Abstract: A modulating corner-cube retroreflector for remote communications is disclosed. The modulating corner-cube retroreflector includes a solid retroreflector with a front surface and three mutually perpendicular surfaces: a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. A first thin membrane is disposed relative to at least one of the three mutually perpendicular surfaces and covers at least a portion of the surface. A modulator is included that is adapted to cause the thin membrane to vibrate. The corner-cube retroreflector is configured to receive an incident beam of light from a source along a first path and is configured to return a reflected beam of light back towards the source along a second path that is substantially parallel to the first path. The first thin membrane is configured to substantially frustrate total internal reflection of the incident beam of light when the first thin membrane is moved relative to at least one surface of the retroreflector.

Abstract: Adoption of composite cube-corner retroreflective elements in which groups of each at least two sub-retroreflective elements which are each defined by three lateral faces mutually crossing at approximately right angles, as being configured by three-directional V-shaped parallel groove groups having substantially symmetrical sections and intersecting with each other, and which are arrayed in the closest-packed state, projecting on one side of their common sub-plane (SH-SH), each of said groups of sub-reflective elements being disposed on one main retroreflective element which is defined by three lateral faces mutually crossing at approximately right angles, as being configured by three-directional V-shaped parallel groove groups having substantially symmetrical sections and intersecting with each other, and which is disposed on the main plane (S-S).

Abstract: A backlight module includes an optical film set and a plurality of light source sets having a first light source and a second light source. The first light source generates a first chromaticity light while the second light source generates a second chromaticity light. The first chromaticity light mixes with the second chromaticity light in the space between the light source sets and the optical film set and then enters the optical film set. The first chromaticity light and the second chromaticity light have their own spectrum and both spectra fall into a first color region of the CIE 1931 color space. Within the first color region, the spectrum of the first chromaticity light is close to a second color region while the spectrum of the second chromaticity light is close to a third color region.

Abstract: A back light unit includes a bottom cover, a plurality of light source modules mounted on the bottom cover, and an optical sheet unit over the light source modules, wherein each of the light source module includes a PCB having the plurality of light source modules mounted thereon, a diffusing plate spaced a distance from the LED light sources and surrounding the PCB fully for diffusing a light incident thereon from the LED light sources throughout a surface thereof uniformly, and a diffusing plate supporter for securing the diffusing plate to the PCB, and the diffusing plate includes a flat plate portion, a side wall portion extended from opposite edges of the plate portion to the diffusing plate supporter, and a plurality of light diffusing units each projected from a surface facing the LED light source on the plate portion at a position matched to the LED light source, thereby enabling to make effective response to fabrication of thinner liquid crystal display device and improve a light uniformity, and impr

Abstract: It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: Display cases having lighting assemblies and methods of illuminating display cases with such lighting assemblies. Embodiments of the lighting assemblies may be used in display cases of any type and particularly in those where the purchaser selects via an external mechanism (e.g., buttons) a product from a variety of products stored inside the display, such as a vending machine. Lighting assemblies are installed within a vending machine, such as on or within the vending machine shelves or product dividers, and their light emission controlled depending on the product being selected from the vending machine. In on embodiment, all light sources within the vending machine except those illuminating the selected product are dimmed. In this way, the product being selected by the purchaser can be emphasized. In other embodiments, color or multi-color LEDs are used to emit light that best compliments the color of products housed within the vending machine.

Abstract: LED lamp has LEDs aimed rearwards with either a concave mirror to the rear of each LED, or one concave mirror to the rear of two or more LEDs, collecting the light from the LEDs to form a forward projecting beam. LEDs may be high power types that require heatsinking. LED lamp may have a lens forward of each LED to collimate the radiation produced by the LEDs into a beam, where at least one lens has at least one aspheric curved surface. LED lamp may have a transparent reflective optic to collimate the radiation produced by each LED into a beam. For an inspection lamp, the LEDs typically have a peak wavelength of 395 to 415 nanometers for seeing the area being irradiated but not so visible as to overwhelm fluorescence of fluorescent materials to be detected. Other wavelengths may be used.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode system is sufficiently thin and poser efficient to permit its attachment to different configurations such as pocketbooks, brief bags, suitcases and the like. At least one side of the OLED material can have an attachment mechanism to facilitate attachment to a surface in the area to be lighted. The system may include a portable power source that provides electrical power to actuate the OLED material, causing it to generate light. A switch connected to the battery can control power to the OLED material to switch the light on and off. The switch can be manually operated or automatic. The low power consumption of embodiments of the OLED apparatus also provides for unique applications and uses.

