Patents Examined by Stephen Husar
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Patent number: 6986597Abstract: A lighted vehicle grille includes a grille or grille insert mounted to the front of a vehicle with a plurality of lights mounted to the vehicle grille. The lights may be mounted within holes in the grille or may be otherwise attached to the grille. The lights are connectable to the electrical circuitry of the vehicle, and are adapted to turn on simultaneously with the selective turning on of other vehicle lights.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Putco, Inc.Inventor: James P. Elwell
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Patent number: 6986593Abstract: An LED or incandescent light source is positioned in a reflector arranged to reflect light from the LED or incandescent light source which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector. A lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the LED or incandescent light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens. The apparatus comprised of the combination projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Greg Rhoads, Ronald Garrison Holder
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Patent number: 6986588Abstract: A light emitting device that is capable of changing the illumination angle in the transverse direction while efficiently utilizing energy from a light source. An emission unit includes at least an arc tube. A pair of reflecting means are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the arc tube so as to reflect luminous fluxes emitted from the arc tube in a direction which varies according to the distance between the emission unit and each of the reflecting means.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
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Patent number: 6984060Abstract: Provided is a reference angle position setting means for setting an optical axis at a reference angle position (direction of going straight ahead: 0°) by detecting the maximum deflection angles when swivel lamps 3R and 3L are pivoted in one direction and in the opposite direction and gaining the reference angle position based on both the maximum deflection angles detected. Projector lamps are pivoted in one direction toward the reference angle position so as to set an optical axis position through the steps of detecting a first maximum deflection angle by pivoting each projector 30 lamp in one direction until it is no longer able to pivot in one direction, detecting a second maximum deflection angle by pivoting a headlamp in the opposite direction until it is no longer able to pivot in the opposite direction and computing the reference angle position of the irradiation optical axis from the first and second maximum deflection angles.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Baba, Atsushi Sugimoto, Naoki Takii, Masahiro Kusagaya
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Patent number: 6984055Abstract: A modular, linear-type lighting fixture may include an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair of endplates adapted for sealing attachment to either lengthwise end of the housing, each of the endplates having respective perimeter surfaces adapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted for linear extension of the housing, and an endcap. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Kenall Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Charles A. McCarthy, James P. Kelly
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Patent number: 6984052Abstract: A device for illuminating a drip chamber of an IV bag including a collar with an inner diameter suitable for affixing around the drip chamber and a chemiluminescent container affixed to the interior surface of the collar. The chemiluminescent container serves to emit light therefrom and into the drip chamber. A magnifying lens extends upwardly from the collar so as to magnify an interior of the drip chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Gil Del Castillo
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Patent number: 6981782Abstract: A reflecting-mirror-equipped lamp 100 including a high pressure discharge lamp 10 and a reflecting mirror 20. An opening 24 of the reflecting mirror 20 is provided with a front glass 22 and two air holes (31 and 32) are formed through the reflecting mirror 20. The air holes (31 and 32) are provided on a cross section (44) including a luminous bulb 11. If the cross section 44 is divided into regions (I through IV) consisting of first, second, third and fourth quadrants with respect to the luminous bulb 11, the air holes (31 and 32) are respectively provided in two quadrants diagonal to each other, i.e., in the first and third quadrants, respectively, or in the second and fourth quadrants, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Kai, Makoto Horiuchi, Kiyoshi Takahashi, Shinichiro Hataoka, Tomoyuki Seki, Tsuyoshi Ichibakase
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Patent number: 6981778Abstract: A portable light box having a reflector assembly, a carrying case and divider. The reflector assembly includes a base having an upper peripheral edge defining an interior volume, a light source disposed within the interior volume and a cover plate disposed over the interior volume. The carrying case includes a top portion and a bottom portion, movable between a first closed position and a second open position with the reflector assembly received in the bottom portion of the carrying case. The divider is removably received within the top portion of the carrying case and is disposed so as to provide a wall within the carrying case to separate the tools from the reflector assembly to prevent damage to the cover plate while the carrying case is in the first closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Artograph, Inc.Inventors: Donald D. Dow, Gary Lee Ferrell
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Patent number: 6979110Abstract: In an automotive headlamp 10, a lens flange portion 24 is caused to extend from a circumferential edge 23 of a lens surface 18 formed into a configuration which follows the outline of an external surface 19 of a vehicle body toward a lamp housing 11, a surface-roughening process is applied to a surface 25 of an end portion of the lens flange portion 24 to make irregular the surface 25 of the end portion, and a leg portion 28 is caused to extend from a location 27 which deviates from the surface 25 of the end portion in such a manner as to bypass the surface 25 of the end portion, so that the leg portion 28 fits in the lamp housing 11.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Hasegawa, Masahiko Sugama
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Patent number: 6979107Abstract: A lighting fixture having a housing with a base and an opposing openable end, and a flange spaced-apart from an edge at the openable end that extends radially from an exterior surface of the housing. A reflector defines a dished cavity and seats on the edge of the housing, thereby defining a recess between an edge portion of the reflector and the flange. A light source is received within the housing. A light transmissive cover received on the housing has a tab received in the recess for guiding the rotation of the cover thereon.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Lusa Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Sanford H. Benensohn
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Patent number: 6979099Abstract: A portable lighting device comprising a power source, a first light source, a second light source, and a switch. A first circuit electrically couples the power source, a switch, and the first light source. A second circuit electrically couples, the power source, the switch, and the second light source. The switch comprises a first surface portion, a second surface portion, and a third surface portion wherein pressing the first surface portion closes the first circuit, pressing the second surface portion closes the second circuit, and pressing the third surface portion closes both the first and the second circuit. The switch also has a forward position that closes the first circuit and a backward position that closes the second circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth David Harris, Jr., Joesph Geringer, Baird Litle, Steve Schwartz, Charles J. Burout, Jay D. Newcomer
