Patents Issued in February 6, 2007
  • Patent number: 7172279
    Abstract: Safety eyeglasses having a metal frame are provided with integrally molded side shields. The frame includes a lens frame, a pair of metal temples hingedly connected on opposing sides of the lens frame, and side shields formed from a hardenable, liquid transparent resin material integrally connected to a mounting portion of the metal temples in the vicinity of the hinge connection. The mounting portion of the metal temples includes discontinuities which preferably take the form of a plurality of grooves to form an interference type joint between a fixing portion of the side shields that is molded around the grooved mounting portion to permanently join the side shields to the metal temples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eureka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Be Sohn
  • Patent number: 7172280
    Abstract: A spectacles set includes a primary spectacle frame and a detachable shelter frame configured for mounting in front of the primary spectacle frame. The detachable shelter frame includes a shelter frame for supporting two auxiliary lenses and a pair of magnetic attaching arrangements connected to the shelter frame. A pair of magnetic adaptor pads are used to attach to the nose support, or near the nose support portion, of the primary spectacle frame, so that the magnetic attaching arrangements can be applied to a primary spectacle frame even though the primary spectacle frame was not originally designed or produced to match with a shelter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Yiling Xie
  • Patent number: 7172281
    Abstract: A protective cushion attached to eyeglasses comprises at least one first fastener piece attached on the inner surface around the eye portions of an eyeglass frame and at least one cushion piece corresponding to the first fastener piece. The cushion piece is provided with a second fastener piece, which cushion piece is a sponge body enclosed by gas permeable cloth. The cushion piece will be attached onto the inner surface around the eye portions of the eyeglass frame for reducing the harm to eyes and the surrounding portions due to an external impact on the eyeglass frame and for keeping the skin in contact of the protective cushion dry and free from eczema. Further, the cushion piece is easy to replace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: How-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 7172282
    Abstract: A pair of detachable eyeglasses has a frame, a bridge and two integral lenses. The frame has a skeleton and two side bars formed at two ends of the skeleton. A lug is formed in a middle portion of the frame and multiple joint members are symmetrically provided in rear sides of the side bars. The bridge has two nose pads and a fastener mounted between the nose pads. A channel is defined in the fastener and a block is received into the channel. A groove is defined in a middle portion of the lenses and mated with the block so that a lower end of the middle portion is received into the channel thereby fastening the lenses to the bridge. Multiple slots are defined in two edges of the lenses and mated with the joint members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Wang Lee
  • Patent number: 7172283
    Abstract: A magnetic device enables user to affix eyeglasses to articles of clothing worn by the user. The device comprises a strong pair of magnets, covered in a non-ferrous shell of various material compositions, each shell being fitted with two pliable, flexible rings for attachment to the eyeglass frames. The rings are made of flexible material so that they can be repeatedly bent or stretched, without fracturing, while the device is being fitted or removed form the eyeglass frames. The shells, when attached to each arm or temple support of the eyeglass frame, magnetically connect together when the eyeglass frames are in the closed position, forming a tight hold whenever the glasses are clasped together. The closed eyeglasses, in combination with the invention of the present invention, can then be easily and securely attached or retained to a belt, pocket, purse, or to an article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Kathleen M. Asta
  • Patent number: 7172284
    Abstract: Clip sunglass lenses where a flip-up retention angle of a glass lens (4) is adjustable in a stepped manner and is reliably positioned at optimum positions. Clip sunglass lenses have a clip (1), an insertion member (2), a level-adjusting member (3), and a level-adjusting member (5). The clip (1) has a holding mouth (11) and a socket mouth (12) inside which notches are formed at required intervals in the insertion/removal direction. The insertion member (2) has a plug portion formed at one end and fork-shaped clasping brackets (22). The level-adjusting member (3) has connection shafts (31) with stepped notches formed at required intervals in their surfaces and has a plate surface in which cutout grooves (32) are formed. The level-adjusting buckle (5) is fixed at the central portion of the sideway-long polarized glass lens (4) and has latch projections latched to a cutout groove (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shisendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7172285
