Patents Examined by Matthew Spark
  • Patent number: 5820246
    Abstract: An improved display system includes a plurality of light sources which are electroluminescent devices, such as light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes have an intensity of 0.5 with a light dispersion angle of 24.degree. or less. An optical device creates a plurality of dispersion patterns from the light emitted by each of the light emitting diodes. The dispersion patterns have a viewing angle of 50.degree. or more. The optical device includes a plurality of linear grooves having side surfaces which cooperate to create a plurality of separate dispersion patterns from the light emitted by each light emitting diode. The dispersion patterns from the light emitted by one light emitting diode are disposed along a line which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Helstern
  • Patent number: 5820247
    Abstract: A modular cover for a combination light source and ventilator system is disclosed. The modular cover includes a grill, a light-transmissive lens and an optionally detachable trimplate for mounting beneath the light source and ventilator system installed in a ceiling. The trimplate is releasably engagable with the grill for covering a greater portion of the ceiling in the event a sizing error is made during installation of the light source and ventilator system. Preferably, the lens is releasably engagable with the grill for changing of the light source and cleaning of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: NuTone Inc.
    Inventor: Norman F. Schuler
  • Patent number: 5803582
    Abstract: A laser pointer which includes a barrel having two opposite inside pins at one end for mounting and a hanging hole at an opposite end for hanging, a socket sliding in the barrel at one end to hold a battery set, the socket having two longitudinal sliding slots at two opposite side respectively coupled to the inside pins of the barrel, and a laser module holder shaped like a stepped tube fixedly connected to one end of the socket to hold a semiconductor laser module on the inside and a press button on the outside near the socket. The press button is exposed to the outside for operation when the inside pins of the barrel are moved to one end of each longitudinal sliding slot of the socket; the press button is received inside the barrel and concealed from sight when the inside pins of the barrel are moved to the opposite end of each longitudinal sliding slot of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Quarton, Inc.
    Inventor: Chaochi Huang
  • Patent number: 5800038
    Abstract: Rim mounted visor apparatus for mounting from an endless motorcycle headlight rim formed at its forward extremity with a radially in turned retaining lip. The visor includes a visor plate in the form of a sector of a cylinder configured at its rear extremity with a plurality of rearwardly projecting hangers spaced annularly about the visor plate and configured with respective radially outwardly projecting retainer ribs for engaging behind the retaining lip of the rim and engageable by a resilient retaining rod which is configured to complement the curvature of the rim and, upon installation, urge the respective hangers radially outwardly to hold the visor firmly engaged behind the retaining lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Cobra Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy McCool
  • Patent number: 5800050
    Abstract: Downlight and downlight wall wash reflectors particularly useful with compact fluorescent lamps and other large-area light sources, the reflector optics of the invention maximize the efficiency of the luminaire while providing brightness control and avoidance of high angle glare or "flash". Downlight reflectors according to the invention provide a truly uniform illuminance distribution across the illuminated area when applied in a rectangular grid with maximum use of available light by providing an upper amplifying reflector section which reflects normally underutilized light to a lower distribution reflector section which radiates a large percentage of generated light effectively from the bottom of the light source, thus reducing the apparent size of the light source and increasing optical control. The lower reflector section reflects light only into zones where the light is needed and avoids high angle zones, most of the light being reflected into zones from 35.degree. to 45.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin F. Leadford
  • Patent number: 5775801
    Abstract: A high reliability, low power lamp for use in illuminating traffic signal indicators, comprising a "serpentine grid structure" comprising a first and a second overlapping neon light source. The two neon light sources are placed in close proximity to one another, thus allowing each light source to be illuminated more rapidly due to the reduced length of each tube and the interaction of each tube with the other. The physical layout of the indicator is preferably designed to enhance the operation of the neon tube by causing heat generated by the power supply to raise the temperature of the air surrounding the neon tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: McCain Traffic Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Robert Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5769533
