With Container Patents (Class 362/154)
  • Patent number: 6960988
    Abstract: A multi-function customer satisfaction survey device, system and method. A plurality of stackable tip trays in a restaurant each include a survey device and a calculator. Survey questions are presented on a display screen, and a survey keypad is used by the customer to enter responses. The responses are stored in a memory in the tray. The trays stack on a base unit that simultaneously collects the responses from the stacked trays, simultaneously programs the stacked trays with survey questions, and simultaneously recharges a battery in each tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Long Range Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell P. Blink, Kenneth J. Lovegreen, James A. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6957897
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the performance of flashlights includes a substantially cylindrical housing (10) having a first end (12) and a second end (14). A battery cap (18) is operatively connected to the first end of the housing and functions to secure a series of batteries in place. A series (30) of light emitting diodes (LED) (32-48) are mounted within the flashlight housing at the end opposite the battery cap. The series of LEDs form an LED array which operates as the light source for the flashlight. A substantially cone-shaped optical assembly (50) extends outward from the second end of the housing and operates to focus and disperse the LED beam emitted by the LED array. The flashlight further includes an adjustable switch (56) disposed on the exterior of the housing. The switch is coupled to a variable resistor (58) which permits control over the light level and/or battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wordell Nelson, Hesham M Elghoroury, Edward J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6945581
    Abstract: An overhead console bin for motor vehicles that allows the interior of the storage bin to be illuminated without illuminating the entire interior of the motor vehicle. This console bin comprises a storage bin, a plunger switch, and at least one lighting source. When the storage bin is opened the plunger switch turns on the at least one lighting source highlighting the interior contents of the storage bin. When the storage bin is in its stowed position, the at least one lighting source is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Eric A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6942356
    Abstract: A rod-shaped light fitting (8) for a showcase, whose length corresponds to the distance between two opposite side surfaces (4, 6) of the showcase which are plane-parallel to one another, comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (12) and can be positioned between the said side surfaces (4, 6) in such manner that the contacts (16) fixed in each end (9) of the rod-shaped light fitting (8) and electrically connected to the light-emitting diodes (12) press against the side surfaces (4, 6) under spring loading and at the same time establish electrical connection with the electrically conductive layer provided on the side of the side surfaces (4, 6) facing the inside of the showcase, the said layers being connected to a current source. Such a light fitting can be positioned in any desired position in a showcase to illuminate the objects displayed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Till Heinrich Hahn
  • Patent number: 6926428
    Abstract: An improved worklight case for carrying and storing a worklight such as a quartz halogen worklight having a protective grill protruding from the worklight face. The worklight may be stored in the case without disassembly of the worklight or removal of the protective grills. A tripod may also be included in the case. The case has a bottom portion including one or more bays, each of which is formed for receiving an individual worklight head with the protective grill in position on the worklight head. The bays are disposed in the bottom portion so that each worklight head rests in its own bay when the worklight is in position in the bottom portion. The various surfaces of the bottom portion are formed to allow space for the worklight base so that the worklight heads need not be disassembled from the base, but rather the worklight may be positioned in the bottom portion as a unit with each head in its own bay. Adequate space is left over for storing the tripod as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Wade Lee
  • Patent number: 6923549
    Abstract: An illuminated message or design is displayed on the surface of an inner container for viewing through an outer container. Light emitting diodes are placed under the outer container, and near its perimeter, allowing the light to be directly introduced into the peripheral wall cavity formed between the inner container and outer container. This allows optimal utilization of the light for lighting the inner container surface generally, and for directing a portion of the light to the inner container's bottom edge for entrapment within the inner container peripheral wall. The entrapped light is transmitted through the inner container peripheral wall until the light encounters a nonconformity that redirects the light outwardly through the outer container. Varying inner container shapes interact with the light and create several distinct light mantles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Dale Hoy
  • Patent number: 6902304
