Combined Patents (Class 362/234)
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Patent number: 7186003Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
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Patent number: 7168822Abstract: A reconfigurable illumination system for illuminating an object, and associated method. The illumination system comprises a cylindrical diffuser having a longitudinal aperture, a linescan camera positioned for having a direct line of sight to the object through the aperture of the diffuser, a base, and an illuminator supported on the base and positioned between the diffuser and the object, wherein the illuminator is selectively reconfigurable in a plurality of configurations, each configuration corresponding to a manufacturing process that requires visual inspection of the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the Univeristy of MichiganInventors: Gil Abramovich, Zachary Warlick, Yoram Koren
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Patent number: 7163308Abstract: For hand signal enhancement, a reversible, flexible illuminated framework, for wearing upon the human hand or over gloves. Emanating from a wrist cuff, the framework comprises four or more rope light type LED illumination elements, that provide constant on, flashing, or sequential illumination, a battery pack upon the wrist cuff, an index finger mounted switch unit; the rope light is capable of various color illumination through use of waterproofed colored or clear translucent sheaths, the light elements are connected together with a web strap midway along the length of the light elements; fabric fingertip caps terminate the light elements and hold the light elements inline with the fingers of the hand; a Velcro band upon the light elements at the first finger joint of the index and the ring fingers keeps the lighting elements from rotating upon the fingers during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Inventors: John S. Ferrari, Dale C. Sommers
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Patent number: 7147338Abstract: A curved surface, such as a helmet, including a light source and light conductive paths. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) provide the light source and fiber optic conductors provide the light conductive paths. The fiber optic conductors have polished ends to create lenses. A microprocessor or other logic, powered by a battery, can control the LEDs, possibly of different colors, to generate various colors or patterns for display. The components, including the microprocessor, battery, and light source, can be contained with a breakaway compartment in the helmet. The battery can include light rechargeable batteries positioned in the top of the helmet shell. The fiber optic conductors can be attached to or molded into the helmet shell so that the light traveling through them is visible and creates particular light patterns for display or is fully focused to the ends.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Kent Gregg
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Patent number: 7121686Abstract: A candle light-diversifying device is mounted at a bottom side of a candle which includes a tunnel running through an imaginary central axis thereof, and a candlewick received in the tunnel. The candle light-diversifying device includes a housing having three through holes and an insertion hole; a light-emitting module mounted inside the housing and having a power source, a control circuit, three illuminants, and a photosensitive element, the three illuminants running through the through the three through holes to be exposed outside the housing for emitting red light, blue light, and green light respectively, the photosensitive element having a concavity formed at a top end thereof; and the optical fiber having a spherical portion formed at a bottom end thereof and fixedly mounted in the concavity to be received in the tunnel of the candle. Thus, the candle light-diversifying device enables the candle to emit colorful light.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Paul Chu
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Patent number: 7121697Abstract: An illumination device comprises a rotating member secured to a hub of a fan of a computer having a transparent case and including LEDs, a receptacle formed above a center, the receptacle including a projected head and an internal electromagnet, control circuits each for periodically controlling an on or off of one or more of the LEDs, a coil of wire surrounded by the electromagnet, and positive and negative terminals; and a fixed member secured to the fan and including a central slot snugly coupled to the head for fastening the receptacle and the fixed member together. Turning on the computer, the fan, the rotating member, and the coil of wire will rotate so as to cut magnetic lines across a space defined by the electromagnet, induce a voltage in the terminals, and illuminate or flash the LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Sam Hsu
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Patent number: 7121676Abstract: An illuminated protective headgear (10) has an inner core (11) of resilient cushioning material with cavities (18a, 18b, 19a, 19b), an outer shell (12) with portions overlying said core (11) with windows (13) that are clear to translucent or open and are of graphical configuration disposed on opposite sides of the headgear (10), and a power circuit supported by said inner core with lighting panels (44) having light sources (21–23, 25–27, 21a–23a, 25a–27a) disposed in the cavities (18a, 18b) so as to be viewed through a respective window (13), and timing circuitry for timing the on-off sequence of the lights, so as to create an effect of motion of the illumination within each window (13). Several embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Mark Kutnyak
