Abstract: A guest check presenter has a top cover and bottom cover hinged together along a common binding to define a booklet. A holder is provided on the inside of the booklet for placement of a check for delivery to a patron, such as at the end of a meal in a restaurant. A magnifying sheet movable in overlying relation to the check and a light-emitting device are provided to enhance viewing information printed on the check, particularly in poor lighting conditions. A calculator for totaling items on the check includes tip calculating buttons of graduated values for selecting the tip amount according to the quality of service and/or the generosity of the patron paying the check. A mirror is provided on the inside of the guest check presenter booklet for the convenience of the guests at the table. Signaling lights on the light-emitting device alert the waiter to pick up the check when the patron is ready to pay.

Abstract: A lighted helmet having a protective shell having: an outside surface, a plurality of lamps which emit light from the outside surface; a power supply, typically a battery; and a motion detecting switch in communication with the power supply and the plurality of lamps. When the helmet is worn by a user, even small movements of the head produce forces, which in turn, trigger the motion detecting switch. Upon triggering of the motion detecting switch, the lamps are illuminated for a predetermined period of time. Upon expiration of the time period, subsequent motion will retrigger the switch, once again activating the lamps. The process continues until the helmet is placed in a stationary position, at which time the lamps are extinguished upon expiration of the then active time period.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted luminaire having a bent lens that has a horizontal portion for directing light downward, and a bent or diagonal portion for directing diagonally light toward an adjacent wall. The luminaire improves the flooding of light onto the wall. An auxiliary reflector plate can be inserted within the main reflector to direct more of the source light toward the diagonal portion of the lens to improve the wall lighting.

Abstract: A flashlight lens cover has a generally cylindrical body member and a generally circular cap member which is pivotally connected to the body member. A spring member urges the cap member to an open position. When inward force is imparted to opposite sides of the body member, said sides move relatively closer together causing a first end and second end to move relatively further apart causing a retaining ledge of a latch member to be moved away from engagement with an edge portion of the cap causing the cap member to move to an open position until manually closed.

Abstract: A temperature activated pressure relief mechanism for a flashlight or other battery containing device includes a watertight sealed flashlight housing which has an opening which extends from an outer surface to and inner surface of the housing. A metallic eyelet having an eyelet opening and having a cylindrical body sized to fit is placed tightly into the housing opening. A fusible plug of a suitable alloy material placed into said eyelet opening so that when said alloy material reaches the alloy melting point, said material will melt and flow at least partially out of the eyelet opening allowing gas pressure from within the sealed flashlight housing to vent to outside the sealed housing through the eyelet opening.

Abstract: Light display structures are provided that are simple and comprise few parts so that they can be economically fabricated from various polymers and quickly assembled. They are especially suited for carrying light-emitting elements and lend themselves for realization in a variety of forms such as elongate display structures and sheet-like display structures. They are based upon a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) that are coupled between first and second conductors with the addition of other structures (e.g., spacers, wire bonds, tabs) that facilitate the energizing of the light-emitting elements.

Abstract: A planar photoluminescent lamp includes a plurality of glass spacer beads affixed to a first glass plate, and a second glass plate in contact with the glass spacer beads. The glass plates are hermetically sealed to form a chamber, which is filled with a selected gas. Transparent electrodes are placed on the exterior of the first and second glass plates, over which electrically insulating layers are extended. First and second semi-transparent decorative layers are laid over the insulating layers, out of which light is transmitted. One or more transparent insulating layers extend over transparent electrodes placed on the exterior surface of the first and second glass plates.

Abstract: The lighting fixture includes a housing having an interior cavity and a transparent cover. A color-changing electric light assembly is provided in the interior cavity. The light assembly emits a plurality of different colors of light through the transparent cover and cycles through the plurality of different colors of light to sequentially emit each of the plurality of different colors of light. A synchronization circuit responds to a timed interruption in the power for synchronizing the color-changing electric light assembly with a color-changing electric light assembly of another underwater lighting fixture connected to the same power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video projection system comprising at least a light source coupled to a reflector for focusing the light beam, a motor-driven color wheel having a plurality of light-transmitting segments, at least some of said segments being dichroic filters for the colors red, green, and blue, while the speed of rotation of said wheel can be modified by a control, a lens system imaging the focused light beam onto a display, a display system comprising at least a display and a display control, and a projection lens, wherein the video projection system has a video projection mode and a lighting mode, and in addition the color wheel is stationary in the lighting mode and at least one segment of the color wheel can be given a defined position in the beam.

