Patents Issued in November 18, 2008
  • Patent number: 7452068
    Abstract: Eyewear includes an outer frame having a right temple arm and a left temple arm. An outer lens is secured to the outer frame. An inner frame is removably secured to one of the outer frame and the outer lens. An inner lens has a nosepiece and is secured to the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Collier, Kyle Schepke
  • Patent number: 7452069
    Abstract: An eyeframe uses a magnetic closure to attach a variety of interchangeable lenspieces to the eyeframe. The magnetic closure allows the wearer to interchange lenses depending on the circumstance. Furthermore, the magnetic closure securely closes but does not wear with use or require so much force that could lead to damaging the lenses and/or closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Steven R. Lipawsky
  • Patent number: 7452070
    Abstract: A single lens pince-nez, comprising a bridge member (11) adapted to extend over the bridge of the nose of a person and engage the sides of the bridge of the nose, and a single lens (10) attached to the bridge member (11) in a position located in front of one eye of the person when the person wears the pince-nez, is very suitable for use as make-up “glasses”, since it does not obstruct the applying of make-up on one side of the face of the wearer of the “glasses”, and is comfortable to wear thanks to its low weight. By selecting a high refractive index glass for the lens (10) and a beta titanium alloy for the bridge member (11), the weight can by reduced even more. Preferably, the single lens (10) is pivotally attached to the bridge member (11), so that it can be swung vertically or horizontally from one eye to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Trendus World Ltd.
    Inventor: Kajsa Oskarsson
  • Patent number: 7452071
    Abstract: Eyewear frames having flexible temples that include a flexible lower temple portion, a rigid upper temple portion and an opening. The opening decreases in size as the flexible lower temple portion conforms to a user's head and ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Wolf Peak Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Daems, Brian Grigsby
  • Patent number: 7452072
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a resilient hinge device for connecting the arms to a front frame of a mounting for spectacles. The device includes first and second hinge members which are pivotable about a hinge axis, and a resilient return between the hinge members. The method includes the steps of providing a box-like body open at a first and a second end thereof, axially opposed to one another, a slider member having a part formed with an eye or hinge pin, and at least one resilient member, and retaining same in a seat provided on the slider; and inserting the slider into the box-like body from the opening of the first end of the box-like body, with the part of the slider having the eye protruding outside the body through the opening provided in the second, opposed end of the body, the resilient member being located by the box-like body at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Safilo Societa Azionaria Fabbrica Italiana Lavorazione Occhiali
    Inventor: Vittorio Tabacchi
  • Patent number: 7452073
    Abstract: Disclosed is an eyewear retention system, which may include any of a variety of electronics, including telecommunications receivers, transmitters, electronic storage devices, and head-up display driving circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Jeffrey J. Julian
  • Patent number: 7452074
    Abstract: Provided is a method for making a customized lens including applying a customizable material onto a surface of an ophthalmic substrate; and writing index-change information to the material to form a variable-index layer on the substrate surface. Also provided is a customized ophthalmic element including an ophthalmic substrate; and a variable-index layer of a liquid crystal material connected to at least a portion of the substrate. Further provided is an ophthalmic element having a pair of complementary substrates, each of which has a complementary surface and being positioned such that their complementary surfaces are spaced apart and facing each other, an alignment layer of a patterned alignment material connected to at least one of the complementary surfaces of the pair of substrates, and a variable-index coating interposed between the pair of substrates, such that the liquid crystal material of the variable-index coating is aligned with the patterned alignment material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Transitions Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Kumar, Peter C. Foller
  • Patent number: 7452075
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a soft contact lens that has a body with a central zone aligned with the optical axis of the eye when a wearer wears the lens. A micro-channel filled with fluid, is positioned at or near the optic zone and is arranged so that when the fluid is pressurized, the micro-channel expands and changes the optical characteristics of the central zone. The pressure in the microchannel is controlled through changes to a reservoir disposed in the lens below the optic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: In Technology Holding LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Iuliano
  • Patent number: 7452076
    Abstract: Each lens of a pair of lenses is provided on at least one of its faces with an antireflection coating having a luminous reflection factor Rv that is 2.5% or less, having residual reflections exhibiting the same perceived color, the hue angle (h) for the antireflection coating of one lens varying by not more than 60° as compared to the antireflection coating of the other lens, and: the antireflection coating of one of the lens having an intensely colored residual reflection, a mean reflection factor Rm1?1.20% and a chroma value C*1?15, the antireflection coating of the second lens having a weakly colored residual reflection, a mean reflection factor Rm2?1.65% and a chroma value C*2?15, and |Rm1?Rm2|?2.2% and C*1?C*2>5. The invention can be applied to spectacle glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Francisco De Ayguavives, Berangere Penaud
