Patents Examined by Sean P. Gramling
  • Image display device
    Patent number: 10959545
    Abstract: An image display device includes an image display unit including a display panel, a shelf board, and an illumination unit. The display panel is switchable between an image display mode in which an image is displayed and a transmissive mode in which the display panel is in a transmissive state where objects behind image display unit is visible in a front view of the display panel. The shelf board is disposed projecting rearward from the rear surface of image display unit, and extends in the lateral direction. The illumination unit is disposed above the shelf board and emits light downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ina, Tadahiro Kugimaru, Ryouji Onishi, Jun Araya
  • Three in one combination imaging module
    Patent number: 10955611
    Abstract: A three in one combination imaging module comprising a light guide positioned in a light guide holder, a light emitting diode module, and a doublet or GRIN lens array held in a housing. The light guide holder and the housing comprise mating connecting elements. The connecting elements comprise locking elements, tabs, notches, slots, and clips that cooperate and interact in order to securely hold and accurately position each of the components in the housing without the use of adhesive. Light emitted by the light emitting diode module enters, travels through, and then exits the light guide and is received by the doublet or GRIN lens array and then focused on a sensor array and captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Pixon Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Chih Ming Yen, Shih Che Chen, Yao Tsung Hsu, Chien Liang Liao
  • LED module
    Patent number: 10950759
    Abstract: An LED module 101 is provided with an LED chip 200 that includes a sub-mount substrate 210 made of Si and a semiconductor layer 220 laminated on the sub-mount substrate 210. The module also includes white resin 280 that does not transmit light from the semiconductor layer 220 and that covers at least part of a side of the sub-mount substrate 210, where the side is connected to the surface on which the semiconductor layer 220 is laminated. These arrangements enhance the brightness of the LED module 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiko Kobayakawa
  • Vehicle lamp assembly
    Patent number: 10928028
    Abstract: A light pipe for a vehicle lamp assembly includes a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion. The first pipe portion has a first section that extends between a first end and a second end. A portion of the first section at least partially defines an intersection area. The first pipe portion defines a first optical path extending in a lengthwise direction of the first pipe portion. The second pipe portion has a second section that extends through the intersection area. The second pipe portion defines a second optical path. The second optical path intersects with and extends through the first optical path of the first pipe portion such that the first section and the second section define an angle greater than zero degrees and less than 180 degrees therebetween. The first pipe portion and the second pipe portion a unitarily formed as a single monolithic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Cho, Kenneth Bowers, Christopher Prisby, Kent Agne
  • Display device and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 10921646
    Abstract: A display device includes a base substrate, a display panel disposed on a first surface of the base substrate, a low-refractive index layer disposed between the first surface and the display panel, a plurality of light source units disposed under a second surface opposite to the first surface of the base substrate, and a plurality of housings that define accommodation recesses and which respectively accommodate the light source units in the accommodation recesses. The light source units are exposed to the base substrate through the accommodation grooves, and the housings are connected to the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junwoo Park, Oseung Yang
  • Wheel lock indicator
    Patent number: 10906454
    Abstract: A wheel lock indicator for use with wheels on a tractor trailer. The wheel lock indicator includes an elongated bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion. The second end includes a light that is configured to be selectively turned on or off, while the first end has a magnetized portion to secure the first end to the wheel on the tractor trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Grooters
  • Refractive lens array assembly
    Patent number: 10901227
    Abstract: A refractive lens array assembly for integrated, adjustable beam spreading and bending, said refractive lens array comprising: (i) a first optical element including a top face having a stepped surface or a generally planar wedge-shaped surface, and a bottom face having a curved surface; and (ii) a second optical element including a top face having a curved surface, and a bottom face having a stepped surface or a generally planar wedge-shaped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: David Jesurun
  • Active lighting device to be worn on a person's wrist
    Patent number: 10895851
