Combined Patents (Class 362/234)
  • Patent number: 6568828
    Abstract: A packaging for gift wrapping includes a material having a plurality of light-emitting diodes positioned within the material and designed to illuminate when activated. A power supply enables the light-emitting diodes to illuminate when a package upon which the gift wrapping is placed opens or when manually activated. Sound generating devices may also be included to enhance the appeal of the gift wrapping. The packaging may also include LEDs placed inside a gift box to illuminate the contents upon the opening of the gift box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Rudoy
  • Publication number: 20030090897
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a housing, a circuit board and a base. The circuit board is hidden in the base with lower end of two conductive wires thereof sticking out from the bottom of the base. A battery, and a lamp are fitted onto the circuit board. The housing is made of materials that allow light to pass through, and has blocks of ornamental objects received in it. The base is closely fitted into a lower opening of the housing with the lower end of the conductive wires facing outwards. When the light emitting device is put into a conductive drink, the drink will get into contact with the lower ends of the conductive wires so as to complete the circuit for the lamps to send out light through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Lai Su
  • Patent number: 6561674
    Abstract: Through the use of a variety of reinforcing structures, a ribbon light string is described that can be shaped in decorative ways, and it is made of a material that, due to its coloring and/or texture, can become camouflaged into its environment, or of a material that is preferably reflective and compliments the light from the lamp bulbs of the light string. Essentially, the ribbon light string is a reinforced ribbon having a passage therethrough for carrying substantially all, of the non-illuminating portion, of a light string while allowing the illuminating portion to be exposed. To facilitate the shaping of the ribbon, several embodiments are described including the use of pliable ribbon material; the use of at least one reinforcing wire running through the longitudinal extent of the passage; or the use of a “ribbon wire” type conductor for the light string. Also described are the use of novel hole and flap arrangements and lamp bulb/lamp base configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Global Research & Development Corp.
    Inventor: James W Gibboney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6561673
    Abstract: A string of decorative lights comprises a plurality of elongated electrical conductors having multiple electrical lamps connected thereto at intervals along the lengths of the conductors, a small storage compartment for storing spare components for use in the light string, a movable closure for opening and closing the storage compartment to permit access to the spare components stored therein, and to closing the compartment during storage. The storage compartment is attached to the string of decorative lights so that the spare components stored therein are conveniently accessible when needed to replace a component in the light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Integrated Power Components, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Richard Frederick
  • Patent number: 6561672
    Abstract: A sound activated illuminated holder for finding objects such as glasses, combs, napkins, etc. in the dark. The audibly activated holder has a base, a body portion and a first and second illumination end for illuminating the holder and any retained objects to improve visibility at a distant for a user. The body portion of the holder includes a cavity having a predetermined volume for holding a variety of objects. At least one sound sensor is mounted within the base of the device for sensing audible sounds from a user within a predetermined sensing range or distance. A dual illumination source arrangement is provided which provides a dual column of light for easily identifying objects in and around the device at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Lessard
  • Patent number: 6558015
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for general illumination and/or ornamentation has a base with a support member bearing both a lamp-bulb receiving socket and a lamp shade. The lamp shade, or other ornamental element of the lamp assembly is formed at least in part of an electroluminescent material and, in the disclosed form, the inner surface of the shade is reflective. The lamp assembly, accordingly, includes two sources of illumination, namely the electroluminescent material and a lamp-bulb received in the bulb-receiving socket. A conventional line cord is provided to connect the lamp to any ordinary source of electrical power, and a four-position electrical switch coupled to the line cord permits a user to direct power selectively to the lamp socket, or to the electroluminescent shade, or to both simultaneously. In its fourth position, all electrical power is cut-off so that the lamp is not illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: George Marmaropoulos, Stefano Marzano, Jack Mama, Giang Vu
  • Publication number: 20030076670
    Abstract: An illuminator for a hand-held gaming or other electronic device is provided. The illuminator includes at least one light source contained within an enclosure that is rotatably mounted to a bracket. The bracket is rotatably mounted to a member secured to the gaming/electronic device. The bracket and light source enclosure can be rotated into multiple positions during use. During non-use, the bracket and light source enclosure can be rotated into a compact area for ease of transport. A diffuse light source, comprised of the combination of a fluorescent light and a diffuser, minimize ‘hot spots’ on the screen of the gaming/electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Radica China Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Siegel, Wing Hang Lee
  • Publication number: 20030072159
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating an interior of a fireplace. The lighting system comprises a rod for securing the lighting system to an inner surface of such fireplace. A bracket member is engageable with the rod. There is a first means that is attached to the bracket member for providing illumination to the fireplace. The lighting system has a second means connected to the first means for providing the necessary power to such first means for providing illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Casey
  • Publication number: 20030072154
