Patents Issued in July 5, 2011
  • Patent number: 7972007
    Abstract: An image generating apparatus is provided, which has a plurality of image generating optical paths and means for simultaneously deflecting a received plurality of light beams of primary illumination light having coherence properties. The received light beams are assigned to the respective optical paths. The means for deflecting simultaneously optically couples each of the received light beams into a respective assigned optical path and irradiates intermediate faces of illumination units of each respective optical path with the respective assigned light beam. The means for deflecting is configured so that, during the process of irradiating, each of the light beams subsequently in time irradiates different portions of the respective assigned intermediate faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Zoltan Facius, Markus Kamm
  • Patent number: 7972008
    Abstract: An image producing system (1400) delivers images (1414) having reduced speckle by employing one or more drive circuits (1404, 1405, 1406) that deliver both a direct current drive signal (205) and an alternating current drive signal (405) to one or more lasers (1401, 1402, 1403). Specifically, an alternating current drive circuit (403) is used in conjunction with a direct current drive circuit (203) to modulate a drive signal. The modulation can be at a frequency of between 400 MHz and 600 MHz. When lasers, such as the red laser (1401) or the blue laser (1403) of a multi-laser system are modulated in such a fashion, their emitted spectral widths (407) greatly expand, thereby reducing speckle in projected images (1414).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Witold R Teller, Alban N Lescure, Mark O. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7972009
    Abstract: A projector includes: a light source which emits light; an image forming unit which forms an image having desired size by using light emitted from the light source; and a projection unit which projects the image formed by the image forming unit on a light receiving surface. The projection unit has a light diffusing member disposed at a position where an intermediate image corresponding to light released from the image forming unit is formed to diffuse the light, and a projection system which projects the light diffused by the light diffusing member on the light receiving surface. Diffusion intensity distribution of light released from a predetermined position of the light diffusing member contains at least two prominences with the center axis of the light interposed between the prominences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Taisuke Yamauchi, Takashi Takeda, Hidefumi Sakata
  • Patent number: 7972010
    Abstract: A projector that includes: a projector body including an image optical system for image creation and projection, and an image circuit that operates the image optical system; an auxiliary input unit that forms an auxiliary signal for exercising control over an operating state of the projector body; and a distribution unit that transfers the auxiliary signal formed by the auxiliary input unit to the image circuit and an external display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 7972011
    Abstract: An image projector according to the present invention includes a light source for emitting a laser beam, of which the intensity has been modulated in accordance with a modulation signal representing an image to be projected, and a beam deflection section for deflecting the laser beam two-dimensionally such that the image is produced by repeatedly scanning a screen with the laser beam in a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern has a repetitive frequency that is lower than a frame rate of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kurozuka, Hironori Tomita
  • Patent number: 7972012
    Abstract: A projector includes a cooling device for performing cooling of a target object housed inside a housing, a first temperature sensor disposed in an anterior stage of the target object on a cooling path formed by the cooling device inside the housing, and for measuring a first detection temperature in an anterior area of the cooling among peripheral areas of the target object, a second temperature sensor disposed in a posterior stage of the target object on the cooling path, and for measuring a second detection temperature in a posterior area of the cooling among the peripheral areas, and a control device for performing calculation regarding the temperature of the target object from the first detection temperature and the second detection temperature, and controlling the cooling device based on the result of the calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hisamaro Kato
  • Patent number: 7972013
    Abstract: A light source includes an arc tube which emits light, a reflector which reflects the light emitted from the arc tube, and a holding unit which holds the reflector. The holding unit has an air supply port through which cooling air is introduced into the light source on the light emitting side of the arc tube, and a first rectifying portion which guides cooling air having been supplied from the air supply port and passed through the light emitting side of the arc tube toward an area above the arc tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyasu Soma, Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7972014
    Abstract: A scanning projection apparatus for displaying image comprises a light source for generating a light beam, a beam scanner which deflects the light beam to project a two dimensional image field, a modulation means for modulating the intensity of the light beam, and a sensor to detect the scanned light beam. The light source may consist of a plurality of semiconductor lasers and/or solid state lasers to generate light beams with wavelengths of red, green and blue colors aligned into a single light path. The image field is divided into an active image field for displaying image and a dark field in the perimeter of the image field wherein the light beam is switched off to reduce inherent image defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Opus Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Li Hung, Ta-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 7972015
    Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes: a cabinet; a screen which is provided in the cabinet; a display device which is placed inside the cabinet and forms an image; and an optical system which projects an image formed by the display device to the screen and comprises at least one mirror, a supporter for supporting the mirror, and a frame through which the supporter is fastened to the cabinet, all of the mirror, the supporter and the frame being disposed within a single interior space formed by the cabinet and the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-soo Lee, Kee-uk Jeon, Sang-ik Kim, Jae-geun Lim, Jung-hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 7972016
    Abstract: A projector system includes a light source module and an integrator including a light receiving surface for receiving light from the light source module. The light source module includes a number of light sources for emitting parallel light, multiple sets of light-adjusting prisms corresponding to the light sources and a focusing lens arranged near the integrator. Light emitted from each of the light sources is refracted by the corresponding set of light-adjusting prisms, and then focused by the focusing lens to the light receiving surface of the integrator, and forms into a converging light cone with the apex being at the light receiving surface of the integrator. An angle of the light cone is 1/N of a cone formed by the light without being refracted, where N is number of the light sources and is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Tsung Yeh, Chun-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 7972017
    Abstract: An optical element, includes: a diffractive functional layer which diffracts at least part of incident light; and a grid formed on a first surface of the diffractive functional layer, the grid including a plurality of fine wires and having a polarization separation function; wherein the optical element reflects a part of the incident light while transmitting another part of the incident light, the first surface of the diffractive functional layer including: a plurality of first regions; a plurality of second regions, a height thereof relative to a second surface of the diffractive functional layer being different from that of the first regions, the second surface being an opposite surface to the first surface; and a step provided at a border between the first regions and the second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Amako, Daisuke Sawaki
  • Patent number: 7972018
    Abstract: Focus adjustment for a projector which includes a projection lens having an adjustable focus position. An asymmetrically focused pattern is projected through the projection lens onto a projection screen, wherein the asymmetrically focused pattern is imaged by the projection lens onto the projection screen with a focus at one portion on the screen that differs with focus at another portion thereof. An image of the asymmetrically focused pattern is captured from the projection screen. A focus adjustment direction is calculated by using asymmetrical aspects of the captured image of the asymmetrically focused pattern. The focus position of the projection lens is driven in the calculated focus adjustment direction so as to move from an out-of-focus state of the projection lens toward an in-focus state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seyed Behzad Sajadi, Yasuhiro Komori, Hung Khei Huang
  • Patent number: 7972019
    Abstract: An optical device includes a plurality of light modulating devices for forming optical images and a color combining optical device. The optical device includes a first fixed member and a second fixed member for mounting the light modulating devices so as to face light flux incoming end surfaces of the color combining optical device. The first fixed member includes a plate-shaped first base portion mounted to oppose the light flux incoming end surface and having an opening for transmitting the light flux. The second fixed member includes a plate-shaped second base portion having an opening for transmitting the light flux. The first fixed member and the second fixed member are assembled in such a manner that the first base portion and the second base portion are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Kitabayashi, Kazuyuki Iinuma, Nobuo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7972020
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing speckle in projection of images is provided that includes the elements or features of producing a first image and displacing the first image to produce a second image that will reduce speckle relating to the first image when the first image and the second image are displayed on a display medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Terry Alan Bartlett, John David Jackson
  • Patent number: 7972021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window glazing comprising at least two window panes with an intermediate ventilated space arranged therebetween, wherein at least one window pane is provided with a layer which is arranged on the interior side therefore and whose transmission is controllable. More specifically, said invention relates to a multilayer glazing comprising corresponding intermediate spaces in which a sweeping gas circulates, wherein said sweeping gas consists of a mixture of air and other gaseous components in which the sweeping gas content is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Scherer
  • Patent number: 7972022
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Litepanels Ltd.