    Abstract: Contact lenses, such as prism ballasted toric lenses, having anterior and posterior surfaces related by way of non-axisymmetric thickness variation can exhibit a third-order aberration, particularly vertical coma. A wavefront modifier, such as an aspheric surface modification, is incorporated into the lenses to at least partially compensate for the wavefront aberration associated with the non-axisymmetric thickness variation. A magnitude of the modifications can be adjusted to set a target value for any remaining wavefront aberration of the lenses based on a population-wide goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Griffith E. Altmann, Ian G. Cox, Timothy Green, William T. Reindel
  • Patent number: 7172286
    Abstract: A colored contact lens comprising a generally uncolored pupil region, a generally annular-shaped iris region and a multicolored pattern on the iris region. The multicolored pattern is sufficiently colored to change the apparent color of an iris of a person wearing the contact lens and comprises a plurality of color elements. The multicolored pattern further comprising a collarette region that comprises at least some of the color elements and a collarette band at least substantially surrounding the pupil region that has generally jagged inner and outer peripheries. The collarette band including at least a first portion spaced less than 4 mm from the center of the pupil region and a second portion spaced at least 6.5 mm from the center of the pupil region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Streibig
  • Patent number: 7172287
    Abstract: A reflective illuminating optical system on silicon, more particularly, to an illuminating optical system is provided, in which R, G, and B signals reflected from a LCoS panel (Liquid Crystal on Silicon panel) in a projection system do not pass through wire grid type PBSs (Polarized Beam Splitters) but are reflected by the wire grid type PBSs (Polarized Beam Splitters) so that astigmatism is suppressed and illuminating efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ho Joong Kang
  • Patent number: 7172288
    Abstract: A display device includes a spatial light modulator and a light generator. The spatial light modulator may have an array of modulating elements with a plurality of image regions. The light generator may be configured to direct a different one of a plurality of substantially stationary light bands onto each of a plurality of the image regions of the array of modulating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael A. Pate, Will Allen, David Williams, Jim Cole
  • Patent number: 7172289
    Abstract: A projection apparatus is formed employing a transparent optical element to receive a plurality of colored light bundles from a plurality of light sources along a plurality of optical paths and to emit the plurality of colored light bundles along a substantially common optical path due, at least in part, to refraction through the transparent optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Slobodin, Mark D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7172290
    Abstract: A light pipe based projection engine includes a X-prism transmitting substantially light of a useful polarization in an output direction and reflecting substantially light of a non-useful polarization in a first orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction. An initial reflector may reflect the non-said low, said medium, and said high bands of wavelengths in a second orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the output direction and the first orthogonal direction, and a final reflector may reflect the non-said low, said medium, and said high bands of wavelengths in the output direction. The non-said low, said medium, and said high bands of wavelengths may be rotated substantially to light of the useful polarization by the initial and final reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Patent number: 7172291
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a first tube system (641) that guides the cooling medium from the cooling medium storage section (62) to the components to be cooled; a second tube system (642) that sends back the cooling medium having been used for cooling the components to be cooled to the cooling medium storage section (62); and a medium circulator (63) that is disposed on the first tube system (641) or second (642) in order to circulate the cooling medium through the cooling medium storage section (62), first tube system (641), and second tube system (642). Tube joints (6412) (6422) that is exposed to the outside of the casing (2), to which a cooling medium replacement cartridge (7) used for replacing the cooling medium in the cooling medium storage section with a new cooling medium is connected are provided in the first tube system (641) and/or second tube system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Kitabayashi
  • Patent number: 7172292