    Abstract: A two-dimensional array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), controlled by a flame simulation program running on a microprocessor, is used to simulate a relatively large flame, such as one might find in a garden torch. The cost and complexity of controlling the relatively large number of LEDs needed to simulate a large flame is reduced by arranging the individual LEDs into a two-dimensional array having the anodes of all the LEDs in one column (or row) connected in common to exactly one column buss, and the cathodes of all the LEDs in one row (or column) connected in common to exactly one row buss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne T. Moore
  • Publication number: 20030067765
    Abstract: An outdoor umbrella with power supply arrangement for electrical appliance includes an awning frame and a lighting arrangement. The awning frame includes an upper housing and a plurality of tubular awning arms radially extended from the upper housing in a pivotally movable manner. The lighting arrangement includes an electric hub disposed in the upper housing, a plurality of illuminating units each including a plurality of illuminators spacedly mounted on the awning arms, a connecting device having at least a first connector radially extended from the electric hub, and a second connector provided on each illuminating unit for electrically connecting to the first connector, so as to electrically connect the illuminating units with the electric hub, and a control device electrically connecting with the electric hub. Therefore, the illuminating units are electrically connected to the electric hub by connecting the second connectors to the first connectors when assembling the awning frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 6540378
    Abstract: The invention consists of an improved automobile mechanic's creeper having built-in rechargeable lamps that are positioned with respect to the mechanic's body such that the undercarriage of the automobile being serviced is effectively illuminated without need for a separate illuminator thereby eliminating the problems concomitant with a separate illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Jackson Alsup
  • Patent number: 6533431
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Arista Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Leifer, Robert Leifer, Gabe Neiser
  • Publication number: 20030048632
    Abstract: A LED light assembly, the light assembly comprising a reflective plate comprising a plurality of perforations formed therethrough the reflective plate, a plurality of LED bulbs wherein each LED bulb protrudes through a respective perforation of the plurality of perforations, and a control circuit selectively operable to produce a plurality of colored lights through the plurality of LED bulbs wherein the control circuit comprises a switch which when activated a defined number of times produces a plurality of at least light colors and light patterns wherein each of the plurality of at least light colors and light patterns are selected based on the defined number of times the switch is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Roy Archer
  • Publication number: 20030043585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting installation, in particular as a danger light, obstruction light or day and night marker, having at least one luminaire, with at least one lighting means (13) being arranged in a housing. According to the invention, the lighting means (13) is annular or semi-annular in design and defines a ring axis (19). Furthermore, the lighting means (13) is assigned at least one reflector surface (11) which encircles an axis of rotation (21) entirely or in part. Finally, ring axis and axis of rotation run essentially parallel or even coaxial to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Rohlfing, Wolfgang Serfass
  • Publication number: 20030043578
    Abstract: A sound activated illuminated holder for finding objects such as glasses, combs, napkins, etc. in the dark. The audibly activated holder has a base, a body portion and a first and second illumination end for illuminating the holder and any retained objects to improve visibility at a distant for a user. The body portion of the holder includes a cavity having a predetermined volume for holding a variety of objects. At least one sound sensor is mounted within the base of the device for sensing audible sounds from a user within a predetermined sensing range or distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Lessard
  • Publication number: 20030031014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rope light structure, more particularly, one in which the in the middle area occupied by the core wiring there exists a plurality of cavities, and into the said cavities are inserted two sets of series light bulb sets, to be activated by the use of a controlling device; wherein the said structure is able to reduce labor time and material costs, increase the brightness of the light source, prevent the possibility of electrical shortages occurring through bending, so that safety and convenient usage is provided for, thereby effectively increasing economy of use, safety, and usefulness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tzu-Chen LIU
  • Publication number: 20030031009
    Abstract: A pumpkin lighting fixture, comprising a pumpkin-shaped housing, and a lighting mechanism that is installed inside the hollow of the housing: The lighting mechanism is composed of a lamp carrier, a fan and a battery box, which are jointly assembled in a round depression of a base. On the lamp carrier is a plurality of LED lamps, and a woven fabric that is cut in the shape of a flame, so that each LED projects light on the woven fabric. The fan has an air outlet that is aligned with the woven fabric, so air is blown onto the woven fabric to make it bellow. Such a lighting mechanism presents realistic and beautiful burning-flame effects, enabling safety in application of this pumpkin lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Sheng Ping Fan
  • Patent number: 6508580
    Abstract: A personal security assembly for use in association with a mobility aide. The personal security assembly includes a housing, an audio alarm, an alert light for drawing attention. In an embodiment, a secondary light is provided for lighting an area proximate the mobility aide to enhance visual perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Cynthia J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20030012020