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Patent number: 7118247Abstract: The object of the invention is a structure for locally illuminating a roulette wheel, particularly an automatic or electronic one. The structure consists of a support (4) which in conjunction with a spacer ring (5) forms a slit (9), wherein a band (7) with lamps (8) is mounted. On the inner periphery along the spacer ring (5) there is an optical ring (10). A cover 6is placed over the band (7), the lamps (8), and the ring (10) in such a way as to rigidly fix them.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Elektroncek d.o.o.Inventors: Ivo Zavbi, Urban Bergant, Joze Pecenik
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Patent number: 7108388Abstract: An outdoors umbrella includes a supporting frame and a lighting arrangement. The supporting frame includes a supporting stem and a parasol frame, which is supported by the supporting stem, comprising a plurality of elongated awning ribs radially extended in a pivotally movable manner and a shading awning substantially supported by the awning ribs to define a shadowing area thereunder. The lighting arrangement includes a plurality of illumination holders provided along the awning ribs respectively, a power supply system mounted on the supporting frame and a chain illuminating system, which is electrically connected to the power supply system, comprising a plurality of chain lighting units alignedly held by the illumination holders along the awning ribs for illuminating the shadowing area.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Wanda Yiing Li
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Patent number: 7109664Abstract: This invention concerns a LED light which emits blaze-like radiance comprising a negative prop stand, with one end extending to a negative receiver which can connect to the negative power supply, a positive prop stand with one end extending to a positive receiver which can connect to the positive power supply, a first chip and a second chip established on the negative prop stand, and the first chip is linked to the positive prop stand by a first gold wire, a flicker IC chip established on the positive prop stand, and has the function of continuous linking and breaking of the circuit, the said flicker IC chip is linked to the negative prop stand and the second chip each by a second gold wire and a third gold wire, a plastic sealing cover which covers the interior of the negative prop stand, the positive prop stand, the first chip, the second chip, and the flicker IC chip.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Tsu-Yeh Wu
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Patent number: 7108397Abstract: Disclosed is a string lamps device that is composed of a plurality of illuminate devices through series, parallel, and series and parallel connection. At least one of the illuminant devices is function type illuminant device, in which a default control device is provided inside the lamp holder. The control device can bring radial transition effect separately, and exhibit special radial transition effect when plugged into a pre-determined modeling frame together with other illuminant devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
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Patent number: 7104667Abstract: The present invention provides the lighting, electrical components, wheels, legs, and structure to modify a barbeque grill for night use and movement. The present invention attaches lights through the lid of a grill. Wiring connects the lights to the electrical system of a vehicle or truck. Upon the body of grill, the present invention installs legs with wheels and safety devices. The legs fold during transport and otherwise unfold for pushing the grill. The body also has reflectors to identify the grill. A cook checks food under the lid illuminated by the lights, pushes the grill upon wheels, and relocates the grill when mounted upon a trailer hitch.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Erroll D. Keller
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Patent number: 7101049Abstract: The invention is directed to downsized projector optics and projector both of which employ an LED light source attaining the enhanced efficiency of the quantity of the emitted light. The projector optics and the projector respectively include, in position, a polygon-based conical polyhedron prism of which reflection surfaces are opposed to the LED light source; a light tunnel, a PS converting element, a polarized beam splitter and a LCOS all of which are provided in the optical axis of the reflected light from the polygon-based conical polyhedron prism; and a projection lens placed in the optical axis of the transmitted light from the polarized beam splitter.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Tamron Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mikio Shindoh
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Patent number: 7090357Abstract: High pressure mercury arc lamps are commonly used as the illumination source in many projection systems. Such lamps may be deficient in either output power or spectrum, and so it is desirable to combine the light from the lamp with light from a second light generator. The second light generator may be another mercury lamp or a solid state source, such as one or more light emitting diodes. Different ways of combining light from two light generators are described. The second light source may be an arrangement of a number of red LEDs that supplements the red light produced by the mercury light. A tunnel integrator may be used to homogenize the combined light beam and to reduce the angular separation between the light beams from the two light generators.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Simon Magarill, Boris Ardashnikov, R. Edward English, Jr.