    Abstract: An inexpensive projection lens unit in a rear projection type image display system, having a short focal distance (wide angle of viewing field), high focus and high contrast, and as well, including a power lens made of a glass material having a high refractive index in a range from 1.63 to 1.70 and an Abbe's number of not less than 50 with an optimized incident and emergent configuration in order to satisfactorily correct aberration with a enhanced focusing performance even with a shortened focal distance. Further, the power lens having a high refractive index can exhibit a high power, and accordingly, can carry out satisfactory aberration correction by optimizing the aspheric degree of a plastic lens even though the length of back focus is increased for enhancing the contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ikeda, Shuji Kato, Koji Hirata, Naoyuki Ogura
  • Patent number: 7172293
    Abstract: To provide a thin projector, such as a rear projector, formed by a less expensive projection optical system which is easy to assemble and install, and performing a highly accurate projection, projection light PL projected with a projection optical system onto a screen is linearly polarized light having a polarization azimuth along the longitudinal direction of the screen. With this arrangement, the right and left ends of the rear surface of the screen maintain a low reflectance, thereby reducing a loss in quantity of illumination light when passing through the screen, in other words, achieving high luminance of an image projected onto the screen while maintaining its uniformity of brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Joji Karasawa
  • Patent number: 7172294
    Abstract: A multi-layer film, wherein a ratio H/L or L/H, a balance in optical film thickness between a high-refractive-index layer H and a low-refractive-index layer L, is set within a range of 1.2–2.0 to bias a balance in thickness. A method of producing a dielectric multi-layer film, wherein, when a dielectric multi-layer film is formed, a proportion at which an optical film thickness is formed on a monitor substrate is made larger than usual. A UV reflection film, having a step difference in average transmittance of 70–90% at a specified half-power point and within a wavelength range of 430–450 nm, is provided on a substrate to form a UV cut filter. A UV reflection film at a specified half-power point, a step difference in average transmittance of 70–90% within a wavelength range of 430–450 nm, and a blue conditioning film having a transmittance of at least 90% within a wavelength range of 460–520 nm may be combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Yano, Takahiro Uchidani
  • Patent number: 7172295
    Abstract: A method of controlling power provided to one or more light emitting diodes in a projection system comprises measuring light output from the one or more light emitting diodes. Based at least upon the measured light output, the power to at least one of the light emitting diodes is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: T. Scott Engle
  • Patent number: 7172296
    Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Reflectivity, Inc
    Inventor: Andrew G. Huibers
  • Patent number: 7172297
    Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Lorne Whitehead, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 7172298
    Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7172299
    Abstract: An integrated wavefront correction module including a mounting device a deformable mirror carried by the mounting device for correcting for high spatial and temporal frequency error in an incident wavefront and a tip-tilt correction mechanism including a base and a plurality of tip-tilt actuators interconnected between the base and one of the flexible and fixed portions and a plurality of support posts interconnected between the base and the other of the flexible and fixed portions or alternatively the tip-tilt correction mechanism may include at least one actuator platform, a base, a first set of tip-tilt actuators for adjustably supporting the at least one actuator platform from the base and a second set of tip-tilt actuators for adjustably supporting the mounting device from the at least one actuator platform for adjusting the mounting device and the deformable mirror together to compensate for tip-tilt errors in the incident wavefront with the tip-tilt actuators being operated typically at mid-range in or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Xinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Anderson Smith, Jeffrey L. Cavaco, Zaffir A. Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 7172300
    Abstract: A driver observation system for extending the driver's point of vision to the corners of a vehicle by transmitting forward, side and rear light images from camera mirror assemblies at or near the front and rear corners of a vehicle to monitors within the driver's view at the controls of the vehicle. The system is suitable for either front or rear or both front and rear applications, as well as left or right or both left and right and may be installed after factory manufacture of the vehicle or as part of the original manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Morgan Plaster
  • Patent number: 7172301