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a stopper composed of a hyaline port, a coupling, a light emitting means, a buffer ring, an embedding port and an insertion. The light emitting means is positioned in a top hollow of the coupling and then embedded into a cave of the hyaline port. An insulated ring surrounding batteries is housed in the lower hollow of the coupling. The coupling can be eventually screwed in the embedding port deposited in the insertion. By screwing the coupling more tightly, a lead beneath the light emitting means can contact with the battery to form electrical conduction, and therefore the hyaline port exhibits fancy or identification effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jing-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 6874906
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical lid fabricated of a translucent material has a top portion having a hollow chamber with a rigid lower wall and an upper wall being formed of a relatively flexible material and a peripheral lower lip portion having a curved central recess. A first chemiluminescent liquid is located in the hollow chamber. An ampule, located within the curved recess of the lower wall of the hollow chamber, is adapted to be broken by a user upon compression of the flexible material. A second chemical luminescent liquid, located within the ampule, is adapted to intermix with the first liquid and fill the hollow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Dorney
  • Patent number: 6869200
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a jack-o-lantern lid mounted candle holder in the form of a shaped rod. The shaped portions of the rod are formed in integrally connecting segments. A candle mount portion, a candle base support portion, a vertical hanging portion, and a lid attachment portion form the candle holder. The rod material forming the candle mount portion is shaped to be substantially circular having one end of the rod overlapping and completing the circle where the candle base support portion begins. The overlapping end of the circular portion allows the user to adjust the compressible, extendable rod firmly to hold candles of different diameters. A candle may be placed within the candle mount portion by extending the candle mount portion outwards to enlarge the diameter of the candle mount portion's circular segment. The candle base support portion has a vertical leg segment that begins at the candle mount portion and extends vertically to a straight edge segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Northwest Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: James P. Graham
  • Patent number: 6863415
    Abstract: A cup pad includes a top part having a recessed area for a cup to put therein and a plurality of first holes are defined through the recessed area. A plurality of second holes are defined through the top part and located around the recessed area. A bottom part is engaged with the top part and an electric power source is connected to the bottom part. A circuit board is sandwiched between the top part and the bottom part. A plurality of first light emitting members are inserted in the first holes and second light emitting members are inserted in the second holes. These light emitting members are controlled by a control chip on the circuit board so as to light up in a pre-determined way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Shang-Kuai Lu
  • Patent number: 6851826
    Abstract: This is a two piece portable illuminating container with both pieces having the ability of being manufactured in various lengths, widths and depths and with a vertical wall of at least 3 inches high. This vertical wall keeps items placed in to it from falling out. The floor of the top unit acts as a diffusing panel to completely illuminate the device when the light assembly is energized. It makes it easy to transfer the unit in its entirety from one enclosure to another. Since this unit is self contained it can be utilized as a free standing illuminated container. It has a battery power and a light source which is activated by an automatic or manual external switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Rose T. James
  • Patent number: 6850767
    Abstract: A transaction tray comprises a surface having a first writing portion, a display screen and communications means for receiving information to be displayed on the display screen, wherein the information which is received by the communications means is received from a source remote from said apparatus. The communications means may be a wireless communications means, a two-way communications means or a hard wired communications means. Further, a transaction tray comprises a tray portion and a hinged lid portion, lighting means associated with the tray portion, a first transparent window is provided in the outer surface of the lid and a second transparent window in the inner surface. A first translucent advertising substrate is displayed in the first window and a second translucent advertising substrate is displayed in the second window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Nicholas Maxymych
  • Patent number: 6846090
    Abstract: A back-lighted clipboard having a transparent writing surface, a light assembly, and power supplies held removably in place on a document storage container by a retaining clip. The writing surface is lighted from below from the light assembly which projects light into the storage container. The clipboard can be easily assembled for use and easily disassembled for storage or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Darryl Smith
  • Patent number: 6846095
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighted wafer cassette for use in semiconductor wafer processing. Also disclosed are systems and methods employing a wafer cassette lighted with one or more affixed light sources for facilitating cassette alignment with standard semiconductor processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Adolphus E. McClanahan, L. C. Coleman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040252490
