Patents Issued in February 20, 2007
  • Lamp, condensing optical system, and image display device
    Patent number: 7178922
    Abstract: A lamp has a deformed lamp reflector and a lamp front glass. The deformed lamp reflector is made by deforming an ellipsoid of revolution of a conventional lamp reflector into an aspherical reflection surface rotationally symmetrical with respect to an optical axis. The lamp front glass is obtained by deforming at least one of an incident surface and outgoing surface of a conventional lamp front glass into an aspherical lens surface rotationally symmetrical with respect to the optical axis. A light flux emitted from the center point of an illuminant is reflected by the deformed lamp reflector, and output with a uniform density through all of the outgoing surface of the lamp front lens so that the light flux is condensed at focus point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Sekiguchi, Tomohiro Sasagawa, Yoshiyuki Goto, Kohei Teramoto, Tetsuo Sato
  • Illumination apparatus and image projection apparatus
    Patent number: 7178923
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Imade
  • Projector having a lens cap and a string holding member attached to the lens cap
    Patent number: 7178924
    Abstract: A lens cap of a projector has a front portion covering a lens and a cylindrical side portion. The front portion has an opening to which a prescribed string holding member is attached. The string holding member is formed to have a pair of engaging portions, a string inserting portion, a cover portion and a guide groove. The pair of engaging portions are engaged with the opening formed in the lens cap. A string is inserted through the string inserting portion, and the string is retained as a knot of the string prevents the string from being pulled out. The cover portion covers the opening with the string holding member engaged in the opening. The guide groove is formed on the back side of the cover portion, and guides the string from the back side to the front side of the front portion of the lens cap. Thus, the lens cap can easily be put on the focus ring without any interference with the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Hamada
  • Retractable side view mirror for a tractor trailer
    Patent number: 7178925
    Abstract: A retractable mirror assembly for a tractor trailer includes a base component having a pair of arms and a motorized hydraulic cylinder mounted on the upper surface thereof. The arms are pivotally attached at a lower end to the base component and at an upper end to a mirror. The hydraulic cylinder includes an upper distal end that is pivotally attached to an outer edge of the mirror. A control panel within the vehicle passenger compartment activates the motor allowing a driver to automatically extend and retract the mirror between an operable and inoperable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Donald R. Tidwell
  • Illumination device for use in daylight conditions
    Patent number: 7178926
    Abstract: An illumination device for use in daylight conditions includes a light-diffusing member provided with one or more dyes and a light source extending along and positioned adjacent a light-receiving surface of the light-diffusing member, with the light source emitting light that is substantially unabsorbed by the dyes as it passes through the light-diffusing member. Accordingly, in daylight conditions, the dyes are activated by sunlight to emit light such that light perceived along a light-emitting surface of the light-diffusing member is a combination of light from said light source and light from the dyes, thus increasing the output of the illumination device in daylight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: iLight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George R. Hulse
  • Electroluminescent device having drying agent
    Patent number: 7178927
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a container cut off from the atmosphere; an electroluminescence element in the container; and a drying agent in the container, wherein the drying agent chemically absorbs moisture, and maintains a solid state after the moisture absorption, and wherein the drying agent is separated from the electroluminescence element via a permeable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Seo
  • Luminous source for reading material
    Patent number: 7178928
    Abstract: A luminous source (10) for reading material includes a light source (20), a light guide plate (40), and a frame (60). The light guide plate is adjacent the light source, and converts divergent light beams received from the light source into substantially parallel light beams emitting from a main surface (42) of the light guide plate. The frame defines a support space (62) and has a switch (61). The light guide plate and the light source are secured in the support space. The switch electrically connects with the light source and controls switching of the light source on and off. The parallel light beams illuminate a page of the reading material from underneath the page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chiang Tsai
  • Light and sound producing system
    Patent number: 7178929
    Abstract: A system for producing sound and light includes a shoe or other article of footwear having multiple sources of light and at least one loudspeaker, and a unit located remotely from the shoe which is operative to transmit an RF signal to a receiver within the shoe causing the loudspeaker to sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: BBC International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Rudy Guzman
  • Illuminating necklace
    Patent number: 7178930
    Abstract: An illuminated necklace. The necklace has a plurality of ornamental lamp fixtures, some of which include light emitting devices therein. The light emitting devices are switched on and off in excess of 100 times per minute. The ornamental lamp fixtures may be provided in the shape of shamrocks, hearts, pumpkins, a bulbous form, or other desired shapes. The light emitting device may emit light of the same or of a different color than the ornamental lamp fixture in which it is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Steve Damrau