    Inventors: Rudy G. Pohlert, Pat Grosswendt, Kevin Baxter, Ken S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7972023
    Abstract: An LED lamp cover structure containing luminescent material and its fabrication methods are described. The LED lamp cover is comprised of a first lens cap providing the outer surface of the lamp cover, a second lens cap providing the inner surface of the lamp cover, and an encapsulating layer sandwiched between the lens cap providing the outer surface of the lamp cover and the lens cap providing the inner surface of the lamp cover, which is mixed with luminescent material for wavelength conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nepes LED Corporation
    Inventors: Nguyen The Tran, Yongzhi He, Frank Shi
  • Patent number: 7972024
    Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating device that includes a light source and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is configured to adapt the light source thereon and is capable of being accommodated within a user's mouth. The mouthpiece includes a switch and a power source. The switch is electrically connected to the light source. The power source is electrically connected to the switch and the light source and is capable of providing electrical power to the light source for illumination. Upon receipt of the mouthpiece within the user's mouth and application of pressure on the switch by the user's teeth, the light source is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Bronson DeLeeuw
  • Patent number: 7972025
    Abstract: A light emitting diode device includes a light emitting diode illumination element, a solar cell unit generating power for the illumination element and a rechargeable cell unit storing the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7972026
    Abstract: Housings are described that include snap fittings or connections that can be placed on portions of the housing to allow assembly of the housing in the field, without the need for assembly tools or welding. Reduced assembly time and cost, as well as the reduction/elimination of tooling costs for assembly tools and/or associated hardware can therefore be realized. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include a snap fitting with first and second portions, e.g., male and female portions, including a portion having a tab or clip punched out of a sheet and including a holding protrusion or portion, and another portion having an aperture or depression configured and arranged to receive and be held by the holding portion. Preferred embodiments can be utilized as light pole base covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LSI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Warner, Andrew J. Bankemper, Brian J Orth, James D Francis
  • Patent number: 7972027
    Abstract: The invention is a light kit that attaches to the interior portion of garage door panels in order to illuminate the garage when either the garage door is open or closed. The kit includes a plurality of lights with corresponding mounting brackets, a watt reducer, lighting box, and a spring-loaded electrical wiring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: John D. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 7972028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and tool for optimizing combination of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and to an optimized combination of LEDs. The system and method provide a plurality of LEDs and corresponding specifications. Then, a color temperature and a color rendering index are selected. Calculations are performed for subgroups of LEDs. At least one optimized combination of LEDs having an optimized corresponding luminous flux is identified according to selected color temperature, color rendering index and LEDs' specifications. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a tool for optimizing white light generated by a combination of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Future Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Durand, Muhamad Moussa
  • Patent number: 7972029
    Abstract: A surface mount LED lamp includes a central first section having a flat circular window that provides a direct view window to the source energy and having an angle equal to the total intended output viewing angle of the LED lamp thereby providing a smooth and relatively undistorted output intensity distribution. The window allows the energy from the wide angle LED source to exit the lamp with minimal distortion, creating a smooth generally cosine shaped light distribution through the intended viewing angle of the device. A second outer section has both refractive and internally reflective surfaces for the purpose of collecting the wider output angle light from the LED source thereby adding to the intensity at the outer edges of the distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Bryan Pruss, Patrick Jeffery Condon
  • Patent number: 7972030
    Abstract: A lighting system comprises at least one excitation source (5), preferably an LED, operable to generate and radiate excitation radiation of a first wavelength (?1); a shade (4) configured to at least in part surround the at least one source (5) and remotely located thereto; and at least one phosphor (16) provided in or on at least a part of the shade (4), wherein the phosphor (16) emits radiation of a different wavelength in response to incident excitation radiation. The phosphor can be provided on a part of an outer or inner surface of the shade. Alternatively, or in addition, the phosphor is incorporated within the shade. The lighting system finds particular application as a hanging, a desk, a floor standing, a wall mountable, a spot, an outdoor or an accent lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7972031
    Abstract: The present invention provides an addressable or static electronic apparatus, such as a light emitting display. An exemplary apparatus comprises a substrate having a plurality of cavities; a plurality of first conductors coupled to the substrate and at least partially within the cavities, with the plurality of first conductors having a first and substantially parallel orientation; a plurality of light emitting diodes or other electronic components coupled to the plurality of first conductors and having a second orientation substantially normal to the first orientation; and a plurality of substantially optically transmissive second conductors coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and having a third orientation substantially normal to the second orientation and substantially perpendicular to the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal
  • Patent number: 7972032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting device assembly. Such a LED assembly comprises a plurality of lamp-type light emitting devices, each of said lamp-type light emitting devices having a light output side and side walls. The plurality of lamp-type light emitting devices are directly or indirectly connected to each other via said side walls. The latter allows to obtain a compact LED assembly with high brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Barco N.V.
