Abstract: A head lamp assembly having a main functional head lamp and a UV LED light source configured to direct UV light through a decorative accent light pipe is provided. The light pipe extends at least partially about the functional head lamp, wherein the light pipe has a phosphor coated surface to convert the UV light traveling through the light pipe into visible, luminous light. The visible light is emitted from the light pipe to provide the desired decorative appearance about the functional head lamp.

Abstract: A head lamp assembly having a main functional head lamp and a UV LED light source configured to direct UV light through a decorative accent light pipe is provided. The light pipe extends at least partially about the functional head lamp, wherein the light pipe has a phosphor coated surface to convert the UV light traveling through the light pipe into visible, luminous light. The visible light is emitted from the light pipe to provide the desired decorative appearance about the functional head lamp.

Abstract: A CHMSL (16) or other lighting system feature of an automobile (10) includes a feature for presenting personal expressions in the form of words or symbols but is automatically deactivated when the regular vehicle lighting system is in use. The personal expression is fixed in a tangible medium by way of phosphor-coated indicia (34) placed within a UV impervious housing (18). A secondary UV light source (36) selectively energizes the phosphor-coated indicia (34) so that the irradiated material glows and is visible through a light transmissive screen (20). The light transmissive screen (20) is provided with a UV blocking agent so that harmful UV rays do not escape the housing (18). The phosphor-coated indicia (34) can be mounted on a removable transparent plate (30), on light dispersion optics (24, 26), or on the inner face of the light transmissive screen (20).

Abstract: A reduced glare projector style headlight assembly (10) comprises a light source (14), a reflector (12) and an optical lens (18). An opaque mask (16) is positioned between the lens (18) and the reflector (12) for creating an upper shadow region in the focused beam pattern (28) to shield on-coming traffic. The mask (16) includes a transition region (32) proximate its top edge (22) for allowing a limited amount of projected light to pass through the mask (16), into the upper shadow region in the focused beam pattern (28). In several embodiments, the mask (16) is applied or otherwise affixed to a transparent substrate (20) which also supports the transition region (32). To combat undesirable chromatic effects, a color filter (38) can be positioned in the light path (26) for disrupting selective wavelengths of light energy. As alternative approaches, the transparent substrate (20) and/or the lens (18?) can be doped with a color filtering material or composition.

Abstract: A waveguide illumination assembly for an automobile license plate includes a single light source and a transport or waveguide disposed outward from the license plate perimeter. The light source shines into one end of the waveguide. The waveguide has one or more arms, each of which has an array of reflective elements. Light is internally reflected as it travels through the waveguide until it strikes a reflective element, thereby directing light through an opposing longitudinal side of the waveguide arm and onto the license plate.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a beamforming waveguide having an input face, an output face, and a guide portion extending between the input face and the output face. A light source is positioned at the input face of the beamforming waveguide. A lens is positioned at the output face so that light output by the beamforming waveguide passes through the lens to provide vehicle forward illumination. The beamforming waveguide is shaped to generate a desired headlamp beam pattern and can be formed as a block of solid material, a bundle of plastic or glass fibers, or a solid molded wedge that can be moved between two positions to provide both high and low beam forward illumination.