Patents Examined by Sandra L. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 7798684
    Abstract: A luminaire system having an elongated throughway utilizing a thermal chimney effect. The thermal chimney effect within the throughway circulates air to remove heat generated from the electrical components of the system. Dissipating heat into the throughway from the electrical components can increase the life expectancy of the lamp and the output of the lamp. The electrical components of the system being entirely sealed and isolated from the throughway results in a permanent air, dust, and water tight seal. The permanent seal can minimize damage to the electrical components of the system as well as prevent the build up of moisture and dust within these sealed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Chris Boissevain
  • Patent number: 7798678
    Abstract: An LED light source includes an LED emitter and an encapsulant that at least partially surrounds the emitter. The encapsulant includes an inner lens and an outer lens, the inner lens having a refractive index less than, and in some cases about 70 to 80% of, the refractive index of the outer lens. The inner lens and outer lens can contact each other along a curved surface, and in some cases the inner lens is substantially plano-convex and the outer lens is meniscus. The inner lens produces a first virtual image of the emitter and the outer lens produces a second virtual image, and the first virtual image is disposed between the emitter and the second virtual image. The LED light source is capable of providing uniform illumination in a compact space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Patrick R. Destain
  • Patent number: 7798671
    Abstract: In a liquid crystal TV, there is provided a direct back light for increasing brightness in the vicinity of the center of a screen. Plural fluorescent tubes are used for backlight, and the respective two fluorescent tubes are paired and driven. The arrangement intervals of the respective pairs are made smallest in the vicinity of the center of the screen to increase the brightness in the vicinity of the center of the screen. The use of the paired fluorescent tubes is to alleviate a variation of the brightness in each of the fluorescent tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ota, Shimon Itakura, Naotoshi Sumiya
  • Patent number: 7798673
    Abstract: An aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device includes a stand accommodating therein an incandescent lamp assembly that is engageable with a power source to generate heat. The stand has an open end in which an aqua-lamp base that defines an internal chamber is mounted. An illuminator for lighting purposes is arranged at an opening of the chamber. Thus, the heat generated by the incandescent lamp assembly is employed to cause a liquid contained in the aqua lamp base to flow and show a shining effect; and the illuminator of the internal chamber serves as a twinkling night lamp. As such, the aqua-lamp-based candle-like lighting device shows dual interests of visual effects in both light twinkling and liquid flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7798696
    Abstract: An illumination device for a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided, including: a flat light guide plate having a light exit surface; at least one linear source unit integrally formed with a side of the flat light guide plate and extending along the at least one side of the flat light guide plate; one or more point light sources emitting light through at least one of the side surfaces of the linear light source unit; and a plurality of light exit holes vertically passing through the flat light guide plate and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the linear light source unit between the light exit surface of the flat light guide plate and the linear light source unit, wherein each of the light exit holes has a reflective surface that totally reflects light incident on the linear light source unit into the flat light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-seok Lee, Su-mi Lee, Hwan-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7798687
    Abstract: An automotive modular light system, comprising a common base light device and a multitude of exchangeable lens cover means of which each has significantly distinct automotive light styling features, is invented here as a cost-effective way of customizing the exterior styling of motored vehicles. The common base light device of simple construction can be used for multiple vehicle models to provide the lighting function at a low cost. An exchangeable lens cover means, which provides the styling features of the modular light system, is removably installed to the common base light device. Each exchangeable lens cover means has a simple construction so that it can be cost-effectively manufactured. Therefore a multitude of exchangeable lens cover means of significantly distinct styling features may be offered to customers with different styling tastes at very affordable prices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Meiyin Lin
  • Patent number: 7798690
    Abstract: A headlamp including a metal bracket and a plurality of light source units 50, each unit having a light source, being mounted on the metal bracket 20, and being disposed within a lamp chamber. Irradiation light patterns of the light source units 50 are combined together to form a predetermined light distribution pattern. Each of the light source units 50 includes a resin shade 58, which is fastened to the bracket 20 by a fastening portion and is disposed forwardly of the light source, and a resin lens 52 connected to the shade 58. Part of the fastening portion is made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Watanabe, Tetsuaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 7794132
    Abstract: An electric lighting system for concealed lighting and track lighting installations has lamp holders spaced along a custom power cable with two finely braided high current conductors. The cable and conductors have a flattened rectangular cross section and are exceptionally pliable to facilitate cornering in tight spaces. The cable exterior is slotted for reduced height of the installed lamp holders and optimum low profile of concealed lighting installations. The lamp holders are adaptable to different types of lamps and include an optional reflector. Snap-on mounting lugs permit installation of the cable and lamp holders directly to a mounting surface. Alternatively, a low profile track holds the cable and lamp holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Troy-CSL Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff R. Cunius
  • Patent number: 7794128
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting devices toward a front side of the vehicle lamp. The reflector is formed into a shape whose front area is open. A plate-like partition member is disposed inside the reflector to partition the reflector into a plurality of reflecting areas. The semiconductor light emitting devices are mounted on the plate-like partition member in respective reflecting areas such that optical axes of the semiconductor light emitting devices are directed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a lamp optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shohei Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Ishida, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7794126