  • Patent number: 7452077
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging within the eye is provided whereby a component of eye position is detected using optical imaging data. Tracking eye position over time and correctly registering imaging data for scan locations or using eye position to detect decentration achieves improved imaging. In one embodiment, essentially perpendicular B-scans are imaged sequentially and the corneal arc within each B-scan is analyzed to determine the vertex of the eye. The eye vertex is tracked over pairs of perpendicular B-scans to determine eye motion. In another embodiment, the decentration in the Pachymetry map is removed by correcting for the misalignment of the center of the Pachymetry map and the actual location of the corneal vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Meyer, Xunchang Chen, Rodney P. Chin
  • Patent number: 7452078
    Abstract: An eye refractive power measurement apparatus by which an examiner can properly check reliability of a measurement result while time and effort of the examiner are saved. The eye refractive power measurement apparatus for measuring eye refractive power of an examinee's eye has a measurement optical system for projecting a measurement target onto a fundus of the eye to pick up a fundus reflection image by a two-dimensional image-pickup element, a storing device which stores the picked-up fundus reflection image as a measurement image, a display device, a measurement condition judging device which makes a judgment as to whether or not the stored measurement image satisfies a predetermined measurement condition, and a first display control device which controls the display device to display the stored measurement image when the measurement condition judging device judges that the measurement condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Isogai
  • Patent number: 7452079
    Abstract: A system and method allow for inducing and measuring a consensual pupillary response of a subject. The system includes an induction device and a measuring device, the induction device being structured to generate at least one stimuli and to expose a primary eye of the subject to the stimuli. The measuring device of the system includes a monitoring mechanism structured to allow a consensual pupillary response to be detected, and an analysis mechanism to interpret the detected consensual pupillary response. The measuring device may also include a recording device and a display device, to allow recording and displaying of the detected consensual pupillary response, respectively. The method includes exposing the primary eye of the subject to the stimuli, monitoring and detecting the consensual pupillary response in the secondary eye of the subject, and analyzing the detected consensual pupillary response. The method may also include recording and displaying the detected consensual pupillary response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew Lenoir
  • Patent number: 7452080
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating and/or diagnosing a patient's eye. A light source produces fixation light and procedure (treatment and/or diagnosis) light. A scanning device deflects the fixation light to produce a fixation pattern of the fixation light on the eye, and deflects the procedure light to produce a procedure pattern of the procedure light on the eye. A controller controls the scanning device such that the fixation and procedure patterns move relative to each other, and/or the fixation pattern dynamically changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Wiltberger, Dan E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7452081
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating and/or diagnosing a patient's eye. A light source produces fixation light and procedure light. A scanning device deflects the fixation light to produce a fixation pattern of the fixation light on the eye, and deflects the procedure light to produce a procedure pattern of the procedure light on the eye. A controller controls the scanning device such that the fixation and procedure patterns move relative to each other, and/or the fixation pattern dynamically changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Wiltberger, Dan E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7452082
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, viewable images can be created in glass. Viewable images may be created in glass by using a projector which projects ultraviolet light to excite light emitting material. Clear images may be created in glass because the size the light emitting particles in the glass is less than 400 nanometers. In embodiments, the visible illumination of a transparent substrate to display an image is possible, while the transparent substrate remains transparent. Accordingly, for example, drivers of automobiles may view images (e.g. map images) on their windshield while they are driving. As another example, window shoppers may view enhanced advertisements in the windows of stores that they are approaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Superimaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiao-Dong Sun, Jian-Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 7452084
