Patents Examined by Richard R. Cole
  • Patent number: 5537297
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reflecting light, and includes a transparent tube having two end surfaces and a cylindrical side wall. A light source includes both an illuminating light beam and a tube holding member that holds at least one of the end surfaces close to the light source so that the light beam propagates through at least one of the end surfaces and then along the tube. A color light filter may be positioned between the light source and at least one end surface of the tube so that the color of the light beam is selectable. At least one opaque thin film strip is adhered to or etched into a minor portion of the circumference of the outer surface for reflecting a portion of the light beam transversely through the tube such that the portion of the light beam is visible along the side wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Editha S. Shemke
    Inventor: Abbas Ghandehari
  • Patent number: 5465200
    Abstract: A fastening system for fixedly connecting a lamp assembly to a support panel provided with a pair of retainer openings and in which the lamp assembly is provided with a pair of tiltable mounting studs which are insertable into the retainer openings, and the retainer openings are designed so that a portion of the support panel adjacent each of the openings is engaged by and cause tilting of the mounting studs before the latter can gain access into the associated retainer opening for locking the lamp assembly to the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Finocchio, Edward M. Finan
  • Patent number: 5450296
    Abstract: Auxiliary lamps may be mounted on a vehicle so that the lamps may be selectively moved out of the wind stream or into a forwardly facing position. The lamps are mounted on a rotatable rod at selectable positions anywhere along the length of the rod. The rod is rotated with a motor spaced from the rod out of the wind stream. The rod may be mounted on a roll bar or attached to a drip rail at the rear of the vehicle roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Larry McHugh
  • Patent number: 5446636
    Abstract: A light fixture including an upper housing member and a reflector attached to the housing member. The reflector is formed with first and second spaced surfaces at an upper portion thereof and vent openings are provided between the surfaces. The vent openings provide improved heat dissipation from the interior of the reflector which increases the life of the light bulb. A sealing plate is provided for engaging a support arm that extends away from the upper housing member to enclose the contents thereof from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Galaxy Electrical Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Wenlue Huang
  • Patent number: 5440457
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly (10) mounted on the roof (R) of an automotive vehicle is manually actuated from a handle (28) to direct a light beam from a lamp unit or assembly (16) in a desired direction. Lamp unit (16) has a generally air tight space formed between a transparent lens (62) and a reflector (40). An inlet opening (63) is provided in a gap in a gasket (58) between the reflector (40) and lens (62) to permit air to enter the interior space. A discharge opening (65) is provided in the bottom of each bowl portion (46) of the reflector (40) to permit the discharge of air from the inner space of the lamp unit (16). A baffle attachment (64) is provided beneath each discharge opening (65) when the lamp unit (16) is in a retracted position as shown in FIG. 5. Baffle attachment (64) has a pair of vanes or baffles (70) which converge in a rearward direction toward the discharge opening (65) to create a venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Linear Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5438495
    Abstract: A light fitting, preferably intended to be embedded in the surfacing of a runway, includes a light source (2) with a reflector (1) as well as a limiting light opening in the field of light. A mirror device is arranged for reflecting a part of the field of light (4) back towards the reflector (1) for sending this light through the light opening (3) after further reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Airport Technology In Scandinavia AB
    Inventors: Hans Ahlen, Leif Ek
  • Patent number: 5436808
    Abstract: A headlamp, particularly for vehicles. The headlamp includes a solid piece body formed from a transparent material. The body includes a first, light transmitting surface portion. At least a first and a second opaque mirror surface are disposed on opposite sides of a second surface portion of the body. The first mirror surface is shaped to produce a desired distribution of reflected light on the second mirror surface; the second mirror surface is shaped to produce a desired reflected light distribution in an area illuminated by the headlamp. Light from at least one light source is directed to the first mirror surface, reflected by the first mirror surface to the second mirror surface, and then reflected by the second mirror surface through the light transmitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Transducer Valley Inc.