    Inventors: Karim Meersman, Bruno Devos, Peter Gerets, Katrien Noyelle
  • Patent number: 7972033
    Abstract: An indicator light (10) is provided. The indicator light (10) includes a body section (11), a cover section (12) detachably mounted on the body section (11), a printed circuit board (14) received in the body section (11) and a lamp (13) electrically connected to the printed circuit board (14). The lamp (13) faces the cover section (12) guiding lights from the lamp (13) to the body section (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Chuan-Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 7972034
    Abstract: A laser light source includes: a laser array in which plural emitters are arranged; and a submount having first and second surfaces facing in opposite directions. The laser array is provided on the first surface. A distance between the first surface and the second surface of the submount varies along an array arrangement direction of the laser array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiko Takagi
  • Patent number: 7972035
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus having a pivotable light cartridge for positioning and directing the light output of a plurality of light sources, the light cartridge including an elongated base oriented along the longitudinal axis, a pivot at the opposed first and second ends of the light cartridge along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of light sources, and an longitudinal wall extending from the lateral edge of the base, the wall including a plurality of spaced-apart, radially-extending ribs, each having a distal edge. A rotatable worm gear having a helical thread is positioned in mechanical engagement with a portion of the distal edges of the plurality of ribs, so that rotation of the worm gear with a hand tool effects pivoting of the light cartridge along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LSI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Boyer
  • Patent number: 7972036
    Abstract: A modular louver assembly for a bollard luminaire comprises a louver having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening, a heat sink disposed within the opening of the louver and adjacent the lower surface, a plurality of LEDs disposed about the heat sink on a lower surface of the louver, and, a lens disposed beneath the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: John William Schach, Donald Manuel Perreira, Chris Boissevain
  • Patent number: 7972037
    Abstract: A light fixture, comprising a matrix, a plurality of electrical sockets fixedly secured to the matrix and forming a rigid matrix of electrical sockets electrically interconnected in two dimensions. One or more light emitting diode modules are individually removable and replaceable within any individual electrical socket within the matrix. Each individual light emitting diode module includes a base and a light emitting diode, wherein the base is configured and arranged for fitted electrical engagement within the electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7972038
    Abstract: A direct view LED lamp (10) comprising: a heat sink body (12) having a longitudinal axis (14) and a wall (16) having an exterior (18) and an interior (20). A cavity (22) is formed in the interior (20) and is defined by a circumferential side wall (24) and a back wall (26). A circuit board (28) is positioned in the cavity (22) adjacent the back wall (26). At least one LED (30) is mounted on the circuit board (28) facing in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (14) and away from the circuit board (28). An optical light guide (32) is positioned adjacent the at least one LED (30). A housing (42) spans the cavity (22) and has a coupling face (44) to mate with the heat sink body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Kim M. Albright, Thomas Tessnow
  • Patent number: 7972039
    Abstract: A light guiding diffuser used for assembling with a light emitting diode module to form an illuminating light source. The light guiding diffuser includes an elliptical ring-shaped base portion and a convex portion extended from a surface of the base portion and formed a space with the base portion for accommodating the light emitting diode module. The convex portion has a cross section which has a minimum thickness in a center thereof and the thickness of the cross section continuous increases from the center toward the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Gem-Sun Technologies Co., Ltd, Stonlite Discrete & Opto Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Fong-Yuan Wen
  • Patent number: 7972040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lighting assemblies and more particularly to light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs comprising a support for one or more LED lenses, which can be used to position and support the lenses within the lamp housing and which facilitate assembly of the light bulbs during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: Virginia Optoelectronics, Inc., Foshan Nationstar Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. Corp.