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Patent number: 7052156Abstract: A combination artificial tree-lighting arrangement including a generally elongated tree trunk. The combination also includes a plurality of connecting components mountable on the tree trunk and a plurality of display components mountable on the connecting components. Each display component has tree limbs and lighting cables extending therefrom. The lighting cables are provided with decorative lights. An electrical circuitry connectable to an electrical power source is attachable to the connecting components. The electrical circuitry includes a connecting component-to-light coupling arrangement for electrically coupling the connecting components to the decorative lights. The connecting component-to-light coupling arrangement allows the display components to rotate relative to the connecting components about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the trunk longitudinal axis while maintaining the electrical coupling between the connecting components and the decorative lights.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Sylvain Primeau
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Patent number: 7052167Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In an exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. The therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is positioned on the user's body. The therapeutic device can further include a massager and/or an adhesive bandage strip for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Carl R. Vanderschuit
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Patent number: 7040777Abstract: An electric lamp, which has a long-life focus lamp, a long-life cold cathode lamp, a long-life siren lamp and a siren for asking for help. The lamp body has an inner chamber with a focus lamp unit chamber disposed at its upper end, a cold cathode lamp unit chamber at the front end of the lamp body and a flash lamp unit chamber at the back end of the lamp body. An electric source circuit is accommodated in the inner chamber of the lamp body and the siren is operable by a hand-held rope.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Se Kit Yuen
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Patent number: 7040780Abstract: A non-lethal laser weapon having a base to which a number of lasers are mounted. The lasers include a first laser oriented to project a first laser beam in a first direction, and a second laser oriented to project a second laser beam generally in the first direction. The first laser beam and the second laser beam overlap at a first distance from the base, to thereby form separate first and second first-order illumination zones before the first distance, and a first second-order illumination zone beyond the first distance. Additional lasers may be included in one-, two-, and three-dimensional patterns to create additional illumination zones.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: General Dynamics Armament And Technical productsInventor: Matthew D. Diehl
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Patent number: 7036949Abstract: A ceiling fan is disclosed having a motor (14), a radial array of fan blades (16) coupled to blade irons (18) mounted to the motor (14), a translucent motor housing (24), and a frame (20) positioned concentrically around the motor housing (24). The frame (20) and motor housing (24) connect to a plate (32) having a series of light sources (40) mounted to the plate (32) inboard of the motor housing (24) to illuminate the motor housing (24).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Hunter Fan CompanyInventors: Hadi Srass, William F. Ulewicz
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Patent number: 7033060Abstract: A method for using LEDs to supplement natural light in a greenhouse and a support structure for attaching LEDs in a greenhouse so that the plants receive substantially even light distribution from the LEDs and minimal natural light is blocked by the lighting system. A narrow attachment rail is used to suspend a strip of LEDs from the frame structure of the greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: GELcore LLCInventor: Eden Dubuc
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Patent number: 7029145Abstract: One or more strings of decorative lights are supplied with power by converting a standard residential electrical voltage to a low-voltage, and supplying the low-voltage to at least one pair of parallel conductors having multiple decorative lights connected to the conductors along the lengths thereof, each of the lights, or groups of the lights, being connected in parallel across the conductors. A string of decorative lights comprises a power supply having an input adapted for connection to a standard residential electrical power outlet, the power supply including circuitry for converting the standard residential voltage to a low-voltage output; a pair of conductors connected to the output of the power supply for supplying the low-voltage output to multiple decorative lights; and multiple lights connected to the conductors along the lengths thereof, each of the lights, or groups of the lights, being connected in parallel across the conductors.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Integrated Power Components, Inc.Inventor: W. Richard Frederick
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Patent number: 7029146Abstract: An electric lighting device created for use as a safe, long lasting, authentic looking alternative to a flame bearing candle. This electric ‘candle’ being made from real candle wax, or hollowed out candles with the wicks removed. The ‘candle’ can be scented or colored, and the glow is authentic and pleasing being viewed through real candle wax. Miniature lamps suspended in a clear or yellowish heat resistant medium provide the source lighting. The glow of the artificial flame is color and volume-of-output matched to that of a real flame and realism is added by simulated flame movement with the use of an adjustable oscillator circuit hidden inside the candle. This flameless ‘candle’ can be used safely unattended, and is realistic in that real candle wax, or real used candles, are used for the body of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Edward F. Kitchen