  • Mask illumination device and personnel locator and/or communicator
    Patent number: 7178931
    Abstract: A mask illumination device and method. The device includes a mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough, and configured to substantially isolate fluid communication of an external environment from an interior of the mask when worn by the user. The mask also includes an illumination apparatus disposed within the interior of the mask. The illumination apparatus is configured to illuminate the face of the user, project light outward of the mask, or illuminate or beacon a user from a distance. The method includes substantially isolating fluid communication of an external environment from an interior environment with a mask worn by a user, the mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough. The method also includes disposing an illumination apparatus within the interior of the mask, the illumination apparatus configured to project light outward of the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Trispec Eye Gear
    Inventor: Gary E. Murphy
  • Welding helmet
    Patent number: 7178932
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses an improved welders helmet having a replaceable lens 16 thereon incorporating an electrically driven fan 14 which receives filtered air through a plurality of air ducts 24 having a filter 22 thereon. A receptacle 20 for containing a battery is disposed on the helmet along with photovoltaic elements 32 for recharging the batteries from the flash of the weld. Lights 30 are also disposed on the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Allen Buckman
  • Illumining device
    Patent number: 7178933
    Abstract: An illumining device includes a base, lamp, and a clip. The base includes two buttons on the top, a dovetail groove between the buttons, and a locking portion between and movable by the buttons. The lamp includes a dovetail movable into the dovetail groove and a locking portion for engagement with the locking portion of the base. The locking portion of the base can be disengaged from the locking portion of the lamp by pressing the buttons. The clip includes a connecting portion secured to the bottom of the base and a clipping portion for clipping a visor of a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Display tool for light fixture
    Patent number: 7178934
    Abstract: A display tool for a light fixture comprising: a pole; a roller, the roller extending angularly from a first end of the pole and roller means being rotatable on an axis angular to the pole; a mounting means for connecting the light fixture to the roller; an actuation means, the actuation means adapted to rotate the roller; and a power source adapted to supply power to the light fixture, whereby an angle of illumination of the light fixture is adjustable by rotation of the pole and the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: DelphiTech Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney McInnis
  • Star and crescent structure and method thereof
    Patent number: 7178935
    Abstract: This invention related to a star and crescent structure and method thereof. More particularly it relates to a structure comprising a star which is secured to a crescent via at least one link, and method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dinpanah, Inc.
    Inventors: Aziz Mohammad Ahsan, Sadaf Raoof Ahsan, Shahzad Saeed Ahsan
  • Magnetic closure and illumination means and carrying bags incorporating same
    Patent number: 7178936
    Abstract: A magnetic closure device having an illumination mechanism. The device includes a first detachable closure part that has the illumination mechanism, an electronic circuit, an actuator for operation of the illumination mechanism and the electronic circuit, and a first magnetic fastener with a first approaching surface. The device also includes a second detachable closure part that has a second magnetic fastener, wherein the second magnetic fastener includes a second approaching surface that is capable of forming a magnetically engaged configuration with the first approaching surface. The actuator is disposed adjacent to the first magnetic fastener and within the footprint or projection of the second approaching surface, and is actuated by the separation between the first and second approaching surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Allen Wai Lun Lai
  • Lighting device and method for lighting
    Patent number: 7178937
    Abstract: A lighting device that enables use of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in combination with a reflector is described. The subject lighting device includes at least one LED on a supporting portion, such that the LED is located in front of and aimed toward a reflector. Light emitted from the LED is reflected by the reflector and travels past the LED to provide light. The light-emitting diode(s) may be substantially centrally located with respect to a central axis of a reflector. Focusability of the lighting device is achieved by adjusting the relative distance between the LED and reflector, or by other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Vernon McDermott
  • Flashlight and magnifying lens combination
    Patent number: 7178938
    Abstract: An apparatus for lighting and magnifying having a tubular housing containing a power means, an illumination means, and an illumination means cover; a magnifying lens, the said magnifying lens being substantially the same size and shape as the illumination means cover; and a hinge connecting the tubular housing and the magnifying lens, allowing the magnifying lens to rotate a maximum of 270 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Simeon Sordjan, Jr.