    Abstract: For an optical reflecting mirror formed by applying injection molding to a plastic material, it is an object of the present invention to suppress warpage or distortion due to molding contraction and provide an optical reflecting mirror such as an axial eccentric a spherical mirror or free curved surface mirror with a highly accurate mirror surface, which is an axial eccentric a spherical mirror or free curved surface mirror formed by applying injection molding to a plastic material, including a rib connected in such a way as to intersect with the body having the mirror surface, formed at least at the outer edge of the mirror surface closest to the maximum curvature part within the mirror surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Ito
  • Patent number: 7172302
    Abstract: An indicator hand illumination arrangement for use in an electronic device that comprises a casing, a dial positioned in the casing, at least one indicator hand positioned intermediate the dial and a cover for at least in part protecting the at least one indicator hand and the dial, wherein the arrangement comprises a light emitting element coupled to the cover, for emitting lightwaves in the UV spectrum towards the at least one indicator hand and in a direction perpendicularly to the dial surface; wherein the at least one indicator hand has a proximate end that is coupled to a stem and a distal end, the at least one indicator hand having a top surface, an inner and outer bottom surface, and a angled surface angled non-perpendicularly to the angle of the lightwaves; such that lightwaves that emanate from the light emitting element deflect off of the angled surface and propagate in a direction towards the distal end of the at least one indicator hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Dominik Dittus
  • Patent number: 7172303
    Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Shipman, David G. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 7172304
    Abstract: A box-like illuminator includes a top wall having a flat sheet of clear material through which an illuminated image is viewed. A bottom wall of the illuminator is also formed of a flat sheet of clear material and is positioned atop the object to be illuminated. Light from an LED is directed in a first, downward direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a substantially horizontal plane, substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a horizontally-disposed diffuser that bends the light about ninety degrees so that it travels though the diffuser a first time in a first direction and illuminates the object atop which the illuminator is positioned. The light is then reflected by the object, travels upwardly through the diffuser a second time in a direction opposite to the first direction, and is viewed by the user through the clear material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos M. Rodriguez, Waldemar H. Tunkis, Todd Conard, Patrick Murphy, Ronald Joseph Dean, Bradley S. Davis, Michael Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 7172305
    Abstract: A magnifier for use by people with low vision includes a large LCD display upon which an enlarged image appears. Light from an LED is directed in a first direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a diffuser that bends it so that it illuminates an object upon which the magnifier is placed. The light is then reflected by the object, through the diffuser, and onto a mirror positioned at an angle relative to the object. The mirror directs the light onto a camera lens and the lens focuses the light onto a sensor that drives the LCD display so that the image appears on the LCD screen. The camera is slideably mounted so the user can make the image larger or smaller by sliding the camera toward or away from the mirror, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos M. Rodriguez, Waldemar H. Tunkis, Todd Conard, Patrick Murphy, Ronald Joseph Dean, Bradley S. Davis, Michael Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 7172306
    Abstract: A deadbolt having an integral light that is activated only when the deadbolt is properly locked includes a conventional deadbolt housing attached to a door. The housing includes a latch section that is mounted on an inner surface of a door having a drive member thereon. The drive member operates a latch shaft that extends and retracts a striker to lock and unlock the door. An LED is positioned on the latch section that is activated with an internally disposed magnetic reed switch. When the shaft is rotated to a locked position, a magnet positioned thereon substantially aligns with the magnetic reed switch to activate the LED. When the deadbolt is unlocked, the magnet is rotated out of alignment with the reed switch thereby deactivating the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky Campa
  • Patent number: 7172307
    Abstract: A garden light assembly including a solar cell assembly adapted for supplying electric current, at least one light mounted on a mounting plate and in electrical communication with the solar cell assembly, and a refractor/reflector positioned to reflect outwards light rays emanating from the at least one light, the refractor/reflector including a curved surface concavely curved with respect to the at least one light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Gamasonic Ltd.
