Patents Examined by Zahra I. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7311414
    Abstract: An ornamental lamp assembly incorporating a dual housing structure having an internal protective element and an external decorative element to protect functional circuitry from damage sustained as a result of normal outdoor use, and to facilitate achieving a selectively varied decor by interchanging the external decorative housing element with other external decorative housing elements having unique features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: M. Brent Norton, Stephen P. Watts, Lance Larson, Carlos Grimaldi, Kim Calaway, Clay DeGraft, Kevin Chen
  • Patent number: 7287882
    Abstract: A lock includes a main body, a shining device, and a switch; the main body has a holding portion on one side thereof, which is formed with a through hole; the shining device is held in the holding portion of the main body, and it includes a power source, and a light emitting element; the light emitting element is held in the through hole of the holding portion of the main body such that light emitted from it will travel outside the main body; the switch is connected to the shining device for turning on/off the power for the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Jaeyou Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Tao Tsai
  • Patent number: 7284878
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluorescent light lumen regulating apparatus. More specifically, in one aspect, the present invention is a fluorescent lighting assembly for mounting at least one fluorescent lamp. In this aspect, the lighting assembly comprises a lamp housing. In another aspect, the invention further comprises a thermal dissipater to selectively dissipate heat from the fluorescent lamp to the ambient air to maintain the temperature of the cold spot of the fluorescent lamp within a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jay Dorogi, Eric Seth Perkins, Luke Jonathon Siefker, Terry Alan Richards
  • Patent number: 7278775
    Abstract: A light guide containing substantially aligned non-spherical particles provides more efficient control of light scattering. One or more regions containing ellipsoidal particles may be used and the particle sizes may vary between 2 and 100 microns in the smaller dimension. The light scattering regions may be substantially orthogonal in their axis of alignment. Alternatively, one or more asymmetrically scattering films can be used in combination with a backlight light guide and a reflector to produce an efficient backlight system. The light guides may be manufactured by embossing, stamping, or compression molding a light guide in a suitable light guide material containing asymmetric particles substantially aligned in one direction. The light scattering light guide or non-scattering light guide may be used with one or more light sources, collimating films or symmetric or asymmetric scattering films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fusion Optix Inc.
    Inventors: Terence E. Yeo, Zane A. Coleman
  • Patent number: 7273308
    Abstract: An illuminating unit (28) is presented for use in an internally illuminated sign device (1) for displaying a pattern indicative of certain fixed information within an indicia area. The illuminating unit (28) comprises a light boundary structure (33) for a light source (38) to be mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ledi Lite Ltd.
    Inventors: Evan Spero, Menachem Philipovsky
  • Patent number: 7264392
    Abstract: The present invention is a lamp system for use in a light string system comprising a light assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position. The bypass activating system is adapted to move the bypass mechanism between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: GP Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Massabki, Gary L. Lawson, Chung-wai (Paul) Cheng
  • Patent number: 7264393
    Abstract: A foldable half sockets to form complete sockets for Christmas lights includes a V-shaped double sockets fold away of a pair of V-shaped half sockets in opposing symmetrical arrangement connected by a pair of thin membranes and avoid therebetwen. The sockets each has a pair of longitudinal slits, a pair of indentations in their lower peripheries for passing through a pair of electric wires each with a single contact plate on the top. A V-shaped groove formed in an inner periphery of the sockets for engaging within a V-shaped common contact plate. When the half socket is folded away, a pair of sleeves wrapped thereon. A pair of lamps insert in the sockets each has a longitudinal flat extension inserted into the longitudinal slits and a pair of lead-in wires respectively engaged with the common contact plate and a single contacts respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Mei-Lu Lin
  • Patent number: 7264368
    Abstract: A position indicator (10) for a helmet (1), for example a bicyclist's safety helmet, comprises a protruberant diffuser (12) containing one or more electroluminescent strips (60, 61); at least part of the emitted light is distributed through the diffuser (12), preferably by means of an internal convex reflector (62) which contains the power supply (70, 71, 72). A second strip is preferably arranged to be directly visible through a transparent window in the diffuser (12). The indicator is releasably attached to the helmet, for example by means of magnets (30), and may be arranged to detach in the event of an accident so as not to impair the normal function of the helmet. The diffuser preferably forms an illuminated band extending along the side of the helmet (1); the front (15) and rear (16) ends of the indicator may be distinguished from each other. A position indicator system comprises two indicators arranged symmetrically on either side of the helmet, so as to indicate the orientation of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Paul David Sherring
