Illumination Patents (Class 297/217.6)
  • Publication number: 20090001789
    Abstract: A panel assembly for a passenger compartment of a vehicle having passenger seating including a seat back is disclosed. A housing is mountable generally above the seat back within the passenger compartment. A light device is coupled to the housing and includes a first body portion and a second body portion being inelastic with the first body portion defining a first pivot axis. An illuminator is mounted to one of the body portions for selectively lighting a desired location over the passenger seating. A hinge is disposed between the body portions and spaced from the first pivot axis with the hinge defining a second pivot axis substantially parallel to the first pivot axis such that the second body portion rotates about the second pivot axis independently of rotation of the body portions about the first pivot axis for providing more accurate positioning of the illuminator to the desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: BBI ENTERPRISES GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Steven G. Brown, Timothy P. Parkin, Jerome J. Ennis, Michael P. Fahey
  • Patent number: 7448680
    Abstract: A chair-side patient communication system for use with a chair having at least one armrest, the system including a display screen and light mounted in association with the chair, a computer system coupled to the display screen; a controller mounted in the armrest of the chair for controlling the computer system to provide access to the information to be displayed on the display screen; and at least one speaker mounted in the headrest of the chair. The system enables a user in the chair to remain stationary while controlling the display of the information via the controller on the armrest of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mark L. DiRe
  • Publication number: 20080246316
    Abstract: A child restraint system is provided for detecting and indicating whether a vehicle seat belt is sufficiently tensioned to secure a child seat onto a seat of a vehicle and whether a child seat harness is sufficiently tensioned to restrain a child within the child seat. The child restraint system includes a vehicle seat belt tension sensor and status indicator and a child seat harness tension sensor and status indicator. The child restraint system further includes an occupant sensor for determining whether a child is seated within the child seat. If the occupant sensor determines that a child is seated within the child seat, the vehicle seat belt status indicator is disabled, thereby preventing the weight of the child from interfering with the proper installation of the child seat onto the seat of the vehicle by applying a downward force to the vehicle seat belt tension sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: David Shaun Carine, Michael Hudswell, David Gardiner Downie
  • Patent number: 7431393
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle mount includes a cushioning device disposed between a saddle member and a seat post and having a pair of frames each of which include a bent portion formed between the upper leg and the lower leg for forming an opening in each of the frames and for cushioning the saddle member, and two gaskets engaged in the openings of the frames for further cushioning the saddle member, a casing disposed between the gaskets, and a light device attached to the casing for generating an indicating or safety light and for allowing the bicycle saddle mount to be seen in a dark environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Chen Hua Huang
  • Publication number: 20080149770
    Abstract: A passenger seat has autonomous electric power generated by a fuel cell system and humidification provided by the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system may include replaceable fuel cartridges and may power electronics such as in flight entertainment, lighting, comfort features, seat adjustments, communications and other features autonomously or under control of the seat occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hansgeorg Schuldzig
  • Publication number: 20080143156
    Abstract: A chair-side patient communication system for use with a chair having at least one armrest, the system including a display screen and light mounted in association with the chair, a computer system coupled to the display screen; a controller mounted in the armrest of the chair for controlling the computer system to provide access to the information to be displayed on the display screen; and at least one speaker mounted in the headrest of the chair. The system enables a user in the chair to remain stationary while controlling the display of the information via the controller on the armrest of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mark L. DiRe
  • Publication number: 20080136230
    Abstract: A personalised reading light (11) for aircraft passenger seats (3) is disclosed. The reading light forms part of a personalised visual display monitor assembly (5) that is mounted to aback (7) of a passenger seat. The reading light is mounted to direct light rearwardly into a space immediately in front of a passenger facing the seat back. In one embodiment the assembly is adjustable in relation to the seat back and the reading light is adjustable in relation to other components of the assembly. Consequently, the direction of the light can be varied considerably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SINGAPORE AIRLINES LIMITED
    Inventor: Sieak Chern Ling
  • Publication number: 20080121774
    Abstract: A drink holder assembly includes a drink holder which is mountable above a tray, such as an airline table tray mounted on the back of an airline chair. Typically, a support extends downwardly from the drink holder and a mounting mechanism connected to the support removably mounts the drink holder on the tray. A reading light is preferably mounted on the drink holder to provide light directed toward the tray. The assembly may include another light so that the assembly serves as a flashlight useful for emergency purposes. The assembly is collapsible to fit within a purse or briefcase. The drink holder may be spaced sufficiently above the tray to accommodate a laptop computer seated on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7347492
