plate through a pressing portion on the inner surface of the cover, and the projections extended on the both sides of the cover are adopted to position the light guiding plate accurately in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ohizumi, Takuro Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6979108
    Abstract: An adaptor kit or system for use with conventional can light fixtures to adapt the can light fixture for use as a hanger assembly for ceiling fans, for example, includes a spider plate that is hung onto the can height adjustment screws and a mounting plate to which a cross-bar or other mounting hardware is attached. Adjustment screws are adjusted to control the distance between the spider plate and the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur J. Berge
  • Patent number: 6979109
    Abstract: A sliding adjuster includes a base housing with a slide positioned at least partially therein. The base housing includes mounting tabs so that the adjuster can be secured to the back of a headlamp assembly support frame. The base housing includes channels along its sides in which rails extending from the slide are disposed. A ball stud extends from the slide, the ball of which is engaged in a reflector within the headlamp assembly such that axial movement of the ball stud causes movement of the reflector. Movement of the slide is caused by rotation of an adjustment screw that is threaded into the slide but held in axial position with respect to the base housing. The adjuster may include a vehicle headlamp aiming device (“VHAD”) if required for the particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6976766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unique dual mode, inline switch mechanism that is fully integrated into the rear cap of a flashlight assembly to provide a completely self contained and waterproof switching mechanism. The switch assembly further provides dual mode functionality including an ON position and a momentary ON position while also including a reliable OFF position that prevents the accidental activation of the light when the user desires that it remain off. The entire mechanism resides in the end cap of the flashlight assembly and includes an end cap structure that is designed to be rotatably attached to the end of a flashlight housing, a tactile ratchet lock assembly similar to a ballpoint pen, a plunger and an elastomeric cover. The switch mechanism is fully integrated on the interior of the flashlight providing the highly desirable, fully contained, in line functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Galli
  • Patent number: 6976771
    Abstract: An illumination device confusing, in combination, a housing having a first elongated section and a second elongated section extending endwise relative to the first section, and an elongated lens assembled to the second section and having hinge support at or near one end of the lens to enable jaw-like opening bodily swinging the lens abut a hinge support axis defined by said hinge support, to gain access to elongated illumination bulb means carried by and within by the second elongated section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: National Electric Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Gälvez
  • Patent number: 6974235
    Abstract: Prismatic structures having at least certain conventionally linear surfaces thereof configured in a non-linear fashion to control the direction of light exiting said structures, the invention functions to reduce light losses in a luminaire or the like while facilitating the emanation of light from the luminaire at an acceptable viewing angle and with a reduction in glare. Prisms, particularly splitter prisms, configured according to the invention are formed with at least portions of conventionally linear surfaces as arcuate, curvilinear or generally curving segmented surfaces so as to direct light out of the luminaire for useful illumination rather than in a wasteful direction back into the luminaire. Prisms configured according to several embodiments of the invention function to increase light efficiencies either upwardly or downwardly depending on illumination requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Subisak
  • Patent number: 6974239
    Abstract: A compound optical and electrical conductor includes a fiberoptic light transmitting element (multiple fibers or single solid rod) with at least one solar cell with LED therewith. The electrical conductor or conductors may be imbedded or otherwise secured within the optically conducting element or its surrounding jacket or sheath, or may be contained in a separate elongate retainer which may be provided to hold the optically conducting element in place as desired. The conductors may include a jacket or retainer which is optically open along one side thereof, allowing the optical conductor to emit light laterally therefrom subtending an angle defined by the optical gap in the jacket or retainer. One or more compound connectors may be provided, for linking two or more such compound conductors together as desired. The connectors provide for both the concentric alignment of the optical conductors, and also the electrical connection of the electrical conductors of the compound devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Robert M. Currie, Jonas J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6974223
    Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: ACCO Brands USA, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
  • Patent number: 6974231
    Abstract: A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The reflector is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and the adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is also secured to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and aiming of the lamp. The bracket and adjuster are provided in pre-assembled fashion such that the lamp may be easily attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 6971772
    Abstract: Luminaire optical assemblies intended for pole-mounted and similar applications and capable of effective I.E.S. cutoff performance while exhibiting desirable light distributions even with vertically oriented lamping, the invention contemplates in primary embodiments light-transmissive reflector/refractor combinations typically formed of glass, acrylics and the like, uplight shielding and reflector assemblies of a variety of configurations being disposed within the reflector/refractor combinations to produce desired cutoff characteristics while preserving daytime appearance during nocturnal operation. In certain embodiments of the invention, uplight is controlled by the several variations of the uplight shielding and reflector assemblies to cause light-transmissive portions of the reflector/refractor combinations to subtly glow and thus produce a desired appearance while also producing cutoff characteristics necessary to reduce urban sky glow and glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaser S. Abdelsamed, Michael Packer