    Abstract: A light assembly for a padlock including a housing that snaps onto said padlock and having a notch that engages a fixed leg of the shackle of the lock and a hole through which the free leg of the shackle extends when it enters the case of the padlock. This arrangement prevents pilfering the device when the lock is closed. A battery, switch and LED lamp are encased by plastic molding into the housing wall. The light is positioned to illuminate the keyhole area or tumbler area of the lock. The device is adaptable to either a otart or tumbler style combination padlock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Peter C. King
  • Publication number: 20030012012
    Abstract: A lighting device and protective cover for a screen for a hand held portable compact computer video screen system. The device contains a cover which substantially conforms to the size and shape of the screen of the electronic device and in addition it includes an unique lighting system which is part of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Shum Chi Hong
  • Patent number: 6505955
    Abstract: Method for production of conducting element, which conducting element consists at least of an elongated electricity conductive, in which several electric components (2), bringing out the lighting operation or like according to the use of the conducting element, are being attached to one after another in the longitudinal direction (s), whereafter the said entirety is being surrounded by a casing part (3) protecting the same. The conducting element is being manufactured from an essentially flat conductor part (1; 1′), such as a band, a stripe or a like, into which there has been attached electric components (2′), such as probes, LEDs, resistors and/or the like by arranging the same, preferably throughout built-in when viewed in a cross section with a casing material (3′) forming the said casing part (3), by exploiting a continuous manufacturing process, such as extrusion or like. The invention relases to a conducting element to be manufactured by the method, also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Oy Modular Technology Group Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Leo Hatjasalo, Kari Rinko
  • Patent number: 6505954
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safe light emitting device that can avoid danger of explosion and fire whenever over current or over voltage occurs. The light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting diode lamps in series. At least one of the light emitting diode lamps is a safe light emitting diode lamp. The safe light emitting diode lamp results in a broken circuit when either over current or over voltage in the light emitting device occurs. Through the incorporation of the safe light emitting diode lamp, the series light emitting device will automatically fail whenever over current or over voltage occurs and thus be prevented from explosion and fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Excellence Opto. Inc.
    Inventor: Yen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6502976
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus. In one embodiment, the illumination apparatus includes a hollow tube, a light and a housing. The hollow tube has a proximal end that is attached to the housing and defines an access passage therethrough. An illuminator is disposed at the distal end of the hollow tube. Additionally, a method of accessing a constrained area through an opening in an object. The method may include suspending a hollow member with at least one illuminator disposed at a proximal end thereof through the opening, illuminating the illuminator, and viewing the constrained area through an access passage defined by the hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jordan S. Bernhard
  • Patent number: 6499856
    Abstract: A beach umbrella with lamps includes mainly a plurality of spreaders and ribs respectively having a C-shaped insert groove opening downward, and a plurality of small lamps fitted in each C-shaped groove as if hidden in the spreaders and the ribs, and a switch fixed on a lower portion of the shank to turn on and off the small lamps so as to facilitate assembly and use of the beach umbrella with lamps. Then the lamps may be lit on and off to shine in the umbrella during nighttime to set forth gracious atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Chorng-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 6499866
    Abstract: An emergency lighting fixture combining the functions of an illuminated sign such as an exit sign and an emergency lighting unit integrated into one housing onto which one or more emergency lights can be mounted at predetermined locations of the housing, the combined emergency lighting structure providing both exit location information and ambient emergency lighting in a single cooperatively operating device. The present device replaces bulky prior combinations of discrete exit signs and emergency lighting units which have been assembled together essentially as individual devices without integration into a single housing or without substantial integration of operational features, the housing of the present device being only slightly larger than standard exit signage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Campbell Logan, Andrew Edward Masters, Edwin Lewis Hull
  • Patent number: 6499861
    Abstract: A device, system and method for locating a specific patch cord connection port contained within a telecommunications closet having line tracing capabilities. An LED is provided at each of the connector ports present within the telecommunications closet that is positioned to illuminate the connector port or illuminate a shroud positioned in front of the connector port. The LEDs can be individually and selectively illuminated. Accordingly, individually identified connector ports can be selectively illuminated within the telecommunications closet. This greatly increases the ability of a technician to accurately locate the patch cord connector port within the telecommunications closet that has been targeted by the patch cord tracing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Gregory German, Frank Salvatore Leone
  • Publication number: 20020191393
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safe light emitting device that can avoid danger of explosion and fire whenever over current or over voltage occurs. The light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting diode lamps in series. At least one of the light emitting diode lamps is a safe light emitting diode lamp. The safe light emitting diode lamp results in a broken circuit when either over current or over voltage in the light emitting device occurs. Through the incorporation of the safe light emitting diode lamp, the series light emitting device will automatically fail whenever over current or over voltage occurs and thus be prevented from explosion and fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: EXCELLENCE OPTO, INC.