    Inventors: Qing Charles Li, Yangcheng Huang, Haijun Wang, Cuie Wei, Guohong Huang
  • Patent number: 7972041
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) package includes a base, a body and several LED chips. The body having an end surface is disposed on the base. A peripheral recess is formed in the end surface. The LED chips are disposed on a bottom of the peripheral recess for providing sidelight of the LED package. The LED package is connectable to a light guide pipe including a column having an external circumferential surface and an internal reflection surface, and a plurality of prism structures disposed between or on at least one of the external circumferential surface and the internal reflection surface for scattering light received by the light guide pipe from the LED package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Pin Hung
  • Patent number: 7972042
    Abstract: A light guide is a quarter of cylinder in shape and includes a cylindrical emitting surface, an incident surface adjacent to and facing away from the cylindrical emitting surface, and a connecting surface connecting the cylindrical emitting surface and incident surface. The light guide defines five a number of grooves in the incident surface. Each groove is bounded by two surfaces. The inclined angle of the two surface is designed to satisfy a set of conditions to improve light uniformity of the cylindrical emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mei-Chun Lin, Chun-Hsiang Huang, Kuang-Wei Lin, Kuan-Ting Chen, Hsin-Tsung Yeh, Wei-Hsiu Chang
  • Patent number: 7972043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a built-in light fixture to be fitted in a suspended ceiling or similar, with a mounting ring (4) insertable into an opening in the ceiling and fixable by holding elements (6) and a light unit (3) which is attached in particular releaseably to the mounting ring (4), wherein fixed to the mounting ring (4) is a support frame (13) which defines a mounting space for the light unit (3) and has on its upper side facing away from the mounting ring (4) attachment means (18) for fixing the light unit (3) onto the support frame (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: BA*RO GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Schutte
  • Patent number: 7972044
    Abstract: A light fixture for use as a horticultural and agricultural grow light fixture, which includes a fixture housing, end panels disposed in the open ends of the housing, each of which includes a duct opening and a duct connector disposed in the duct opening. A specular insert is installed in the interior of the fixture housing and includes sides spaced apart from the sides of the fixture housing such that a cooling and insulating airspace is defined between the specular insert and the housing. Both the housing and specular insert are mounted on a base, and the fixture bottom opening is covered by a lens. In the preferred embodiment, an adjustable light socket assembly is positioned in one of the duct connectors. Finally, the assembly includes a adjustable vent hole cover mounted in each of the duct connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Burkhauser
  • Patent number: 7972045
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control system includes an imaging sensor and a control. The control processes data from the imaging sensor and generates at least one control output. Selection of a high beam state and a low beam state for a vehicle headlamp is responsive to the control output, and is determined responsive to a detection of an object of interest. The control is responsive to a signal indicative of a vehicle speed of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed level. The control is responsive to data indicative of a vehicle trajectory of the controlled vehicle, and inhibits adjustment of the vehicle headlamp from a low beam state to a high beam state when a radius of curvature of the vehicle trajectory is below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 7972046
    Abstract: A lighting device of the present invention includes: a first reflecting surface which is an elliptical reflecting surface; a semiconductor-type light source which is disposed at a first focal point of the first reflecting surface; and parabolic reflecting surfaces for controlling reflected light from the first reflecting surface and reflecting the controlled reflected light on a road surface, as predetermined light distribution patterns. The parabolic reflecting surfaces are a plurality of reflecting surfaces which are longitudinally divided into three sections. As a result, longitudinal steps are formed among the three parabolic reflecting surfaces that are longitudinally divided. Thus, if the reflected light from the first reflecting surface is incident to the longitudinal steps, the incident light is reflected in the lateral direction, i.e., in the transverse direction at the steps. In this manner, vertical stray light can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7972047
    Abstract: A headlight unit having a virtual pivot center provided at a position different from a supported position to a vehicle body. Two, upper and lower headlight supporting portions spaced apart from each other are provided at a rear portion of a headlight unit The upper headlight supporting portion on each side includes a guide shaft formed on a support member of a radiator cover and a groove formed on an upper base portion of the headlight unit. The lower headlight supporting portion on each side includes an elongated hole formed through the support member of the radiator cover and a bolt threadedly engaged with a lower base portion of the headlight unit. The guide shaft and the bolt slide in the groove and the elongated hole, respectively, for performing the swing motion of the headlight unit about the virtual pivot center C to perform an adjustment of an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shiokawa, Koji Aoki
  • Patent number: 7972048
    Abstract: A window mounted solar powered night light has a structural attachment fastener, a lighting module; and a holder for attaching the lighting module to the attachment fastener. The lighting module includes a light emitting diode, a rechargeable battery, a solar cell for recharging the battery, and a switch for turning the light emitting diode on and off. A housing maintains the various elements of the lighting module in circuit communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Sarah Jane Lamborn