    Abstract: An active lighting device is placed on a person's wrist to light a path that the person is taking. The device is preferably in the form of a wristwatch. The device includes first light sources, which are controlled by a control unit. The first light sources are placed on a portion of a case. Each first light source activated by the control unit can produce a light beam of different orientation from another first light source activated by the control unit. The device further includes a motion sensor connected to the control unit to determine the wrist movement of the person wearing the device in order to allow the control unit to select certain first light sources to be activated depending on the person's wrist movement in order to light the path to be followed in the same defined forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Olivier Matthey, Michel Willemin, Bruno Scagliarini
  • Mixed and distributed laser illumination system
    Patent number: 10886696
    Abstract: A mixed and distributed laser illumination system includes a source unit having an internally located power supply, a laser driver and a light generator. The light generator includes a plurality of laser diodes that are communicatively linked with the laser driver. The output of each laser diode is coupled to an individual cable that terminates at a fiber combiner. A transmission cable is in communication with the fiber combiner and transmits the light from the source unit to a fiber splitter. The fiber optic splitter distributes the received light to a plurality of output cables each having an optical diffuser or a conversion element for converting infrared to ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Derek Daniels
  • Luminaire with biofilter
    Patent number: 10882007
    Abstract: Disclosed are examples of luminaires that provide light for general illumination and treat air via a biofilter. In the examples, a luminaire may include a light source configured to illuminate a space, a biofilter configured to treat air, and an air circulation system. The light source may be configured to illuminate a space in which the luminaire is located with general illumination light. The biofilter may include an air permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microorganism that treats air that comes in contact with the microorganism. The air circulation system is configured to draw air into contact with the biofilter and output air treated by contact with the biofilter into at least a portion of the space illuminated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Margaret Pendo, David P. Ramer, Jack C. Rains, Jr., Min-Hao Michael Lu, James Benton French
  • Illuminated spare tire cover
    Patent number: 10882442
    Abstract: An illuminated spare tire cover, designed to enclose an externally mounted spare tire, has an outer covering with a plurality of grommeted openings therethrough. The openings form a pattern. An electric light is located within each opening, such that a lighted image is created through the pattern when the lights are illuminated. Strips of Velcro® hold the lights in place. The lights can be configured as various images, logos, symbols, lettering, etc. An internal layer made of non-flammable material fits over the interior surface of the outer covering to insulate and support the cover and reinforce the lights located within the interior surface of the outer covering. The cover is equipped with electrical wiring and an electrical connector plug. An extension cord is connected to the vehicle's electrical outlet and run under the vehicle's seats to be connected to the electric connector plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Rebecca Carney
  • Closure element for closing the housing of a headlamp
    Patent number: 10875443
    Abstract: A closing element for closing a service opening in the housing of a headlamp, and a method therefor, the closing element having a ventilation component, with the aid of which a gas exchange between an inside and an outside of the housing of the headlamp is facilitated. The closing element includes a sealing formation, on which a sealing member may be arranged or is arranged, so that the ventilation component may be or is temporarily closed with the aid of the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Giuseppe Mattina
  • Waveguide illumination system
    Patent number: 10877201
    Abstract: An illumination system employing a waveguide that receives and propagates light in response to transmission and total internal reflection. Light deflecting elements distributed along the propagation path incrementally change the out-of-plane angles of light rays and cause decoupling of portions of light from the waveguide at different distances from the light input edge or end. Light may escape from the waveguide into an intermediate layer at low out-of-plane angles and can be further redirected by light extraction features out of the system. In one embodiment, the illumination system is configured to emit collimated light. In one embodiment, the illumination system includes shallow surface relief features. In one embodiment, the light deflecting elements include forward-scattering particles distributed throughout the volume of the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: S.V.V. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Sergiy Vasylyev
  • Motor vehicle headlight for emitting a long-range light pattern
    Patent number: 10876695
