Patents by Inventor Ken M. Lau

Ken M. Lau has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8712234
    Abstract: A compact light shield for flash photography (800) comprises a bib-shaped barrier (805) with a pair of arms (810, 815) with end slots (820, 825), a band (500) with end slots (520, 525), and a plurality of H&L fasteners (505, 510, 515, 830, and 1200). One fastener (1200) is affixed to a flash (1100). The barrier can be stored flat and can be rolled into and held in a scoop shape by interlocking its arm slots. The band is formed and held in a circular shape by interlocking its end slots. The band is secured to the barrier and both are oriented with the bib-shaped part facing away from and secured to the flash. An alternative embodiment eliminates the band and secures the barrier directly to the flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ken M. Lau
  • Patent number: 7670032
    Abstract: A diffuser-reflector assembly for use with a photographic flash lamp (800) comprises, in one aspect, an elastic base (100) having rigid first inserts (125 and 130), two arms (105 and 110), a shaft (135), a pivot assembly (150), and one or more frames (116, 121) that hold second inserts (115, 120). The diffuser-reflector assembly installs slidably onto the light-emitting end of a flash lamp (800). The second inserts can have various optical properties. They can be specular or diffuse reflectors, color or neutral density filters, or a combination. The frames and inserts can be swung on the arms and independently pivoted over a wide range of angles above the lamp, thereby providing a wide range of lighting effects. The frames and arms are held in place by friction and can be adjusted by manual force. The entire assembly can be made of simple parts that snap together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ken M. Lau
  • Publication number: 20080316754
    Abstract: A diffuser-reflector assembly for use with a photographic flash lamp (800) comprises, in one aspect, an elastic base (100) having rigid first inserts (125 and 130), two arms (105 and 110), a shaft (135), a pivot assembly (150), and one or more frames (116, 121) that hold second inserts (115, 120). The diffuser-reflector assembly installs slidably onto the light-emitting end of a flash lamp (800). The second inserts can have various optical properties. They can be specular or diffuse reflectors, color or neutral density filters, or a combination. The frames and inserts can be swung on the arms and independently pivoted over a wide range of angles above the lamp, thereby providing a wide range of lighting effects. The frames and arms are held in place by friction and can be adjusted by manual force. The entire assembly can be made of simple parts that snap together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ken M. Lau