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).

  • Publication number: 20140098555
    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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Jonathan Dunlop, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20140056008
    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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Sharon L. Ernest
  • Publication number: 20140029283
    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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Boyd, JR., Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Publication number: 20140022782
    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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Ronald Boyd, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20140016342
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20130308328
    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 minor (5) near second focus of reflector directs light from high-beam LED array (8) to lens (2). Additive light reflecting from folding minor (5) transmitting through lens (2) forms high-beam output lacking a bright/dark edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 8545072
    Abstract: An optic includes an LED light source inside a primary reflector, where the primary reflector includes a parabolic trough whose interior surface has a longitudinally extending parabolic first reflective surface that receives light from the light source and emits a fan-shaped beam of light. The LED light source includes an LED die mounted so as to be at or near a focus of the parabolic trough. A selectively shaped secondary reflector is spaced from the primary reflector and has a second reflective surface that is arranged to intersect and reflect the fan of light. The size and shape of the second reflective surface corresponds to the fan of light where the second reflective surface intersects the fan of light. The second reflective surface displays a band of light that appears disassociated from a particular physical surface so as to float in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Publication number: 20130215635
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp (12) having a light engine (20) including a solid-state light source (32) emitting visible light and a reflector (26) configured to receive and reflect light emitted by the solid-state light source (32). The automotive headlamp (12) further includes an adjustment unit (22) having a displacement member (40) coupled to the solid-state light source (32) and adapted to displace the solid-state light source (32) relative to the reflector (26) between a first position, wherein the headlamp (12) projects a low-beam pattern, and a second position, wherein the headlamp (12) projects a high-beam pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Boyd, JR., Lawrence M. Rice, Howard Eng, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 8449159
    Abstract: A light module (1) suitable for use as a landing light for an airplane is disclosed, using an elongated array (2) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. Light from the LEDs is directed toward a transparent cover (3). The cover (3) may include a plano-convex lens (4) at its center for nominally collimating the light from the LEDs. The cover (3) may also include a generally featureless peripheral region laterally circumferentially surrounding the lens (4). A faceted reflecting surface (6) having a generally parabolic base curvature (8) may extend circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the landing light from the LEDs to the cover (3). Light exiting the LEDs at a relatively high angle of exitance reflects off the faceted reflecting surface (6) and transmits through the generally featureless peripheral region of the cover (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20130094210
    Abstract: A light module (1) suitable for use as a landing light for an airplane is disclosed, using an elongated array (2) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. Light from the LEDs is directed toward a transparent cover (3). The cover (3) may include a plano-convex lens (4) at its center for nominally collimating the light from the LEDs. The cover (3) may also include a generally featureless peripheral region laterally circumferentially surrounding the lens (4). A faceted reflecting surface (6) having a generally parabolic base curvature (8) may extend circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the landing light from the LEDs to the cover (3). Light exiting the LEDs at a relatively high angle of exitance reflects off the faceted reflecting surface (6) and transmits through the generally featureless peripheral region of the cover (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Publication number: 20120326606
    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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
  • Publication number: 20120281425
    Abstract: An optic includes an LED light source inside a primary reflector, where the primary reflector includes a parabolic trough whose interior surface has a longitudinally extending parabolic first reflective surface that receives light from the light source and emits a fan-shaped beam of light. The LED light source includes an LED die mounted so as to be at or near a focus of the parabolic trough. A selectively shaped secondary reflector is spaced from the primary reflector and has a second reflective surface that is arranged to intersect and reflect the fan of light. The size and shape of the second reflective surface corresponds to the fan of light where the second reflective surface intersects the fan of light. The second reflective surface displays a band of light that appears disassociated from a particular physical surface so as to float in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow
  • Publication number: 20120230046
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination system (12) having at least one light projector system (16) includes at least one light engine (24), at least one reflector (36), and a plurality of discrete light lenses (14a-n) separated by a generally opaque border (44). The light engine (24) is configured to emit light (L) which is reflected by an associated reflector (36) through an associated plurality of discrete light lenses (14a-n) and generally not through the border (44). As such, light (L) from the light engine (24) is emitted from a plurality of discrete light lenses (14a-n), thereby providing a visual appearance of multiple, individual light engines (i.e., the projector apparatus has the appearance of having an individual light engine associated with each light source emitted from the projector system) without the complexities associated with having multiple, individual light engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. RICE, Thomas TESSNOW, Howard ENG, Ronald E. BOYD, JR.