  • Patent number: 7255463
    Abstract: A light module includes a lighting unit, a heat-dissipation plate and an insulative plate. The lighting unit has a leading contact. The heat-dissipation plate contacts the lighting module closely and has a channel corresponding to the leading contact. The insulative plate is disposed under the heat-dissipation plate, and has a predetermined conductive pattern arranged thereon and a through hole corresponding to the channel. The leading contact of the lighting unit penetrates through the channel of the heat-dissipation plate and the through hole of the insulative plate to electrically connect with the predetermined conductive pattern of the insulative plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Harvatek Corporation
    Inventors: Bily Wang, Jonnie Chuang, Chun-Cheng Weng
  • Patent number: 7255456
    Abstract: A direct backlight module is disclosed, which comprises: a frame; at least a light source, being arranged in the frame; a diffuser, being disposed over the frame; and at least an optical film, being disposed over the diffuser, comprising a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein a diffusion unit and a collimation unit are formed on the top surface while using the diffusion unit for diffusing light incident to the bottom surface and the collimation unit for collimating light incident to the bottom surface. The direct backlight module of the invention is capable of enhancing luminous efficiency, and further, it has a comparatively simple structure so that the manufacturing cost of the optical film can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Po-Hung Yao, Yu-Nan Pao, Hsiu-Chen Hsu, Yi-Ting Sun, Ben-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 7246926
    Abstract: A color changing light fixture is provided for producing indirect self-illuminating effects within the fixture, which comprises a housing or reflector having an indirect light source and, optionally, a primary light source mounted within. The fixture's self-illuminating effects are conducive to adding to the design scheme of a room or an area being lighted. The fixture may be recessed, surface mounted, suspended, or wall mounted. The indirect light source, which is powered by a low voltage power source, includes one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips that may be fixed or adjustable, and includes the capability of being completely or partially concealed within the fixture. The LEDs can provide a plurality of visible colors (including white), which can be mixed by any number of control devices, like music and video mixers, and door opening and occupancy sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood
  • Patent number: 7244056
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a light source and a reflector whose first focal position lies in the vicinity of the light source, the reflector preferably includes a concave spheroidal surface that reflects light from the light source frontward. A projection lens can be disposed so that its focal point lies in the vicinity of a second focal position of the reflector in front of the light source, the projection lens including an aspherical convex lens that focuses light from the reflector and that irradiates the light frontward. A shutter can be disposed in the vicinity of the second focal position of the reflector, the shutter forming a cutoff for low light distribution. The shutter can be thickly formed so that it is positioned in front of the focal position of the projection lens, and the shutter can be slanted at an end edge that forms the cutoff so that the shutter becomes lower towards the projection lens in relation to the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Koike, Ken Kagaya, Yoshiaki Akiyama, Masanari Tsukada
  • Patent number: 7244042
    Abstract: An airport light system is disclosed, which includes an airport guidance sign circuit, and an airport light installation coupled to the airport guidance sign circuit that includes a guidance sign component activated in an ON position of the airport guidance sign circuit and deactivated in an OFF position of the airport guidance sign circuit, a runway guard light component, a rechargeable battery coupled to the runway guard light, a battery charger for recharging the rechargeable battery, and the runway guard light component activated a) by the airport guidance sign circuit in the ON position of the airport guidance sign circuit, and b) by the rechargeable battery in the OFF position of the airport guidance sign circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Bieberdorf
  • Patent number: 7232249