  • Electronic simulation candle
    Patent number: 7178939
    Abstract: An electronic simulation candle includes a housing, a lamp shade, a battery box, a circuit board, and a bottom cover. Thus, the electronic simulation candle is operated lively and safely so as to replace the traditional candle. In addition, the lamp shade has a candle flame shape and the two light emitting members light or blink in a special manner to simulate the lighting state of a real candle, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the electronic simulation candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hsinn Inn Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Tsai
  • Reptile dual functional lamp
    Patent number: 7178940
    Abstract: A dual functional lamp includes a lamp shade, a dual light seat unit mounted in the lamp shade, and a dual light bulb unit mounted on the dual light seat unit and located in the lamp shade. Thus, the dual light bulb unit can emit optical rays outward to provide a warming and illuminating effect and can also emit ultraviolet rays outward, so that the single dual light bulb unit produces two different functions, thereby enhancing the versatility of the dual functional lamp. In addition, the dual light bulb unit is fully hidden in the lamp shade, so that the dual functional lamp has a smaller volume, thereby saving the space of storage, and thereby facilitating storage, package and transportation of the dual functional lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Chen
  • Lighting methods and systems
    Patent number: 7178941
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Jeffrey Hyer, Kevin McCormick, Peter Swai, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Planar light-emitting device
    Patent number: 7178942
    Abstract: A planar light-emitting device includes a light source for generating light, a light gathering module for gathering the light generated by the light source and generating mixed light, a linear light generator comprising a light distributing unit for receiving the mixed light and distributing the mixed light to generate linear light, and a planar light generator for receiving the linear light and generating a planar light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Epistar Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Ming Chen, Jun-Chung Chen, Chou-Chih Yin, Chia-Liang Hsu, Chia-Fen Tsai, Min-Hsun Hsieh
  • Luminaire with counter-reflector and refractor
    Patent number: 7178943
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) comprising a concave reflector (2) enclosing a hollow space (3) and defining with an outer edge (4) a light emission window (5). The luminaire can accommodate at least two lamps (6, 7). The luminaire further comprises an optically semi-permeable wall (8) positioned in between the two lamps and dividing the hollow space into chambers (9, 10), and a counter-reflector (11) provided opposite the reflector. Light originating from the lamps can only leave the luminaire through the light emission window after passing through the semi-permeable wall. It is thus possible to obtain homogeneously mixed light as well as to obtain light of equal intensity from the various chambers, also when only one lamp is operating or the two lamps operate at different intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten
  • Lighting apparatus
    Patent number: 7178944
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of enhancing illumination by a variety of lamp types through the use of reflective technologies, for example, replacement of expensive high intensity density or mercury vapor lamps with low wattage flourescent tubes having at least one and in some cases, up to three reflective surfaces for focusing otherwise lost light toward a target illumination area. Further, the placement of light sources at the focal point of said reflective surfaces aids in optimizing the amount of light focused in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Randal D. Walton
  • Luminaire having a deformable reflector well
    Patent number: 7178945
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a luminaire with a light emitting device and a deformable reflector well is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: Mark D. Peterson
  • Luminaire device that restricts light within an angular envelope
    Patent number: 7178946
    Abstract: A luminaire including a lamp, reflector, collimator and optional waveguide. The waveguide can be solid or hollow or include several serially-arranged total internal reflection (TIR) components for redirecting light that has entered the waveguide. In one embodiment, the TIR components are prisms, but are provided without metallized coatings thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs. In another embodiment, components are arranged in a vertical orientation such that light is directed downward through a collimator or upward, either directly from the lamp or as a result of reflection from the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Saccomanno, Ivan B. Steiner
  • Lighting device with elliptical fresnel mirror
    Patent number: 7178947
