Patents by Inventor Ronald O. Woodward

Ronald O. Woodward 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: 20100046242
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly which includes an optic used for providing a turn signal which meets the government requirements for luminous intensity when the turn signal is located near or next to the headlamp assembly. The present invention is a headlamp assembly which includes a housing, at least one optic disposed within the housing, as well as at least one light source which is operable with the optic such that light is emitted from the optic which meets or exceeds present regulatory requirements. The present invention also includes an outer lens mounted on the housing such that light emitted from the optic passes through the outer lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Chad D. Lambert, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20100007277
    Abstract: An automotive lighting assembly receiving light from a power source and for producing light. The automotive lighting assembly includes a first lighting circuit which is operatively connected to the power source for emitting light as a function of electric current. A second lighting circuit is operatively connected to the power source independently from the first lighting circuit. The second lighting circuit emits light as a function of the electric current. The automotive lighting assembly also includes a controller which is electrically connected between the power source and the first and second lighting circuits for independently operating the first and second lighting sources to emit a chosen amount of light in a chosen direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, Jamie A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20090273933
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a lighting assembly having a light source, at least one optic, and at least one light input surface formed as part of the optic for receiving substantially all the light produced from the light source. The present invention also includes at least one light output surface which is formed as part of the optic such that light received into the optic by the light input surface is directed by the optic out of the light output surface, thereby producing a desired beam pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald O. WOODWARD, James McFadden
  • Publication number: 20090273935
    Abstract: The present invention is an optic used for producing a desired beam pattern having a body portion having a height and a thickness, and at least one sidewall profile, as well as an input port for receiving light from a light source. The optic of the present invention also includes an output surface formed as part of the body portion on the opposite side of the body portion in relation to the input port, at least one leg portion formed as part of the body portion, and at least one alignment feature formed as part of the at least one leg portion, the at least one alignment feature for controlling the alignment of the optic in relation to the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald O. WOODWARD
  • Publication number: 20090237952
    Abstract: A modular semiconductor light source assembly includes a semiconductor light source, such as a light emitting diode, which is mounted on a substrate which supplies electricity to the light source and which assists in removing waste heat therefrom. Substantially all of the light emitted by the LED is transferred to a lens by a light pipe, the cross section of the light pipe increasing from the light source to the lens and the lens having a general D-shape such that the light pattern formed by the lens is constrained in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction. The assembly can be combined with other similar assemblies or other light sources in a light fixture to produce a desired overall beam pattern such as a automobile headlamp low beam or high beam pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Wilson, Chad D. Lambert, Ronald O. Woodward, Cole J. Cunnien
  • Patent number: 7563009
    Abstract: The headlamp system of the present invention includes a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce a first component, such as spread light, of desired beam patterns and a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce a second component, such as the hot spot components, of the desired beam patterns. Light from the semiconductor light sources of each source array is transferred to the respective lens system by a transfer device comprising a series of light pipes which capture light emitted by the semiconductor light sources and emit the captured light adjacent the respective lens systems. One or both source arrays can include additional semiconductor light sources which are selectively illuminated or extinguished to provide steering hot spots in the beam pattern to illuminate areas adjacent the vehicle over which the vehicle will be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: David J. Valcamp, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Patent number: 7560742
    Abstract: A modular semiconductor light source assembly includes a semiconductor light source, such as a light emitting diode, which is mounted on a substrate which supplies electricity to the light source and which assists in removing waste heat therefrom. Substantially all of the light emitted by the LED is transferred to a lens by a light pipe, the cross section of the light pipe increasing from the light source to the lens and the lens having a general D-shape such that the light pattern formed by the lens is constrained in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction. The assembly can be combined with other similar assemblies or other light sources in a light fixture to produce a desired overall beam pattern such as a automobile headlamp low beam or high beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Wilson, Chad D. Lambert, Ronald O. Woodward, Cole J. Cunnien
  • Publication number: 20090122568
    Abstract: A turn signal indicator lamp is operated with LED light sources. The LED light sources produce white light which is filtered, before and/or after transfer of the light from the LED source to the lens, to obtain the desired amber light without unduly reducing the amount of light available to create the desired turn signal indicator light pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: James R. McFadden, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20090016074
    Abstract: A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are in modules including a carrier member that can be mounted to a positioning member which also includes apertures to position the light capture surfaces of the light pipes at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal D. Dolson, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20080316759
