Patents by Inventor Todd J. Smith

Todd J. Smith 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: 9388961
    Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Compnay, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150285442
    Abstract: Beam forming optics having non-circular peripheral shapes are disclosed. The polygonal periphery of the disclosed beam forming optics interrupt surfaces of rotation used to define reflecting surfaces that collimate wide angle light emitted from an LED. The periphery of the lens handling narrow angle light is modified to permit light to fill the non-circular reflecting surface. The illustrated beam forming optics are configured to ensure that light emitted from the LED is handled only by surfaces configured to form the desired collimated beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9052088
    Abstract: An LED optical assembly includes a linear array of LEDs, longitudinal reflecting surfaces along each side of the array and medial reflecting surfaces between the LEDs. The longitudinal reflecting surfaces include surfaces of rotation centered on the optical axis of each LED interspersed with linear reflecting portions defined by curves projected along a linear focal axis of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150085479
    Abstract: An LED optical assembly includes a linear array of LEDs, longitudinal reflecting surfaces along each side of the array and medial reflecting surfaces between the LEDs. The longitudinal reflecting surfaces include surfaces of rotation centered on the optical axis of each LED interspersed with linear reflecting portions defined by curves projected along a linear focal axis of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140369050
    Abstract: A light assembly comprises an LED light source, a reflector, and an optical element assembly. The LED light source comprises a light emitting die and has an optical axis which extends from the light emitting die and perpendicular to a first plane. The reflector defines an optical cavity and has a reflective surface oriented to reflect light emitted by the light source incident to the reflective surface along a range of reflected angles. The optical element assembly comprises an optical element disposed in the path of the light emitted from the light source. The optical element is supported within the optical cavity by a connector arm, which has first and second ends. The first end is connected to the optical element and the second end supports the optical element assembly from behind the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140078732
    Abstract: An LED optical assembly includes a linear array of LEDs, longitudinal reflecting surfaces along each side of the array and medial reflecting surfaces between the LEDs. The medial reflecting surfaces are configured to redirect light oriented along the linear array into directions that will contribute to a light emission pattern from a warning, signaling or illumination light employing the LED optical assembly. The medial reflecting surfaces cooperate with other reflectors and/or lenses to integrate the redirected light into an intended light emission pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130235580
    Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130235579
    Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8430523
    Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8138941
    Abstract: A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7959322
    Abstract: An optical system for an LED array includes a trough reflector in combination with an elongated lens. The reflector and lens include distinct regions dedicated to particular zones of light emanating from the LED array. The reflector includes lower, upper and end portions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of wide angle light from the LED array into a pre-determined warning light pattern. The lens includes central, side and end regions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of narrow angle light from the LED array into the pre-determined warning light pattern. The shape of the trough reflector and lens, as well as the relationship between the lens and reflector, are selected to provide an optical system with expanded illuminated surface area and a low profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100271818
    Abstract: An optical system for an LED array includes a trough reflector in combination with an elongated lens. The reflector and lens include distinct regions dedicated to particular zones of light emanating from the LED array. The reflector includes lower, upper and end portions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of wide angle light from the LED array into a pre-determined warning light pattern. The lens includes central, side and end regions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of narrow angle light from the LED array into the pre-determined warning light pattern. The shape of the trough reflector and lens, as well as the relationship between the lens and reflector, are selected to provide an optical system with expanded illuminated surface area and a low profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7712931
    Abstract: An optical element is configured for use in conjunction with a directional light source such as an LED to form an illuminator. The optical element includes a light entry surface, a reflector and an emission surface. Each of the light entry, reflector and emission surfaces are surfaces of revolution defined by revolving straight or curved lines about an axis of revolution. The light entry, reflector and emission surfaces are configured to produce a radiation pattern from the illuminator that is collimated in a first direction and divergent or swept in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7683772
    Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7520650
    Abstract: Illumination configurations employ optical elements configured to organize divergent light from an LED light source into collimated beams having a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the LED. Alternative optical elements organize light from a row of LEDs into planes perpendicular to a plane including the optical axes of the LEDs. Pairs of optical elements are configured to define a cavity for receiving an LED. One optical element may be employed to organize approximately one half of the light generated by the LED, with the remainder being permitted to radiate from the LED in its usual pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090045933
    Abstract: A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7158019
    Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp according to aspects of the present invention has a base configured to directly replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes a first radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing the vehicle warning and/or illumination formerly produced by the vehicle lamp and a second radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing an emergency warning light signal. The second radial array may be electrically connected to an axial LED. The LEDs are supported by a lamp support at a location near the focus of the reflector shell. An interface electrical circuit modifies the electrical energy formerly fed to the vehicle lamp to a form appropriate for the LEDs in the first array. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the second array of LEDs to produce the emergency warning light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7118261
    Abstract: An aircraft position light employs selected colored LEDs to produce a white appearing warning light with a reduced light component in the amplification spectrum of night vision imaging equipment. A combination of amber and cyan LEDs are selected to produce approximately three amber flux units for every cyan flux unit resulting in a white composite light. Both of the selected LEDs have dominant wavelengths of less than 600 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fredericks, Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7083313
    Abstract: A side-emitting collimator employs a combination of refraction and internal reflection to organize light from a light source into oppositely directed collimated beams. A light source chamber over the light source is defined by substantially cylindrical and aspheric refracting surfaces positioned to gather light into the collimating lens. The aspheric refracting surfaces redirect a portion of the light from the light source into a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source. The substantially cylindrical surfaces refract light from the light source onto an aspheric upper reflecting surface. Light incident upon the aspheric upper reflecting surface is collimated into a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light source. The side-emitting collimator includes mirror image collimator halves, each producing a collimated beam. The collimator halves are rotationally symmetric about a common axis of symmetry above a plane including the axis of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7079041
    Abstract: An exemplary aircraft anticollision beacon is constructed around a faceted aluminum support cylinder and base. The support cylinder has an outside surface with ten vertically oriented substantially planar faces. An array of LEDs is mounted in thermally conductive relationship on each face of the support cylinder. Each LED is partially surrounded by a trough-shaped reflecting surface that re-directs off axis light into a horizontal plane. Axially aligned, radially adjacent reflecting troughs combine to form the circumferential reflecting troughs. The support cylinder and base are connected in thermally conductive relationship to define a thermal pathway from the LEDs to a heat radiation surface on the base. The base is also configured to act as a heat sink for heat generating components of the LED driver circuits. The exemplary beacon employs a distributed energizing circuit in which each driver is configured to energize two of the ten arrays of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fredericks, Todd J. Smith