    Abstract: A trash storage apparatus includes a can, an illuminating element and a driver. The can is used for receiving garbage. The illuminating element is mounted on the can. The driver is used for driving the illuminating element to shine in the dark. The trash storage apparatus may include a lid for covering the can and a pedal connected with the lid. The illuminating element is attached to the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
  • Publication number: 20040246705
    Abstract: A cup pad includes a top part having a recessed area for a cup to put therein and a plurality of first holes are defined through the recessed area. A plurality of second holes are defined through the top part and located around the recessed area. A bottom part is engaged with the top part and an electric power source is connected to the bottom part. A circuit board is sandwiched between the top part and the bottom part. A plurality of first light emitting members are inserted in the first holes and second light emitting members are inserted in the second holes. These light emitting members are controlled by a control chip on the circuit board so as to light up in a pre-determined way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Shang-Kuai Lu
  • Patent number: 6827474
    Abstract: A candle, lantern, or the like, having one or more light pipes. Reception faces of the light pipes gather light from the flame arena, and emission faces of the light pipes emit the gathered light at another location. The other location may be an exterior surface of the candle, or a decorative fixture. Multiple sets of light pipes may come into play at various times during the life of the candle. The reception faces may move as the candle burns, to stay in the flame arena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Owen Clapper
  • Patent number: 6827464
    Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: SuperVision International, Inc.
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Richard Heiner
  • Publication number: 20040240199
    Abstract: An illuminating handle/strap for lifting, pulling, carrying, opening, holding a container and the like is presented. The light source is the handle/strap. Illumination can occur in different ways by aiming the light emitting means. Directions can be: generally, as in all directions; partially, such as down into a container, at what it is attached to, or towards the person using it; specifically, such as at signage on or adjacent to what it is attached to; or in a combination of several directions at once. Different or combinations of light emitting means can be used. The handle can be rigid or flexible. This is a simple cost effective way to increase visibility and safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Lane E. Burnidge
  • Patent number: 6824290
    Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Noda, Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20040212987
    Abstract: An illuminating design housing which may be transparent or semi-transparent is provided wherein a lamp bulb is located at a lower portion of the housing and emits projected light through the housing to provide visual effects and permits location of objects contained within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Chia-Ping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040201982
    Abstract: A container lid includes a top wall covering at least a portion of an open top of a container when coupled to the container. The lid further includes an indicator and a user input that, when actuated, results in activation of the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Cory R. Backes, Janice Meissbach
  • Patent number: 6796673
    Abstract: A restaurant billfold is disclosed with an illuminated signaling beacon for signaling a server that the billfold and payment are ready to be collected. The signaling beacon is mounted on the front of the billfold and includes a pressure-actuating electrical or mechanical switch that turns on and off a light source such as an LED, The light source is enclosed in a housing comprising a bracket mounted on the front of the billfold and a back plate mounted on the inside of the billfold, where the bracket and back plate cooperate to sandwich a front panel of the billfold therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Illuminated Check Presenter LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Dempsey, Robert Lonas
  • Patent number: 6793363
    Abstract: An illuminated coaster includes a base with a body having upper and lower ends and a generally frusto-conical configuration enclosing a compartment. A resilient, insulative sleeve comprising foam rubber, polyurethane or some other suitable material is mounted on the body upper end and forms a container receiver adapted to selectively receive the lower end of a container. A lighting system is located generally in the compartment and includes a power source, such as a battery set. A light source is selectively connected to the battery set through a switching component and can comprise a bulb and socket or an LED, either of which can be mounted below the transparent lens for projecting light upwardly into a container in the container receiver. Modified embodiments of the illuminated coaster include horizontal/annular, helical and vertical ribs located on the inside of the sleeve for engaging a container received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040179354