    Inventor: Lazar Izardel
  • Patent number: 7172308
    Abstract: This invention presented is a detachable light-emitting device having a head connecting portion and a base integrally formed. The base has a circuit board installed thereon, assembled with a light permeable portion. A switch, a power outlet for holding a battery and luminous bodies on the circuit board and placed inside the light permeable portion. The light permeable portion has a bonnet assembled on the upper portion thereof and over a push-button end of the switch. A push-button portion has the lower portion thereof assembled on a power button, a spring is then assembled between the bonnet and the power button for providing a restorable elastic strain for the push-button portion. The assembly of this invention enables the light-emitting device to be easily attached to and detached from an object, thereby adding light-emitting effect and function to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ping-Tung Su
  • Patent number: 7172309
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a light emitting diode, power source, momentary contact switch for manually activating the flashlight, and a split-ring clip for attachment to key-rings, baggage, and various articles of clothing. The flashlight body includes an interchangeable bottom wall, suitable for engraving, printing, silk screening, or stamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7172310
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a flashlight comprising a case, a swivel mount provided on a front end of the case and adapted to turn horizontally along a longitudinal central axis of the case, two opposite first and second arms extended upwardly from the swivel mount farther to the case, and a light emitting assembly pivotally provided between the first and the second arms such that the light emitting assembly is adapted to turn along a transverse axis between the first and the second arms, enabling the light emitting assembly to emit light illuminating any of substantially all regions to the front of the flashlight when both the swivel mount and the light emitting assembly turn appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Huang-Hsi Hsu
  • Patent number: 7172311
    Abstract: Disclosed is a preferred flashlight device configured for potential use with another item such as a firearm or in activities where some manual dexterity of the hand grasping the flashlight is required. Preferred devices include downwardly-extending light and handle portions, interconnected by a transverse member. Preferred devices include moveable connections between the light and handle members and the transverse member, so that the direction of a beam emanating from the flashlight can be optimized to an activity undertaken while holding the flashlight, for example during a two-handed pistol firing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: First-Light USA, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy B. Ross
  • Patent number: 7172312
    Abstract: A flashlight with changeable filter structure comprising a cylindrical inner casing and a cylindrical filter base slides into the inner casing. The filter base comprises a female clasp and multiple hinge sets. On the exterior on the filter base, there are ribs and a gap. Multiple filter covers are provided and each filter cover comprises a cover and a filter. The cover is used to fix the filter. There is a hinge set on the filter cover. The hinge set is used to hook onto the hinge set of the filter base. In doing so, there are multiple filters available to meet different situation. Therefore, the operation is easier and more convenient, and saves the trouble of carrying many individual filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pentagon Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Joy Chen
  • Patent number: 7172313
    Abstract: A flashlight having a non-conductive housing, an electric power source, a light source, and two nodes disposed on external surfaces of the non-conductive housing, wherein the flashlight is adapted to allow electric current to flow from the power source through the light source when both of the two nodes are abutted by a user's hand, activating the flashlight without further manipulation required by the user. Inadvertent activation of the flashlight is minimized by including a protruding rib between the nodes or by disposing the nodes on different sides of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Creata Retail (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Aaron Abel, Satyajit Deb, Thomas Michael McKeon, Steven Michael Schennum, Craig Allen White
  • Patent number: 7172314
    Abstract: A solid state light bulb for attachment to a lamp socket. The light bulb uses a number of super bright LEDs or color LEDs mounted within a hollow housing to replace a standard bulb such as a 60 Watt bulb. A stepped, reverse conical interior wall distributes and diffuses the light to project the appearance of a normal bulb. An upper lens of the housing may be removable to form a spot light effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Plastic Inventions & Patents, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Currie, Eliot Sorella
  • Patent number: 7172315