Abstract: An illumination unit includes a thin and flexible substrate and flexible electrical tracks formed on the flexible substrate. A number of solid-state light generating sources are arranged on the flexible substrate along the electrical tracks and are electrically connected to the electrical tracks. A flexible and optically transparent encapsulant is provided to encapsulate the light generating sources on the substrate such that the illumination unit is both thin and flexible.

Abstract: A light-collimating system for collimating light from a light source has a plurality of elements (2, 2?, . . . ), each element including at least a first wall (3, 3?, . . . ) and at least a second wall (4, 4?, . . . ). The first (3) and second wall (4?) of adjacent elements are spaced with respect to each other at a side of the light-collimating system facing the light source, the spacing defining an aperture window (5, 5?, . . . ) for admitting light into the light-collimating system. The first and second wall of said adjacent elements form a wedge-shaped structure widening in a direction facing away from the light source. The first and the second wall are provided with a specular reflecting surface at a side facing the wedge-shaped structure. According to the invention, the wedge angle (w of the first and second wall with respect to the normal on the aperture window are adjustable for enabling adjustable collimation.

Abstract: A light emitting diode lamp includes a lead terminal 2 formed with a cup 8 having a conical inner circumferential surface serving as a light reflective surface 8a, an LED chip 4 bonded to a bottom surface 8b of the cup with a die bonding material H, a molded portion 6 made of a transparent synthetic resin for packaging the cup of the lead terminal. The bottom surface 8b of the cup is formed with a recess 9 or a protrusion 19 to which the LED chip 4 is bonded with the die bonding material H, whereby the light conversion efficiency of the conical light reflective surface 8a is enhanced.

Abstract: An ornamental lamp assembly which mounts a diffraction grating in the form of a compact disc about a light socket. The diffraction grating is mounted so as to freely wobble relative to the light socket. A light bulb mounted in the light socket produces light that is reflected by the refraction grating which visually produces a series of different colors that are constantly moving due to the wobbling mounting of the grating on the light socket. The compact disc could include a series of light reflective areas and a series of light transmitting areas.

Abstract: A luminaire for providing increased illumination and efficiency comprising a plurality of reflectors, lamps and electrically connected lamp sockets arranged such that the light reflected off of a reflector is reflected at a generally uniform angle and does not reflect off of any other reflector or lamp surface. The luminaire results in an increased light distribution pattern and greater operational efficiency.

Abstract: A fastening device is provided for cooling the light source in a backlight module. The fastening device includes a frame for clipping the edge of a light source and a cooling unit disposed between the frame and the light source. The cooling unit is not only utilized for cooling, it also utilized for preventing the oscillation that affects the emitting efficiency and the operating stability of the light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric lamp including at least one vessel for producing and emitting visible electromagnetic radiation, a base for securing and making electrical contact with the lamp in a luminaire fitting, and a connecting part which connects the base to one of the remaining parts of the lamp. The connecting part is in the form of a rotationally symmetrical rotary device which allows the remaining parts of the lamp to be rotated with respect to the base, when the base is secured in the fitting, about the axis of the lamp.

Abstract: A safety sign and methods are shown for use on an oversized load with advantages such as being more visible in poor conditions such as snow, dust, fog, low light, etc. Safety signs as shown can be seen from farther away than conventional signs. Safety signs as shown eliminate problems associated with point source lighting.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular light assembly in a vehicle includes first providing a common printed circuit board base. One of a plurality of different types of illumination sources is then attached onto the printed circuit board base to form a modular light assembly. The modular light assembly is then mounted onto one of a plurality of trim bezels.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for illuminating the interior of an automotive passenger vehicle for ingress and egress. The apparatus comprises a lighting device integrated into the periphery of a sun visor or similar object. The lighting device is typically activated by a remote entry device, a door opening, or by an interior switch. The apparatus is particularly applicable where overhead interior lighting is impractical, such as in convertibles and other types of vehicles with removable tops. The lighting device may be customized for color and intensity, as well as for physical configuration. The apparatus can also be used in lieu of conventional interior roof lighting as a manufacturing cost reduction.

Abstract: An automobile compound taillight includes a main base, a main light base, a side light base, and a bottom light base. The main light base, the side light base and the bottom light base are respectively positioned in the main base at a front opening, a side opening and a bottom opening and then those openings sealed with a main light cover, a side light cover and a bottom light cover. The main light base, the side light base and the bottom light base respectively have an electric circuit board and plural LED lamps. The electric circuit board of the main light base is connected with an electric system of a automobile, and the electric circuit boards of the side light base and the bottom light base are connected with that of the main light base. Thus, the automobile compound taillight can be used as a brake light, a direction one and a tail one separately.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp for emitting light toward a predetermined emitting direction, includes: a plurality of semiconductor light emitting devices approximately aligned; and an optical component, having its optical center on one of the semiconductor light emitting devices, for irradiating light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting devices toward the emitting direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED module for automobile headlights. The LED module comprises a water proof structure together with a heat radiating structure in order to prevent the permeation of external moisture while efficiently radiating heat to the outside. The LED module may be combined with a lamp housing and a radiator to constitute an automobile headlight.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having a light source bulb inserted into a reflector from a side of an optical axis Ax at a position below the optical axis enables an area to the side of the optical axis of the reflective surface of the reflector to be utilized effectively for light distribution control. The shape of the reflective surface of the reflector in a vertical cross section that includes the optical axis Ax is defined by a curve, which is formed such that a normal line of each point of the reflective surface is positioned between a bisector of a line segment that joins each point with a light source and a line segment that joins each point with an upper end edge of a shade, and a bisector of the line segment and a line segment that joins each point with an upper end edge of a rear surface opening of a projection lens.

Abstract: A light source device comprising at least a primary light source (1), a light guide (3) guiding light beamed from the primary light source and having a light incident surface (31) and a light outgoing surface (33), an optical deflector (4) disposed adjacent to the light guide's light outgoing surface and having a light incident surface (41) and a light outgoing surface (42), and a light diffuser (6) disposed adjacent to the optical deflector's light outgoing surface and having a light incident surface (61) and a light out going surface (62), wherein the optical deflector's light incident surface is formed with a plurality of rows of prisms arranged in parallel to each other, and the light diffuser has the full width half maximum of an outgoing light intensity of 1–13 degrees when parallel rays of light are incident, whereby providing a light source device excellent in light utilization efficiency of a primary light source, and also excellent in viewing angle characteristics and quality as an image forming ill

Abstract: There is provided a surface light-emitting device capable of preventing an increase in power consumption even if the length of the light-emitting surface of the surface light-emitting device is greater than the width, and capable of emitting light uniformly without decreasing the brightness of the light-emitting surface nor increasing the height of the light guiding space. In the present surface light-emitting device, the incident plane (201) is one of two sides of the light guiding space (20) in opposition in the longitudinal direction. The light-transmitting plate (4) includes a diffusion filter (6) which covers a specific area of the surface of the light-transmitting plate (4) near the light source (3). The remaining area of the surface of the light-transmitting plate at a distance from the light source (3) is not covered with the diffusion filter (6). The diffusion filter (6) is formed of a laminate in which a plurality of diffuse transmission films are layered.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a spacer, a light source and an ultraviolet rays light filter. The spacer is formed by a first plate and a second plate. The light source is disposed in the spacer and emits light, which spreads through the second plate and out of the backlight module. The light filter is disposed on the second plate.