    Abstract: A flexible illumination tape is provided with the emission from a number of luminous objects directed in a fixed direction. It comprises a long taping material of synthetic polyamide resin, etc., a plurality of luminous elements comprising luminous diodes, etc. mounted along the longer direction of the taping material, and an electric conductor of copper foil, etc. applied to both sides of the taping material. The plurality of luminous elements are mounted with the emission set in a fixed direction along the shorter direction of the taping material. Two input terminals span the taping material. The input terminals having the same polarity are soldered onto the same electric conductor so that they are connected in parallel. The illumination tape is flexible in making a sharp curve, refraction, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Hiyoshi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Yamuro, Kenichi Tamate
  • Patent number: 5765940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED-illuminated lamp assembly which includes a lens that is capable of directing light from the LEDs both horizontally and vertically. The taillight mode is also directed slightly upward so as to comply with applicable lighting regulations. The lamp assembly also includes a current regulating assembly which is mounted within the housing and attached to a power source for providing current to LEDs positioned within the housing. The LEDs are mounted on an LED board assembly. The current regulating assembly is capable of maintaining steady current through the LEDs independent of the power source voltage so as to prevent an overheating of the LEDs at higher than normal voltages and to provide constant, non-flickering light output with varying input voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Levy, Hyman Grossman, Chenhua You, Yubo Yang
  • Patent number: 5758948
    Abstract: A lighting display device simulates a decorated, lighted tree, when illuminated. A plurality, preferably 15 elongated support members are attached at each end to a central shaft. The upper end is hingedly attached to a stationary collar while the lower end is attached to a collar which is axially moveable along the shaft. A hinge is formed in each of the support members at a point spaced away from the ends of the support members. Each of the support members has a generally C-shaped configuration with an open side facing the shaft and a plurality of spaced openings through a surface of each of the support members faces away from the shaft. Each of the openings is adapted to receive a light bulb from a string of lights, and the channel is adapted to receive a plurality of light sockets supporting the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory S. Hale
  • Patent number: 5749646
    Abstract: A special effect electrical lamp assembly capable of emitting different colors of light at different times onto a plural number of distinct areas on the lamp or on objects some distance from the lamp. A plural number of colored light generating units, each comprised of clusters of colored lamps of different colors, emit a resultant light which changes color as different lamps are energized one at a time and in combinations, either spontaneously under lamp control, or by manual selection in some embodiments. A wide variety of artistically shaped shades, covers, and reflectors refract the changing colored light producing surprising effects including moving images, change with the music illusions, and actual movement of lamp parts. A multiple color producing light bulb embodiment is installed in multiple color generating unit lamps and can also be inserted into any appropriate common light bulb receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Gerald A. Brittell
  • Patent number: 5746493
    Abstract: A light guide for illuminating a display and/or keyboard device is formed from translucent material as a planar element having a peripheral edge. A plurality of arcuately shaped light coupling recesses are formed on one side to transmit light from light sources substantially uniformly into the light guide. A plurality of light reflecting recesses are formed in the peripheral edge to reflect light at the edge back into the light guide in a manner useful for illuminating the keys of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Anders Jonsson, Mats Wictor
  • Patent number: 5746504
    Abstract: A Christmas tree light ring including a securing clamp for snugly securing to the trunk of a tree, a circular power member with an opening larger than the securing clamp, and a plurality of support posts connecting at their upper ends to the securing clamp and at their lower ends to the circular power member. The support posts extend downwardly and outwardly from the securing clamp to the circular power member to support the circular power member at a position spaced radially outward from the tree trunk. The circular power member has a plurality of electrical connector sockets therein, and a plurality of light strands have electrical connector plugs which are removably connectable to the sockets of the circular power member so that the light strands may depend therefrom. Optionally, a tree topper ornament is provided for the placing on the top of the tree trunk and is also adapted to draw power from the circular power member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Esther L. Dodson
  • Patent number: 5743618
    Abstract: An optical axis adjustment structure which includes an aiming adjustment screw having a ball part disposed at one end thereof for receiving and being supported by a movable part of a lamp or the like, an intermediate part screw-engaging with a nut member fitted in a stationary part of a vehicle body or the like, and an operating part disposed at the other end thereof for a rotational operation, and the outer dimension of the operating part of the aiming adjustment screw is designed to be larger than the threaded intermediate part of the screw and the outer diameter of the ball part is larger than the diameter of the threaded part of the screw, while the nut member is integrally molded with the aiming adjustment screw at the intermediate part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Fujino, Osamu Sato