Abstract: A lighting device (100) includes a housing (100), a battery receiving region (108), an active electrical circuit (202), and a light source (118). The active electrical circuit (202) uses energy from batteries (110) received in the batter receiving region (110) of the flashlight (100) to power the light source (118). The electrical circuitry of the flashlight (110) is energy limited so that the flashlight is intrinsically safe for use in hazardous locations.

Abstract: Vehicle-mounted auxiliary lighting systems adapted to provide primary or auxiliary vehicle lighting using light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed.

Abstract: A detachable ballast housing for use with fluorescent lights includes a ballast, a housing for the ballast, and electrical contacts for detachably mounting and dismounting to a lighting fixture without connecting or disconnecting power wires.

Abstract: A lamp fixing unit capable of simplifying the manufacture of a backlight assembly by eliminating the need for manual procedures is presented. The lamp fixing unit includes a fixing member and a lamp holder. The fixing member includes a fixing body and at least one receiving portion. The lamp holder includes a holder body and a conductive socket. The holder body includes a board insertion portion, a power supply member, and a lamp fixing member. Thus, the power supply member may be easily coupled to and uncoupled from the lamp holder, and the lamp may be easily grounded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting system with a color indicator surface (24, 30). The surface receives light via a cover (18) of the lighting system, mainly through internal reflection. Hence, the light from the light sources, here at least two different colored LEDs (14), is guided away from the main light emitting surface (20), such that well-mixed light with a lower intensity may be used to determine the color of the light. The color indicator surface may be a surface (24) of the cover (18), or may be a surface (30) of a separate outer part (26). The lighting system may be used to illuminate objects in houses, shops and so on. The color indicator surface provides a convenient and easily accessible color reference.

Abstract: An optical lens includes an array of lens units. Each lens unit includes a main body, a light diverging portion and a light converging portion. The main body includes a light incident surface and a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface. The light diverging portion is configured for expanding a light field along a first direction, and the light converging portion is configured for compressing a light field along a second direction. The light diverging portion and the light converging portion are both formed on one of the light incident surface and the light emitting surface.

Abstract: A circle type LED lighting flood lamp using a nano spreader is provided, which can provide a double heat dissipation structure formed by mounting an extended nano spreader having high heat diffusion on the inside of a circular type upper cover and making the extension parts of the nano spreader in contact with a heat dissipation portion in both directions, and prevent a heat dissipation plate from exposing to an outside by fixedly putting the upper cover on the outside of a heat dissipation member to improve the heat dissipation efficiency and the life span of the lamp.

Abstract: A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes a first heat sink, a second heat sink and a plurality of LED modules. The second heat sink is located at a lateral side of the first heat sink and pivotally connects with the first heat sink. The LED modules are evenly attached on bottoms of the first and second heat sinks. The second heat sink can be rotated relative to the first heat sink to be fixed at a required position, whereby an illumination angle of the LED lamp can be adjusted. Heat generated by the LED modules is dissipated by the first and second heat sinks.

Abstract: The high efficiency light emitting diode apparatus mainly comprises a connector, a heat dissipating body, a light generator, a central venting portion, and a transparent casing. This connector has a flow guider, a flow chamber and a vent. The light generator contains several LEDs. The heat dissipating body includes an inner passage and an outer passage. The central venting portion has a central channel. An inner flow path and an outer flow path are formed. So, the heat dissipating effect of the flow paths is excellent. The structure forming two flow paths can enhance the heat dissipating effect. The auxiliary element can strengthen the overall illuminating effect. Plus, the auxiliary element can make the light more uniformly.

Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a display device includes a conical reflector associated with the light source for illuminating a light-exit window. The reflector is arranged for reflecting light emitted by the light source towards the light-exit window and is radially segmented into a plurality of reflector-cone segments, each including at least one convex-cone segment being convex shaped in a lateral direction with respect to a source axis for lateral distribution of light emitted by the light source over the light-exit window.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lamp unit for obtaining a thin profile display device, to improve uniformity of light, and to simplify a power connection line for operation. The LED lamp unit includes an optical lens having a central recess part and an edge, wherein the central recess part is hollowed out inwardly, and the edge is formed in shape of a flat surface or in shape of a convex lens; at least one or more LED chips arranged at fixed intervals in a lower portion of the optical lens; and a lower reflecting sheet positioned on a bottom surface of the LED chip.