Abstract: A light-guide plate (1) arranged at a display face (2a) of a liquid crystal (2) and illuminates radiating light from a light source (3) to the display face (2a) is constructed by a light permeability base portion (10) having a first face (8), a second face (9) of the rear face side of the first face (8), and a third face (5) guiding light from the light source (3) from side face, an adhesive layer (11), and light permeability sheet (12) forming plural prism grooves on a light emission face (6) with the predetermined interval and providing on the adhesive layer (11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device. When the light from the, light emitting element is guided to the first illuminating portion of the light guide plate, the light is radiated from the whole upper surface of the first illuminating portion to illuminate the upper surface side of the light guide plate. Also, when the light from the light emitting element is guided to the second illuminating portion of the light guide plate, the light is radiated from the whole lower surface of the second illuminating portion to illuminate the lower surface side of the light guide plate. The upper and lower surface sides of the light guide plate can be excellently illuminated with one light guide plate.

Abstract: A back light apparatus comprises a base having a container, a lamp module, a diffuser, and at least one elastic device. The inside surface of the base are coated a reflection layers. The lamp module consists of CCFLs disposed in the container. One end of the elastic element is fixed on the bottom surface of the container; the other end supports the diffuser. The elastic device reduces the deformation of the diffuser to avoid forming the uneven surface on the diffuser. That is, it can provide the high and even brightness for a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A cylindrical mixing drum for mortar and similar material includes a drum body having a hollow shell with upper and lower portions and front and rear portions and an opening having front and rear portions in the upper portion and a pair of spaced substantially parallel and opposite end plates with a paddle shaft rotatably mounted between the plates. A first pair of spaced paddles is used for forcing a mix in a first direction and a second pair of paddles is used for forcing a mix in a second direction. A pair of spaced drum end scrapers are also mounted on the shaft closely adjacent the interior surface of an end wall. A pair of drum end wipers is also included for wiping another portion of the end wall. The lower portion of the drum shell is substantially cylindrical in shape from the front portion of the opening to the rear portion of the opening and the paddles are positioned on the shaft to be closely adjacent the interior surface of the drum shell as the shaft is rotated through 360°.

Abstract: A portable mixer comprising a frame assembly. Wheels are operatively mounted on the frame assembly. A deck assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame assembly for tilting forwardly and rearwardly. A mixing bag is suspended from the frame assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the minimal value of the pressure in the first half of the metering zone in a direction of conveyance in a single-screw degassing extruder or in a cascade extruder during the conveying of a melt consisting of a thermoplastic. The single-screw degassing extruder or the cascade extruder each have a first screw section (13), a degassing zone (14), a metering zone (22), and a measuring control loop (M), which includes a pressure measuring sensor (P) in the first half of the metering zone, a regulator (R) and an actuator (S) for influencing the pressure in the metering zone. The pressure is measured by the pressure measuring sensor (P) and is set by the regulator (R) and the actuator (S) so that the minimal value at the location of measurement ranges from 0.1 to 10 bar.

Abstract: A clock is disclosed including a clock body, a clock drive mechanism mounted on the clock body, an hour hand and a minute hand driven by the clock drive mechanism, and a pendulum driven by the clock drive mechanism. The clock body has a front surface, a perimeter, and a back surface that are shaped to resemble a musical instrument. The pendulum resembles a feature of the musical instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual thermometer system for the measurement and display of temperature data taken at two separate locations within an oven. In one aspect, the invention provides an elongated probe connected with a flexible electronic cable. The probe houses two temperature sensors—one for sensing internal food temperature, one for sensing inside oven air temperature. The sensors are space apart within the probe such that the one sensor can be positioned substantially within a food item and the other sensor can positioned substantially outside of the food item and within the oven. Signals from the sensors are relayed from the probe and through the cable; external electronics may attach to the cable to acquire the signals and display associated temperatures. In another aspect, signals from temperature sensors are relayed from the probe and through the cable to a first wireless termination.