    Abstract: A projector includes a projection device, a cross line positional information acquiring device for acquiring positional information of a cross line between a projection surface of the projection device and a plane crossing the projection surface, an inclination detecting device for calculating an angle of inclination between a projection optical axis of the projection device and the projection surface based on the positional information acquired by the cross line positional information acquiring device, and an image distortion correcting device for correcting a trapezoidal distortion of an input image supplied to the projection device, based on the angle of inclination calculated by the inclination detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nec Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7452085
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a fold-mirror assembly with a dynamically adjustable mirror element for use in a projection device are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Infocus Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Andersen, Michael Försth
  • Patent number: 7452086
    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: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Patent number: 7452087
    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: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Imade
  • Patent number: 7452088
    Abstract: A mirror unit for a vehicle includes a base from which extends an arm holding a mirror housing. The arm is pivotably mounted in the base to permit the mirror to be pivoted toward the vehicle in the event that the mirror is struck, for example. The extended position of the mirror when not folded is defined by a detent in the pivoting movement. The detent position of the mirror is the result of a bolt that presses a spring. The spring in turn presses a hub on the arm against an indexing pivot post, so that ramps on the hub bear against ramps on the indexing pivot post and define the detent position of the mirror. The indexing pivot post has an arrangement of teeth that engage into tooth recesses on the base when pressed thereagainst by the spring. The detent position of the mirror can be changed by the user by the user releasing the bolt to relieve spring pressure on the teeth so that the teeth of the indexing pivot post disengage from the tooth recesses and can be pivoted to a new detent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Velvac, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Brester, Thomas L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7452089
    Abstract: The variable-shape mirror is provided with a support base and a minor portion that is disposed to face the support base and that has on a side thereof facing away from the support base a minor surface which is irradiated with a light beam. There are also provided piezoelectric elements that are sandwiched between the support base and the mirror portion and that vary the shape of the mirror surface. The piezoelectric elements are bonded, through a thin layer of metal that is separately provided for bonding, to at least one of the support base and the mirror portion. A driving voltage to the piezoelectric elements is supplied through the thin layer of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagashima, Hitoshi Fujii, Fuminori Tanaka, Susumu Sugiyama, Akira Ishii, Katsuhiko Tanaka, Wataru Kuze
  • Patent number: 7452090
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a compass sensor having first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. A physical mount mounts the compass sensor at the rear of the reflective element whereby the compass sensor adjusts in tandem with adjustment of the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The physical mount is configured to at least partially offset the angle of the reflective element selected by the driver. A control receives a first signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the first magnetoresponsive sensing element and receives a second signal indicative of a magnetic field sensed by the second magnetoresponsive sensing element. The control determines a directional heading of the vehicle based on the first and second signals, and automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field of the vehicle and generates a signal indicative of the directional heading of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D Weller, Rodney K Blank, Kenneth L Schierbeek, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R Lynam, Troy O Cooprider
  • Patent number: 7452091
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique searchlight featuring a bayonet/security locking and mounting system, or a controller having a center home position, or a controller having a 2-speed joystick, or some combination of one or more of these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. LeBlanc, Stephen B. Boyd, Joseph M. Gordon, Thomas G. Parent
  • Patent number: 7452092
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods. In various embodiments, an implement for drinking and/or eating generally includes at least one tube having at least one inner fluid flow passage therethrough in which fluid may be received and delivered through the at least one inner fluid flow passage. At least one power source has at least a portion situated in the at least one inner fluid flow passage such that fluid may be received in and drawn through the at least one inner fluid flow passage generally around and past the at least a portion of the at least one power source situation in the at least one inner fluid flow passage. The implement also includes at least one light source that is at least partially within the at least one tube and electrically-powered by the at least one power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Carl R. Vanderschuit
  • Patent number: 7452093