Abstract: An LED luminaire is provided with a light emitting module composed of plural kinds of LEDs emitting lights of different colors, a lens unit having a lens for diffusing the mixed-color light from the light emitting module, a light output controller for controlling electric current fed to each of the LEDs, and a light sensor for sensing the light from the light emitting module. The light output controller performs feedback control on the electric current fed to each of the LEDs based upon light levels of the sensed light, so that the light emitted from the light emitting module has desired chromaticity. The lens unit contains a light guide for guiding the light from the lens to the light sensor and can guide the light from the light emitting module to the light sensor with a high efficiency.

Abstract: A fluorescent luminaire has a luminaire housing, a lens frame positioned within the luminaire housing, the lens frame having a first side frame member and a second side frame member connected to a first end frame member and a second end frame member, a flexible plastic lens having a length, wherein a distance between the first and second side frames is less than the length of the plastic lens and, wherein the lens curves from the flat orientation to a curved orientation when seated between the first and second side frames corresponding to curvature of the first and second end frames.

Abstract: A brake assembly for an adjustable downlight fixture comprises a fixture having a rotational collar assembly, the rotational collar assembly having a first race rotating relative to a second race, a brake assembly connected to one of the first race and the second race, the brake assembly frictionally engaging the other of the first race and the second race.

Abstract: A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's moving legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. A single safety light fixture is mounted below the bicycle seat and directs diverging light beams towards the backs of both of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct diverging light beams onto the fronts of the rider's moving legs.

Abstract: An integral HID reflector lamp may be formed with an HID held in a reflector. An inner element is mechanically coupled to the reflector. The inner element is formed with a first mechanical coupling to mate with the reflector, a second mechanical coupling to mate with a circuit board, and an electrical coupling to at least electrically couple one of the leads to the circuit board. A circuit board has an edge mechanically coupled to the inner element and electrically connected to the leads by an electrical coupling on the inner element. A heat sink spans at least one side of the circuit board and forming an EMI shielding. An outer cover encloses the heat sink, circuit board, and inner element and coupled to the assembly of the reflector, HID lamp, inner element, and heat sink with each elements of the assembly clipped together.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light source modules each having an LED as a light source, and optical systems for distributing light from each of the light source modules frontward toward predetermined areas or predetermined patterns that are different from each other and which make up a light distribution pattern. Each of the optical systems can be optimized to emit light to a predetermined area, and each of the light source modules' LEDs can be optimally arranged for each of the corresponding optical systems.

Abstract: A light directing film and an optical system incorporating same are disclosed. The light directing film includes a first major surface and a microstructured second major surface. The microstructured second major surface has at least two periodic microstructured patterns. The first periodic pattern is arranged along a first direction. The second periodic pattern is arranged along a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: An exemplary light emitting diode (23) includes a package body (231) and two electrodes (233) attached to the package body. Each of the electrodes includes a main body and a plurality of branches extending from the main body. The branches of each electrode together with a corresponding portion of the main body cooperatively define an accommodation space therebetween.

Abstract: A structure for LED Christmas light is provided, including a light holder, being a hollow body having a separating part connected to the inner wall of the light holder to divide the hollow interior of the light holder into two cavities. Each of the two opposite sides of the inner wall of the light holder connected to the separating part forms a slot and face the surface of the separating part of the two cavities, with each having a guiding channel. Two wire sets are fixed inside the two cavities. An LED light bulb has a positive pin and a negative pin inserted inside the guiding channel, respectively, and being electrically connected to the wire sets. A light cap has a holding part passing the LED light bulb to tightly engage to the top of the light holder so as to fix the LED light bulb to the light holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a mixture with an injection system. The injection system is adjustable to accommodate the relative position and particular specifications of a given container (e.g., concrete mixer). In one embodiment, the injection system is operable to inject a coolant directly into the mixture while in the mixing process.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool. A mixer body includes a bowl receiving assembly below the head. The bowl receiving assembly includes a pair of bowl support arms extending outwardly from the mixer body to respective ends located at opposite sides of a bowl receiving location. Each bowl support arm includes a mount protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The mount protrusions include a notch located at bases of the mount protrusions. The bowl receiving assembly is mounted for movement between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head. The bowl includes a keyway extending through a mount support, the keyway having an enlarged portion that receives the mount protrusion of one of the support arms and a necked-down portion that slides within the notch of the respective mount protrusion when the bowl is rotated.