    Abstract: A light module for a motor vehicle headlight for emitting light to form a light pattern in an area in front of the light module, the light module including two or more primary light sources (PLQ1, PLQ2) that produce light to form a main light pattern (HLV), and at least one secondary light source (SLQ1) that produces light to form an additional light pattern (ZLV), which overlaps the main light pattern to form an entire light pattern. The primary light sources are associated with at least one primary reflector (PR1, PR2) and are configured to bundle the light emitted the from the primary light sources and to direct it in the form of the main light pattern into an area in front of the light module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Stein, Christian Bemmer, Thomas Edletzberger, Martin Schragl, Peter Schadenhofer, Jürgen Ganzberger, Johann Altmann, Jürgen Zorn
  • Lighting apparatus
    Patent number: 10876723
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus has a heat sink sleeve module, a light support module, a driver and two terminals. The heat sink sleeve module defines a containing space and has a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The light support module disposed at least partly in the containing space. The light support module having a top plate, a first side plate and a second side plate. The top plate is mounted with a LED module. The first side plate and the second side plate are respectively appressed to the first inner surface and the second inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yi Yang, Liangliang Cao, Lilei Su, Mingyan Fu
  • Lighting device and display device
    Patent number: 10871610
    Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light source; a plate-like optical member on which light from the light source falls; an optical sheet that imparts an optical effect to light emitted from the optical member; and an accommodating member that surrounds outer peripheral edges of the optical member and outer peripheral edges of the optical sheet. The optical sheet has a body part having a polygonal shape, extension portions provided on side portions of the body part and placed between the outer peripheral edges of the optical member and the chassis, and curtain portions, provided in corner portions of the body part, each of which connects the extension portions provided on adjacent ones of the side portions, and the extension portions and the curtain portions are provided with folds, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Miyata
  • Lighting apparatus
    Patent number: 10869733
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use as a surgical headlamp is disclosed. A light emitting diode is positioned in a recess within a frustoconical, thermally-conductive heat sink that has a several circumferential ridges to provide a desired surface area for heat transfer. The diode and the heat sink are provided in a housing that also includes a fan for drawing ambient air into the housing to contact the heat sink and exhausting heated air. A lens is snap-fit into a slide that frictionally engages the interior of the housing, allowing a user to adjust the spacing between the light emitting diode and the lens as desired. Personal cooling apparatuses usable with the lighting apparatus are also described. Auxiliary undergown switches are also described as are personal cooling apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Clifton Learn
  • Light pipe assemblies for interior panels of a vehicle
    Patent number: 10864850
    Abstract: A light pipe assembly including an interior panel of a vehicle and a light pipe. The interior panel includes a channel integrally formed within the interior panel, where the channel has an engagement face, and a plurality of integrated retaining hooks are arranged along the channel. The plurality of integrated retaining hooks are spaced apart from one another and extend over the channel such that an engagement face of the plurality of integrated retaining hooks is arranged opposite the engagement face of the channel. The light pipe is arranged within the channel, where the light pipe is in direct contact with the engagement face of the plurality of integrated retaining hooks and the engagement face of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel L. Sowles
  • Asymmetric diffusion lens for LED backlight unit
    Patent number: 10859237
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an asymmetric diffusion lens for a backlight unit, which includes a diffusion part of which an upper surface has an elliptical shape having a major axis and a minor axis, and a lower surface has a circular shape, a concave accommodation part provided at a center of the lower surface of the diffusion part to provide a space in which an LED package is accommodated, an incidence surface which is a boundary surface between the concave accommodation part and the diffusion part, and an exit surface as side surfaces and the upper surface of the diffusion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HL OPTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang Hyun Lee, Dong Sun Jeong
  • Control apparatus and lighting system
    Patent number: 10857933
    Abstract: A control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a controller. The controller that switches between a first control mode for executing lighting control intended for a marker lamp of a railway vehicle and a second control mode for executing lighting control intended for the marker lamp and a display unit disposed in vicinity of the marker lamp in a manner that depends on a travelling state of the railway vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhei Kojima, Yasuyo Kojima