Abstract: A thermistor probe assembly with a thermistor element and a positioning device for positioning the thermistor element at a pre-determined location within the assembly. The positioning device includes a cavity extending through it, at least three self-centering lobes, and a relief groove for adjusting a dimension of the cavity. The thermistor probe assembly also includes a moisture proof molding material which encases the thermistor element and positioning device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a shaft as a component of a shaft member of a hydrodynamic bearing and a disc member such as a thrust plate are joined to each other by welding by a simple method with high precision. A shaft having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface, in joint surfaces which are joined to each other of the shaft and a disc member having a flat surface facing an end surface of the shaft, a circumferential projection having a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft and projected in the axial direction and a recess at least of which outer periphery has a diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft and larger than the diameter of the projection and has a circular shape are provided.

Abstract: A lightweight bearing and wave gear drive are provided. An outer or inner bearing ring of the bearing has fixing holes to enable the ring to be attached to another member. The parts of the bearing on which raceway surfaces are formed are made of an iron-based material, while the main bearing ring member is formed of a lightweight material that is lighter than the iron-based material. Surface portions that constitute fixing bolt seats are plated to increase the strength of such portions. The wave gear drive includes a rigid internal gear, a flexible external gear located inside the internal gear, and a wave generator located inside the external gear. The internal and external gears are coupled by the lightweight bearing in a way that allows the gears to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A bipolar optical plug-and-socket connector for connecting two optical fibers with other optical fibers and electro-optical transmission and receiving devices includes an optical housing for holding two fiber end sleeves in which each sleeve terminates a fiber. The optical housing includes first and second housing portions which have different external forms from one another. The housing portions hold respective ones of the sleeves when the sleeves are inserted into the housing portions along a plugging direction. The housing portions join to one another in a direction running perpendicular to the plugging direction to place the optical housing in a fully assembled position while the housing portions hold the sleeves. Each housing portion includes an end lock for locking the sleeves in the housing portions. The end locks of the housing portions lock the sleeve held in the other of the housing portions when the housing portions are joined together.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a cable and a connector body receiving the cable. The connector body has a ferrule receiving an unpolished fiber from the cable, wherein the fiber protrudes from a tip of the ferrule.

Abstract: An optoelectronic assembly for a computer system includes an electronic chip(s), a substrate, an electrical signaling medium, an optoelectronic transducer, and an optical coupling guide. The electronic chip(s) is in communication with the substrate, which is in communication with a first end of the electrical signaling medium. A second end of the electrical signaling medium is in communication with the optoelectronic transducer, and includes the optical coupling guide for aligning an optical signaling medium with the optoelectronic transducer. An electrical signal from the electronic chip is communicated to the optoelectronic transducer via the substrate and the electrical signaling medium. The optical transducer and electronic chip(s) share a common heat spreader, and communication to other groups of electronic chip(s) is done without the need for communication via a second level electrical package.

Abstract: The device (V) serves the optical coupling of a light-beam (L) arriving from any optical component with a further-transmitting light-guiding fiber (F). It contains in each case an input-side and output-side coupling body (1,2) with in each case a centric lead-through (13, 22) for leading through the light (L) wherein in the device (V) there is arranged at least one lens (40) or a lens system. Between the input-side (1) and the output-side coupling body (2) there is arranged an intermediate coupling body (3) with a centric lead-Through (34), which in one of the input-side or output-side coupling bodies (1,2) is displaceably and lockably held in a plane, whilst the outer input-side or output-side coupling bodies (1,2) in the intermediate coupling body (3) is counted in an elastically (25) pivotally movable and axially displaceable manner. The device (V) permits a separate angular adjustment or parallel displacement of the input-side and output-side coupling bodies (1, 2) relative to one another.