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices, and a reflector for reflecting light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting devices toward a front side of the vehicle lamp. The reflector is partitioned into a plurality of light emitting areas that are radially formed around an optical axis extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle. Each of the semiconductor light emitting devices is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of one of the light emitting areas respectively. Each of the reflecting surfaces of the reflector is provided in one of the light emitting areas respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Shohei Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7794103
    Abstract: A solar-powered parking space barrier block is configured as a one-piece molded housing of a high strength, transparent plastic material in which a photovoltaic solar panel and a DC energy storage module are inclosed. A pair of white light LED lamps provide end panel marker illumination, two yellow light LED lamps provide hazard warning illumination and a rechargeable supercapacitor storage module provides operating power. A power control circuit enables use of the solar panel as a photosensor to automatically energize the LED lamps when ambient skylight falls below a predetermined safe visibility level, and removes operating power from the LED lamps when ambient skylight rises above a predetermined safe visibility level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Scott C. Hoover
  • Patent number: 7789529
    Abstract: An LED light unit includes a tile, a plurality of discrete LED light sources, and an edge connector. The LED light sources are on and dispersed across a major surface of the tile and are electrically connected to electrical pads along an edge region of the tile. The edge connector includes a plurality of contacts that are connected to a plurality of wires extending away from the edge connector, and is configured to releasably connect to an edge of the tile so that the contacts directly connect to the pads and electrically connect the wires of the edge connector to the LED light sources. An LED lighting assembly includes a plurality of the discrete tiles mounted to a plurality of bars, and a plurality of edge connectors that are each connected to an end one of the tiles along different ones of the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Paul E. Sims
  • Patent number: 7789521
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ornamental light and, more particularly, relates to an ornamental light with polychrome effect. The ornamental light includes at least one illuminant, a support frame with special shape and a film covered on the surface of the support frame. The film includes a transparent base plate and two polychrome films. Each of the polychrome film is stuck to each side of the base plate respectively. The venations of the two polychrome films are perpendicular to each other. The invention provides an ornamental light which can present different polychrome display effect, enough imagination and aesthetic feeling when viewed from different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Xuliang Li
  • Patent number: 7789542
    Abstract: A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Gabor Lederer
  • Patent number: 7789530
    Abstract: A modular light bar having crisscross lighting in the front and rear. Each module may include two horizontal layers of lighting supported on the underside of a mounting plate and connected to a terminal strip. A quick disconnect connects the terminal strip to a dimmer/flasher and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Stein, Robert E. Kreutzer
  • Patent number: 7784971
    Abstract: LED module assemblies and luminaires that reduce thermal issues associated with LED lamp energy dissipation are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optimized conduction path from the LED to the exterior of the luminaire is created through the use of heat pipes integrated into the LED module assembly and luminaire. In this embodiment, a significant reduction in thermal transfer to the interior of the enclosure may be implemented, while allowing maximum energy dissipation from the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jay Dorogi
  • Patent number: 7784960
    Abstract: A LED illuminator or an equivalent illuminator with a semiconductor light source for a headgear or equivalent, said illuminator comprising one or more light emitting semiconductor light sources (4), especially LEDs (Light Emitting Diode), a frame (1, 2, 11, 12), an electronics control part (5) for controlling the semiconductor light sources, and fastening parts for fastening the illuminator, wherein the semiconductor light sources are directed in at least one given direction, such as towards a working object and/or area, said illuminator being a unitary illuminator module, wherein the semiconductor light sources are fitted in a common, preferably rectangular connection part (3), side by side and directed towards the working object and/or area, and the frame consists of two frame parts (1, 2, 11, 12) folded one over the other, which can be attached to the headgear by means of releasable quick coupling parts, preferably snap-on bayonet catches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Matti Lahtinen
  • Patent number: 7784982
    Abstract: A wraparound light assembly for a vehicle. A lens is attached to a housing. A body panel defines an interior vehicle space, and the body panel includes a recessed portion defining an aperture. The housing overlays at least part of the recess. A grommet is disposed in the aperture and extends through the body panel into the interior vehicle space. The grommet defines a receptacle having an opening facing the housing. A projection extends from the housing. The projection is configured to be slidably engaged in the receptacle along an installation axis and to extend into a portion of the receptacle in the interior vehicle space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Gerardo Navarro Zavala, Jeffrey Alan Mesko, Thomas W. Schumacher, Kent J. Agne
  • Patent number: 7784992
    Abstract: An apparatus for a solar window nightlight includes at least one battery contained within a circuit housing. Solar panels are disposed on an outside surface of the circuit housing for charging the battery. Control circuitry connects the battery, the solar panels and LED lights to control operations of the LED lights and charging of the at least one battery. A photocell is connected to the control circuitry where when ambient light falls below a predetermined level, the control circuitry activates the LED lights. Translucent lenses include a bore hole in a base for receiving one of the LED lights and reflective material on outside edges. Suction cups retain the apparatus on a window surface where, during day light hours, there is sufficient ambient light to charge the battery and, during night hours, the translucent lenses illuminate a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Ron Gustaveson
  • Patent number: 7784975
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) serves for linear illumination of a moving product web (6), the apparatus (1) having at least one light source (4) emitting light. In order to achieve high luminance in a linear subregion of the product web (6), at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (4) is reflected towards the product web (6) by at least one tubular reflector (5). The tubular reflector (5) in this case has at least one light exit slit (7) which is assigned to the product web (6). Moreover, the tubular reflector has at least one observation slit (8) which lies opposite the light exit slit (7). The illuminated product web (6) can be observed through this observation slit (8) by means of a line camera (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Texmag GmbH Vertriebsgesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Krebs, Alfred Eder, Juergen Eisen, Lars Zwerger