    Abstract: Headlamp systems are provided that form desired beam patterns from light supplied by semiconductor light sources. The present invention is headlamp system for a vehicle including at least one first light source, at least one second light source, and a first lens system having at least one lens operably associated with the at least one first light source to provide a spread portion of a desired beam pattern. The present invention also includes second lens system having at least one lens operably associated with the at least one second light source to provide a hot spot portion of the desired beam pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Valcamp, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20080253144
    Abstract: A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources, substantially independent of changes in the dimensions of the light pipes which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the light pipes. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are retained in slots on a positioning member which is mounted at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal D. Dolson, Ronald O. Woodward, James R. McFadden
  • Publication number: 20080198574
    Abstract: A lamp assembly including a plurality of light sources, a plurality of light guides, and at least one lens. The plurality of light guides are optically connected to the plurality of light sources, and selected plurality of light sources emit light that is selectively propagated through the plurality of light guides. The at least one lens is optically connected to the plurality of light guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, Christopher H. Wilson, Ronald G. Hare
  • Publication number: 20080013336
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light pipe configuration having a light transmitting portion with an inlet and outlet. An arm portion connected to the light transmitting portion that has a tab portion that functions to lock the light pipe in place during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, James McFadden
  • Patent number: 7258474
    Abstract: Headlamp systems are provided that form desired beam patterns from light supplied by semiconductor light sources. The systems include a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the spread components of desired beam patterns and a source array of semiconductor light sources and a lens system to produce the hot spot components of the desired beam patterns. Light from the semiconductor light sources of each source array is transferred to the respective lens system by a transfer device comprising a series of fiber optic cables which capture light emitted by the semiconductor light sources and emit the captured light adjacent the respective lens systems. One or both source arrays can include additional semiconductor light sources which are selectively illuminated or extinguished to provide steering hot spots in the beam pattern to illuminate areas adjacent the vehicle over which the vehicle will be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Valcamp, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Patent number: 7101067
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly for producing high and low beam patterns includes a housing having a reflector. The reflector includes high and low beam reflector surfaces. A light source is disposed within the housing for producing light rays projecting towards the high and low beam reflector surfaces. A plurality of shafts extends alongside the light source. A drive is operatively connected to the plurality of shafts for rotation thereof. A shield is connected to the plurality of shafts. Activation of the drive rotates the plurality of shafts to selectively move the shield between an open position, in which the light rays project towards and reflect off of the high beam reflector surfaces to produce the high beam pattern, and a closed position, in which the light rays project towards and reflect off of the low beam reflector surfaces to produce the low beam pattern while the shield blocks a portion of the light rays from projecting towards the high beam reflector surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald O. Woodward
  • Patent number: 6268699
    Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope having opposite ends and a midsection about which an induction coil is disposed. The envelope and coil are mounted transversely on a base with the ends of the envelope exposed such that light emitted from the envelope is transmitted through both ends of the envelope substantially unobstructed by either the base or coil to generate a high total light output of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, Jack D. Bodem, Robert L. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6139176
    Abstract: An optical waveguide structure (1000) is configured to receive light from a light source (1020) and distribute the light to output ports. The structure includes a central portion having top and bottom surfaces, peripheral edges and an opening (1070) for receiving the light source (1020). A first waveguide (1010) extends above the top surface of the central portion. The first waveguide (1010) has an input face (1030) at an end nearest the opening (1070). The first waveguide (1010) extends from the opening (1070) toward a peripheral edge of the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Hulse, Ronald O. Woodward, Joe P. Young
  • Patent number: 4412274
    Abstract: A support housing for a vehicle headlamp that includes a pair of pivotally interconnected ring members adjustable about a pair of mutually perpendicular pivot axes by a pair of vertically oriented adjustment screws which are located to the rear of the headlamp and within the peripheral confines of the headlamp lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David R. McMahan, Ronald O. Woodward
  • Patent number: 4328773
    Abstract: An actuator is provided to selectively turn a diesel engine governor shutoff shaft to fuel "off" or fuel "on" position in response to keyswitch operation. An electric motor coupled through a gear train to a shutoff lever turns the lever to "on" or "off" position. A relay circuit controls the motor operation in response to keyswitch position and shutoff lever position. A feedback element moving with the shutoff lever mechanically interrupts the relay circuit by overriding the relay contact state to turn off the motor whenever the shutoff lever reaches an "on" or "off" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald O. Woodward