    Inventor: Yen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6494604
    Abstract: An electronically lighted sighting device for use in conjunction with an archery bow is disclosed. The sight includes an electronic circuitry with at least one switch, a plurality of LEDs and elongated fiber optic pins, and having one end of each fiber optic pin located in front of an LED and the other end extended and formed to act as an aiming point. A fiber optic pin transmits the light from the associated LED to the other end of the fiber optic pin or filament, the filament tip then acts as the bright aiming point. The electronic circuitry is powered by batteries and is programmed such that by actuating the switch the archer can select each of the LEDs, individually or collectively, for illumination, along with illumination intensity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Bahram Khoshnood
  • Publication number: 20020186558
    Abstract: A light hardening device is provided and includes a light source having a plurality of LEDs supplied by an electrical energy source, and a cooling device arranged upstream of the light source and operable to cool the light hardening device. The LED arrangement is disposed on a rear surface of a cooling body and the light hardening device has a connection in the manner of a halogen glow lamp. Also, a light source is provided having a plurality of LEDs, a cooling body on which the LEDs are mounted, and a connector element and an overall exterior geometry, each of which corresponds to the respective connector element and overall exterior geometry of a conventional reflecting halogen glow lamp having a rated voltage of 12 volts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Plank, Gottfried Rohner, Thomas Stahl
  • Publication number: 20020186563
    Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 6491417
    Abstract: A night vision clearance light assembly includes a shell, an array of visible light emitting elements, and a night vision device. The visible light emitting elements are preferably LEDs mounted on a ring received in the shell. The night vision device is operatively connected to an associated night vision camera and sees through an opening in the ring and the lens. The assembly is easily mounted in a standard factory-cut clearance light housing in the exterior of a truck cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Haen, Mark A. Matko
  • Patent number: 6488390
    Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for hand-held portable illumination. A flashlight and corresponding method are described. The flashlight includes a housing, a plurality of LEDs, and an electrical circuit that selectively applies power from the DC voltage source to the LED units, wherein the flashlight is suitable for handheld portable operation by a user. In one embodiment, the first electrical circuit further includes a control circuit for maintaining a predetermined light output level of the LED units as a charge on a battery varies. In another embodiment, the control circuit maintains an average predetermined light output level of the LED units as the charge on the battery cell varies by changing a pulse width or frequency as the charge on the battery cell varies to maintain a given average light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: PPT Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Lebens, Charles T. Bourn, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 6478448
    Abstract: A decorative lighting display system includes a first housing including areas simulating a pair of eye balls. An illumination source is disposed within the first housing for illuminating the areas simulating the pair of eye balls. A controller is disposed in the first housing and is utilized for energizing the illumination source. The system further includes a second housing including areas simulating a pair of eye balls. An illumination source is disposed within the second housing for illuminating the areas simulating the pair of eye balls. The controller energizes the illumination source disposed within the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lonnie F. Gary, Stephen L. Fillipp, Andrew G. Avinger
  • Publication number: 20020163797
    Abstract: An electroluminescent (“EL”) illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The EL illumination apparatus includes at least one electroluminescent (EL) member to illuminate an object associated with the portable electronic or computing device, and a plug connected to at least one EL member for plugging the apparatus into the port of the portable electronic or computing device for powering at least one EL member by at least one power source. A method of using the apparatus includes plugging the plug of the EL apparatus into the port of the portable electronic or computing device, and lighting at least one EL member with the power source to illuminate the object associated with the portable electronic or computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Technology Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: David Naghi, Herschel Naghi, Eric A. Hanscom
  • Publication number: 20020163800
    Abstract: This self-contained multipurpose illumination device offers an individual a unique device that cannot only be used to adorn dress apparel, but may be easily removed and adapted for use in other applications, such as a safety device in adverse environments. The apparatus contains a series of illumination elements shaped similar to a shirt button stud which may be inserted through any common buttonhole or similar orifice in a garment. The illumination elements are connected to a control circuit and power source by way of a wiring harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Janet Cooke Hansen
  • Patent number: 6474829