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Patent number: 7025478Abstract: An illuminable apparatus including a thematic structure configured with an operably closed chamber and defining an opening extending between an exterior of the structure and the operably closed chamber. A light source is arranged within the operably closed chamber of the structure, and an electric circuit operably connects the light source to a power source to allow the light source to provide luminescence viewable through the opening in the structure. The electric circuit includes a sensor for sensing motion of air passing through the opening in the structure, and further includes a light source control apparatus connected to the sensor for controlling the luminescence provided by the light source. The light source control apparatus is configured to change the luminescence provided by the light source when the motion of air is sensed through the opening in the structure. A method of operating such an illuminable apparatus to produce controlled levels of illumination is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: Ronald R. Reinecke, Jayne A. Reinecke
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Patent number: 7021789Abstract: 1. A lighting device (2) having a light housing (6) including a light source (42, 44), said light housing rotatably connected to a body, said body having a rotatable connection means (22) to allow the light housing to be adjacent said body to define a narrow space (90) accessible in a base to top direction. 2. A lighting device (2) having a light source (42, 44), a tubular lens (40, 50) surrounding said light source, a reflector (56) cooperating with an end of said tubular lens opposite to said light source. 3. A light housing (6) or a method of assembling a light housing (6), said light housing having a first side and a second side, a first side having a mounting spigot (52, 54), a second side having an aperture (62, 63), a tubular lens (48, 50) can pass through the aperture so that one end of the tubular lens is received in the mounting spigot, said aperture and said mounting spigot being in alignment.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: David R. Dalton, Angelo Kotsis, John Robert Brown
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Patent number: 7021802Abstract: A boat light apparatus is comprised of a navigation light and a detachable docking light. The navigation light is comprised of a navigation light housing with a low power navigation light lamp behind a lens. A socket is positioned at the top of the navigation light housing. Electrical connectors are positioned inside the socket. A detachable docking light for mating with the navigation light is comprised of a docking light housing with a high power docking light lamp inside. Docking light housing is hinged to the top of a mounting post for positioning inside the socket in the navigation light. Electrical connectors are positioned at the bottom of the post for mating with the connectors inside the socket. Navigation light lamp and docking light lamp are connected in parallel for connecting to the navigation light switch in a boat. A step relay is connected between the docking light lamp and the navigation light switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Jeffrey L. Wyatt
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Patent number: 7014338Abstract: A spray booth has an enclosure structure, a ventilation system and overhead lighting. An upper region of the structure defines an air inlet plenum. Air exits the inlet plenum into the work area of the booth through an array of filter elements. The resistance to airflow of the filter elements may be tuned to encourage non-uniform airflow in the workspace, and, in particular, to create a proportionately large inflow in a central region, and a flow near the walls. Part of the inflow may be located outboard of the overhead lighting assemblies, and part of the inflow may be located inboard of the lighting assemblies. The overhead lighting assemblies may be spaced apart by a distance that may be greater than the width of objects to be coated in the spray booth, and the lighting assemblies may be canted inward at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal, such that the wash of light from the spaced apart light sources may tend to be convergent.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Global Finishing Solutions Canada, Inc.Inventors: Carlos F. Pippa, Allan C. Day, John Marcinkowski
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Patent number: 6984057Abstract: A sound, light and storage system which includes a sound and light module that may be placed adjacent to a bed, couch or other furniture. Various speakers and lights are provided on the sound and light module. The speakers may be connected to various entertainment or other equipment including televisions, video players, compact disk (CD) players, digital video disk (DVD) players, radios, computers and/or stereo systems, for example. The lights, as well as the speakers or the entertainment or other equipment to which the speakers are connected, may be wired to a control panel provided on the sound and light module to enable a person lying or sitting on the bed or couch convenient control of the lights, speakers and/or equipment. Alternatively or in addition, the lights, speakers and/or equipment may be connected to a remote control module and/or wireless control device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Theresa L. Rogers
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Patent number: 6976763Abstract: A margin highlighter is fixed to a strip curtain-holding apparatus and positioned adjacent to one of the lateral or upper margins. The margin highlighter including a luminescent agent in sufficient concentration to provide a visible light emission in the event of lighting failure, the luminescent agent having a color in the range of about 500 to 650 nm.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
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Patent number: 6971765Abstract: A function controllable decorative lighting equipment is disclosed. The light source is a tungsten incandescent lamp or a LED. A heat sensitive, a light sensitive or a combination of IC and other electronic elements are employed as function controllable device for the decorative lighting equipment. These function controllable devices are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel with the light sources so as to exhibit a unique lighting effect according to variation of external temperature or light intensity.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
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Patent number: 6963180Abstract: The invention relates to a control apparatus for controlling one or more lamps or illuminating means, so then the control apparatus comprises a microprocessor circuit which is adapted to output an output signal for controlling or driving the one or more lamps or illumination means, whereas the controlling signal is either completely non-periodic or has a period duration which is so long that the signal cannot be perceived by the human viewer as periodic.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventor: Michael Rose