    Abstract: A lamp finding particular application in boat trailers and other vehicular applications is provided with a generally unbreakable lens structure. The lamp preferably is provided with a plurality of LEDS arranged with rows and columns on a circuit card or board. The lamp is constructed by encapsulating the board and LED arrangement in a moldable lens material, which after removal from a suitable mold at least partially defines the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mongo Light Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Isidore I. Lamke, Robert D. Plummer, Michael E. Dinan, Eugene P. Reinhold
  • Patent number: 7172316
    Abstract: Lighting or indicating apparatus for a motor vehicle comprises in particular a light emitting element which includes a reflector, a light source, and a casing which defines a set of faces, comprising side, lower and upper faces. There is, optionally, at least one opening formed in at least one of the said faces and having removable obturating means. The lighting or indicating apparatus is adapted to be combined with at least one complementary module with the aid of at least one pair of assembly elements comprising a guiding slide and a projecting element. The projecting element is adapted to be inserted at least into one end of the guiding slide with which it is associated, and to slide in the said guiding slide. Each of the assembly elements of one pair of assembly elements is disposed either on the headlight element or on the module. The two assembly elements in one assembly pair are not both disposed on the light emitting element; nor are they both disposed on the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Marc Duarte, Jean-Marc Nicolai, David Myotte
  • Patent number: 7172317
    Abstract: A reflector lamp which is structurally compact in its axial direction has a light capsule surrounded by a tubular shield with electric leads which are anchored or fixed in a base at one end of the lamp with the leads structurally arranged to support opposite ends of the light capsule and urge the shield against a wall through which the leads extend adjacent said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: SLI Lichtsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Rudy Geens, Lode Derhaeg, Marc van den Broeck
  • Patent number: 7172318
    Abstract: A projection system and a light tunnel applied in the projection system. The light tunnel comprises a first reflector, a second reflector, a third reflector, a fourth reflector, a light entrance, and a light exit. A distance between the third and fourth reflectors gradually changes from the light entrance to the light exit. The distance between the third and fourth reflectors at the light entrance and the light exit is less than length of each of the first and second reflectors. Thus, the light tunnel can be easily held and applied to various projection systems using various light sources and image generation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Chang, Yu-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7172319
    Abstract: A reflector for a light source, such as an LED, is provided with a shape which efficiently collects and directs energy to an illumined surface whereby almost 100% of the light is collected and distributed into a designer composite beam. The shape in one embodiment is comprised of three zones beginning with a parabolic surface of revolution at the base of the reflector, followed by a transition or straight conic zone and ending with an elliptical zone. In another embodiment the reflector shape is determined according to a transfer function which allows for arbitrary designer control of the reflected rays at each point on the reflector, which when combined with direct radiation from the source, results in a designer controlled composite beam or illumination. The device is more than 90% energy efficient and allows replacement of higher power, less energy efficient light sources with no loss in illumination intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Holder, Greg Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7172320
    Abstract: A low profile module and frame assembly for arc lamps has been disclosed. In one embodiment, the arc lamp assembly includes an arc lamp, a first cooling fan coupled to a back of the arc lamp closer to a first side of the arc lamp, and a second cooling fan coupled laterally to the first cooling fan and to the back of the arc lamp closer to a second side of the arc lamp, the first side being opposite to the second side. Other embodiments have been described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Vaconics Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy D. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7172321
    Abstract: A lampshade-fixing seat structure including a fixing seat for fixing a lampshade. The fixing seat is substantially bowl-shaped and has a circumferential wall with a predetermined height. The lampshade is formed with an annular groove having outer rims. The lampshade-fixing seat structure further includes more than two stopper leaf springs. Each of the stopper leaf springs has a fixed section fixed on inner face of the circumferential wall of the fixing seat. The stopper leaf spring further has a first stopper section inward obliquely extending from the fixing section and a second stopper section obliquely extending from one end of the first stopper section in reverse direction. The first and second stopper sections of the stopper leaf spring resiliently abut against the outer rims of the annular groove of the lampshade to locate the lampshade in the fixing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Tseng