    Abstract: A lighting device has a Fresnel mirror with a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by a light source onto a target. The reflective surface is defined by an elliptical curve. The light source is disposed at approximately the first focal point of an ellipse formed by the elliptical curve. A mechanism adjusts the functional relationship between the Fresnel mirror and the light source so that the light source can be positioned approximately at the first focal point of the ellipse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Dale Marks
  • Light collection system
    Patent number: 7178948
    Abstract: A light collection system includes a substantially elliptical first reflector that defines first and second focal points on an axis. The first reflector has an annular region that encompasses the first focal point. The annular region has a width W that is the distance of its projection onto the axis in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the width W is less than or equal to about 1/20 of a distance Df between the first and second focal points. A second reflector has an aperture through the second reflector on the axis. The second reflector is shaped and positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the annular region on the first reflector back to the annular region for reflection to a different portion of the annular region and back to the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Anurag Gupta
  • Lighting equipment
    Patent number: 7178949
    Abstract: The lighting device comprises a light source and an associated hollow reflector of transparent material having an internal surface and an external surface which are close to and far away from the source respectively. The inner surface of the reflector has in cross section at least one transverse plane passing through the source a discontinuous profile forming a plurality of adjacent steps each of which has a first face through which rays originating from the source can pass and a second face essentially parallel to the rays originating from the source. The outer surface of the reflector has a profile comprising one or more arcs of curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Bernard, Piermario Repetto, Pietro Perlo, Davide Capello, Denis Bollea
  • Method and apparatus for a lamp housing
    Patent number: 7178950
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a lamp housing is provided that blocks light and dissipates heat. The lamp housing encases or is integral to a reflector, and has an inner surface that absorbs radiation emitted by the lamp burner and an outer surface that allows for improved heat dissipation through radiation and convection means. The inner surface absorbs radiation and the outer surface is enlarged with a plurality of formations for improved heat dissipation through radiation and convection means. The housing also blocks stray visible light from escaping, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for light leakage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Catharina R. Biber, Eric Immel, Dave Payne, William L. Emery
  • Direct backlight module
    Patent number: 7178951
    Abstract: A plurality of reflecting structures are provided at the corner portions of a backlight module, so that the dark areas occurring at the corner portions or edges of the backlight module are prevented from forming, thereby uniforming the luminance performed by the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Meng-Jia Hsiao, Shen-Hong Chou
  • Theft-deterrent outdoor lighting
    Patent number: 7178952
    Abstract: A theft deterrent outdoor lighting, comprising in combination a light housing for housing a light, a battery for storing electrical energy, an alarm and a motion detector electrically connecting the alarm to the battery to actuate the alarm when motion is detected, whereby theft of the theft deterrent outdoor lighting is deterred by the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
  • Vehicle headlight optical axis control unit
    Patent number: 7178953
    Abstract: A headlight optical axis control unit of a vehicle capable of reducing cost, improving accuracy and ensuring safety is provided. An inclination angle detecting sensor placed in the front of a vehicle is connected to a control unit, and includes two transceivers of ultrasonic sensors. The two transceivers obtain the levels at their locations from the phase differences between the emitted waves and the reflected waves from a road surface, and measure the inclination angle from the level differences. The inclination angle is continuously detected during running of the vehicle. The measured values of the inclination angle are subjected to the cumulative sum and cumulative averaging. According to the average value, the control unit adjusts the angle of the optical axis of the headlights via headlight optical axis control sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Katayama, Takashi Ohsawa
  • System and method for guiding a passenger in an aircraft cabin
    Patent number: 7178954