    Abstract: A light device includes a housing having a bottom panel, a rear wall and a front wall extended up from the bottom panel to form a space in the housing and to receive various objects in the space of the housing. A support device includes a bracket secured on the rear wall, a bar and a socket disposed on top of the bracket, a frame secured on the bar and having an upper fastener. A light member is attached to the socket, and a lampshade includes an upper spider secured to the frame with the fastener. The housing may be formed into various shapes or contours, for decorative purposes, and may be used to receive various objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 6789932
    Abstract: A decorative carrier for Halloween candy and the like employs fiber optic members to carry and emit light to the exterior surface of the carrier. Additional light sources may be positioned about the carrier, and flashing or non-flashing lighting is provided. An audible emission may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Healy
  • Patent number: 6789916
    Abstract: A portable lamp post assembly which comprises a monolithic container and lamp post support, a lamp post attached to the lamp post support, and a fixture attached to the lamp post. The container comprises a bottom, upstanding walls extending from the outer periphery of the bottom, and a boss projecting upwards from the bottom. The fixture may be one or more of several items including a light. The container may be used as a planter or storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Adjusta-Post Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Ruggles
  • Publication number: 20040160770
    Abstract: A single intravenous drip components illumination device containing a source of light that can illuminate IV bags or bottles, drip chambers and tubing. The directed light of the light source provides adequate lighting for use of the invention in unlit or dimly lit settings with minimum lateral scattering. The invention is powered by an external AC or DC power supply and/or by batteries mounted internally to the base of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Joel J. Rodriguez, Richard A. Simmers, Joan O'Donnell, Alejandro Berenstein
  • Publication number: 20040156192
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan Kerr, Steve Hotelling
  • Patent number: 6769783
    Abstract: A visual angle-dependent imaging device comprises a main body; a show window on a front side of the main body, a concave portion within the show window; an inner wall of the concave portion being installed with a three-dimensional concave sculpture with a specific pattern; a lamp seat at a bottom of the main body. The lamp seat is communicated with the concave portion of the main body. A light source is installed on the lamp seat for projecting light to the concave portion of the main body. When light emitted from the light source is projected to an inner surface of the concave portion, the light is reflected from different portions of the concave portion. When a viewer views the three-dimensional concave sculpture from different viewing angles of the show window, the three-dimensional concave sculpture will project to the eyes of the viewer with a different image dependent on the viewing angle of the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Pao Huang
  • Publication number: 20040141320
    Abstract: In an object verifier having a housing and an object holder, an object may be placed in the object holder for observation by an operator. The object is illuminated using a collimated beam of white light that is generated by a light generator. The collimated beam of white light is passed through a beam splitter with the two portions of the collimated beam of white light presented to the object at a 90 degree angle one from the other. The interior of the housing includes a reflective surface for maximal illumination of the object. The observer may view the illuminated object through a viewing window and/or through a magnification window. The magnification window provides for the viewing of the object in greater detail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Joel N. Bock, Ronald R. Erickson, Eliezer D. Sandler
  • Patent number: 6758575
    Abstract: A decorative apparatus comprises a primary container defined by an upper portion and a lower portion. The primary container has an opening defined in the upper portion. A secondary container comprises a cap and a reservoir body extending therefrom. The secondary container is suspendedly disposed within the primary container such that the cap of the secondary container substantially corresponds to the opening of the primary container and the reservoir body of the secondary container extends toward the lower portion of the primary container. A reservoir access aperture is disposed in the cap. A method of manufacture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen C. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20040125597
    Abstract: A container, such as a tool box, has an interior storage compartment and a cover with a light opening therein. A light is mounted within the compartment and is selectively positionable to shine through the light opening or to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment. Preferably, the light is mounted on an articulated hinge allowing movement between a plurality of discrete positions and locks in place in a stored position. The light may be battery operated and may be removable if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: ZAG INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Yehuda Einav
  • Publication number: 20040114352
    Abstract: An illuminated coaster includes a base with a body having upper and lower ends and a generally frusto-conical configuration enclosing a compartment. A resilient, insulative sleeve comprising foam rubber, polyurethane or some other suitable material is mounted on the body upper end and forms a container receiver adapted to selectively receive the lower end of a container. A lighting system is located generally in the compartment and includes a power source, such as a battery set. A light source is selectively connected to the battery set through a switching component and can comprise a bulb and socket or an LED, either of which can be mounted below the transparent lens for projecting light upwardly into a container in the container receiver. Modified embodiments of the illuminated coaster include horizontal/annular, helical and vertical ribs located on the inside of the sleeve for engaging a container received therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6749319
    Abstract: A container having a light operatively connected to a motion detector. The motion detector is attached to the lid of the container and a light is attached to the inside of the container. When motion detector detects movement, the light will automatically turn on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Scott William Muse
  • Patent number: 6739742
    Abstract: Storage apparatus are provided that are configured to be attached to the interior roof of a vehicle. A panel is configured to be secured to a vehicle interior roof and includes an aperture formed therein that is configured to allow an interior light attached to the interior roof of a vehicle to extend therethrough. The cover is configured to be movable between a closed position in face-to-face adjacent relationship with the panel and an open position for providing access to the one or more storage compartments. The cover includes an aperture formed therein. When the cover is in a closed position, the vehicle interior roof light can illuminate the vehicle interior through the aperture and lens in the cover. When the cover is moved to an open position, the light can also illuminate the one or more storage compartments in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F.J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Per Erlandsson, Oivind Nilsrud
  • Publication number: 20040090771
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminated frame for displaying items, including a first compartment, a second compartment, a divider, and an LED light source. The first compartment displays items. The second compartment houses the light source. The divider separates the first compartment from the second compartment, wherein the divider is made of a light impermeable material and has an aperture for allowing light to pass from the second compartment to the first compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Elvis C. Rowland, Maurice L. Porter, Robert C. Henson
  • Publication number: 20040076000
    Abstract: A carrying case such as a backpack includes at least one visible exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. A child-appealing graphic image is disposed on a portion of the visible surface, and a plurality of light emitting diodes are attached to the visible surface at predetermined locations on the graphic image. A printed circuit board having driver circuitry thereon is disposed intermediate the exterior graphic image and the opposite interior surface. A battery module is fixedly coupled to the interior surface and electrically coupled to the driver circuitry to cause the light emitting diodes to blink. A switch (e.g. a tilt switch) is coupled between the battery module and the printed circuit board for controlling the application of power to the driver circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Robert B. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6715902
    Abstract: A light control apparatus for controlling the light level produced by a light fixture. The light control apparatus includes a housing comprising a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space of the housing. A control assembly is positioned in the interior space of the housing. The control assembly is designed for receiving a power plug of the light fixture. The control assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to a power supply whereby the control assembly controls power from the power supply to the light fixture when the control assembly is actuated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Herring
  • Patent number: 6709127
    Abstract: A personal aid including a handheld housing sized to be readily carried by a user. The personal aid further includes eyeglasses coupled to the housing for selective retrieval by a user of the personal aid, a smart card holder formed with the housing and an electronic assistant integrated with the housing. The electronic assistant is linked to the smart card holder in which a smart card is positioned to provide functionality to the electronic assistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Clive S. Lu
  • Publication number: 20040047147
    Abstract: An illuminated message or design is displayed on the surface of an inner container for viewing through an outer container. Light emitting diodes are placed under the outer container, and near its perimeter, allowing the light to be directly introduced into the peripheral wall cavity formed between the inner container and outer container. This allows optimal utilization of the light for lighting the inner container surface generally, and for directing a portion of the light to the inner container's bottom edge for entrapment within the inner container peripheral wall. The entrapped light is transmitted through the inner container peripheral wall until the light encounters a nonconformity that redirects the light outwardly through the outer container. Varying inner container shapes interact with the light and create several distinct light mantles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Dale Hoy
  • Patent number: 6685331
    Abstract: A chemiluminescent device includes an outer container, having an interior surface defining an interior space, and an insert, placed in the interior space, and separated from the interior surface
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Edward T. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 6685334
    Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: G-5 Electronics
    Inventors: Thomas A. Kenny, Raj Chawla, Robert Gilling, Thomas Marquardt, Ernest Pacsai, Carl Szasz
  • Publication number: 20040017683
    Abstract: This is a two piece portable illuminating container with both pieces having the ability of being manufactured in various lengths, widths and depths and with a vertical wall of at least 3 inches high. This vertical wall keeps items placed in to it from falling out. The floor of the top unit acts as a diffusing panel to completely illuminate the device when the light assembly is energized. It makes it easy to transfer the unit in its entirety from one enclosure to another. Since this unit is self contained it can be utilized as a free standing illuminated container. It has a battery power and a light source which is activated by an automatic or manual external switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Rose T. James
  • Patent number: 6682209
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a worklight that is easily and safety transportable. The worklight of the present invention includes a stand which defines an interior cavity. An extendable support or telescopic pole may be attached to the stand. The invention further includes at least one light fixture. The light fixture is sized to be stored within the cavity of the stand. The light fixture also includes a clamp. The clamp is adapted to releasably secure the fixture to the extendable support or telescopic pole. The stand further creates two points of contact with the support surface with the first point of contact being larger in size than the second point of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: George Michael Drake, Raymond Joseph Hiller, Kenneth Earl Ramsey, Ross Alfred Horton
  • Patent number: 6672736
    Abstract: A mailbox includes a housing, a door and a male latch member. The housing has a base and a curved top. The door has a top and a bottom and is hinged to the base of the housing adjacent to the bottom of the door. The male latch member is mechanically coupled to the door and is disposed adjacent to the top of the door. A female latch member is coupled to the housing and is disposed so that the male latch member engages the female latch member. The female latch member has a base portion, a handle portion, a ribbed reinforcement portion and two clip-connector portions. A battery-housing portion is disposed on the top of the base portion. A battery assembly is received in the battery-housing portion and has two electrodes. A lighting assembly is disposed in the base portion adjacent to the handle portion and includes a light emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel G. Waldman
  • Publication number: 20030235054
    Abstract: A portable lamp post assembly which comprises a monolithic container and lamp post support, a lamp post attached to the lamp post support, and a fixture attached to the lamp post. The container comprises a bottom, upstanding walls extending from the outer periphery of the bottom, and a boss projecting upwards from the bottom. The fixture may be one or more of several items including a light. The container may be used as a planter or storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Adjusta-Post Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Ruggles
  • Publication number: 20030223250
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Todd A. Ballen, Michael C. Lea, David J. Lundin, Stephen M. Randall
  • Publication number: 20030201196
    Abstract: A compact disc (CD) jewel box is described in which a multifunction light is positioned within the cavity space defined by the CD storage compartment and the CD support tray. The CD jewel box is illuminated with light from one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by small power supplies or battery cells, using one or more switches that are optionally sensitive to pressure, motion, ambient sound, or light levels. The multifunction light dynamically illuminates the prescribed spaces within the jewel box. A light conducting optical lens is provided to enhance the visual effects by transporting the light as desired. The support tray is constructed from a transparent material, preferably a transparent plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Vinod Kumar Goswami, Vinita Goswami
  • Patent number: 6637909
    Abstract: An adaptable electric accessory system comprising a receptacle having an interior compartment. An illumination assembly comprising at least one illumination panels being mounted on the receptacle in the interior. A power supply assembly includes an accessory power connector for removably connecting to a power input on the electronic device to provide power to the electronic device for operating the electronic device and charging any battery incorporated in the electronic device. A power source assembly includes a rechargeable battery, a battery charger for charging the battery, and a power charging jack for connecting to an external power source to provide power to the battery charger. The power charging jack is mounted on the receptacle in a manner permitting access to the power charging jack from an exterior of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmy H. Bryan