Patents by Inventor Lawrence M. Rice

Lawrence M. Rice 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: 10408406
    Abstract: A partially coated lamp capsule (212) for a projection headlamp (12) has filament (224) in capsule envelope (220) having light-transmissive coating (60) extending from capsule upper region (225) towards filament distal end (227) to an axial location in a region defined between about 0.098 inch (2.5 mm) above filament distal end (227) and about 0.098 inch below filament distal end (227), the capsule envelope (220) being uncoated on an undistorted portion of capsule envelope (220) below filament proximal end (229). Lamp capsule (212) is useful in projection headlamp (12) having a reflector (28) whose central heel (37) forms the hot spot and casts light through projector lens (30) to generate low and/or high beam patterns. Present lamp capsules (212) give increased photometric intensity over conventional lamps in low beam at critical driver's lane (0.6D, 1.3R) and (0.86D, V) test points, and in high beam at the critical (H,V) test point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Joseph C. Swadel
  • Patent number: 10161591
    Abstract: An example lamp optic comprises a light guide (100) to receive light from a light source (108) and generate a light beam via internal reflection. The light guide includes a proximal end (104) to receive the light and a distal end (106) to emit the light beam. An optical axis (OA) extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and a transverse axis (TA) extends perpendicular to the optical axis. A surface of the distal end has a stepped portion (110) including a central surface (112) substantially parallel to the transverse axis and centered on the optical axis, and linear steps (114) extending in opposing directions from the central surface parallel to the transverse axis and along the optical access towards the distal end. Each linear step includes an optical face (116) extending perpendicular to the optical axis and a transverse face (118) extending perpendicular to the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 9759400
    Abstract: A vehicle light (1, 11) produces low-beam output using generally spherical distribution light source (7) with increased efficiency. The vehicle light (1) includes transmissive lens (2) through which light exits vehicle light (1); concave reflector (3); light occluding member (100) defining first sub-reflector (6); cut-off edge (4); and second sub-reflector (5). Concave reflector (3) extends upward above light occluding member (100) and directs low-beam light toward transmissive lens (2). Light occluding member (100) is disposed horizontally proximate a longitudinal axis of the vehicle light and low-beam light is reflected between concave reflector (3) and light occluding member (100) toward transmissive lens (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 9638392
    Abstract: A lamp optic (100) for a lamp includes a proximal end (104), a distal end (106) and a longitudinal axis (L). The proximal end (104) has a proximal inner side wall (112) linearly extending toward the distal end (106) and intersecting a proximal flat portion (114). The distal end (106) has a distal inner side wall (120) linearly extending toward the proximal end (104) and intersecting a distal flat portion (122). The distal flat portion length (LD) is at least 25 percent of the proximal flat portion length (LP). A lateral side (108) extends from the proximal end (104) to the distal end (106). The lateral side (108) has a first skirt region (124) and a second skirt region (126). The first skirt region (124) and the second skirt region (126) extend linearly and successively from the proximal end (104) to the distal end (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Ronald E. Boyd, Jr., Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
  • Publication number: 20170089542
    Abstract: A lamp optic (100) for a lamp includes a proximal end (104), a distal end (106) and a longitudinal axis (L). The proximal end (104) has a proximal inner side wall (112) linearly extending toward the distal end (106) and intersecting a proximal flat portion (114). The distal end (106) has a distal inner side wall (120) linearly extending toward the proximal end (104) and intersecting a distal flat portion (122). The distal flat portion length (LD) is at least 25 percent of the proximal flat portion length (LP). A lateral side (108) extends from the proximal end (104) to the distal end (106). The lateral side (108) has a first skirt region (124) and a second skirt region (126). The first skirt region (124) and the second skirt region (126) extend linearly and successively from the proximal end (104) to the distal end (106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Ronald E. Boyd, JR., Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
  • Publication number: 20170067612
    Abstract: A vehicle light (1, 11) produces low-beam output using generally spherical distribution light source (7) with increased efficiency. The vehicle light (1) includes transmissive lens (2) through which light exits vehicle light (1); concave reflector (3); light occluding member (100) defining first sub-reflector (6); cut-off edge (4); and second sub-reflector (5). Concave reflector (3) extends upward above light occluding member (100) and directs low-beam light toward transmissive lens (2). Light occluding member (100) is disposed horizontally proximate a longitudinal axis of the vehicle light and low-beam light is reflected between concave reflector (3) and light occluding member (100) toward transmissive lens (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Publication number: 20170059115