    Inventor: Seppo Noponen
  • Patent number: 5436804
    Abstract: A light modifier is disclosed for use in photography, comprising a frame and a screen supported by the frame. The frame comprises a spine member with first and second limbs pivotally connected to the spine member at spaced apart locations thereon. The frame is mounted on an external support with the first and second limbs retaining in screen supporting positions substantially orthogonal to the spine member such that the screen is tensioned between the first and second limbs. The first limb is seated in a first bracket attached to the spine member and the second limb is seated in a second bracket attached to the spine member. The first and second tubular collars are slidingly mounted on the first and second limbs respectively, the first and second tubular collars fitting when the first and second limbs are in the screen supporting position, over apexes of the first and second brackets respectively so as to prevent pivotal movement of the first and second limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Sean B. J. Henry
  • Patent number: 5436809
    Abstract: An indicating light unit for a motor vehicle has a support plate, an optic extending along the support plate, and a plurality of elementary luminous modules each comprising a light emitting diode. Each module comprises at least one light emitting diode mounted on a frame and covered with a cover element, the modules being juxtaposed to each other in predetermined positions on the support plate and being connected electrically to a common electrical supply source. The unit is of low thickness and gives a homogeneous light field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Marc Brassier, Jean-Claude Gasquet, Daniel Segaud, Bernard Mauroy
  • Patent number: 5436813
    Abstract: A new and improved illumination apparatus and method of making and using it for illuminating large and small areas, such as the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle, building structure or the like. The apparatus includes an elongated neon tube for radiating bright glowing light both radially and axially, an elongated tube holder for holding the neon tube stationary relative to a mounting surface, an energy conversion device adapted to be coupled to a source of low voltage power for electrically energizing the neon tube, and a mounting arrangement to secure the energy conversion device within the tube holder without blocking the bright glowing light radiating axially from the neon tube. The preferred method of using the apparatus is mounting the apparatus to a surface in close proximity to an area to be illuminated and coupling the apparatus to a source of low voltage direct current electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Neon Corporation
    Inventor: Jaime D. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5432685
    Abstract: A reflecting surface consists of an inner surface and an outer surface, and a filament is disposed along the optical axis of the reflector. The inner surface produces a projection pattern extended in the horizontal direction. The upper half of the inner surface produces a projection pattern below the horizontal center line. Of the lower half of the inner surface, a subsection located on one side of the vertical center plane of the reflector produces a projection pattern contributing to formation of the inclined cutline, and the other subsection located on the other side of the vertical center plane produces a projection pattern contributing to formation of the horizontal cutline. The outer surface produces a projection pattern concentrated in a central area. The upper half of the outer surface produces a projection pattern below the horizontal center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Taksukawa, Hiroshi Kawashima, Akira Miura
  • Patent number: 5430623
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicular headlamp, which has a reflecting surface curved outward, a lens covering the front of the reflecting surface and a filament disposed at a predetermined position at the reflecting surface, whereby the light emitted from the filament is reflected at the reflecting surface to irradiate a low beam. This headlamp further has an auxiliary reflecting surface provided at a position out of the region which extends from the filament and covers the effective reflecting surface of the reflecting surface. The auxiliary reflecting surface is positioned substantially horizontal and substantially parallel to the irradiation direction. The vehicular headlamp with the above structure can therefore produce beams to illuminate overhead signs from the light reflected at the auxiliary reflecting surface while emitting no dazzling light to an approaching vehicle from the auxiliary reflecting surface. Further, this headlamp does not deteriorate the designability of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Uchida
  • Patent number: 5428511
    Abstract: An arrangement of an aimable vehicle headlamp assembly connected to a panel of an automotive vehicle is provided including in a preferred embodiment a bulb; a reflector housing mounting the bulb; at least one rod connecting to the panel of the vehicle and projecting therefrom with a balled end; a longitudinal channel connected to the reflector housing facing the panel of the vehicle, the channel having a forward wall having a depression, and the channel having side walls with converging flange portions spaced from the forward wall with a slotted region between the flanges; and a slider with a top tab, the slider being slidably mounted in the channel and captured by the forward wall, side walls and flanges, the slider having an elongated aperture having a first diameter larger than the rod ball and a second diameter smaller than the rod ball wherein to connect the reflector housing to the panel of the vehicle, the ball of the rod being generally aligned with the channel depression through the slot region in th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Luallin, Steven V. Horsman, Jan A. Wisler, Brian E. Witte