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Patent number: 6960988Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Long Range Systems, Inc.Inventors: Russell P. Blink, Kenneth J. Lovegreen, James A. Henderson
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Patent number: 6954270Abstract: A semiconductor forensic light is disclosed. The forensic light may use a variety of semiconductor light sources to produce light that contrasts forensic evidence against its background for viewing, photographing and collection. Example semiconductor light sources for the forensic light include light emitting diodes and laser chips. A heat sink, thermoelectric cooler and fan may be included to keep the forensic light cool. A removable light source head may be included on the forensic light to provide for head swapping to give the user access to different wavelengths of light.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Cao Group, Inc.Inventors: Calvin D. Ostler, Densen Cao, Hongyan Li, Zhaohui Lin
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Patent number: 6953266Abstract: A system and method for illuminating individual animal cages secured in a multiple cage rack is described. A first lighting system makes use of LEDs secured on the frame of a multiple cage rack; or attached to or disposed in each individual cage. A second lighting system utilizes fiber optic cables connected to or adjacent each individual cage or disposed within. Clear observation of all animals at will is economically provided without interference with normal cleaning and sterilizing procedures, utilizing the virtually maintenance free lighting system.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventors: Richard Ver Hage, Glenn Ver Hage
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Patent number: 6939024Abstract: A work surface lighting arrangement for lighting the work surface under an extractor hood, such as a cooking surface in a kitchen area. The lighting arrangement includes at least two lights in the hood with one light being user activated and the second activated by operation of the hood. The lights can include a dimming function and the second light can be activated with the hood exhaust fan. The second light also can be activated only after activation of the first light.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventors: Hans Gerd Keller, Michael Schindler
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Patent number: 6929383Abstract: A shunt device for a light socket includes a semiconductor chip which is operably interposed between a pair of electric terminals of the socket. The sockets are in series for a conventional set of display lights, such as holiday lights.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: John L. Janning
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Patent number: 6918678Abstract: A headset with a light incorporated within is disclosed. A representative embodiment of the invention may be construed as an aviation-style headset that includes a first earcup and a second earcup each comprising active noise reduction (ANR) circuitry, a headband interconnecting the first earcup and the second earcup, and a boom microphone coupled to one of the first and second earcups. The headset also includes a rotating housing coupled to at least one of the earcups. A first light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted in the rotating housing. The rotating housing is rotated to point light from the LED in a desired direction. The headset also includes a switch mounted to one of the earcups for controlling the LED. The ANR circuitry is electrically coupled to at least the first LED to deliver power to the LED. Other systems and devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: John B. McClanahan
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Patent number: 6902296Abstract: A nightlight is provided for providing therapeutic effects on the human body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a housing, a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three modes having various light properties. The light modes include a sleep readiness mode, a sleep help mode and a wake-up mode. The sleep readiness mode produces light at about 40 lumens and preferably includes only light from the blue and yellow portions of the visible light spectrum. The sleep help mode produces monochromatic light in the blue or green spectrum. Preferably, the light undulates at a frequency of one cycle per second to one cycle per minute at a luminosity of between 5 lumens and 25 lumens. Meanwhile, the wake-up mode produces substantially full spectrum light at approximately 1,600 lumens. The processor and controls allow a person to select and control the various light modes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Robert Lee Searfoss, III
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Patent number: 6899448Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating and decorating a room. The apparatus includes a mounting apparatus and a theme apparatus engaged with the mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus includes at least a first fixture adapted to receive at least a first light source. The theme apparatus includes at least one thematic component that is movable relative to the mounting apparatus. The theme apparatus also includes at least one light-altering component. The light-altering component is positioned relative to the mounting apparatus for receiving and altering light from the first light source when the first light source is engaged with the first fixture such that the altered light illuminates at least a portion of the room with thematic light.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Athinos Lighting, LLCInventor: Konstantinos Nicholas Damalas
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Patent number: 6893138Abstract: A device for the generation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual color patterns by the single or multidirectional rotation of a movable body containing light emitters of differing colors. The light emitters may be intermittently or continuously flashed by a wind-powered alternating current generator that also serves as a bearing for rotation. In the preferred embodiments, wind reactive blades take the form of various horizontal or vertical shaft windmills with slender or broad blades.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Timothy Ray Jones