Abstract: The cook pot stirrer is a stirring mechanism incorporated into a lid that covers a cooking vessel. The cook pot stirrer is adapted for stirring liquid content of the cook pot. The mechanism includes a battery power source connected to a motor having reduction gearing connected to a removably attachable stirring tool. A speed control adjusts motor speed, thereby regulating the speed of the stirring device. A protective dome covers the stirring mechanism to isolate the motor and electronics from the contents of the pot. The protective dome is removable for maintenance and battery replacement. Stirring tools of various lengths, heights and surface areas may be provided for use in a variety of cooking situations.

Abstract: We present a time keeping system for turn-based games which accepts time controls used in fast games but allows the game to be played in a correspondence manner similar to slow games. This gives players the enjoyment of playing fast games with time pressure but at a pace that is convenient for their busy schedule.

Abstract: The resonator (1) for a timepiece results from coupling a first, low frequency resonator (2) with a second, higher frequency resonator (3). The first resonator (2) has a first balance (4) associated with a first balance spring (5). The second resonator (3) has a second balance (6) associated with a second balance spring (7). A third balance spring is arranged between the first (4) and second (6) balances to couple said first (2) and second (3) resonators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.

Abstract: A sheath type measuring instrument can be mounted in place easily and smoothly without the need for boring holes in an outer wall and an inner wall with high positional accuracy and also for a complex process, even if a barrel is to be fixed to the outer wall while a tip end of a sheath is being inserted in a sheath insertion hole bored in an inner wall. The sheath type measuring instrument has a sheath having a tip end for being brought closely to or into contact with a measurand for measuring a physical property of the measurand, and a barrel holding a proximal portion of the sheath for movement in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath.

Abstract: A technique is provided for geometrical analysis and calibration of a volumetric imaging system. The technique includes computing a projection error between estimated locations of a set of markers of a phantom based on a estimated imaging geometry and observed locations of the respective markers for at least one projection image, decomposing the computed projection error into one or more error components corresponding to respective geometric parameters of the imaging geometry, and updating at least one parameter of the estimated imaging geometry based on the one or more error components.

Abstract: An elongated packaging material (A1) for manufacturing a pouch comprises a first elongated flexible sheet (10), and a second elongated flexible sheet (10) layered on the first sheet. The side ends of the first and the second sheets are provided with a plurality of side sealing portions (2) extending lengthwise of the sheets. A plurality of cross sealing portions (3) are spaced from each other lengthwise of the sheets. Each of the side sealing portions is provided with a plurality of projecting portions (20), each projecting toward a center of the width of the sheets, between an adjacent pair of cross sealing portions.

Abstract: A plastic specimen bag (10) includes a front wall (20) and a rear wall (22) that are joined together to define a containment portion (32) having a bottom (24), side edges (26, 28), and a top opening (30). The plastic specimen bag (10) further includes a first closure (C1) located between the bottom (24) and the top opening (30) for selectively closing the containment portion (32). To facilitate opening the specimen bag (10), the specimen bag (10) includes a first grip enhancing profile (50) and a second grip enhancing profile (52) that are formed in the front wall (20) and spaced apart from one another to define a tear area (54) therebetween. The tear area (54) is located between the closure (C1) and the bottom (24).

Abstract: An inside seal is installed in a recess open downward in the slider to keep load-carrying races kept free of foreign materials that have already crept into the inside of the slider. The inside seal is composed of a metallic core and a sealing member that includes a joint portion secured to the core and a major portion integral with the joint portion. The joint portion has a mating surface to come into engagement with a downward surface deep inside the recess cut in a carriage while the major portion includes a first lip to come into sliding engagement with a guide rail, a second lip come into abutment against an inward sidewall of the recess, and third lip to come into abutment against the downward surface.