  • Patent number: 5743622
    Abstract: An in-ground light fixture includes a single unitary body having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being separated by a common wall, and plural conductive elements, each of which is molded within the common wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber and each of which forms a conductive pathway between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber contains at least electrical components and a light source, and has an opening for receiving a lens, and the second chamber has an opening adapted to receive a power cable supplying power from an external power source. The plural conductive elements permit power to be supplied from the second chamber to the electrical components and the light source in the first chamber. The in-ground light is also adaptable for use as an elevated landscape light so as to provide lighting above grade level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Architectural Landscape Lighting
    Inventors: Ian R. Ibbitson, Frank G. Watson
  • Patent number: 5743634
    Abstract: In brief, the objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by a reflector for an ornamental luminaire. The reflector includes a member formed of a metal material, the metal member having a predetermined thickness and being perforated with spaced apart apertures of a selected diameter and selected density. The metal member has a predefined reflector shape with the spaced apart apertures and the predefined reflector shape arranged to provide control of both an upper illumination distribution and a lower illumination distribution. The reflector metal member includes a plurality of positioning portions arranged for press-fit engagement within the ornamental luminaire. A hydroforming technique is used to form the metal member into the predefined reflector shape. The reflector is trimmed via a stamping process to a desired diameter and to provide the plurality of positioning portions in a precompression state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lexalite International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Joel E. Robinson, Robert D. Towne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5743631
    Abstract: A heating system for installation and use within an emergency or service vehicle's warning light system. The heating system comprises generally a self-limiting heater which is operatively connected to a fan for displacing air within the light system, creating an exchange of forced air by the heating element. The heating system may further comprise a switch and control relay which is thermostatically actuated or actuated in response to ambient humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: James R. Bigham
  • Patent number: 5738432
    Abstract: A method and an adjustable portable illumination device, removably attachable to a user's shoe or garment, enabling hands-free operation, and allowing the user to see and be seen. The device has a light housing, a light assembly having an illumination member encapsulated in the light housing, a power source for providing power to the illumination member, a movable plate, attached to the light housing and a light housing attaching member for removably attaching the light housing to the top frontal area of a user's shoe, or on an other article of clothing. The movable plate has a swivel member attached to the movable plate, for vertical positioning of the light housing at an adjustable angle between 20 and 70 degrees relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Koussay Okko, Maad Okko, Nagib Okko
  • Patent number: 5735595
    Abstract: The signaling system contains a low-pressure rare gas discharge lamp having a tubular lamp vessel provided with electrodes. The lamp is accommodated in a housing having a light-emission window and light-reflecting means. The housing has a light-reflecting inner surface reflect light and an elongate converging lens, closing the light-emission window. The housing may have a niche in which the lamp is partially recessed countersunk and in which the lamp may be secured by an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Paulus Q. J. Nederpel, Antonius J. M. Van Hees
  • Patent number: 5730520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power saving apparatus of an in-line skate lighting wheel wherein a switch is provided through which a circuit is shifted either to a ready condition or to an off condition depending on need; when said circuit is shifted to said ready condition, said lighting wheel under movement can flicker; while, when shifted to said off condition, power of batteries of said lighting wheel won't be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Chi-Hsueh Hsu, Chi-Yeh Hsu, Jong-Yes Hsu
  • Patent number: 5727871
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture or luminaire having a housing which has hinge assemblies which pivotally support a mounting plate. The hinge assembly allows the mounting plate on which the lamps and ballasts are mounted to be pivoted to a generally vertical service position or latched in a horizontal use position within the housing. A selected number of lamp sockets can be selectively secured to the plate to receive the lamps. Reflectors and lamp stand-offs may be secured to the mounting plate at bendable tabs formed in the mounting plate. The light fixture is adapted for use with standard or high efficiency compact lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald F. Kotloff