    Abstract: A chair-side patient communication system for use with a chair having at least one armrest, the system including a display screen and light mounted in association with the chair, a computer system coupled to the display screen; a controller mounted in the armrest of the chair for controlling the computer system to provide access to the information to be displayed on the display screen; and at least one speaker mounted in the headrest of the chair. The system enables a user in the chair to remain stationary while controlling the display of the information via the controller on the armrest of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Mark L. DiRe
  • Patent number: 7303304
    Abstract: Seating structures having (1) an internal image projector for projecting images on the exterior surface of such seating structures and (2) an internal source of illumination with color changing capability, the effect of which is visible on the exterior surface of the seating structures are disclosed. The image projection technology is powered by a standard AC outlet and operated by remote control. The illumination technology is powered by either an AC outlet or battery and is operated by remote control. An internal or external DVD or other data source may be incorporated for image projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ethos Design
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Patent number: 7293831
    Abstract: A powered adjustable seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a seat, an adjuster mechanism operatively connected to the seat to adjust the seat, a controller operatively connected to the drive motor of the adjuster mechanism to selectively adjust the seat, and a plurality of lights located below the seat and operatively connected to the controller to selectively illuminate the lights upon predetermined conditions. The lights are secured to a moving portion of the adjuster mechanism so that the lights move with the seat. Preferably, one of the lights is positioned to direct illumination in a forward direction toward operator pedals, one of the lights is positioned to direct illumination in a rearward direction toward a rear seat, and one of the lights is positioned to direct light in a lateral direction toward a vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Frederick Greene
  • Publication number: 20070216204
    Abstract: An aircraft seating apparatus includes at least one seating unit and at least one work light unit. The work light unit is arranged in a rear region of the seating unit, thus making it possible to achieve particularly advantageous illumination of a work region of the seating unit. Furthermore, the work light unit may be arranged in the region above a worktable of the seating unit, as a result of which a particularly efficient illumination for the worktable can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7267464
    Abstract: An apparatus for assessing visibility of an anchorage disposed proximate a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly adapted to engage a first anchorage and a laser adapted to project a beam toward a second anchorage. The mounting assembly is pivotable about the first anchorage to adjust an angle at which the beam is projected toward the second anchorage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Schleif, Robert Michel
  • Patent number: 7201444
    Abstract: An infant car seat comprising: (a) a seat adapted to receive an occupant; and (b) an illumination system that includes a focused light emitting source in electrical communication with a switch adapted to be in electrical communication with a power source to illuminate the focused light emitting source and downwardly directing light in front of the occupant proximate a lap region. A method of illuminating a child car seat, the method comprising the step of illuminating a seat portion of a child car seat by at least one of focusing an illumination source and orienting an illumination source to direct light downward onto the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Schimmoller, David M. Amirault, Eric L. Dahle
  • Patent number: 7080919
    Abstract: Seating structures having (1) an internal image projector for projecting images on the exterior surface of such seating structures and (2) an internal source of illumination with color changing capability, the effect of which is visible on the exterior surface of the seating structures are disclosed. The image projection technology is powered by a standard AC outlet and operated by remote control. The illumination technology is powered by either an AC outlet or battery and is operated by remote control. An internal or external DVD or other data source may be incorporated for image projection. The housing of the projection source provides maximum image throw and quality. The internal construction of the seating structure achieves high-quality projected images and maintains comfortable sitting conditions. The housing of the internal light source achieves a high-impact lighting effect. Mini-coolant fans mounted in the seating structure maintain a low temperature within the seating structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ethos Design
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Patent number: 7080886
    Abstract: A headrest (1) for a seat (3), preferably a passenger seat, particularly an air passenger seat, includes at least one tilt adjusting device (27) and one height adjustment device (12) for adjusting the tilt or the height of the headrest (1) relative to the backrest (2) of the seat (3) on which the headrest (1) can be placed. A swiveling axis (28) for tilt adjustment of the headrest (1) is on guiding part (14), while pointing away from the headrest. The guiding part displaceably interacts with a longitudinal guide (13) and, together with this longitudinal guide, is part of the height adjusting device (12). The backrest structure can have a highly simplified design due to the longitudinal guide (13) being an integral part of the headrest (1) and the swiveling axis (28) of the guiding part (14) being fixed relative to the backrest (2), and since the frame of the backrest does not require any reinforcing structures or guide rails for accommodating a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Bauer