Abstract: A linear roller bearing element with an endless rolling element channel is composed of a carrier raceway for the load-bearing rolling elements on a carrier body, a return channel for rolling elements that are returning, and turnaround channels that connect the carrier raceway and the return channel at both ends with each other in an endless manner, the turnaround channels being bounded by end covers. The roller bearing element has two rolling element channels with two longitudinally extending carrier raceways located next to each other within a common plane and with clearance between them, on the carrier body for load-bearing rolling elements, and two assigned return channels for rolling elements that are returning, and respective turnaround channels. With a linear roller bearing guide, these roller bearing elements are located between a guide rail and a guide carriage—which is supported such that it is displaceable relative to the guide rail—in order to provide support.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device includes radial hydrodynamic grooves and thrust hydrodynamic grooves forming communicating channels, communicating holes designed to communicate the groove end of the radial hydrodynamic groove on the side opposite the thrust hydrodynamic grooves with the groove end of the thrust hydrodynamic groove on the side opposite the radial hydrodynamic grooves, and a circulation route composed by the communicating hole, the radial hydrodynamic groove, and the thrust hydrodynamic groove. Lubricating oil is circulated by means of a pump force of the hydrodynamic groove. The hydrodynamic bearing device prevents the formation of low-pressure parts from the bearing portion, preventing the accumulation of air bubbles, and thereby preventing the occurrence of oil film breakage at the radial hydrodynamic groove and the thrust hydrodynamic groove.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for radial and axial support of a shaft part relative to a housing includes two radial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part and two axial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part. To create better support, the bearing assembly has an outer bearing ring which is inserted into a hole of the housing and which, made as a one-piece component, has tracks for the two radial antifriction bearings and for the two axial antifriction bearings.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing includes: an oil guide member that opens and closes an annular opening between an outer peripheral surface of a large rib of an inner ring and an outer ring and is mounted on the large rib; and a discharge port that discharges, along the outer peripheral surface of the large rib, lubricating oil and is formed through an inner peripheral portion of the oil guide member. The oil guide member includes a closing portion for closing the annular opening. When a fluid pressure of the lubricating oil which flows through pockets of a cage toward an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring is below a predetermined values, the closing portion closes the annular opening and guides the lubricating oil toward the discharge port. When the fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the closing portion opens the annular opening.

Abstract: A rolling bearing which has at least one heated rolling bearing ring. An electrical heating element is applied with good thermally-conductive contact to a surface section of the heated rolling bearing ring. The heat quantity which can be generated by the heating element is dimensioned such that the heated rolling bearing ring undergoes thermal expansion when heated, which permits the rolling bearing to be mounted on a frame element with the formation of a shrink fit during subsequent cooling.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed with a body mounting flange on its outer circumferential surface. The body mounting flange is to be mounted on a knuckle of the vehicle. The outer member inner circumference includes double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes a wheel hub with a wheel mounting flange formed on one end. A cylindrical portion extends from the wheel mounting flange. At least one inner ring is press-fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. The inner ring outer circumference is formed with an inner raceway surface arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces of the outer member and the inner members. Seals are mounted within annular openings formed between the outer member and the inner member. The inner ring is axially secured relative to the wheel hub by a caulked portion.

Abstract: A lens cover slidably mounted to a lens comprises a main body and two guide plates protruding from opposite sides of the main body. Each guide plate has a plurality of contact portions. Each contact portion includes a plurality of projection strips protruding from a surface thereof and facing the lens.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a first thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with one side of a paper, a second thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with the other side of the paper, and a controller. The first thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on one side of the paper. The second thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on the other side of the paper. The controller is configured to shift the energization times between the first thermal head and second thermal head.

Abstract: An opening-angle restricting device includes a main casing, a cover member, a string member, a take-up unit, and a stopper unit. The main casing has an inner space for accommodating an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium. The cover member is coupled to the main casing via a hinge. The cover member has an inner side that faces the inner space when the cover member is closed. The string member has one end fixed to the main casing. The take-up unit is provided at the inner side of the cover member. The take-up unit is configured to pay out and take up the string member. The stopper unit restricts paying out of the string member when an amount of payout in the string member reaches a predetermined amount, thereby restricting an opening angle of the cover member at a predetermined angle.