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Patent number: 6979097Abstract: The invention is a modular ambient lighting system for providing lighting to the interior of the building. The system features three separate modules: (1) a support module, (2) a power module, and (3) a light fixture body module. The support module provides an electrical connection to the building and structural connection to the ceiling of the building. An interchangeable power module fits into a recess or “foot print” in the support module. The power module includes the electrical components of the lighting system (e.g. ballast, transformer, emergency batteries, etc). An interchangeable light fixture body module houses the lamp that can be configured to deliver direct, indirect, or direct/indirect illumination. The interchangeable features of the modules offers superior flexibility because of the ease to reconfigure the electrical operation of the light system, the type illumination delivered, or the aesthetics of the light system.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventors: Thomas E. Elam, Timothy P. Scherf
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Patent number: 6979106Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a motor driven lens assembly that is movable on a track in a normal movement range for adjusting the light beam range angle of a luminaire. A pair or doors are pivoted to opposite sides of the frame of the lens assembly and are normally biased to an inactive position where the doors are parallel to and outside of the light path in the luminaire. The doors hold optical media such as diffuser gels. The lens assembly can be moved beyond the normal movement range to an actuation position where projections on the doors engage actuation abutments adjacent the track to move the doors to an active position overlying the lens with the optical media in the light path. A latch holds the door in the active position. The lens assembly can be moved beyond the actuation position to a deactivation position where a deactivation abutment releases the latch freeing the doors to return to the inactive positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Electronics Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey de Peralta
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Patent number: 6979102Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of fluorescent lamps formed below the LCD panel extending along a first direction at first fixed intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a case for supporting the plurality of fluorescent lamps, a plurality of wires attached to the case for absorbing and dissipating heat generated by the plurality of fluorescent lamps, and wire fixing plates for fixing the plurality of wires on the case.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong Jae You
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Patent number: 6976779Abstract: The liquid crystal display device has red, green, and blue LEDs, each emitting a different color light, as a light source. An acrylic lens is mounted on the emission surface of the LED to change angular distributions of light from the LED. The shape of the acrylic lens varies depending on the color of the LED. The angular distribution of emitting light thereby differs by the color of LED to cancel out wavelength dependency of transmittance at each viewing direction in a liquid crystal panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignees: Advanced Display Inc., Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideyo Ohtsuki, Kunifumi Nakanishi, Toshiyuki Yoneda
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Patent number: 6976776Abstract: Systems and techniques are described to provide a bulb insertion structure of a vehicular lamp which allows bulb replacement and accurate positioning of a bulb with respect to a reflector. In general, in one implementation, a bulb insertion structure of a vehicular lamp includes a plurality of fixing protrusions formed on an outer periphery of a rear end portion of a cylindrical socket fixture fixed in a bulb insertion hole of a reflector; a plurality of engaging protrusions formed on an outer periphery of a focus ring provided on a bulb and corresponding to the fixing protrusions; and a cup-shaped socket covering the outer periphery of the socket fixture from the rear, the socket incorporating a spring for pressing forward the rear end portion of the accommodated bulb, and having an outer peripheral wall provided with, at multiple locations corresponding to the fixing protrusions, an engaging notch (J-slot) for holding the engaging protrusion and the fixing protrusion overlapped together.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Susumu Kakidaira, Takaaki Miyazaki
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Patent number: 6976778Abstract: The invention provides a rod integrator or the like having high efficiency for light utilization and suitable for a color-recapture system. The present invention can include a rod integrator having a reflective inner circumference (reflecting surface) for emitting light incident on an incident-end opening from a light source through an emerging-end opening. An end face on the outer periphery of the emerging-end opening can be a scattering surface for reflecting the incident light on the end face toward the optical axis that agrees with the central axis of the rod integrator.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shunji Kamijima
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Patent number: 6976770Abstract: The present invention comprises a lamp assembly with a boot hermetically cohered to the housing. The housing comprises a thermoplastic polymer and the boot comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The boot is cohered to the housing by welding. According to one embodiment, the boot is sonic or vibration welded to the housing. The present invention may be used in the production of a wide range of lamp assemblies, including vehicle headlamp assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Guide CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Trimpe, Clifford G. Ambler, Christopher E. Barron
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Patent number: 6976765Abstract: A light source is disposed in a cavity in an enclosure that supports a part of the wall. The enclosure may be disposed substantially within the wall, such that the enclosure does not provide an obstacle to those moving near the wall. Because the enclosure is capable of supporting a part of the wall, the enclosure may be substituted for one or more substructures of the wall, including, but not limited to, concrete blocks, cement blocks, bricks, cinder blocks, and combinations thereof. The enclosure may be disposed at most any height in the wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Jacek Helenowski
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Patent number: 6976774Abstract: A combined assembly of a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) assembly and a cargo lamp assembly for a vehicle including a housing having compartments including at least one compartment for housing a CHMSL component and having a stop lens. The housing further includes left and right compartments, respectively on opposite sides of the CHMSL compartment, each having a cargo light lens and a white LED for directing a beam of light to the respective cargo light lens. Each of the cargo lamp assemblies includes one of the cargo lenses and one of the LEDs, the LEDs each having an aperture for emitting the light beam in an arc of about 120° in horizontal and vertical planes, and each of the cargo lenses being adapted to reduce the light beam in a horizontal plane to about 60° and reducing the light beam in a vertical plane to about 60°.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Benoit Reiss