Abstract: An enclosure for an optical communications device having a lid portion and a base portion. Alignment members adapted to interface with an optical connector are formed on the lid portion. The lid portion is affixed to the base portion with a portion of the communications components therebetween. Multiple base portions formed in a unitary piece of material and multiple lid portions formed in another unitary piece of material can be affixed to one another, and then separated into individual devices to minimize time spent aligning each base and lid portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic connector that includes a rigid housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first optical fiber network element, such as a transmitting or receiving optical unit or subassembly, and a second cavity configured to receive a second optical fiber network element, such as an optical fiber connector. The connector further includes a retaining member for operative engagement with the housing and with one of the optical fiber network elements, at a location intermediate to the ends of the unit to retain the unit at a selected location within the housing. The housing axially aligns the first and second optical fiber network elements such that they are in optical alignment. Further, the retaining member includes a number of extending members for convenient mounting to, for example, a circuit board.

Abstract: A photonic integrated chip having low insertion loss and facilitating alignment of the optical fiber with an optical device, preferably a waveguide or optical detector. The photonic integrated chip includes an optical fiber having a substantially spherical lens attached to one end. The device includes an etched via that receives the spherical lens attached to the optical fiber. An optical device is aligned with the via opposite the spherical lens such that light transmitted through the spherical lens is transmitted to the optical device. An anti-reflection coating is preferably applied on the end of the optical device abutting the via and the surface of the spherical lens to reduce scattering and insertion loss during transmission of data from the spherical lens to the optical device. Index matching fluid is alternatively disposed between the spherical lens and the via for this same purpose.

Abstract: An optical transmitter and receiver module which can enhance a coupling comprises a light source emitting the first light, a light-receiving section receiving the second light, a diffraction device changing the direction of travel of at least one of the first light and the second light, a first lens which condenses the first light, outgoing from the light source and entering through the medium of the diffraction device, onto a light input/output face of the optical fiber and condenses the second light outgoing from the optical fiber onto the light-receiving section through the medium of the diffraction device, and a second lens which inhibits a beam of the first light outgoing from the light source from diverging and allows it to enter the first lens through the medium of the diffraction device.

Abstract: In an optical fiber fusion reinforcing device, a distance from an end face 723 to a mid point C6 of a reinforcing device 7 is set equal to a distance from a fusion splicing point M to an end face of a fusion splicing device 6 where optical fibers 3, 3 are inserted. The fusion splicing device 7 includes: positioning member 72 for aligning a mid point C7 of a heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13, which is slidably mounted on the fusion spliced optical fibers, and the fusion splicing point M of the optical fibers 3, 3 with each other; housing portion for housing the optical fibers 3, 3 and the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 so that the fusion splicing point M and the mid point of the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 are aligned, and heater for melting the heat shrinkable reinforcing member 13 in the housing portion.

Abstract: A telescoping camera crane has mechanical drive and camera platform leveling systems, allowing for water resistant or submerged operation. Telescoping sections of the crane arm are driven by a hydraulic system, for smooth and near silent extension and retraction movement. The telescoping sections of the crane arm have a slight upward curvature, to compensate for deflection the arm, thereby improving performance. Electronic and mechanical stopping systems allow the camera platform to be smoothly, accurately, and reliably positioned. Camera platform levelling and stabilizing systems keep the camera level.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises a first frame including an inward flange having an opening as a light path for a photographic optical system, a barrier-driving member disposed in the vicinity of the opening, a second frame disposed inside the first frame and movable along an optical axis relative to the first frame, a barrier blade movable along with the rotation of the barrier-driving member between a closed position in which the barrier blade blocks at least a part of the light path and an open position in which the barrier blade is retracted from the light path, an opening-urging member capable of urging the barrier blade towards the open position and urging the barrier-driving member towards a first direction, and a closing-urging member capable of urging the barrier blade toward the closed position.

Abstract: During a series of processes performed on a substrate in a substrate processing apparatus, processing history data containing items such as transport time, processing time, plate temperature, revolution per minute of spin motors and flow rate of solutions is obtained for each substrate. When a substrate with a process defect is detected in an inspection block, the processing history data on that substrate is compared with reference data. A processing unit or transport robot in which processing history data falls outside a predetermined range set as the reference data is judged as abnormal, whereby a defective processing unit or defective transport robot is identified. Thus provided is a substrate processing apparatus capable of identifying a defective processing unit or defective transport robot quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.