    Abstract: To guide a passenger to the general location of his assigned seat in an aircraft cabin, the cabin is divided into several cabin zones that are individually identified by different colors of illumination, for example a yellow cabin zone, a red cabin zone and a blue cabin zone. Each service class can correspond to one cabin zone or encompass plural cabin zones. Lighting devices arranged in the cabin are activated to provide illuminating light having the appropriate allocated illumination color in each respective cabin zone. The lighting devices are preferably ceiling lights, sidewall lights, and/or window funnel lights, controlled from a flight attendant panel via a lighting controller. A passenger ticket displays the passenger's assigned seat number and letter, and also the color of the cabin zone in which the assigned seat is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Blechschmidt
  • Safety headlight
    Patent number: 7178955
    Abstract: A safety headlight with a battery power monitor is provided. The headlight includes one primary light bulb and at least one LED bulb. When the battery power begins to fade so that the primary bulb is in danger of going out, a sensor in the headlight switches power to the LED bulb(s) to provide safety lighting so that the headlight user can be seen by others. The safety headlight is typically used by cyclists riding before sunrise or after sunset. The headlight permits the cyclists to see the road surface and provides notice to other motorists of the cycle's presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry David Hayes
  • Interior illumination lamp
    Patent number: 7178956
    Abstract: A design part 20 is attached to an aperture 12 provided in an interior material 11 of a automobile, and a functional part 30 is arranged at the rear side of the interior material 11 supported by the design part 20. A switching unit 32 feeding and cutting an electric power to a light source 31 is configured as a separate body attached to a functional main body 30a in such a manner that switch units 32 of different mechanisms can be selectively attached to the functional main body 30a. Thus, since the functional main body 30a is used in common even when the switching unit 32 is changed and has a general-purpose nature, cost reduction can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Nagai
  • Multiple-filament motor vehicle headlight lamp
    Patent number: 7178957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, to a lamp for the headlight, and to a headlight unit. The lamp has two coils and is capable of fulfilling widely differing functions. Means for screening off the light emitted by the coils in certain angular regions are arranged such that the regions illuminated by the coils overlap only slightly, preferably not at all. At least two reflector regions of the lamp are each illuminated by an associated coil, and are shaped such that one headlight emits two headlight beams, both having a substantially horizontal bright/dark cutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Josef Andreas Schug, Helmut Tiesler-Wittig, Ingolf Sischka
  • Vehicle light
    Patent number: 7178958
    Abstract: A vehicle light includes a light source, a main-reflector, and a sub-reflector. The sub-reflector is arranged around the light source. The main-reflector is arranged around the light source and the sub-reflector. The main-reflector includes a reflection surface that reflects light from the light source in a predetermined direction, avoiding the sub-reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Masafumi Kobayashi, Kazunori Iwasaki
  • Illumination arrangement with reduced depth for a vehicle headlight
    Patent number: 7178959
    Abstract: An illumination arrangement for a vehicle headlight is formed of a plurality of contiguous elementary cells, each including a light source, defined by an emission surface having a horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension and capable of emitting a luminous flux, and an optical system capable of conveying the luminous flux at a predetermined solid angle about a predetermined direction. The elementary cells are disposed so as to generate overall a predetermined distribution of light emission. The horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension of the emission surface of the light sources are different. The vertical dimension is less than 1 mm and the ratio between the horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension is greater than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto, Pietro Perlo
  • Vehicular illumination lamp
    Patent number: 7178960
    Abstract: A vehicular illumination lamp, including four light emitting devices 12 which are disposed in such a manner as to spread about a predetermined point A as a center, a reflector 14 having four reflecting surfaces 14a that are made up of ellipsoids of revolution Er1, which take light emitting centers of the respective light emitting devices 12 and the predetermined point A as primary focal points and secondary focal points thereof, respectively, and a light distribution control member 16, which controls the light distribution of light from the respective light emitting devices 12 that is reflected on the reflector 14 so as to cause the light so controlled to traverse to a front of the lamp, whereby light emitted from the respective light emitting devices 12 is made first to be reflected on the respective reflecting surfaces 14a and is then caused to converge on the predetermined point A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Voltage regulated light string