    Abstract: An outlet mounted light fixture adapted to overlie and completely cover an existing wall outlet. The outlet fixture includes a flat front panel and a flat back panel parallel to the flat front panel. There are a plurality of prongs extending from the back panel for entering and electrically connecting to the existing wall outlet. The cover is designed for visual pleasure and is relatively strong to support electrical outlets mounted on the flat front panel to receive electrical conductors. The fixture also has side electrical outlets mounted on either side panel. The fixture adds one or more hollow elongated stems which extend from the top panel. These stems or poles can be rigid or flexible. The stems receive the light bulbs and have the wiring and on/off switch connecting the bulbs to the outlet. The fixture can be placed in any outlet and the lights can illuminate an area for reading or for generally lighting the area. The fixture eliminates the need for a free standing light and the attached power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Clodfelter
  • Patent number: 6474828
    Abstract: An illuminant radio communication device has a console and a cordless phone communicating with the console. The cordless phone has at least one light emitting diode controlled by the control button on the cordless phone so that the cordless phone is able to provide sufficient light when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unity Opto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Cheng Chin
  • Publication number: 20020149933
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus that includes a flexible circuit board having a plurality of conductive terminals and at least one electronic component attached thereto such that the lengths of the terminals and component are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the circuit board. A plurality of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LED), is connected to the conductive terminals. The conductive terminals and corresponding LED leads may be located on one planar surface of the circuit board or may be distributed along both planar surfaces. Each one of a pair of the conductive terminals may be located on opposite surfaces of the circuit board so that the leads from an LED will straddle an upper edge of the circuit board. A method for installing a lighting apparatus includes providing a mounting means that will hold the flexible apparatus so that it is in a substantially upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Roy Archer, Kevin A. Furry
  • Publication number: 20020145863
    Abstract: Balloon Light Display with a base plate and attached hollow housing, the housing enclosing a plurality of batteries, the housing also enclosing a microprocessor and associated electronics, the housing also enclosing a rubber bulb type air pump and associated check valves, the housing also enclosing and supporting an on-off switch, the housing also enclosing an optional air in port that allows the user to inflate a balloon using an external air pump, said housing also incorporating a removable and replaceable battery door, said housing acting as a base and attachment point for a centrally located, vertically disposed, support tube, said support tube attached at its lower end to said housing base and at its upper end to a balloon, said balloon being removable and replaceable, said balloon forming an air tight seal around the top of said support tube, said balloon preferably being translucent in construction, a plurality of electrical wires that attach at the lower end to said microprocessor, then travels within
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Margie Stultz
  • Patent number: 6459919
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for illuminating a material using an LED system, a processor for controlling the LED system and a positioning system for positioning the LED system in a spatial relationship with the material being illuminated. Furthermore, these methods and systems are available for producing certain color characteristics in an illuminated material or environment. These methods and systems can be applied to a plurality of materials, including biological entities. These methods and systems can be adapted for use in a medical applications, and are advantageously employed for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller, Frederick Marshall Morgan
  • Publication number: 20020136002
    Abstract: A wall mounted light fixture intended for use in a bath area and selectively operable by a wall switch. The light fixture includes an escutcheon for concealing the wiring and a support arm extending outwardly from the escutcheon. Mounted to the support arm are independent lights including a main light to illuminate a room for typical use and a night light for low wattage illumination such as at night. The lights are mounted in vertical alignment with the main light disposed above the night light and independently operable. The fixture circuitry facilitates use of both lights simultaneously, the main light alone or the night light alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Publication number: 20020126479
    Abstract: A high power light source is provided. The light source includes one or more diodes that may produce relatively coherent light of a desired intensity. The diodes may be pulsed to provide light as desired. The light projected by the diodes passes through a combiner, which combines the light from the different diodes and passes the combined light to an incoherence apparatus. The incoherence apparatus may include a rotating surface relief phase device such as an optical hologram, a computer generated hologram, or a diffractive optical element with random phase modulation. The incoherence apparatus may include a rotating fiber conduit comprising a plurality of multifiber cores. The incoherence apparatus renders the combined light incoherent and passes it to an illuminator apparatus that focuses the incoherent combined light onto an image plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinhui Zhai, Wenhui Mei, Kin Foong Chan