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Patent number: 6857761Abstract: An illumination system with multiple lamps is provided for increasing the Lumens of projected images. In the system, light guiding means having at least two light tunnels and lamps are used for guiding light emitted from the lamps to a beam splitter so that the light beams from the different lamps are converged into one single light beam, thereby increasing the power of light.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Sean Chang
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Patent number: 6850767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Peter Nicholas Maxymych
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Patent number: 6840657Abstract: A sunshade includes a post having a rib-mounting member mounted thereon, a plurality of ribs each having an upper end pivotally connected to the rib-mounting member, a runner slidably mounted on the post, a plurality of stretchers each having an upper end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of an associated rib and a lower end pivotally connected to the runner, a solar energy device mounted on the sunshade for receiving solar energy and transforming solar energy into electricity, and at least one light unit mounted on at least one of the ribs. The light unit is electrically connected to the solar energy device, thereby providing illumination without the need of an external power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Benson Tung
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Publication number: 20040246717Abstract: An evacuation lighting system comprising a plurality of lights, control circuitry and a power providing system. The lights comprise low voltage lights which are at least one of embedded in, and positioned proximate, a ground surface. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the plurality of lights. The power providing system is electrically coupled to at least one of the control circuitry and the plurality of lights. The power providing system further comprises a UPS power supply, a grid power supply and a source switching circuitry capable of selecting one of the UPS power supply and the grid power supply. The control circuitry is capable of selectively controlling each of the plurality of lights, to, in turn, direct an individual in an evacuation. A method for using the same is likewise provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Kirk Charles Campbell
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Publication number: 20040240199Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Lane E. Burnidge
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Patent number: 6824295Abstract: A combination emergency light fixture having a housing constructed to have a minimum footprint or overall configuration for housing the required components and still conform to the code requirements for such emergency fixtures. The housing includes an annular body member having a front and rear opening defining a light chamber covered by a removable sign panel and/or a mounting panel. An interior lamp source and a pair of operating batteries are disposed within the light chamber in a manner to minimize the overall footprint of the housing. Disposed between the operating battery source is a triangular shaped component compartment having light reflecting surfaces to reflect the light rays generated by the internal light source outward toward the sign panel to enhance the illumination thereof. The fixture may also include external light sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Astralite, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Grondal
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Publication number: 20040184267Abstract: A lighting system is provided including an illumination member, a housing and a resilient element. The illumination member has an electricity conductive portion and a light-emitting portion. The housing defines a chamber for receiving therein the illumination member and includes a socket portion adapted for engaging the electricity conductive portion of the illumination member. The resilient element establishes a contact between the illumination member and the housing for biasing the electricity conductive portion against the socket portion. In a variant, the housing has a light receiving portion defining the chamber and a passageway to the chamber. The housing includes a cap adapted to be removably connected to the light receiving portion for sealing the passageway. In this variant, the illumination member includes a handle portion enabling the removal of the illumination member from the chamber through the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Francois Metayer, Benoit Laflamme
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Patent number: 6789932Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Dennis Healy
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Patent number: 6783259Abstract: An apparatus for recreating and simultaneously illuminating the visual features of a substantially planar visual image using illumination devices, the United States flag being a visual image utilized in one embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Anthony Macedonio
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Publication number: 20040160770Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: Joel J. Rodriguez, Richard A. Simmers, Joan O'Donnell, Alejandro Berenstein
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Publication number: 20040160769Abstract: A novel lighting system utilizing low power consumption LEDs to provide safe, economical and decorative lighting. In a first embodiment, and acrylic candle body having a 45 degree reflector is mounted on top of a LED source to direct light along the body of the light and outwardly as directed by the reflector. The acrylic body can be rotated to point the reflected light in the desired direction. In a second embodiment, the acrylic candle and reflector are replaced by fiber optic ports and a light driver for connecting fiber optic strands that can be side lighting or end lighting to provide lighting at points distant from the light source. In a third embodiment, the fiber optic strand in run in parallel inside or outside a transparent liquid conduit such as a modified garden hose, a beverage dispenser, or a kitchen faucet to light the conduit and or the spray of the hose in a single or multiple colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: Robert M. Currie, Jonas J. Robertson