  • Patent number: 7972049
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device is provided, and includes a mount member, a semiconductor-type light source, a reflector, and screws. Mounting boss portions in which the screws are to be threaded are provided at the mount member. At the reflector, through holes into which the screws are to be inserted are provided for the mounting boss portions. A hollow axle portion, which rotatably engages with one of the mounting boss portions from the outside, is provided at an edge of one of the through holes of the reflector. As a result, this vehicle lighting device allows the reflector to be mounted on the mount member having the semiconductor-type light source mounted thereon, without the semiconductor-type light source and the reflector interfering with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Sugie
  • Patent number: 7972050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display apparatus with a display unit, having means for background lighting at the back of the display apparatus. According to the invention, the means for background lighting comprise two illumination units being provided at the right-hand and left-hand of the display apparatus, said illumination units being formed as substantially vertically positioned, longitudinal light guides comprising means for coupling out light, each of the light guides being provided on at least one of its ends with a light source. The light sources preferably comprise coloured LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Theodorus Franciscus Emilius Maria Overes, Johannes Petrus Cornelis Maria Verhagen
  • Patent number: 7972051
    Abstract: Described are a backlight, a backlight assembly for use in an electronic device and an electronic device configured to activate the backlight's first light source and to activate the backlight's second light source independently of one another. The described double-sided backlight may illuminate either the primary display or the secondary display. The disclosed backlight includes two light sources, each used to direct light in opposite directions from the double-sided backlight. The light guide of the backlight is configured to direct light from the first light source in a first direction to exit the light guide via its first face, and to direct light from the second light source in a second direction different from the first direction to exit the light guide via its second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wang, Sen Yang, Zhiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 7972052
    Abstract: A backlight unit including a light guide panel which has opposite upper and lower faces, and guides light, introduced into an inside thereof, between the upper and lower faces through internal reflection, and a prism sheet which collects and transmits the light, introduced from the light guide panel, and has, on its surface, a plurality of prism patterns, each having a first main inclined face, to which light introduced from the light guide panel is incident, a second main inclined face having a curvature or a plane which reflects light incident from the first main inclined face, and two auxiliary inclined faces which are opposite to each other between the first and second main inclined faces, and define a side face of the prism pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-Ha Park
  • Patent number: 7972053
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus provided in the form of a bulb for use in a solar lantern or other electrical device. The lighting apparatus includes a hollow light guide with a light reflective layer on the inside. A first and second light source such as an array of LEDs, LECs, etc. is positioned at opposite ends of the hollow light guide such the light emitted by the light sources is directed through the light guide between the inner and outer sidewalls thereof. The first and second light source are connected to a power source such as a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Kiran Hatti, Srinivasa Jammalamadaka
  • Patent number: 7972054
    Abstract: A lighting assembly that has a light fixture and an LED light module is provided. One or more resilient members generate a compression force when the LED light module is removably coupled to the light fixture to thereby exert a generally axial force on the LED light module to resiliently maintain the LED light module in resilient contact with the light fixture or socket of the light fixture to thereby resiliently couple the LED light module to the light fixture or socket of the light fixture. One or both of the LED light module and light fixture have one or more engaging members that extend radially from a circumferential surface thereof, and one or both of the LED light module and the light fixture have one or more slots configured to removably receive the one or more engaging members therein when coupling the LED light module to the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Journée Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton Alexander, Brandon S. Mundell
  • Patent number: 7972055
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lextron, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Adent, Steve R. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7972056
    Abstract: A countertop apparatus dispenses hair coloring, developers and bleach in specified quantities and mixes them, substantially reducing the manual labor involved in performing such tasks. A housing has an upstanding back wall and a bottom wall. A plurality of hair color tube stations is mounted on a forward side of the back wall and a hair color tube squeezing device is positioned at each hair color tube station. The hair color tube squeezing device includes a pair of confronting rollers that engage the trailing end of an inverted hair color tube. A plurality of developer reservoirs and a bleach hopper are also mounted to the apparatus. First and second mixing bowls receive and mix hair coloring and developer at first and second stations, and a third mixing bowl receives and mixes bleach and developer at a third station. Operation of the apparatus is keypad-controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jean Lontoc