    Abstract: A prism sheet for emitting an incident light in an even distribution state of light quantity even in the case of using an irradiating light source such as a point light source having an emission of narrow band. A display device for deflecting and displaying the light from the light source evenly and efficiently without deteriorating the display quality by applying the prism sheet thereto. A prism sheet for deflecting and emitting a light introduced into a transparent substrate, with a prism formed on the substrate. The prism sheet includes: a circular prism having a plurality of annular grooves arrayed concentrically from a center axis; and a radial prism having a plurality of straight grooves arrayed radially from the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kimitoshi Nagao
  • Patent number: 7452094
    Abstract: A magnification apparatus that includes a foldable base, battery-powered lighting and an attached magnification sheet which can positioned over a book placed on top of the foldable base. The base has a left backing and a right backing which are connected to one another via a rubber hinge. The magnification sheet is connected to the top end of the base by a flexible bar and is capable of being placed over and above a book that is placed on top of the base for reading purposes. Both the left backing and right backing have separate light compartments that will provide lighting when the magnification apparatus is in use, with each of these lighting compartments being battery-powered through a separate battery compartment. Also, each of the backings has a set of teeth designed to prevent a book or other reading object from slipping off of the backings, with the teeth also interlocking to allow the left backing and right backing to be folded against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Joel D. Kroon, Karen L. Kroon
  • Patent number: 7452095
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid droplet illumination device, which includes at least one liquid droplet traveling on a first surface. The liquid droplet can be distilled water and the first surface can be a ribbon of translucent material. The liquid droplet illumination device further includes at least one light beam that is offset from the first surface. For example, the at least one light beam can be a coherent beam of light, such as a laser beam. The at least one light beam interacts with the at least one liquid droplet as it travels on the first surface, thereby illuminating the at least one liquid droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 7452096
    Abstract: There are disclosed a cap or lid for a container which has a light emitter that generates zestful reflected light enabling recognition of a content even in a dark place, a container to which a light emitter is attached to generate zestful reflected light, a base member disposed at a bottom of a container and generating zestful reflected light, and a cap or lid disposed at an upper portion of a can-like container and generating zestful reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Toshimitsu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7452097
    Abstract: Illuminating nail scissors for trimming nails of infants and toddlers. There is: nail scissors, including: a first cutting member, having: a first handle portion; and a first blade portion; and a second cutting member, having: a second handle portion; and a second blade portion, wherein the first blade portion and the second blade portion have rounded blunt tips; a light module, coupled to the nail scissors; and a power module, in communication with the light module. The first handle portion and the second handle portion comprise rubber. The light module comprises an LED light. The power module comprises a lithium battery. There is also: a control module, in communication with the power module. The control module comprises an On/Off button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Teresa E. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 7452098
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light emitting device disposed inside the housing. The light emitting device is configured to produce a light effect that alters the ornamental appearance of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Duncan Kerr
  • Patent number: 7452099
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light device comprised of a body, a handle, a user interface, and a positionable arm that is structured to pivotally support a lighting element assembly. The light device may be configured to be portable and carried or otherwise manipulated by a user grasping the handle. In one embodiment, the body of the light device defines first and second support surfaces that are structured to stably support the weight of the light device in first and second illumination positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cyberlux Corporation
    Inventors: Donald F. Evans, Mark D. Schmidt, Larson Isely, Jeffrey Hatley, Michael Roth
  • Patent number: 7452100
    Abstract: A retractable, automatic, on/off flashlight system includes a retriever having a retriever spring and a line to be retracted by the retriever spring into the retriever in a retraction direction. A flashlight has a light source, a power source and a switch connected in a circuit. The switch has an actuator connected to the line. The actuator closes the switch and turns on the light source upon pulling the flashlight and the line away from the retriever in an extension direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Peggy Swartfager
  • Patent number: 7452101
    Abstract: A planar light source is disclosed. The planar light source includes an upper substrate having a central portion and two edge portions and a lower substrate opposite to the upper substrate, wherein a plurality of luminous cavities are formed by and between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. With respect to cross sectional areas, one portion of the luminous cavities corresponding to the central portion of the upper substrate is smaller than the other portion of the luminous cavities corresponding to one of the edge portions of the upper substrate, and thus the lightness produced in the central portion is higher than that in the edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan-Ker Lan, Horng-Bin Hsu, Hung-Ru Hsu