  • Patent number: 5428510
    Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle incorporation devices for measuring the amount of deviation of the beam of light produced thereby from the desired axis. The first deviation measuring device, which is used for measuring the amount of deviation of the beam in the horizontal direction, includes a calibrated rod extending between either the reflector and the headlight body, in the case of a movable reflector type headlight, or between the vehicle body and the headlight body, in the case of a movable unit type headlight. The second deviation measuring device, which is used for measuring the amount of deviation in the vertical direction, includes a level secured to the reflector or headlight body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katutada Shirai, Hideharu Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 5422799
    Abstract: A flashlight for providing illumination and indicating energization of the light bulb when the bulb is not visible. The inventive device includes a cylindrical main body having a lens and a light bulb coupled to a first end thereof. A plurality of batteries contained within the main body selectively energize the light bulb to provide illumination. A plurality of indicator lights are mounted about a circumference of the main body and are energized in unison with the light bulb. Thus, when the first end of the flash light is positioned upon a ground surface, the indicator lights serve to alert an individual to the light being left on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Donald J. Morrison, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5420767
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, dual-lighted clamp having two jaws for gripping a variety of objects and a pair of battery-operated flashlights assemblies integrally built into the handles, with the light bulbs and transparent illuminating areas located at each of the jaws. The spring clamp may be conveniently attached to many hard-to-reach places. The flashlights each have a switch actuator for allowing the user to easily operate each flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Robert N. Jones
  • Patent number: 5420764
    Abstract: The socket/tab supported light fixture preferably incorporates a fluorescent lamp within an elongated housing that has projecting blades to be received in an electrical wall socket. The housing incorporates a tab extending to overlie the face plate screw of the wall socket, the tab including an opening to receive the face plate screw thereby to attach the light fixture to the wall socket. The light fixture also preferably includes an elongated pivoting shade that may be moved to adjust the illumination level provided by the light fixture to at least a portion of the illuminated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: American Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed M. A. Hussain, Wasif A. Siddiqui
  • Patent number: 5420770
    Abstract: A lighting fixture that has two light sources and a reflector that reflects each light source up to seven times to provide high efficiency and uniform illumination. At some angles some of the reflections are blocked by the two light sources so that depending on the angle, more or less light sources are available for illumination. A method of providing efficient and uniform illumination. The method comprises providing two light sources and then reflecting each of them in two steps to create a total of sixteen light sources. At some angles some of the reflections are blocked by the two light sources so that depending on the angle, more or less light sources are available for illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Neil M. Goldman
  • Patent number: 5418695
    Abstract: In a vehicular lamp, a reflecting surface formed on the inner surface of a lamp body is divided into three reflecting regions in a horizontal direction, the reflecting surface having a left side wall that extends in a front-to-rear direction. The reflecting region in the middle has a shape so as to form a part of an ellipsoid of revolution whose axis of revolution coincides with the principal optical axis of the reflecting surface. A lamp bulb is located in the vicinity of a focal point of the ellipsoid of revolution. The shape of each of the reflecting regions is such as to be a part of an envelope of a group of paraboloids of revolution, the horizontal section of the envelope being expressed by an equation of a curve, y.sup.2 =4fx+ax.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazushi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5418696
    Abstract: A signaling apparatus for attachment to a bicycle thereon, including a cylindrical housing member, having first and second telescoping shaft members slidingly engaged within opposite ends of the cylindrical housing member. A right signal light assembly is disposed on a distal end of the first telescoping shaft member, and a left signal light assembly is disposed on a distal end of the second telescoping shaft member. There is a clamping mechanism for removably attaching the cylindrical housing member to a seat mounting post on the bicycle. A switching circuit selectively controls illumination of the right and left signal light assemblies, and is electrically connected to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: John J. Izzo, Sr.