Patents Examined by Thomas Sember
  • Patent number: 9140421
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a first heat sink having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second heat sink having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The third surface of the second heat sink is bonded to the second surface of the first heat sink. The lighting device further includes a plurality of first light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the first surface of the first heat sink; and a plurality of second light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the fourth surface of the second heat sink. One or more the first LED modules generally radiates lights in a first direction. One or more the second LED modules generally radiates lights in a second direction. The first and second LED modules are covered by respective non-reflective caps. The first LED module and the second LED module are configured to be selectively turned on or off according to a predefined algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Yeh, Pei-Wen Ko
  • Patent number: 9016909
    Abstract: An ornamental fixture includes a monolithic frame member having a plurality of integral bendable members, and a plurality of ornaments supported on the integral bendable members. The plurality of generally bendable members has a first portion and a second portion. At least a portion of the first portion is bent so that the second portion forms a post receivable in a first opening of a passageway within the ornament, and forms a distal portion extending from a second opening out of the passageway of the ornament. The distal portion is bent to inhibit movement of the ornaments off of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Swarovski Lighting, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian E. Sigel
  • Patent number: 8926150
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ukai, Hiroyasu Tahara, Takahiro Sugioka, Ryuuji Fukui
  • Patent number: 8870422
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ukai, Hiroyasu Tahara, Takahiro Sugioka, Ryuuji Fukui
  • Patent number: 8858032
    Abstract: A heat pipe configured to transfer heat from a central portion of a lighting device to an edge portion of the lighting device, the heat pipe comprising one region which extends along a portion of a diameter of a substantially circular, substantially annular shape and another region that extends along a diameter of the shape. Also, a lighting device comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter and a heat pipe as described above. Also, a self ballasted lamp comprising a solid state light source, an electrical connector, an AC power supply, a reflector configured to receive light from the source and emit reflected light from an aperture, and a thermal management system. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter comprising an array of solid state light emitters, a heat pipe and a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 8851703
    Abstract: A combination for replacing a ballast of a conventional fluorescent fixture without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture, wherein the conventional fluorescent fixture has a conventional hood, a conventional set of power supply wires, and a conventional set of lamp socket wires. The combination includes a socket, a ballast, and apparatus for electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the ballast to the socket without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture. The socket mounts to the conventional hood of the conventional fluorescent fixture, is electrically spliced to the conventional set of power supply wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture, and is electrically spliced to the conventional set of lamp socket wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 8845133
    Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) including an insulating barrier between heat sources and heat sensitive components. The heat sensitive barrier is in the form of an insulative layer of cement applied between the heat generating components of the CFL and one or more heat sensitive components of the CFL. The cement can also fix or secure various components within the lamp thereby eliminating the need for some or all of the support structure of a conventional CFL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter Ivan Poczik, Laszlo Bankuti, Karoly Talosi, Peter Mora
  • Patent number: 8845146
    Abstract: A connector (100) for connecting a component (102) to a heat sink (104), wherein the connector (100) is formed as a female part of a bayonet coupling enclosing an opening (106) for receiving one of the component (102) and the heat sink (104). Further, the connector (100) in use is arranged to ensure direct thermal contact between the component (102) and the heat sink (104) in the opening (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jan-Ivo Blankestijn, Peter Hubertus Franciscus Deurenberg, Merijn Keser, Huib Cooijmans, Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg
  • Patent number: 8845175
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light emitting surface, a bottom surface opposite to the light emitting surface, a light incident surface, and a side surface opposite to the light incident surface. The bottom surface is imaginarily divided into a plurality of rectangular portions along a direction from the light incident surface to the side surface. The shapes of the rectangular portions are the same as each other. Each of the rectangular portions distributes a plurality of microstructures. The rectangular portions are assigned serial numbers along the direction from the light incident surface to the side surface. The microstructure density in each of the rectangular portions between the first rectangular portion and the last rectangular portion satisfies the formula: ai=(ai?1+ai+ai+1)/3, where i represents the serial number of the rectangular portion, N represents the total number of the rectangular portions, 1<i<N, and i and N are natural numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Ying Wang He
  • Patent number: 8845136
    Abstract: A strobe reflector that includes a reflective material and a support structure. The support structure may be adjusted or moved into at least two distinct positions to provide two distinct shapes for the reflective material. The first position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a first configuration (such as a half-hemisphere) and a second position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a second configuration (such as a full hemisphere).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr., Steven T. Varieur
  • Patent number: 8845137
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a light source and at a heat dissipation element comprising at least first and second substantially transparent regions and at least a first fluid, at least a portion of the first fluid being positioned in a space between the transparent regions. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source, an enclosed space through which light passes and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising first and second substantially transparent regions coupled with a space and a fluid in the space. Also, a lighting device comprising a light source and a heat dissipation element comprising a heat pipe that comprises a substantially transparent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 8840264