  • Patent number: 7172322
    Abstract: The invention related to framing (8) for the window of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the framing having a support face between an inside edge (8a) and an outside edge (8b) of the framing and designed to be covered by the periphery of a window (6) connected in sealed manner to said outside edge. On its window-supporting face, the framing has an arrangement (15) for receiving a light source (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Maelig Pommeret, Stephanie Ader
  • Patent number: 7172323
    Abstract: In order to spread the light being emitted from an LED, an LED light spreader has a light conductive end, an optical path conversion side, and a light transmitting side. The present invention enables a single LED to simulate the effect of having several discrete LEDs on a circuit board or may be configured to give the effect of having a single elongated light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: David W. Knoble, Kenneth B. Sales
  • Patent number: 7172324
    Abstract: An illuminated sign having front, back and side surfaces. A plurality of first cavities are formed into the back surface of the sign. A plurality of light emitting modules are disposed in the plurality of first cavities. The modules each include a light emitting diode having an emission axis and for producing at least some light output generally parallel to the emission axis, an optical device disposed adjacent the light source having a reflective surface for reflecting the light output in directions that are generally perpendicular to the emission axis, and a guide element disposed adjacent the optical device for coupling the reflected light output into the interior of the sign. The guide element includes a second cavity formed therein in which the optical device is disposed. The front surface is illuminated by the coupled light output from the light emitting modules by reflection and/or diffusion inside the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Leotek Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Ho Wu, Chinmau James Hwang, Chin-Wang Tu, Ching Yuan Chung
  • Patent number: 7172325
    Abstract: A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display includes a plurality of light emitting diode packages arranged in a matrix while being spaced a uniform distance apart from each other. Each light emitting diode package includes one or more light emitting diode chips and is structured such that light generated from the light emitting chips is emitted in the horizontal direction. A reflector consists of a plurality of reflection cells connected to each other in a matrix. Each of the reflection cells of a unit size has each of the light generating packages positioned at the center thereof, and reflects the light, emitted from the light emitting diode at the center thereof in the horizontal direction, in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Suk Kim, Young Sam Park, Hun Joo Hahm, Jung Kyu Park, Young June Jeong
  • Patent number: 7172326
    Abstract: An illumination system comprising a light source that emits light of a first sense and a second sense. The illumination system also comprises a collimator that collimates light from the light source along an optical axis and within a maximum angle with respect to the optical axis. The illumination system further comprises a filter that reflects light of the first sense, the filter positioned at an angle other than normal to the optical axis and other than 45 degrees from the optical axis. Further, the illumination system also includes an optical system positioned along the optical axis to accept light that passes through the filter and transmits the portion of the light within the maximum angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 7172327
    Abstract: A light-guide-plate structure has a light guide plate, an LED module disposed on at least one side of the light guide plate, and a reflection member disposed between the LED module and the light guide plate. The LED module includes a circuit board and a plurality of LEDs arranged on the circuit board. The reflection member covers the side and a bottom surface of the light guide plate. The reflection member has a plurality of openings corresponding to the LEDs of the LED module in order to enable the LEDs to face the side of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Heng-Sheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 7172328
    Abstract: A compact backlight system has a light-emitting panel (1) with a front wall (2), a rear wall (3) situated opposite thereto, and furthermore, between the front and the rear wall (2, 3), a translucent input edge surface (4) for coupling light into the light-emitting panel (1). A light source (6, 6?, . . . ) is associated with the input edge surface (4). According to the invention, the rear wall (3) in a first portion (12) of the light-emitting panel (1) is provided with a multiplicity of steps (13, 13?, . . . ), and a second portion (22) of the light-emitting panel (1) widens from the input edge surface (4) in a direction facing the first portion (12). Preferably, a surface (17) of the steps (13, 13?, . . . ) facing the input edge surface (4) makes an angle ?av?5° (with respect to a normal on a bisecting plane (20) bisecting the light-emitting panel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Gerard August Hoelen, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer