With Or Including Transparent Or Translucent Member Patents (Class 362/223)
  • Patent number: 7481552
    Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. The reflector assembly including at least one longitudinally extending hollow that extends inwardly to a central portion between respective first and second hollow edges. Each hollow has a plurality of longitudinally extending male ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: John T. Mayfield, III, Stephen H. Lydecker, Brian G. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090021210
    Abstract: An illuminated sign, internally illuminated by a source such as one or more LED'S generally located at one end, and having a character panel with at least partially transmissive portions to define the characters of the sign. The character panel is curved so as to face the source more squarely at distances further from the source. By this arrangement, the geometric fall-off of illumination with increasing distance from the source is compensated for by the curvature of the character panel, such that more uniform illumination is provided than with prior art flat panels. Power management systems for solar charged illuminated signs are also described, in which the illumination level of the sign is adjusted according to the ambient solar flux and according to the charge-holding capacity of the battery. The system also warns of the impending end of battery life without interrupting the sign functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Menachem Korall, Zvi Perach, Eliyahu Korall
  • Patent number: 7478941
    Abstract: A flickerless light source comprising a transparent or semitransparent diffuser, a lightpipe with a patterned surface inside the diffuser, and an LED light source attached to each end of the lightpipe is disclosed. The patterned surface of the lightpipe diffuses or reflects light emitted by the LED light sources and through the lightpipe to provide a light with uniform brightness and intensity. The lightpipe is coated with a thin layer of visible-light transparent material which is doped with organic dye molecules. The organic dye has strong ultraviolet light absorption characteristics. By changing the doping concentration of the dye molecules the coating can become total opaque or semi-transparent to certain wavelengths and selective wavelength conversion is obtained. In this way light color, brightness, and intensity can be varied or controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: PIXON Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Rong-Yaw Wu, Ai-Lan Hsu
  • Patent number: 7478920
    Abstract: A backlight in which a reflector is secured to a chassis disposing a mounted substrate mounting light emitting diodes between the reflector and the chassis by a lamp clip for holding lamps and the mounted substrate is connected to a drive substrate outside the chassis and also relates to a liquid crystal display device provided with the backlight and a liquid crystal panel. The backlight and the liquid crystal display device capable to detect colors accurately by blocking light transmitted other than through a transparent part of a lamp clip and prevent light from escaping through fitting holes for the lamp clip into a space outside a chassis are provided. A cover surrounding a photodiode and through holes to transmit light from the clip to an LED drive substrate is disposed between the chassis and the LED drive substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohhei Nanbu
  • Publication number: 20090002978
    Abstract: A linear lighting system has a spinal structure or spine 11 and one or more elongated optical shade assemblies 13 attachable to the spinal wherein the spinal structure can be installed at a job site separately from the shade assemblies. The optical shade assemblies contain all of the more delicate optical components of the lighting system, such as a reflector 19 and diffuser cover 21, and can be shipped and handled separately from the more durable spinal structure of the lighting system, which includes system components such as lamp sockets 15, ballasts 18, and socket and ballast wiring. The spine includes multi-function bracket structures 35, 36, 80 which support the lamp sockets and which allow for the suspension, hanging or mounting of the spine and the joining of spine sections together in a continuous run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Trung Tran, Xiaoping Wu
  • Patent number: 7470038
    Abstract: A diffuser used in a backlight module including a plurality of light sources is disclosed. The diffuser according to the present invention makes a uniform light output. The diffuser includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of optical structures. The transparent substrate has an entrance surface and an exit surface. The plurality of optical structures is disposed on the exit surface, each optical structure is dented from the exit surface to the interior of the transparent substrate and forms a refractive convex within the transparent substrate, and each refractive convex corresponds to one of the plurality of the light sources. The maximum value of the included angle between the tangent to the refractive convex edge and the normal to the exit surface is smaller than 30 degrees, such that an incident light ray from the light sources refracts and deviates from the normal to the refractive convex through the refractive convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ci-Guang Peng, Chih-Lin Wang, Jing-Huan Liao, Shau-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 7455422
    Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. In one example, the lens includes a curved prismatic surface that can be oriented toward or away from the underlying light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Carl T. Gould, John T. Mayfield, III, Gary D. Trott, Christopher L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7452120
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, such features having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein either the length of at least some of the features is less than the width of the film or the first and second sides intersect at an apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Denmark Finance A/S
    Inventors: Junwon Lee, Randall H. Wilson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Stephen C. Meissner
  • Patent number: 7452104
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that effectively filters infrared light from fluorescent lighting and that is easily adapted to typical fluorescent lighting and assemblies. A fluorescent lighting fixture includes a cover for filtering the infrared light from a fluorescent light source of the fixture. The cover includes an infrared filter for substantially preventing emission of infrared light from the fluorescent lighting fixture and a protective layer for preventing damage to the infrared filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Luminator Holding, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard D. New, Sonja Kaye Burgess, legal representative, Robert L. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20080273322
    Abstract: A light includes a light-producing inner tube, and an outer tube positioned around the light-producing inner tube; the light-producing inner tube has electrical terminals at two ends thereof, which sticks out of the outer tube; the outer tube has a light reflecting film on an outer side of a first portion thereof; an inner side of the first portion of the outer tube is processed so as to have a rough and lumpy surface, which can cause light produce by the light-producing inner tube to travel in all directions; the outer tube has a fluorescent layer on each of inner and outer sides of a second portion thereof, which make the second portion of the outer tube more pervious to light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Hua-Hsin Tsai
  • Patent number: 7445361
    Abstract: An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of elongated waved protrusions formed in the first surface, and a plurality of micro-depressions formed in the second surface. Each of micro-depressions has four connecting sidewalls. A transverse width of each sidewall progressively decreases with increasing distance from a bottom surface that is coplanar with the second surface. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsu, Shao-Han Chang
  • Publication number: 20080247171
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp fixture includes a housing (10), an elongate reflector (30) on one side of the housing (10) with two sets of fluorescent lamp sockets (24, 26) extending from the reflector (30) and a refracting lens (52) extending over the reflector (30) and fluorescent lamp sockets (24, 26). A second reflector (44) is positioned to extend across and face the first reflector (30) with two fluorescent lamps (28) mounted between the two reflectors (30, 44). The second reflector (44) includes reflective longitudinal surfaces (46, 48) on either side of the reflector (44) to reflect light from the adjacent fluorescent lamps (28) laterally thereof. The principal reflector (30) is a diffuse reflector while the second reflector (44) is a specular reflector. The specular reflector (44) is mounted to the refracting lens (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: GLENN M. TYSON
  • Publication number: 20080212315
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination system for illuminating display devices, comprising at least one light source, and a light guide for guiding light generated by the at least one light source in the direction of a display device. The invention also relates to a display device provided with such an illumination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Hugo Johan Cornelissen, Albertus Aemilius Seyno Sluijterman, Jean Paul Jacobs, Rolf H. Brzesowsky
  • Patent number: 7419278
    Abstract: A lamp guide holder includes a horizontal part that has a front surface and a rear surface, a fixing part that extends from the rear surface, and at least one lamp holding part on the front surface and having a ring shape. The lamp holding part has at least one protrusion on an inner surface thereof. The lamp guide holder further comprises a supporting part that extends from the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Sung-Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20080192461
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable worklight with two switchable lightsources, comprising a main body, a flexible compound cable, and a lampshade. The main body is disposed with a power supply unit to provide power to a main circuit board, which is coupled with the switch through power cords. The compound cable is connected to the top of the main body and the end of the lampshade, respectively, and is coupled with the switch and the first and second light source modules. The cable is coaxially disposed with a first and a second conductors, between which an inner insulated layer is provided; also, a third conductor is inserted into the inner insulated layer and an external insulated layer is wrapped over the second conductor. The inner chamber of the lamp holder of the lampshade is stackingly disposed with the first and second light source modules. Consequently, the switch may be used to selectingly turn on/off the first light source module or the second light source module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chao Chuan Chien
  • Publication number: 20080165307
    Abstract: A light-guiding member is provided with two light source groups on its both terminals and the light-guiding board comprises two light mixing areas which have a cross section form which is symmetry for its center line, and a light outputting area between these. The light mixing areas function as an area in which the lights from each adjacent light source group are mixed and at the same time function as an area to output the mixed lights from each remote light source group. The light outputting area functions as an area to pass a part of the mixed lights from the two light source groups and at the same time functions as an area to output the rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Masaya Adachi, Tatsuya Sugita
  • Patent number: 7391571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diffusion plate used in a direct-type backlight module and a method for making the same. At least one of the surfaces of the diffusion plate has a microstructure constituted by repeated undulation that can refract and diffuse the incident light beams that enter the diffusion plate. Therefore, the paths of the light beams after entering the diffusion plate are changed, which raises the luminance of the backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Chi Lin Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mao-Song Lee, Hsi-Hsin Shih, Shen-Yin Tsai, Tien-Chieh Chang, Chin-Lung Kuo, Jun-Hong Lin, Shih-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 7384169
    Abstract: A lighting device including a frame, at least one U-shaped fluorescent tube, a diffusing plate, and a prism sheet having a plurality of prisms and being positioned between the fluorescent tube and the diffusing plate with the prism apices aligned in the axial direction of the fluorescent tube. The prism sheet covers the bent portion of the fluorescent tube to eliminate uneven luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Quanta Display Inc., Quanta Display Japan Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Wada, Tomohisa Tajiri
  • Patent number: 7384170
    Abstract: A counter light fixture has a fixture housing with a downward facing reflector and lamp sockets under the reflector, and a window panel hinged to the housing for access to the lamp sockets. The fixture housing is formed as a continuous extrusion including a wiring compartment which extends the length of the housing. The extrusion has a downwardly facing concave top section joined to an upwardly facing concave rear section. The reflector is under the downwardly facing concave top section, one or more lamp sockets are mounted under the reflector, the window panel is supported between opposite end caps of the housing under the downwardly facing concave top section, and the electrical wiring is contained in the upwardly facing concave rear section. The window panel slides away from a closed condition and then swings down to an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Troy-CSL Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Maer Skegin
  • Publication number: 20080123362
    Abstract: An illuminatable dance pole includes a longitudinal internal structural (3) member running the substantial length of the pole, an optical diffusion sleeve (2) of generally cylindrical cross-section encasing the structural member along all or part of the length thereof, and an external optically transparent sleeve (1) such that the external sleeve, the diffusion sleeve and the structural member are fitted for coaxial and contiguous engagement in at least three positions on the circumference of each respective member or sleeve so as to provide a visually transparent and structurally supported dance pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Greg THORNEYCROFT, Grant WHITE
  • Patent number: 7377668
    Abstract: An accent light is provided that easily mounts directly to a linear luminaire across its light-emitting opening and in front of the luminaire's lamp(s). The accent light has one or more mounting devices that easily engage the luminaire. The accent light can be advantageously installed without disrupting a continuous row of linear luminaires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, Paul R. Ford, Long Dam Quang
  • Publication number: 20080117617
    Abstract: A horticultural light fixture for reducing the temperature impact of the light source on growing plants, including a hollow sheet metal tube, having first and second round hollow ends and a cutaway portion on the underside open towards the plants with at least one lamp socket mounted within said metallic tube, locating the lamp over the cutaway portion, further including a reflector mounted within the metallic tube and extending out through the cutaway portion, constructed and arranged to deflect light from the lamp toward the plants, having a transparent portion fittingly attached to the reflector between the lamp and the plants being impermeable to the heated atmosphere while allowing light to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Craig Hargreaves, Darrin McDonald
  • Patent number: 7360916
    Abstract: An under-cabinet lighting fixture includes at least one bulb of less than about 35 watts contained within a housing that is devoid of any dedicated heat dissipation back vents on the back or top of the lighting unit. The lighting fixture has a reflective coating applied to the interior of the housing unit itself, which acts as a mirrored surface to reflect the bulb's illumination. A glass lens is supported by a metal frame that runs around the periphery of such lens and the lens cover itself is connected to the housing by pivoting hinges and is held in place when closed by one or more securing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Sanborn, Frank Tsao
  • Patent number: 7360910
    Abstract: An illuminated sign, internally illuminated by a source such as one or more LED'S generally located at one end, and having a character panel with at least partially transmissive portions to define the characters of the sign. The character panel is curved so as to face the source more squarely at distances further from the source. By this arrangement, the geometric fall-off of illumination with increasing distance from the source is compensated for by the curvature of the character panel, such that more uniform illumination is provided than with prior art flat panels. Power management systems for solar charged illuminated signs are also described, in which the illumination level of the sign is adjusted according to the ambient solar flux and according to the charge-holding capacity of the battery. The system also warns of the impending end of battery life without interrupting the sign functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventors: Menachem Korral, Zvi Perach, Eliyahu Korral
  • Patent number: 7357528
    Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: BJI Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Brent Marsh
  • Publication number: 20080080175
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an improved conductive structure for an LED lamp and comprises: a tube housing having at least one LED unit therein; two conductive structures, which are connected to two ends of the tube housing and electrically connected to the LED; two end bases, which are electrically connected to and fastened on the two conductive structures; and an integrating base, two ends of the integrating base are connected to the two end bases for firmly combining the entire LED lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: George Lee, Arthur Young
  • Patent number: 7347585
    Abstract: A structure of direct type backlight module with high uniform emitting light explores a design of lenticular lens of diffusing plate. The lenticular lens is against the central location of light source, where the light of lamp is scattered and the curvature of said lenticular lens far away light source is enlarged, then to reduce the scatter effect and achieve uniformity. The other lenticular lens also can be designed for light location and distance. Each lenticular lens is against light location, and incident light can be reflected through the angle of microstructure surface at the entrance facet, but farther location can be resulted in total refraction due to large inclined angle, and diminishing the transmission light of light source then influencing the uniformity, finally reducing total reflection of wide angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Entire Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyh Horng Wang, Jen-Huai Chang, Kai-Hsin Li
  • Patent number: 7341361
    Abstract: An auxiliary light source includes a plurality of illuminable light-emitting sources and a plurality of opaque reflectors. A plurality of substantially rectangular transparent lenses are positioned over the light-emitting sources. Each lens includes a plurality of integrally disposed finger portions defining mounting brackets engageable with the mask support rim. The device further includes a central panel secured to the mask support rim by a fastening member and a plurality of flexible rubber seals sandwiched between the panel and the lenses respectively. A control switch and a power supply source are electrically coupled thereto and to the light-emitting sources respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Roy Gagne
  • Patent number: 7341359
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lighting device using a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), which has reduced size and volume and concentrates light from the CCFL, thus enhancing its luminance. The lighting device includes a casing which is open on a surface thereof, thus having an open part, with an ON/OFF switch button which protrudes through a sidewall of the casing and is used to turn on or off the lighting device. A reflective plate is inserted into the casing through the open part, with a circuit board provided on a predetermined position of the reflective plate. A CCFL is inserted into the reflective plate and electrically connected to the circuit board with a cover assembled with the casing and receiving the CCFL between the casing and the cover. A socket is assembled with each end of the casing that supports both the CCFL and the cover, and is electrically connected to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kumho Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Sung Hwang, Han Hur, Min-Su So
  • Patent number: 7338183
    Abstract: The backlight assembly includes a plurality of lamps arranged within a predetermined space having divided valid emitting areas, wherein each of the lamps includes two electrodes and one or both of the two electrodes are formed of a transparent metal, a plurality of power terminals, a pair of power terminals arranged in each of divided valid emitting areas, a plurality of lower supporting units arranged in each of the divided valid emitting areas for supporting the plurality of power terminals, and a light diffusion unit arranged above the plurality of lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Hyun Yun, Yong Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080030983
    Abstract: A halogen light fixture for mounting under a cabinet and over a counter surface, as in a kitchen, has a housing of continuous cross section between opposite end caps adaptable to fixtures of varying lengths. Screw fasteners pass through aligned openings in the housing and the end caps for attachment to the cabinet underside, and spacers integral to the end caps provide for air flow between the fixture and the cabinet. A partition also extending between the end caps provides a closed wiring compartment and some or all of the electrical components of the fixture, including lamp sockets and power switch can be mounted on the partition for ease of assembly and access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: TROY-CSL LIGHTING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Pickett, Maer Skegin, Scott Searle
  • Patent number: 7325941
    Abstract: A backlight assembly having protrusions in a side surface between a side supporter and a cover shield is provided. The protrusions prevent the cover shield from being deformed by an external force and prevent disconnection of a wire between the side supporter and the cover shield. The backlight assembly includes a plurality of light sources; a side supporter having a plurality of U-shaped curved portions which align with and support the light sources; a PCB having a plurality of inverters mounted thereon; a plurality of wires which connect the inverter and an electrode of each light source; a cover shield with an edge for protecting end portions of the light sources and a second edge for protecting the PCB; and an extension formed on one surface of the side supporter opposite to the cover shield edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Soo Kim, Eun Seong Min
  • Patent number: 7322717
    Abstract: An illuminator for a display device is provided on a back side of a display panel, and includes a plurality of rod-shaped light sources each having a length extending in a first direction and having substantially the same length. The plurality of rod-shaped light sources include a plurality of first rod-shaped light sources arranged so as to be substantially parallel and spaced from one another in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of second rod-shaped light sources arranged to be substantially parallel and spaced from one another in the second direction, each second rod-shaped light source being arranged to be collinear with and spaced in the first direction from a corresponding one of the plurality of first rod-shaped light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takata
  • Patent number: 7314295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ceiling light with an oblong light housing. The above comprises a dished upper piece (1), provided with brackets (5), for mounting at least one fluorescent tube (6), fixings (8) and clamps (9), for the corresponding electrical ballast devices and cables and fixing elements for securing the upper piece (1) to a ceiling board (17) and a transparent lower piece (2), provided with detachable clip elements (12), for connection to the upper piece (1). The upper piece (1) and the lower piece (2) are moulded from hard elastic plastic and pivotably connected to each other along a longitudinal edge by means of a so-called integral hinge (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Legat, Didier Girard
  • Publication number: 20070297168
    Abstract: A high-brightness diffusion plate with trapezoid lens applied to a direct-type backlight module is disclosed. The high-brightness diffusion plate with trapezoid lens according to the present invention consists of a diffusion plate and a plurality of trapezoid lens disposed on at least one side of the diffusion plate for improving light efficiency and diffusion effect of the diffusion plate. By the diffusion plate with trapezoid lens, the direct-type backlight module provides better light output as well as more uniform brightness. Moreover, the diffusion plate of the present invention is used in combination with all or part of optical film. The optical film includes brightness enhancement film (BEF), an upper diffuser sheet and an lower diffuser sheet. The diffusion plate is made from plastic. By extrusion, the diffusion plate and the plurality of trapezoid lens are easily processed to form an integral. Therefore, the direct-type backlight module has better light output efficiency with lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Greta Chang, Jen-Huai Chang, Jyh-Horng Wang
  • Patent number: 7311419
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising first and second elongated compact fluorescent bulbs positioned in an upright orientation side by side; a self starting electronic driver circuit operable to start and run the at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs; and first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs to the driver circuit and orienting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs at a predetermined optimum angle with respect to each other such that an enhanced forward emission field is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bljan Bayat, James Newton
  • Patent number: 7311464
    Abstract: An internally illuminated snowboard track for recreational areas or parks which are operated at night is made up of a continuous elongated transparent rail which is supported a predetermined distance above the ground by a base support member, and a light source extends longitudinally and internally of the rail to project light outwardly therefrom. A base stabilizer beneath the support member can either be planted in the snow or anchored to the ground surface in the track system may be inclined, curved, straight or provided with one or more bends. A snowboard ramp may be constructed in the same basic manner to serve as a jump for snowboarders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Craig Swartz
  • Patent number: 7287871
    Abstract: A lightbox and bracket assembly for use preferably as a display at the end of a bank of devices, such as gaming devices is disclosed. The lightbox has an easily removable, magnetically secured cover. The lightbox includes features for reducing display installation time and removing hot spots cause by the light source from the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Digital Sports Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Wiesberg, Steve E. Wiesberg, Mark Wittmeyer, Cindy Lamy, Joseph J. Galati, Jr., Anthony J. Galati
  • Patent number: 7274153
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 7273295
    Abstract: A lighting module comprises a bezel, a lamp and a fixing component. The lamp includes two straight portions and one bending portion therebetween. The two straight portions substantially being parallel to each other. A fixing component includes a main body fixed with the bezel and two C-ring structures individually having two ends connecting with the main body. The two straight portions are individually encircled by one of said two C-ring structures and in touch with the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Shen, Ern-Hoo Then, Chih-Kang Tung, Wen-Hsin Lin
  • Patent number: 7267461
    Abstract: A luminaire comprising a housing having thermally separate compartments for an electronics portion and a lighting portion. These thermally separate compartments can provide thermal isolation between the electronics portion and the lighting portion. The lighting portion comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements and further includes an optical device comprising two linear diffuser elements and can be used to further improve the light emission characteristics of the light-emitting elements thereby providing a directly viewable luminaire wherein the illumination produced by point light sources appears uniform along the length of the luminaire. A power supply for supply of energy to the light-emitting elements and a controller for controlling application of energy from a power source to the light-emitting elements is provided in the electronics portion and can be thermally separated within the electronics portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: TIR Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Kan, Adrian Weston
  • Patent number: 7261435
    Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. In one example, the lens includes a curved prismatic surface that can be oriented toward or away from the underlying light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl T. Gould, John T. Mayfield, III, Gary D. Trott, Christopher L. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20070195523
    Abstract: A backlight module (20), includes a plurality of light sources (24) and an optical sheet (21). The optical sheet includes a light incident surface (211), a light emitting surface (212), and a plurality of inverted rectangular pyramid depressions (213). The light sources are positioned adjacent to the light incident surface. The light incident surface and the light emitting surface are at opposite sides of the optical sheet. The inverted rectangular pyramid depressions are defined on the light emitting surface and aligned regularly in a matrix manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 7249870
    Abstract: A light apparatus has an elongate bulb extending essentially in a first direction. An elongate reflector has a first surface generally facing the bulb and a second surface generally facing away from the bulb. A housing supports the reflector and bulb. The housing has a back portion for mounting the apparatus to a wall. The housing has a lower portion extending forward from the back portion and extending below the reflector and bulb and having an upwardly open channel. The housing has a front element having a lower edge portion accommodated within the channel and extending upward forward of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Electrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon L. Shwisha
  • Patent number: 7241026
    Abstract: The invention relates to light boxes comprising fluorescent tubes, which are used to illuminate display screens with optical valves, in particular liquid-crystal matrix screens. More specifically, the invention is suitable for use in the field of head-up or medium-head collimated displays used on aircraft. The invention consists in improving the photometric properties of said light boxes using a novel fluorescent tube arrangement, whereby said tubes are distributed over several stacked layers. In this way, the number of fluorescent tubes present in the light box is increased and acceptable heating is maintained. The photometric performances of the light box are thus increased while the correct service life of the tubes is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Lescourret, Serge Ediar, Thomas Espaignet
  • Patent number: 7234835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens-arrayed backlight module, consisting of a housing, a plurality of lamps, and a plurality of lens plates. The lamps are disposed in parallel between the housing and the lens plates to provide illuminating rays. The lens plates correspond to the lamps respectively, each of which being mounted at the center axis of the corresponding lens plate so that the illuminating rays provided by the lamps diffuse through the lens plates. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display device using the lens-arrayed backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Szu-Han Li, Yi-Chen Kuo, Hui-Ju Hsu, Chun-Chung Hsiao, Chun-Chien Chu
  • Patent number: 7229192
    Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned and a lens assembly detachably secured to a portion of the reflector assembly such that a lens of the lens assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens assembly. In one example, the lens includes a curved prismatic surface that can be oriented toward or away from the underlying light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Mayfield, III, Stephen H. Lydecker, Gary D. Trott, Carl T. Gould, Kevin Leadford, Christopher L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7229191
    Abstract: In order to provide efficient and uniform up and down lighting an elongated luminaire comprises an elongated concave primary down light reflector, a pair of secondary down light reflectors having slots approximately horizontal with a lamp, and a pair of up light reflectors attached to the secondary down light reflectors opposite the lamp and horizontal with the lamp and slots such that an efficient and uniform illumination across the ceiling surface and the floor area is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Carlton Plunk, Eugene Graff
  • Patent number: 7226195
    Abstract: A compact and cost-efficient lamp assembly includes cold-cathode fluorescent lamps in a variety of edge-lit display sign applications specifically, in edge-lit emergency lighting signs. The lamp assembly includes in one self-contained module a lower housing unit and an upper housing unit shaped to cover the lower housing unit. The lower housing unit is divided into a lower frame and an upper frame disposed on top of the lower frame. The upper frame has at least two inverters disposed within. The lower frame is a parabolic shape reflector frame supporting at least two cathode lamps in line with the two inverters, each of which is connected to each lamp for providing high voltage to power up the lamps. Additionally, an edge-lit panel having a front and back side is disclosed in the present invention. The backside includes a semi-transparent frosted surface with a white opaque lamination glued on the frosted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Radu C. Rapeanu, Viorel Mirica, Zhigang Xing, David Blier
  • Patent number: 7220025
    Abstract: An illumination device comprising: a body member; one or more sources of light aligned on a longitudinal axis of, and lying within, the body member; one or more transparent regions of the body member through which light from the or each source passes when the source or sources are energized; and optical particles such as balls or chips of glass lying in the body member and extending between the or each source and that side of the or each transparent region which is directed towards the inside of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Beadlight Limited
    Inventor: Alan Frank Parker