  • Patent number: 7452102
    Abstract: A lamp holder includes a supporting part and a holding part. The supporting part includes a guiding hole for guiding a wire of a lamp. The holding part protrudes from the supporting part in a longitudinal direction of the lamp. A holding groove is formed at the holding part to hold an end portion of the lamp. The lamp holder improves an image display quality of a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho-Han Ryu
  • Patent number: 7452103
    Abstract: An illuminating device which is provided with a plurality of light source units is provided. Each of the plurality of light source units includes a light emitting unit having a light emitting device, a first optical system that adjusts an optical path of light emitted from the light emitting unit, an electrode that supplies power to the light emitting unit, and a connecting element that connects the light emitting unit to the electrode and is disposed so as to block a part of the optical path of light from the light emitting unit thus to create an unilluminated area. In this structure, the plurality of light source units are arranged such that unilluminated areas of the plurality of light source units are substantially uniformly distributed over an entirety of an area illuminated by all the plurality of light source units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: HOYA Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kakiuchi
  • Patent number: 7452104
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that effectively filters infrared light from fluorescent lighting and that is easily adapted to typical fluorescent lighting and assemblies. A fluorescent lighting fixture includes a cover for filtering the infrared light from a fluorescent light source of the fixture. The cover includes an infrared filter for substantially preventing emission of infrared light from the fluorescent lighting fixture and a protective layer for preventing damage to the infrared filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Luminator Holding, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard D. New, Sonja Kaye Burgess, legal representative, Robert L. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7452105
    Abstract: A wash light optical system for use with a light beam generator includes a converging optical element that reduces the size of a light beam from the light beam generator, a color filtration mechanism that is capable of filtering the reduced light beam to a selected one of two or more colors, a spreading optical element that increases the size of the filtered light beam, and a beam shaping optical element. The optical system may also include a dimming mechanism that is capable of reducing the intensity of the light beam to a selected one of two or more intensities. The optical system may be enclosed in a housing that includes a coupling mechanism capable of detachably mounting the housing to the light beam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Whiterock Design, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hough
  • Patent number: 7452106
    Abstract: The invention provides a circuit device for controlling N light-emitting devices disposed in a sequence on an object, wherein N is an integer larger than 1, and each light-emitting device includes a respective light-emitting diode. The circuit device includes a water-proof enclosure, a motion-actuated switch, a controller, and a battery. Particularly, the controller is capable of driving the light-emitting diodes lighting up on the basis of a first predefined sequence and a consequent second predefined sequence when triggered by the motion-actuated switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Shen Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 7452107
    Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle is disclosed that includes at least one rotary actuator and one actuating element integrated in the rotary actuator, whereby the actuating element can be moved relative to the rotary actuator, and whereby a connecting member, which interacts with an optical system, is molded to the actuating element. A connecting member extends into the optical system such that the deflection of the actuating element can be evaluated as a signal by the optical system. The optical system includes at least one light-emitting and at least one light-absorbing light guide element, whereby one light guide element is arranged on one side of the connecting member and one light guide element is arranged outside the connecting member so that a deflection of the actuating element is analogous to the absorption of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Gerold Eckert, Haiko Glienicke, Anton Ruettiger
  • Patent number: 7452108
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for keeping a high intensity discharge arc tube relatively horizontal in a light fixture regardless of aiming orientation of the light fixture towards a target. In one aspect, the light source is mounted in an independently pivotal yoke in the light fixture. A gearing arrangement automatically proportionally pivots the light source relative to any pivoting motion of the fixture over a range of motion such that a selected light source orientation can be approximately maintained regardless of aiming orientation of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 7452109
    Abstract: An edge light type backlight unit having a heat sink system which can efficiently emit heat generated by a light emitting element. The edge light type backlight unit includes a light guide panel which guides light; light emitting elements which are arranged on the insides of opposite first and second surfaces of the light guide panel; and heat sinks which are provided on the outsides of the first and second surfaces and emit heat generated by the light emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-whan Noh, Jong-min Wang