  • Patent number: 7021708
    Abstract: A removable backrest assembly for a motorcycle with a rear fender includes a bracket disposed on each side of the rear fender and a backrest connected to the bracket at a top end thereof. The backrest has a shape of a spoiler. The backrest has a front side formed with a back pad and a rear side optionally formed with a brake light or turn signals. The assembly may also optionally include a removable seat for passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Renner
  • Patent number: 6994401
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back frame having a pair of spaced apart side rails. A cover is fastened to the frame and extends between the pair of side rails. A rigid cross member is preferably integrally molded in an upper portion of the cover. The cover and the cross member cooperate to provide structural rigidity to the seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Fischer, Hans Jorg Walk, Volker Schumm, Bernd Rager
  • Patent number: 6916065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating patient chair mounted with an integrated ear diagnosis and treatment unit that controls the position of a microscope 48 and a monitor 50 rotating around the rotating patient chair 30 at a predetermined angle or 180 degrees, the unit including: suctioners 44, 52, a treatment board 46, a blood pressure tester 54 and a manipulating switch box 40 for controlling the diagnosis and treatment tools, and the monitor 50 and the microscope 48 positioned in correspondence with the patient's ears anatomically positioned at 180 degrees to enable the patient to observe all of the treatment processes to the ear parts including the thin, dark auditory canals and eardrums on the monitor 50 installed at an opposite side and to enable the practitioner to explain all of the treatment processes shown on the monitor to the patient and his guardians, thereby improving reliability on the practitioner and the treatment processes and maximizing the treatment effects, and performing diagnosis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ja-Ryoung Park
  • Patent number: 6893028
    Abstract: The Dude Tandem has been developed to assist a companion of a person in a motorized wheelchair or scooter to travel with them at the rear of their vehicle on a seat. It will relieve the companion of any discomfort or fatigue from walking and trying to keep up. The Dude Tandem is a new device, which has been welcomed by the public as a much needed convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Charles Marshall Smith, John Charles Smith
  • Patent number: 6857153
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a head portion, a foot portion, a seat portion, and a light assembly supported by the foot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6854145
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a patient support portion supported by the frame. The patient support portion includes a storage area configured to receive a light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Ruehl, Jeffrey R. Welling, Brian Wiggins, Matthew W. Weismiller, Sandy Richards, Brent Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6428096
    Abstract: A car seat provided with a seat part and a backrest having lighting arranged on the rear side of the backrest whose light is aimed at least essentially downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Achim Reitze
  • Patent number: 6394551
    Abstract: A headrest is tiltably mounted to a passenger side seat and includes a lamp assembly for directing illumination rearwardly and downwardly from a rear surface in the headrest to illuminate the lap area of the seat located behind the passenger seat. The seat can be folded forwardly and the headrest tilted rearwardly to direct illumination onto a work surface located in the back of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. Beukema
  • Patent number: 6367875
    Abstract: An infant carrier is shown that can be used as a rearwardly facing infant car seat either by itself or attached to a separate base support, as a stroller seat, or as a carrier for an infant with an adjustable handle attached between longitudinally opposed ends of the carrier. The separate base support can be belted into a vehicle seat and left in place after the infant carrier is removed. The base support has a vertical portion that rests parallel to the back seat of the vehicle and includes a mirror mounted high enough on the back portion to be visible from the vehicle's rear view mirror when the infant carrier is mounted in the base support. The infant carrier has a handle that can be reciprocated in the axial direction of the carrier to actuate two separate attachment mechanisms for attaching the infant carrier to the base support or to a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Bapst
  • Publication number: 20010002092
    Abstract: A car seat provided with a seat part and a backrest having lighting arranged on the rear side of the backrest whose light is aimed at least essentially downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventor: Achim Reitze
  • Patent number: 6199999
    Abstract: A lighting system for use in areas of low-level lighting, such as a planetarium, theater, museum, or auditorium, which improves visibility of objects without detracting from the overall desired low-level lighting. The lighting system provides a safe and low cost way to illuminate certain areas of a darkened room while maintaining an overall dimly lit environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Science Place
    Inventor: John Leonard Cotton, Jr.