    Patent number: 7178961
    Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent flasher type lamps in which substantially all of the lamp filaments in the set are individually provided with a voltage regulated shunt circuit, which includes a voltage responsive silicon semiconductor device, which operates in one of two conducting states, neither of which is greater than about 200 ohms. When the flasher lamp is in the “on” or illuminated state, the silicon semiconductor voltage regulating shunt device is in a low impedance state. When the flasher is in the “off” state, the impedance of the silicon semiconductor device is in a lower impedance state equal to or slightly greater than the parallel equivalent impedance of silicon semiconductor device in parallel with the normal operating impedance of the flasher lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: JLJ, Inc.
    Inventor: John Louis Janning
  • Reflecting apparatus for backlight module of flat panel display
    Patent number: 7178962
    Abstract: A reflecting apparatus for a backlight module of a plane display is disclosed. The backlight module includes a light guide distal from the reflecting apparatus, and a plurality of diffusers. The apparatus comprises a light source, a reflector, and two substantially parallel sets of partially overlapped light deflectors wherein a gap exists between either two adjacent light deflectors of the same set or one light deflector and the reflector. A portion of emitted light is directed to the light guide after being reflected from the reflector. The remaining portion of light is directed to the light guide either after it has been deflected by the light deflectors or deflected by the light deflectors prior to being reflected by the reflector. Parallel light received at the light guide is deflected to the plane display as a backlight source of the plane display after passing the diffusers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Tien Yu, Jin-Jei Wu
  • Backlight unit uniformly illuminating object regardless of lapse of time and liquid crystal display panel device using the same
    Patent number: 7178963
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel device has a backlight unit for illuminating the reverse surface of a liquid crystal display panel, and the backlight unit includes a diffusion plate, a diffusion sheet adhered to one of the major surfaces of the diffusion plate, a lamp house and a moisture-proof sheet inserted between the other surface of the diffusion plate and the lamp house; the moisture-proof sheet prevents the diffusion plate from vaporization of water contained in the diffusion plate, and the diffusion plate is not warped; the diffusion plate maintains the initial shape immediately after the assemblage into the backlight unit so that the liquid crystal display panel is continuously uniformly illuminated by the backlight unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Ueda, Yoshinobu Sakaki
  • Single-light source illumination device and liquid crystal display device using the same
    Patent number: 7178964
    Abstract: An illumination device is constructed such that light illuminated by a light emitting element and transmitted through one side surface of a light guiding plate via an intermediate light guide is introduced into the light guiding plate and the light propagating in the light guiding plate is emitted from an output surface of the light guiding plate so as to illuminate a liquid crystal display unit (an illumination object) disposed behind the light guiding plate, such that a part of the light guiding plate, through which the liquid crystal display unit is displayed in a transmissive manner, serves as a display area, and such that the light guiding plate is formed so as to extend beyond the display area of the liquid crystal display unit and towards the light emitting element, along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuro Sugiura, Mitsuo Ohizumi
  • Light emitting panel assemblies having LEDs of multiple colors
    Patent number: 7178965
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a hollow light emitting panel member having a sheet, film or substrate attached or positioned against one or both sides thereof to produce a desired effect. A pattern of deformities or disruptions may be provided on or in the sheet, film or substrate to control the output ray angle distribution to suit a particular application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited
    Inventor: Jeffery R. Parker
  • Light guide plate with nonuniformly oriented diffusing elements
    Patent number: 7178966