  • Patent number: 6971761
    Abstract: A protective flashlight case includes left and right pieces with front and rear ends. The rear ends of the two case pieces are formed in a closed loop shape so as to enclose a key ring clip of a flashlight. A hollow space defined by the walls of the loop permits the case, with the flashlight enclosed, to be attached to a key chain, article of clothing, or other support. The case protects flashlights from harsh, rugged conditions as well as from water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 6971764
    Abstract: A stage lighting apparatus is disclosed comprised of a lamp housing. The lamp housing is comprised of a lamp and a first light valve. The stage lighting apparatus is also comprised of a first set of first image data. The first set of first image data is comprised of a first set of first separate color data for operation of a first separate colored image and a second set of second separate color data for operation of a second separate colored image. A swap function is applied to the first set of first image data to allow operation of the second separate colored image as determined by the first separate color data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6971759
    Abstract: A multifunction hydration container accessory system having (comprising) a hydration container of generally cylindrical shape having a planar bottom surface with bottom edges and having a top for filling and dispensing hydration liquids and having (comprising) an accessory system housing of generally cylindrical shape having a first end for attaching to the hydration container planar bottom and having a second end for holding a plurality container accessories such as a compass, safety signal reflective material and container storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Sutton
  • Patent number: 6969182
    Abstract: An apparatus for lighting a room from the room's ceiling. The apparatus includes a first plate having an opening. The apparatus includes a spacer attached to the first plate. The apparatus includes at least a second plate having an opening attached to the spacer and maintained in spaced relationship from the first plate by the spacer. The opening of the first plate and the opening of the second plate together define a first channel. The apparatus includes means for lighting including at least one lamp and one transformer electrically connected to the lamp. The lamp is either a low voltage or line voltage lamp. The lamp extends into the channel. A method for forming a lighting apparatus. A method for lighting a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Irwin Kotovsky
  • Patent number: 6966666
    Abstract: An illuminable electronic ice cube comprising an outer casing, inner unit, LED, circuit board, battery, bottom lid, and battery cover lid. The outer casing has a natural ice cube shape with ripple-shaped sides. The inner unit is fitted in the outer casing and comprises a base, a raised support and an-illuminable light cylinder fixed on the raised support. A chamber in the inner unit runs through the base, raised support and light cylinder. The LED is fitted in the light cylinder and the circuit board is under the LED, and the battery is under the circuit board. The bottom lid is at the bottom of the outer casing and has a push-button switch and a hole matching the battery cover lid. When the battery runs out, the battery cover lid is turned to separate it from the bottom lid, so a new battery can be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Cool Cubes, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 6966671
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a projection lamp has a base, an adjusting module, and a pair of adjusting device and repositioning device, which are on the opposite surfaces of the base. The adjusting module has a plurality of adjusting plates that are combined by the guide-grooves and guide-pins. A projection lamp is fixed to an end of the adjusting module. As using the adjusting device and the repositioning device for adjusting the position of the projection lamp, the projection lamp can be achieved the two-dimensional adjustment and the projection system can reduce the illumination loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Sea-Huang Lee, Shou-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 6966678
    Abstract: A foldable ceiling lamp includes a wire connection box and a limiting disk, and a lamp rod. The wire connection box includes an upper cover and a wire connection box body. A gap is formed between the upper cover and the body for being inserted by a supporting plate of the lamp rod. The limiting disk has a plurality of positioning pivotal holes formed on the limiting disk near an edge of the limiting. Each of the positioning pivotal hole is around by a plurality of embedding holes. A bottom of the lamp rod is installed with a plurality of stepped supporting plates. The supporting plates are installed on the positioning pivotal holes of the limiting disk by a pivotal stud. When the supporting plate rotates around the stud, the convex portion of the supporting plate is embedded into one embedding hole. Thus, the lamp rod is rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Bi Hua Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6964503
    Abstract: A luminaire includes a base, a frame supporting a lamp, an optical assembly and an arm connecting the base and the frame. The arm has opposite first and second terminal ends rotatably coupled to the base and the frame, respectively, first and second opposite sides extending between the first and second terminal ends, and first and second actuating members unitary with the arm. The first actuating member extends from the first side at the first terminal end and the second actuating member extends from the second side at second terminal end. The first actuating member rotates the arm with respect to the base about a first axis and the second actuating member rotates the frame with respect to the arm about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Carroll W. Smith, Derek J. Nash, Ruben Villarreal