  • Patent number: 6447137
    Abstract: A lamp illuminates a waterfall from behind as a liquid cascades down the outside of a housing into a basin. From the basin, the liquid flows through a cavity in the housing, behind a body and through a pump, through an outflow line, through a cap with filter, and into a liquid retainer at the top of the body. The liquid retainer overflows, allowing the liquid to cascade down the outside of the body and back into the basin for recirculation. The enclosure comprises alternating opaque and translucent bands. A light source within the cavity behind the enclosure illuminates an inside surface of the body with the translucent bands transmitting light through the cascading liquid, producing an appealing visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: James David Long
  • Patent number: 6443591
    Abstract: A canopy assembly is provided for use over a hospital bed in a health care environment. The canopy assembly includes an elongated housing which is preferably a unitary molded plastic shell. The housing has a straight first end for abutting a wall adjacent a head of the bed and has a rounded second end over the foot of the bed. The housing has a rectangular shaped interior opening disposed therein within which is received a rectangular shaped light box having a backlit translucent scenic panel thereon. The housing includes a semi-circular shaped opening within which is received an air diffuser which is connected to an HVAC system in the ceiling of the room. The housing includes a horseshoe shaped interior panel having a plurality of circular openings defined therein within which are received a plurality of task lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20020118538
    Abstract: The lighting unit comprises a first lighting element (10) and a second lighting element (11). In operation, the first lighting element (10) has a comparatively high light output. The second lighting element (20, 20′) has a light output, in operation, which is relatively low in comparison with that of the first lighting element (10). The lighting unit comprises a control mechanism (40) including a switching means with a toggle function that is responsive to sequential switches in the power applied to the lighting unit. By selecting the proper switching sequence, either the first lighting element or the second lighting element or both lighting elements are switched on. Preferably, the first lighting element is a compact fluorescent discharge vessel (10), and the second lighting element comprises a plurality of LEDs (20, 20′). The lighting unit enables remote-controlled switching between orientation light (night lamp) and normal light, using the toggle function in the lighting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Georges Marie Calon, Josephus Theodorus Van Der Eyden, Annemarie Paulien Buddemeijer-Lock
  • Publication number: 20020109999
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle signal device mounted in the interior of a vehicle which, when activated, is visible outside the vehicle, but which is not readily apparent outside the vehicle when not in operation. The signal device does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when activated, and does not affect the aerodynamics, handling, or overhead clearance of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: George H. Strickland
  • Patent number: 6428181
    Abstract: A portable device has a container portion for tools and materials and a handle for carrying and hanging, an electrical power supply section for obtaining power for and sending power to lights and tools, an illumination section for lighting a work area, and a base for standing the device on a surface. The device nests with other like devices when empty. The power cord preferably is stored on a reel within the base of the container, within the electrical section. The device enables tradesmen to be self-sufficient on a work site in building construction, providing light, storage, and power where needed, conveniently and inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Eugene Denis Moriarty
  • Publication number: 20020101730
    Abstract: A suction head for a vacuum cleaning devices comprising an electrically operated brush roller and a lighting system for illuminating the working field. The lighting system contains a plurality of ultra-bright light-emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Wessel-Werk GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Dilger, Dieter Kaffenberger, Klaus-Dieter Riehl
  • Publication number: 20020080601
    Abstract: A device for the simulation of an open fire, with at least one projection surface and at least one light source illuminating the projection surface, characterized in that the projection surface consists of a light and thin material and that a device for producing an air flow erecting and moving the projection surface with an air flow outlet arranged in the lower area of the projection surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Otto Wilhelm Meltzer
  • Patent number: 6402354
    Abstract: A direct lighting unit fits in opposition to an opening of a roof of a vehicle's cabin so as to illuminate a light directly the cabin. An indirect lighting unit is disposed around the outer circumference of the direct lighting unit. The indirect lighting unit contains a plurality of LEDs disposed at fixed intervals so as to emit light outward. The LEDs are controlled to indirectly illuminate the roof. When the direct lighting unit is mounted to the roof, a fixing piece supports a grooved edge portion of the indirect lighting unit so that the indirect lighting unit is immovably held between the fixing piece and the roof. Thus, the direct and indirect lighting units are simultaneously secured to the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Tatewaki, Tadanobu Iwasa, Osamu Yamanaka, Hiroshi Sugihara, Akihiro Misawa, Tetsuo Tanabe, Takao Mukogawa