    Abstract: A light guide plate (2) into which light beams are introduced from a light source has a light incident surface (21) receiving the light beams, a light emitting surface (22) transmitting the light beams therethrough, and a bottom surface (23) opposite to the light emitting surface. The light incident surface is between the bottom surface and the light emitting surface. The bottom surface has at least two sets of diffusing elements (231, 232) for diffusing and reflecting light beams toward the light emitting surface. Each set forms a continuous region at the bottom surface, and the at least two sets totally cover the bottom surface. The at least two sets of include diffusing elements that are formed along two different directions. By utilization of the at least two sets of diffusing elements, the light guide plate provides a uniform luminance over the whole of the light emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, Charles Leu, Ga-Lane Chen
  • Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same
    Patent number: 7178967
    Abstract: A backlight assembly and an LCD apparatus that includes the backlight assembly are disclosed. A first receiving container has at least two members that can be combined into a frame and receive a plurality of lamps and a light diffusing member. A receiving container may be fabricated using the two or more members. Even though the size of the frame made of the members is small relative to the LCD apparatus, the receiving container can be used with the LCD apparatus. Accordingly, manufacturing processes of the LCD apparatus may be simplified and cost of production may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Il Kim
  • Surface light source device and liquid crystal display device
    Patent number: 7178968
    Abstract: In a surface light source device including: a light source section having a light emitting face; an optical panel arranged so as to cover the light emitting face; and a at least one frame having a front face portion that covers the peripheral portion of the light emitting face, the at least one frame is composed of a plurality of divisional members connected with each other and a light shielding portion is provided at each slit between the divisional members in the front face portion of the at least one frame. Whereby, light from the light source section is prevented from leaking through each slit between the divisional members in the front face portion of the at least one frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sugahara, Takafumi Hara, Fujio Ueda, Tatsuya Kudari
  • Mogul lamp holder
    Patent number: 7178969
    Abstract: A lamp holder is disclosed lamp holder that will accept and make electrical contact with a lamp having a predetermined base and will accept, but not make electrical contact with lamps having other bases. A cavity (or central well) in the base (or floor) of the lamp socket is provided to accept a lamp configured with an extension extending from the base of the lamp and providing a vertically mounted electrical contact in the cavity that can only be contacted by a lamp contact that is placed at the end of the lamp base extension. A lamp lacking such an extension and a contact on such extension, cannot extend into and engage the contact in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Interglobal Inc.
    Inventors: William Shiang, Richard Ursch, Wendell Dodson
  • Christmas bulb holder assembly
    Patent number: 7178970
    Abstract: A Christmas bulb holder assembly includes a bulb including a rectangular base, a cylindrical vent tube centrally located on the base, and two filament wires; a bulb holder including a flared upper end and a lower connection member including a diametric slot extended downward from bottom of the upper end, and two opposite curved walls formed on central portions of the slot wherein the base is conformed to the slot and the vent tube is conformed to a space defined by the walls such that the bulb is adapted to secure to the bulb holder with the vent tube fastened by the walls; and a mounting including an upper sleeve conformed to the connection member. The assembled bulb and bulb holder are secured to the mounting with the connection member fastened in the sleeve and the filament wires connected to end contacts of electric wires after passing the bulb holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ho-Hsin Chiu
  • High efficiency driver for color light emitting diodes (LED)
    Patent number: 7178971
    Abstract: An efficient power driver for color light emitting diodes (LED) is disclosed for driving multiple LEDs for producing different desired colors. Such LED combinations comprising LEDs with different primary colors are suitable for implementing pixels in displaying a digitized image. This disclosed invention provides switching power conversion embodiments such that a single apparatus drives different color LEDs. Furthermore, the disclosed invention provides configurations with and without input to output isolation while enabling control of the current through each LED, for instance by an inductor or operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Man Hay Pong, Franki Ngai Kit Poon, Joe Chui Pong Liu