  • Patent number: 7452110
    Abstract: A light emitting assembly includes: a heat sink including a base wall and two opposite retaining walls extending upright from the base wall and defining respectively two retaining grooves, each of the retaining walls having a top wall portion confining a top side of a respective one of the retaining grooves; a mounting seat having two opposite wings extending respectively into the retaining grooves; and a light emitting device mounted on the mounting seat and having a bottom wall extending through the mounting seat to abut against the base wall of the heat sink. Each of the wings of the mounting seat is formed with an elastic protrusion that abuts resiliently against the top wall portion of a respective one of the retaining walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Kuei-Fang Chen
  • Patent number: 7452111
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a bright bulb installed in front of a variable reflector assembly comprising a plurality of leaves. The leaves have some overlap and are pivotally attached near the base of the bulb, so that they can be collapsed inward or expanded outward in tandem by a mechanism. A baffle and light shield enclose and protect the bulb, and result in controllable and variable indirect lighting from the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ecce Lux Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Mazzei
  • Patent number: 7452112
    Abstract: A headlight, in particular of the elliptical type for a motor vehicle, comprises a casing fixed on the vehicle; a protective cover glass closing off the casing; and an optical module which comprises a reflector, a lens and an intermediate fixed to the reflector and supporting the lens, the lens and intermediate constituting a rigid module. The invention provides a headlight of this type which also includes means for absorbing at least some of the energy produced during impact with a pedestrian, by displacing at least part of the optical module. The invention also provides a method of absorbing at least some of the energy arising from impact between a pedestrian and a vehicle headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Philippe Arlon
  • Patent number: 7452113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays and apparatus incorporating the improvements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Newton, John K. Roberts, Timothy A. Bonardi, Jeremy A. Fogg, Timothy J. Thomas, Darin D. Tuttle, Jeremy A. Walser
  • Patent number: 7452114
    Abstract: A signalling or lighting apparatus comprising at least one light source defining a main emission direction, together with at least one elongate light guide, one end of which is lit by the light source, the light guide being adapted to diffuse the light transversely along its length. At least in the vicinity of the light source, the guide has a longitudinal axis which is disposed transversely to the main emission direction, in such a way that some of the light flux from the light source provides a primary signalling or lighting function with a relatively high luminous intensity, and a second signalling or linear lighting function, of lesser light intensity, is provided along a length of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 7452115
    Abstract: A headlamp developed especially for motor vehicles based on the exact adjustment of the height of the light plane by total concealing the light source and all direct and indirect reflecting surfaces and by using the principle of the half-lens illumination described in this invention. The most preferred embodiment of this invention consists of a single standard light source (1), a reflector group of three units (2,3; 12,13; 22,23) forming a structure similar to a clover-leaf with each unit having its own light pathway, three plano-convex lenses (27,7,17), three flat mirrors (25,5,15), three movable semi-shutters (26,6,16) covering the upper halves of the plano-convex lenses, with the addition of a shield (9) and a reflective surface in the forward-looking part of this embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Turhan Alcelik
  • Patent number: 7452116
    Abstract: A lighting/signaling device for a motor vehicle having a source arranged in a reflector which produces a light beam that is transmitted from the reflector along an essentially horizontal optical axis of the headlamp device. A movable flap is coupled to a first motor pivoting the movable flap between at least two positions. A casing which coupled to a second motor can be rotated, with respect to a fixed frame, along an axis which is essentially vertical and essentially perpendicular to the optical axis. The casing also includes at least one compartment for receiving and holding the first motor and the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Philippe Natchoo
  • Patent number: 7452117
    Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a backlight module includes a plurality of noise reduction devices, each comprising a main body and an extension portion. The extension portion is adapted to cushion the interface between a lamp holder and a back bezel of the backlight module, so as to reduce pop noises generated by contact during temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Shin-Li Chen, Fei-Ling Chou
  • Patent number: 7452118
    Abstract: Area light source 10 used for LCD device 1 includes light guide 12 and LED devices 18 and 19 disposed at a side portion of light guide 12. A light receiving portion at a side edge portion of light guide 12 is provided with prisms 24 and 25 of saw-tooth prism group 22. Apex angles of prisms 24 and 25 are set to be more acute up to the middle point of prisms 24 and 25 as prisms 24 and 25 are farther from LED devices 18 and 19, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenshi Tsuchiya