  • Patent number: 7918592
    Abstract: A position light including a base that is configured to attach to an aircraft. The base having an extruded overlap baffle. A first LED is coupled to the base underneath the overlap baffle. A circuit card is also coupled to the base and is extended over the first LED toward the over flap baffle. A second LED coupled to a circuit card. The extended overlap baffle and the extended circuit card block visible light emitting from the first LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Barnett, Lawrence M. Rice, Timothy C. Martin
  • Patent number: 7674021
    Abstract: A lighting assembly apparatus for wingtip position lights and an anti-collision light (ACL). The lighting assembly apparatus reduces light flashback caused by the ACL by including one or more internal baffles located inside of a lens. A lens retainer receives the lens. The lens retainer includes a base section and internal baffles. The one or more internal baffles include a crossbeam baffle that is attached between upper and lower surfaces of the lens retainer. The crossbeam baffle reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL/regulatory requirements. The internal baffle includes a stepped edge that also reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Giffen, Lawrence M. Rice, Jeffrey M. Singer
  • Publication number: 20100020556
    Abstract: A position light including a base that is configured to attach to an aircraft. The base having an extruded overlap baffle. A first LED is coupled to the base underneath the overlap baffle. A circuit card is also coupled to the base and is extended over the first LED toward the over flap baffle. A second LED coupled to a circuit card. The extended overlap baffle and the extended circuit card block visible light emitting from the first LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Barnett, Lawrence M. Rice, Tim Martin
  • Publication number: 20090161376
    Abstract: A lighting assembly apparatus for wingtip position lights and an anti-collision light (ACL). The lighting assembly apparatus reduces light flashback caused by the ACL by including one or more internal baffles located inside of a lens. A lens retainer receives the lens. The lens retainer includes a base section and internal baffles. The one or more internal baffles include a crossbeam baffle that is attached between upper and lower surfaces of the lens retainer. The crossbeam baffle reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL/regulatory requirements. The internal baffle includes a stepped edge that also reduces light flashback caused by the ACL and complies with ACL requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Craig E. Giffen, Lawrence M. Rice, Jeffrey M. Singer
  • Patent number: 7122136
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of molding an automotive front lamp assembly that prevents the formation of a sink on the reflector by cutting an area into an injection molding tool so that when the reflector is molded, a glare prevention feature is formed in approximately the same location as the sink would have been formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 6953274
    Abstract: The subject invention comprises an adaptive front lighting system (“AFS”) utilizing at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) as a light source and a means for moving the LED to achieve AFS functionality. An exemplary embodiment of the subject invention comprises a plurality of LEDs positioned and located on a LED carrier. The LED carrier is mechanically connected to at least one actuator that causes the LED carrier and LEDs to move. A controller is used to cause the actuator to move the LEDs. In this manner, this exemplary embodiment adjusts the light beam and creates the desired light beam pattern. Other exemplary embodiments of the subject invention pivotally connect the LEDs to the lens and to each other and utilize the actuator and controller to adjust the light beam. Another exemplary embodiment positions the LEDs in a spherical surface and connects them to the actuator by an extension in order to adjust the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 6910794
    Abstract: An automotive lighting assembly cooling system includes a heat pipe with an evaporation area proximate to a heat generating component, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and a condensing area located remote from the evaporation area. Evaporation of fluid within the heat pipe transfers heat away from the heat generating component. The efficiency of the cooling system in one embodiment is increased by including fins associated with the condensing area and placing the fins in an area where air flow external to a moving vehicle assists in cooling the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Rice