    Abstract: A packaged light emitting device 100 that allows enhanced light cutoff in lighting applications to better control glare and optimize lumen output. Packaged device 100 includes both a reflective dam region 34 and a non-reflective dam region 36 to increase output of useful light while mitigating reflection of light that can cause glare. An array 4, preferably linear, of light-emitting diodes 3 is formed on printed circuit board (PCB) 1, and surrounded by dam 30 which bounds encapsulant 40. A first circuit board portion 20 of PCB upper surface 2 enclosed within dam 30 disposed forward of LED array 4 and adjoining non-reflective dam portion 36 is non-reflective, such as being black. A second circuit board portion 22 is reflective, such as being white. Packaged device 100 is suited for automotive headlights and fog lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Min Huang, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20170059116
    Abstract: A packaged light emitting device 100 that allows enhanced light cutoff in lighting applications to better control glare and optimize lumen output. Packaged device 100 includes an LED array 4 in cavity 32 whose inner wall includes both a reflective wall portion 34 and a non-reflective wall portion 36 to increase output of useful light while mitigating reflection of light that can cause glare. An array 4, preferably linear, of light-emitting diodes 3 is formed on printed circuit board (PCB) 1, and surrounded by wall 30 which bounds cavity 32. A first circuit board portion 20 of PCB upper surface 2 enclosed within wall 30 disposed forward of LED array 4 and adjoining non-reflective wall portion 36 is non-reflective, such as being black. A second circuit board portion 22 is reflective, such as being silvered. Packaged device 100 is suited for automotive headlights and fog lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Min Huang, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20170059107
    Abstract: An example lamp optic comprises a light guide (100) to receive light from a light source (108) and generate a light beam via internal reflection. The light guide includes a proximal end (104) to receive the light and a distal end (106) to emit the light beam. An optical axis (OA) extends from the proximal end to the distal end, and a transverse axis (TA) extends perpendicular to the optical axis. A surface of the distal end has a stepped portion (110) including a central surface (112) substantially parallel to the transverse axis and centered on the optical axis, and linear steps (114) extending in opposing directions from the central surface parallel to the transverse axis and along the optical access towards the distal end. Each linear step includes an optical face (116) extending perpendicular to the optical axis and a transverse face (118) extending perpendicular to the transverse axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 9396925
    Abstract: An automotive lamp capsule (12) containing filament (24) mounted within a capsule envelope (20) that has a light-transmissive coating (60) that increases the color temperature of light passing therethrough. Two uncoated windows (62) on envelope (20) in register with filament (24) extend towards capsule base (20) and alternate, in a direction circumferentially around capsule envelope (20), with two coated portions (64) at that axial location along optical axis (O). A distance from filament (24) to a lower edge (68) of window (62) bounds a region of light emitted from filament (24) whose color temperature is not increased by coating (60) and defines the hot spot (105) in a beam projected from a vehicle reflector (14) in which capsule (12) is mounted. Light emitted by filament (24) passing adjacent to windows (62) through regions of coating (60) form a spread light pattern (112) of advantageous, higher color temperature than previously achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Robin A. Sweet, Richard Holland
  • Patent number: 9074746
    Abstract: A rear combination lamp for a vehicle is disclosed, in which facets on a reflective surface impart relatively large angular deviations to their respective reflected beams. Reflected light from each facet is only visible over a particular angular range. The angular ranges for all facets overlap only in a predetermined manner, so that at a given viewing angle, light from only particular facets is visible. The appearance of the rear combination lamp varies as a function of viewing direction. As a viewing angle changes, light from certain facets becomes visible, and light from other facets becomes invisible. This changing subset of which facet reflections are visible produces a sparkling or twinkling effect from the rear combination lamp. In some designs, the sparkling can take on a pattern that moves across the rear combination lamp, as the viewing angle changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Sharon L. Ernest
  • Patent number: 8920010
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp (12) having first and second solid-state light sources (44, 46) and a reflector (26) having a light collecting region (28) and an aperture (40) defined therein. The light collecting region (28) of the reflector (26) is adapted to receive and reflect light emitted by the first solid-state light source (44) in a first illumination pattern. The second solid-state light source (46) is adapted to emit light through the aperture (40) in a second illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Jonathan Dunlap, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 8894257