    Abstract: A portable work light clamp system includes a first clamp handle assembly having a proximal end, a mid section and a distal end and a gripping/standing member rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the first clamp handle assembly, a second clamp handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end and a gripping/standing member rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the second clamp handle assembly, a light assembly coupled to the distal end of the first clamp handle assembly that includes a swivel base member and a light housing pivotally coupled to the swivel base member by a light pivot to selectively pivot 50 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the light pivot and a light base coupled to the swivel base member and rotatable relative to the light base by a swivel connector to selectively rotate 360 degrees around a longitudinal axis of the light base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: IBT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Francisco Molina, Glenn Robinson
  • Patent number: 8833955
    Abstract: A backlight module has a light guide plate, a back plate and light emitting assemblies. The light guide plate is substantially prism-like. The back plate has a shape corresponding to that of the light guide plate, and has an inclined first side plate and an inclined second side plate opposite to the first side plate. Each of the first and second side plates has at least one receiving recess, and the light emitting assemblies are received in the receiving recesses. In comparison with a side-light type backlight module, the present invention saves a heat-dissipation aluminum extrusion member. In comparison with a direct-light type backlight module, the present invention shortens the light mixing distance in a vertical direction, so as to reduce the module thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lindong Fang, Yicheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 8833998
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a light emitting unit for emitting light, a light guide plate disposed on a side of a display panel for guiding the light emitted by the light emitting unit to the display panel, a back cover installed outside the light emitting unit and the light guide plate, and a frame combined with the back cover for accommodating the light emitting unit and the light guide plate with the back cover. The frame includes a first side facing a surface of the light guide plate, and a second side opposite to the first side. The backlight module further includes an optical material layer disposed between the second side of the frame and the display panel for misting and focusing the light refracted from the light guide plate so as to provide uniform and bright light to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Te Kuo, Jyun-Sheng Syu
  • Patent number: 8833997
    Abstract: A light guide bar and an optical touch panel utilizing the light guide bar are provided. The light guide bar is applied to an optical touch panel with a sensing area. The light guide bar includes a bar body and a plurality of prisms. The bar body has a first receiving end, a light-exiting surface, and a structure surface. The light-exiting surface is opposite to the structure surface and faces the sensing area while the first receiving end is connected between an end of the light-exiting surface and an end of the structure surface. The prisms are formed on the structure surface. Each prism includes a first surface and a second surface respectively having a first angle and a second angle with respect to the structure surface, wherein the second surface is closer to the first receiving end than the first surface, and the second angle is larger than or equal to the first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Briview Corporation
    Inventor: Huang-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8833961
    Abstract: A multi-purpose illumination device includes a lamp-holder body and a portable lighting device detachably installed in the lamp-holder body. The lamp-holder body has a partially transparent cover and a power converter. The power converter converts a utility power into a DC power. The portable lighting device has a housing, a charging circuit, a battery unit, a push-button unit, an LED driving circuit, an LED unit, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the push-button unit, the charging circuit, a detection mechanism, and the LED driving circuit for detecting a button pressing state of the push-button unit, whether there is utility power, and whether the portable lighting device is installed in the lamp-holder body to control the LED driving circuit to drive the LED unit to light. The portable lighting device can also be used as a backup power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GEEE Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Yarn Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 8827511
    Abstract: A light device includes housing-units and joints-that can change orientation, position, viewing angle, or other properties to allow the light device to emit light beams in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 8820949
    Abstract: Provided is a key sheet or a lightproof light guiding sheet guiding light efficiently through an interior of the key sheet and preventing light leakage through a periphery of key tops. On a base sheet, a transparent resin layer, and further, a lightproof dark print layer are provided as needed, with at least one of the transparent resin layer and the lightproof dark print layer being formed of a non-corrosive coating liquid. Further, a smooth surface is formed between the base sheet and the dark print layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Takeda
  • Patent number: 8814383
    Abstract: A lighting module (10), for example of the LED type, for mounting on a rail comprises a circuit board (12) for carrying one or more light radiation sources (L), and a support structure (14) with a first side (14A) facing the rail and carrying the aforementioned circuit board (12) and a second side (14b) situated on the opposite side to the rail and carrying one or more lenses (16) for the light radiation sources (L). The support structure (14) carries one or more flexible electrical contacts (18) having a first end (18a) protruding from the first side (14a) of the support structure (14) for making contact with an electrical line (T) provided on the rail (R) and a second end (18b) which extends towards the circuit board (12) so as to provide electrical contact for the light radiation source or sources (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Alessandro Bizzotto, Ludwig Nieberle, Alessandro Scordino
  • Patent number: 8807801
    Abstract: An endoscopic imaging device is described that achieves longitudinal axis (z-axis) scanning into a tissue or sample, using a piezoelectric microactuator. In some configurations, additional lateral (xy-plane) scanning is also achieved, to allow for the creation of full three-dimensional imaging, ex vivo or in vivo. The techniques may be used to image and diagnosis allergic rhinitis and eosinophilic esophagitis in tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Kenn Oldham, Thomas D. Wang, Zhongyao Liu, Jing Yong Ye