    Abstract: A back light module is disclosed. The back light module comprises a frame, a reflective mask, a light guide plate, a linear light source and a baffle plate, wherein the reflective mask is installed in the frame. The linear light source is surrounded by the light guide plate and the reflective mask. The baffle plate is disposed between the linear light source and the light guide plate and the baffle plate is connected to the reflective mask and the frame. The baffle plate disposed between the linear light source and the light guide plate is adapted for absorbing impact force during the impact test and reducing the possibility of displacement of the light guide plate. Thus, the possibility of damage to the linear light source due to displacement of the light guide plate can be effectively reduced. Thus, the reliability of the notebook computer can be effectively promoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chun Hsiao, Cheng-Min Liao
  • Patent number: 7226188
    Abstract: Spot illumination apparatus and methods are described. According to one implementation a spot luminaire includes a light source for emitting a beam of light and a projection lens configured to project the beam of light towards a distant target. A first field stop, through which the beam of light passes, is positioned between the light source and the projection lens. A filter apparatus is positioned proximate the first field stop and is adapted for selectively moving at least one variable density filter across the beam of light. A relay lens group is positioned between the first field stop and the projection lens. The relay lens group is configured to prevent the at least one variable density filter from being imaged by the projection lens. Methods for providing stage lighting are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Whiterock Design, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hough
  • Patent number: 7222993
    Abstract: An LED is mounted on a circuit substrate, the LED is encapsulated by a transparent resin layer. A reflection layer is provided on the resin layer for reflecting and transmitting lights emitted from the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kikuchi, Koichi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 7220038
    Abstract: A light source device, comprising a light guide (3) having two light incident surfaces opposed to each other for receiving incident light radiated from a primary light source and a light outgoing surface (33) for emitting the incident light and a light deflection element (4) disposed adjacent to the light emitting surface side of the light guide, the light deflection element (4) further comprising a light receiving surface (41) for receiving incident light and a light emitting surface (42) positioned on the opposite side thereof and emitting the incident light, wherein a plurality of elongated prisms formed of two prism faces are disposed on the light receiving surface (41) generally parallel with each other, the prism surfaces are formed of at least two faces (46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51) with different inclination angles, and the inclination angles are larger for the faces positioned nearer the light emitting surface (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Issei Chiba
  • Patent number: 7217004
    Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) array module, which can be used as backlight, includes a bar-shaped Printed Circuit Board (PCB) on which conductive patterns for transmitting power are formed, a base formed on the PCB and made of a heat conductive material, a plurality of LED chips mounted on the base in a line and electrically connected to the conductive patterns of the PCB, a reflector formed to surround the plurality of the LED chips and adapted to reflect light radiated from the plurality of LED chips upward, and a lens formed above the plurality of LED chips and reflector to have a bar shape and adapted to diffuse the light radiated from the plurality of LED chips and reflector in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Kyu Park, Chang Wook Kim, Young Sam Park
  • Patent number: 7213942
    Abstract: A single-chip integrated LED particularly adapted for direct use with a high voltage AC power comprises a plurality of series-connected LEDs arranged in two arrays and flip chip bonded to a transparent substrate. The opposite polarities of the arrays are connected together and then connected to the AC power source. During the positive half of the AC cycle, one array of LEDs is forward biased and energized, while the other array is reverse biased. During the negative half of the AC cycle, the other array of LEDs is forward biased and thus energized, while the first array is reverse biased and thus not energized. The arrays are alternately energized and de-energized at the frequency of the AC power source, and thus the single-chip integrated LED always appears to be energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: AC LED Lighting, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Hongxing Jiang, Jingyu Lin
  • Patent number: 7210837
    Abstract: A guiding light plate applied to peripherals includes an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) disposed on a predetermined one of the peripherals, a reflection plate is disposed in the predetermined peripheral, and an image lid is arranged in front of the reflection plate. The reflection plate has a slot type light-guiding face, and the LED is arranged in a side of the light-guiding face. The image lid has at least one transparent image portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Welland Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Tien Lee