    Abstract: A headlight produces low-beam and high-beam outputs without requiring moving parts. Low-beam LED array (7) near first focus (F1) of ellipsoidal reflector (3) directs light laterally against reflector (3) which directs it toward second focus (F2) of reflector. Cut-off edge (4; 5; 63) near second focus forms a bright/dark edge in low-beam output. Cut-off edge is a vertically-oriented light baffle (4) whose top edge forms the bright/dark edge. Cut-off edge is a horizontal light occluding member (16) whose front edge (63) forms bright/dark edge. Cut-off edge is a corner of a heat sink (200). Cut-off edge is located near focal point of lens (2) which transmits low-beam output with a bright/dark edge. Stationary folding mirror (5) near second focus of reflector directs light from high-beam LED array (8) to lens (2). Additive light reflecting from folding mirror (5) transmitting through lens (2) forms high-beam output lacking a bright/dark edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Publication number: 20140268848
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp (10) having a solid-state light source (14) and a reflector (16) having a light collecting region (18) adapted to receive a first portion of light emitted by the solid-state light source (14) and reflect the first portion of light in a first illumination pattern. The automotive headlamp (10) further includes a light guide assembly (22) adapted to receive a second portion of light emitted by the solid-state light source (14) and redirect the second portion of light in a second illumination pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Lawrence M. Rice, Ronald Boyd, Howard B. Eng
  • Patent number: 8833990
    Abstract: A lamp apparatus (14) includes a heat sink (28), a heat conductive post (26) having a plurality of faces (36), one or more light engines (30) coupled to each of a plurality of faces (36), a connector (32) to provide power to the light engine (30) when electrically coupled to a lamp socket, and a grommet (34). The grommet (34) is secured to and extends around a perimeter of the heat conductive post (26) and includes a radial groove (48) receiving a rim (21) of an opening (20) of a reflector (12) such that a first and a second portion (50, 51) of the grommet (34) extend beyond the rim (21) and over a portion of an interior and an exterior surface (23, 25) of the reflector (12) to secure the lamp apparatus (14) to the opening (20) of the reflector (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Ronald Boyd, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 8823265
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus (12) for use with a vehicle (10) includes a lighting system (14) and a controller (16). The lighting system (14) includes at least three light engines (18). The controller (16) is configured to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines (18) while simultaneously not illuminating at least one of the light engines (18) upon activation of the illumination apparatus. The controller (16) is further configured to alternate which of the light engines (18) are not illuminated and which two of the light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated such that at least two light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated during the entire illumination sequence. As such, at least two light engines (18) are illuminated upon activation of the illumination apparatus (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
  • Patent number: 8807808
    Abstract: A replacement vehicular lamp assembly (10) configured for insertion into a vehicle chassis-mounted lamp housing (110) originally containing an incandescent lamp (118) installed in an aperture (102) in a chassis-mounted reflector (116). Lamp assembly (10) has a housing (12) supporting LED(s) and displaceably mounted reflector segments (40) moveable between a closed configuration facilitating installation through the aperture (102) and an outwardly open configuration for function within the lamp housing (110) to form a first reflector (38). A biasing mechanism (25) biases the reflector segments (40) to the open configuration to deploy the first reflector (38) overlying the chassis-mounted reflector (116) so that light from the LED is received on the first reflector (38) defined by the reflector segments (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald E. Boyd, Jr., Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 8714793
    Abstract: A headlight is disclosed, having separate low-beam and high beam housings. The high-beam housing includes four planar inward-facing reflectors, in the shape of a pyramid, with the high-beam LED array at the apex and a plano-convex high-beam lens at the base. The low-beam housing includes three planar inward-facing reflectors along the top and lateral sides, similarly arranged as three sides of a pyramid. The low-beam housing has one or more planar, horizontal upward-facing reflectors, disposed below the longitudinal axis of the low-beam housing. Light propagating downward from the low-beam LED array directly strikes either the incident face of the low-beam lens or exactly one upward-facing reflector. When viewed from the front of the low-beam housing, the upward-facing reflectors resemble steps that descend from a lower edge of the low-beam LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: D757305
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: D782102
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Ronald E. Boyd, Jr., Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng