Refractor Type Modifier Patents (Class 362/244)
  • Publication number: 20040004836
    Abstract: A total internal reflection element having a plurality of total internal reflection faces and a plurality of exit faces which redirect light from a light source into a side direction. The total internal reflection element is manufactured by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Eden Dubuc
  • Publication number: 20030189835
    Abstract: There is provided a bicycle head lamp employing an LED having high energy efficiency to be capable of provide sufficiently increased illuminance at a center position a predetermined distance ahead and also satisfying a predetermined distribution of light. A head lamp attached to a bicycle includes a casing, a plurality of adjacently arranged LEDs, and a lens arranged closer to an opening for each LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Satoshi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6619829
    Abstract: A lighting device for vehicle includes a base defining an interior space therein and having an open end. The base forms a circumferential groove in and around the open end. A hole is defined in a bottom wall of the groove. A light-transmitting cover has a corrugated flange received in the groove of the base for attaching the cover to the open end of the base for covering the open end. A recess is defined in the flange and substantially aligned with the hole. A plurality of projections is formed on an inside surface of the cover and spaced along an inner circumference of the cover. A primary lighting element, such as a conventional automobile headlight bulb, is fixed in the interior space of the base for projecting a light beam through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Shih Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 6616299
    Abstract: An LED signal using a single optical element. The single optical element designed with a generally smooth outer surface and an inner surface having Fresnel optical elements in an inner center region and total internal reflection elements in an outer periphery region. The single optical element may have an integral sealing surface for sealable connection to the signal housing and no countersinking so that it is capable of manufacture by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Gelcore LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau
  • Publication number: 20030165054
    Abstract: A front light includes a light guide panel, a light guide bar placed along an end face of the light guide panel, and light-emitting elements placed at both ends of the light guide bar. A cover member including a reflecting-surface covering portion for covering an end on the reflecting-surface side of the light guide panel, a light-guide covering portion for covering the light guide bar, and an emergent-surface covering portion for covering an end on the emergent-surface side of the light guide panel is mounted so as to cover at least the light guide bar and the ends of the light guide panel. The reflecting-surface covering portion protrudes longer in the light guide direction than the emergent-surface covering portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Mitsuo Ohizumi, Takuro Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6609815
    Abstract: A laser arrangement for use in a multi-beam laser sighting mechanism, which comprises a light source for producing at least one primary laser beam bundle and an optical beam divider with reflecting surfaces, by which at least one primary laser beam bundle can be split into at least two partial beam bundles, which extend perpendicularly to one another. The light source comprises two semiconductor lasers including light-emitting surfaces which have a longitudinal extent and a transverse extent, which are in a ratio of about 2.5:1 to about 4:1 to one another. The light-emitting surfaces of the semiconductor lasers are disposed so that the longitudinal extents of the light-emitting surfaces are rotated at an angle of 90° to one another and the primary beam bundles, which are produced by the two semiconductor lasers, can be superimposed before or at the beam divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Waibel, Wilfried Piske, Erwin Bünter
  • Patent number: 6604839
    Abstract: A light emitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a diffractive optical element, a first light emitting diode emitting first light having a first range of wavelengths, and a second light emitting diode emitting second light having a second range of wavelengths. The first light is directed onto the diffractive optical element at a first range of angles of incidence, and the second light is directed onto the diffractive optical element at a second range of angles of incidence. The diffractive optical element diffracts at least a portion of the first light and at least a portion of the second light into the same range of angles of diffraction to obtain light having a desired range of wavelengths. A light emitting device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can efficiently mix the outputs of two or more light emitting diodes to form a substantially uniform output of, for example, white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting, U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Coleman, Robert H. Weissman
  • Publication number: 20030147253
    Abstract: A warning light device for attaching onto various portions of vehicles includes a housing having a base plate and a cover secured together and having a bent portion for attaching onto curved portions of the vehicle. One or more circuit boards are received in the housing, and a number of of light devices are attached to the circuit boards and facing forward and sidewise and rearward of the housing for generating lights to be seen from various directions of the vehicle. One or more panels are attached onto the circuit boards and have concentric circles for light diffusing purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jack Shy
  • Patent number: 6601972
    Abstract: In a deuterium lamp box in accordance with the present invention, a wavelength of light different from that of a deuterium lamp can be forwardly let out from a light exit opening. Namely, when the deuterium lamp of a see-through type is lit, the light generated from the deuterium lamp can be let out from the light exit opening. When a second lamp is lit while the deuterium lamp is turned off, the light generated from the second lamp 85 passes through the deuterium lamp while in a state collected by a lens, and is let out from the light exit opening. When the deuterium lamp and the second lamp are lit at the same time, different wavelengths of light are let out from the light exit opening while in a mixed state. Thus, three kinds of light can be made depending on how the lamps are lit, whereby this lamp box is considered to have a versatility much higher than that of a lamp box accommodating only one lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yujiro Sei, Masaki Ito
  • Patent number: 6599002
    Abstract: An LED (light-emitting diode) signal light comprises a light source composed of a plurality of LEDs mounted on a circuit board and light is cast from a front mantle capable of modulating optically, wherein an external lateral surface of the front mantle is a smooth plane while an internal lateral surface is provided with a plurality of lens cells, which are located oppositely against the LEDs correspondingly. Both the architecture of the cutaway and the cross sections of the lens cell implicate an arcuate curve with an opening oriented a smooth plane. Light cast from an LED will undergo optical modulation of the plurality of lens humps on the lens cell so as to redistribute the light in vertical and horizontal direction and adjust orientation of light to the specified illumination areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ahead Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Tang Hsieh, Po-Laung Huang, Chan-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 6595656
    Abstract: A cabin lamp used in, for instance, an airplane having an LED module that is attached to a lamp housing and connected via a connector to a feeder element provided in the lamp housing. The LED module has a printed circuit board and a plurality of reflectors that are installed in a frame-shaped bezel detachably attached to a front end portion of the lamp housing. The printed circuit board is mounted with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the reflectors surround each of the LEDs so as to reflect the light from the LEDs substantially forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoda
  • Publication number: 20030133298
    Abstract: Light system useful for activating light-activated materials are disclosed. Various configurations of light emitting semiconductor chips and heat sinks are disclosed, as well as various structures and methods for driving, controlling and using them, and materials and structures usable therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Densen Cao
  • Publication number: 20030128543
    Abstract: Apparatus for projecting a line of light includes a linear array of diode-lasers arranged in a diode-laser bar. An optical system focuses fast axis diverging rays from diode-lasers in the array into a fast-axis focal plane of the optical system. The optical system forms slow axis rays from the diode-lasers into bundles of parallel rays that intersect in the fast axis focal plane. The focused fast-axis rays and the intersecting bundles of parallel rays form the line of light in the fast axis focal plane. The optical system includes two arrays of cylindrical microlens surfaces. The microlens surfaces contribute to providing a uniform intensity of light along the line of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Mathew N. Rekow
  • Publication number: 20030123260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator lamp for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources (10) and optical processing means (16, 18, 20) able to straighten out the light emitted by the light sources (10) so that it is propagated in a direction essentially parallel to a general direction of emission (X), the optical processing means (16, 18, 20) comprising, in association with each source (10), a first element (12, 16, 18) able to distribute the light in a plane (YZ) essentially perpendicular to the general direction of emission (X), in an essentially uniform way onto a second, generally plate-shaped, element (14, 20) able to straighten out the incident light towards the said general direction of emission (X).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Aynie, Jean Dera, Jean Claude Gasquet, Ghislain Lefevre, Filipe Videira
  • Publication number: 20030123254
    Abstract: An LED inspection lamp has a plurality of LED sources, each source for emitting electromagnetic radiation at a different peak wavelength, each different peak wavelength for causing visible fluorescence in a different leak detection dye. A lens may be associated with each LED so that radiation passing through all lenses from their associated LEDs is superimposed in a target area at a target distance from the lenses. Another LED inspection lamp has a plurality of LEDs emitting electromagnetic radiation at a peak wavelength for causing visible fluorescence in a leak detection dye, and a lens associated with each LED so that the electromagnetic radiation passing through all lenses from their associated LEDs is superimposed in a target area at a target distance from the lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Jack Brass, Richard J. Doran, Donald L. Klipstein, Thomas M. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20030117797
    Abstract: A lamp (10, 30, 80) includes an LED module (16, 36, 86) having at least one LED (12, 32, 82) arranged on a substrate (14, 34, 84). An optical system includes at least one lens (18, 38, 88) in optical communication with the LED module (16, 36, 86). A zoom apparatus (20, 40, 90) selectively adjusts the relative axial separation of the optical system and the LED module (16, 36, 86). In one embodiment (30), the zoom apparatus (40) is slidably adjustable. In a another embodiment (80), the zoom apparatus (90) is rotatably adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: GELcore, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Sommers, James T. Petroski
  • Patent number: 6572241
    Abstract: A lighting system comprises a plurality of adjacent light sources of different colors. Each light source has a wide angle beam in a first plane and a narrower angled beam in a substantial perpendicular second plane. As a result, efficient mixing of light is achieved in the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Isometrix Lighting & Design Limited
    Inventors: Arnold Chan, Jonathan Coles
  • Patent number: 6572242
    Abstract: An illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp, having at least one LED which is mounted on an LED printed circuit board is provided which permits uncomplicated and flexible production. A base housing of the illuminator is produced from plastic. The base housing is penetrated by at least two contact elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: WERMA Signaltechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Erich Marquardt, Siegfried Neumann, Juergen Marquardt, Dirk Rothhaas
  • Patent number: 6565247
    Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle has a plurality of semiconductor sources distributed in a matrix, at least one optical active element which is located in a path of rays of a light emitted by the semiconductor sources, the semiconductor sources are arranged in partial quantities in different defined partial regions of the matrix and the partial quantities of the semiconductor sources are operatable independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Vincent Thominet
  • Patent number: 6558013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages for fitting to an equipment front panel, in particular for aviation equipment, the key comprising a bearing rim and a hollow key body terminated by a front, drive face covered by a mask etched with messages to be illuminated, said key body being connected to said bearing rim by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament, and said rim being made as a single piece of flexible material. According to the invention, a slab of translucent material subdivided into blocks by at least one opaque partition extending substantially perpendicularly to the front face is received inside the key body so as to extend as far as the front, drive face of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: TEAM
    Inventors: Francis Tholin, Antoinette Gomez
  • Patent number: 6554451
    Abstract: A luminaire comprising a set of light sources, in particular LEDs, which are arranged predominantly in a first plane, and a set of substantially identical optical sources arranged predominantly in a second plane extending parallel to the first plane. The position of one of the light sources with respect to an optical clement opposite said light source differs from the position of a further light source with respect to an optical element opposite said light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLC
    Inventor: Matthijs H. Keuper
  • Publication number: 20030072150
    Abstract: A portable luminaire includes an optical module, a power source and a housing. The optical module has at least one light emitting diode (LED) that emits light with a wide divergence, a non-imaging optical element and a transparent window. The non-imaging optical element (NIO) has a refractive member located around a LED optical axis and a total internal reflection member located around the refractive member. The refractive member and the total internal reflection member are integrated in a single transparent element having a mutual focal point. The NIO element collects a significant amount of light emitted by the LED with wide divergence located at the focal point to compress the collected light with high efficiency into a required pattern with a generally different angular distribution in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, and to direct the compressed light outside of the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Rizkin, Robert H. Tudhope
  • Publication number: 20030072156
    Abstract: A lighting effects system comprises an arrangement of lamp elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light elements, on a panel or frame. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may include one or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. The panel or frame may have an opening through which a camera can view. A mounting bracket and assembly may be used for attaching the panel or frame to a camera. The lamp elements may be electronically controllable so as to provide differing intensity levels, collectively, individually, or in designated groups, and may be strobed, dimmed or otherwise controlled according to manually selected or programmable patterns. Different color lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame, and, in particular, daylight and tungsten colored lamp elements may be mounted on the same panel/frame and their relative intensities selectively controlled by control circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Contrast Lighting Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy G. Pohlert, Pat Grosswendt
  • Patent number: 6547421
    Abstract: A video display apparatus which exhibits high utilization efficiency of a luminous flux from a light source and can provide a uniform video. The video display apparatus includes a light source unit including a plurality of coupling optical elements for converting light emitted from a plurality of light sources into a substantially parallel luminous flux and operable to condense light having passed through the coupling optical elements at a predetermined position, an optical integrator for equalizing the intensity distribution of the condensed light, and a light valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Sugano
  • Publication number: 20030058655
    Abstract: A rear light of motor vehicle enclosed in a housing comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) on a bottom housing and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) formed thereon and electrically coupled to the PCB for emitting light thereby; and convergent lens means atop the LEDs whereby light emitted from the LEDs are brought together by the convergent lens means to form uniform and focused light on a first predetermined area, such focused light is further focused on a second predetermined area by rectangular refractive members in an upper housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Yung-Yi Chuang
  • Publication number: 20030053310
    Abstract: A lamp (10) includes a substrate (12), a first lighting unit (14A) and a second lighting unit (14B). The first lighting unit (14A) includes a first light emitting diode (22A) arranged on the substrate (12), and a first lens element (24A) that has a first optical prescription and is arranged to interact with light produced by the first light emitting diode (22A). The second lighting unit (14B) includes a second light emitting diode (22B) arranged on the substrate (12), and a second lens element (24B) that has a second optical prescription and is arranged to interact with light produced by the second light emitting diode (22B). A means (30) for selectively applying electrical power has at least a first selectable mode in which the means (30) applies power to the first lighting unit (14A) whereby a first light output pattern is emitted, and a second selectable mode in which the means (30) applies power to the second lighting unit (14B) whereby a second light output pattern is emitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Sommers
  • Publication number: 20030048634
    Abstract: An in-pavement light that utilizes LEDs as its light source and that utilizes appropriate optics to properly direct light from the LED light source. Specifically, the in-pavement light includes a housing configured to be mounted at least partly below a ground level. An LED light source is housed in the housing. Optics, such as prisms, are configured to direct light from the LED light source such that at least part of the light is directed in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the ground level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: DIALIGHT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chenhua You, Maria E. Saavedra
  • Patent number: 6520666
    Abstract: An apparatus for lighting or illuminating spaces, bodies or surfaces, which is formed from a plurality of light emitting diodes (1). The light emitting diodes (1) are radially enclosed by a casing body (14) which is adjoined at the end by a tubular element (15) which bears against a lens (4). A set spacing is thereby established between the light emitting diode (1) and the lens (4). All light spots issuing from the light emitting diode (1) are projected to form a single light spot of a high level of brightness by virtue of the superimposed relationship at a spacing in front of the lens (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Diehl Luftfahrt Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Beyerlein, Thomas Krummer
  • Patent number: 6499863
    Abstract: A display system (800) combining light from two sources into a single light beam that is modulated by a light valve to form an image. Light from a first light source (802) is anamorphically focused along a first light path by a first lens group (804) and a second lens group (806). The first and second lens groups are typically cylindrical lenses having perpendicular axes. The two lens groups focus the light from the first light source onto an integrating rod (808). In a similar manner, light from a second light source (810) is anamorphically focused along a second light path by a first lens group (812) and a second lens group (814) onto the same integrating rod (808). Light from the integrating rod (808) illuminates a light valve (816). Light valve (816) typically is a micromirror device or a liquid crystal panel. The light valve modulates the light from the integrating rod (808) to form a modulated light beam that is focused by projection optics (822) onto an image plane (824).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Duane Scott Dewald
  • Publication number: 20020191396
    Abstract: A work light for work or task areas which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the source of light. LED clusters are mounted on a circuit board which is located in a housing. The LED work lights may be powered by conventional 120 or 240-volt electrical outlets, a DC generator, a battery, a battery pack, or a car adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Paul J. Reiff, David L. Reiff, Clyde M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020181232
    Abstract: A LED symbol signal with LEDs arrayed to correspond to a desired symbol. Light from the LEDs is directed onto corresponding optical segments of a multiple collimating zone element and directed into a forward direction/distribution. A mask defines the desired symbol. The optical segments and or a diffusion surface on the cover or multiple collimating zone element(s) diffuses the display aspect, obscuring the individual LEDs. A diameter of the optical features of the diffusion surface is smaller than a diameter of the optical segments. The LED symbol signal may be configured for retrofitting into an incandescent lamp signal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau
  • Patent number: 6471371
    Abstract: A display lamp in which the front face of a non-display portion (2a) is surrounded by a globe (5, 5A) serving as a display portion and in which a light source (4) is disposed inside of the space defined by the globe (5, 5A) and the non-display portion (2a). The light source (4) comprises at least a pair of left and right LEDs (42, 43) disposed at both sides which sandwich the transverse center of the front face of the non-display portion (2a). The LEDs (42, 43) respectively irradiate lights to those zones of the globe (5, 5A) which are located in the opposite sides with respect to the LEDs (42, 43) on the basis of the transverse center of the globe (5, 5A). Preferably, the pair of LEDs (42, 43) comprises a pair of left- and right-side end LEDs (42, 43) disposed at the left- and right-side ends or their vicinities of the front face of the non-display portion (2a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Patlite Corporation
    Inventors: Tokio Kawashima, Akito Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6450664
    Abstract: A linear illumination unit (30) has a line of unlensed LEDs (31) which emit light spreading out. The light is focused into a line by a Fresnel lens (33) which allows spread and mixing of light in the linear direction and limits spread in the ortliogonal direction. A Fresnel lens is particularly effective for this purpose. The housings 34 have slots 36 to help control light spread, and the housings are open-ended to allow spread of light in the linear direction beyond the confines of the, geometry of the units. Thus, units (30) may be interconnected to provide seamless linear light in a modular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Stockeryale (IRL) Limited
    Inventor: William Kelly
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020126480
    Abstract: A warning device comprises a hollow tubular body in which a plurality of electrically-driven light emitting elements arm disposed in such a manner that the light emitting elements are controlled by an integrated circuit. In light of the radian of the pliable and light-transmitting tubular body, light emitted by the light emitting elements is so diffused as to brighten the tubular body on its entirety. The waxing device is thus made conspicuous by the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Hsi-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 6443594
    Abstract: A lens array for a lamp directs light to a light conduit such as an optical fiber or light pipe for guiding light to a remote location. An array of LED serve as light sources. The lens array includes an integrally formed member having a number of collimator lenses positioned in the lens array so that each lens can operate as a collimator for a corresponding LED to produce a respective collimated beam of light. The lenses have optical properties that are optimized according to where their corresponding LED are positioned in the LED array, so that the lens array is provided with lens prescriptions that produce refraction of the collimated beams of light toward an entrance aperture of the light conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Marshall, Gerard Harbers, Michael D. Pashley, Stephen Herman
  • Patent number: 6439743
    Abstract: A solid state light apparatus suited for use in traffic control signals and having a unitary transparent cover generating a homogenous light beam. A solid state light source comprises an area array of LEDs uniformly illuminating a light diffuser to achieve the homogenous light beam. The unitary cover has a lens defined at an inner portion thereof, and an outer portion encompassing the lens adapted to sealingly secure to the apparatus housing. The lens is continuous with the outer portion such that water and other environmental elements can not penetrate into the housing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Power Signal Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 6431727
    Abstract: This specification discloses an illuminating device in which lights emitted from a plurality of light sources are made into substantially parallel lights and are made to enter a lens array system, and illumination is effected by the lights from the lens array system, characterized in that an optical system in which the action of compressing the incident light in the direction of arrangement of the plurality of light sources is greater than the action of compressing the incident light in a direction perpendicular thereto is provided between the light sources and the lens array system. The specification also discloses a projection type display apparatus including such illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Saburo Sugawara, Atsushi Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20020105801
    Abstract: An LED signal using a single optical element. The single optical element designed with a generally smooth outer surface and an inner surface having Fresnel optical elements in an inner center region and total internal reflection elements in an outer periphery region. The single optical element may have an integral sealing surface for sealable connection to the signal housing and no countersinking so that it is capable of manufacture by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau
  • Patent number: 6425678
    Abstract: An obstruction lamp which replaces conventional incandescent light bulbs and which utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs) in an illumination unit. The obstruction lamp includes a first plurality of LEDs connected in series. The first plurality of LEDs are mounted onto a metal vertical cylinder which provides a heat sinking for the first plurality of LEDs. A lens is configured to cover the first plurality of LEDs and the metal vertical cylinder. A metal base is provided on which the first plurality of LEDs, the metal vertical cylinder, and the lens are mounted. Further, a clamp is configured to seal the lens to the metal base. A second plurality of LEDs may be connected electrically independently of the first plurality of LEDs and may be mounted on top of the metal vertical cylinder. A wire housing may be configured to attach to the metal base and to provide electrical connection to the first and/or second plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Verdes, Rand Eikelberger
  • Publication number: 20020060909
    Abstract: In a deuterium lamp box in accordance with the present invention, a wavelength of light different from that of a deuterium lamp can be forwardly let out from a light exit opening. Namely, when the deuterium lamp of a see-through type is lit, the light generated from the deuterium lamp can be let out from the light exit opening. When a second lamp is lit while the deuterium lamp is turned off, the light generated from the second lamp 85 passes through the deuterium lamp while in a state collected by a lens, and is let out from the light exit opening. When the deuterium lamp and the second lamp are lit at the same time, different wavelengths of light are let out from the light exit opening while in a mixed state. Thus, three kinds of light can be made depending on how the lamps are lit, whereby this lamp box is considered to have a versatility much higher than that of a lamp box accommodating only one lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Yujiro Sei, Masaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20020051360
    Abstract: A light unifier, which comprises a plurality of light sources, particularly laser diodes, emitting parallel light beams of a rectangular cross-section, for focusing the light energy of all the beams onto a target area through beam-shaping means, which comprises transverse collimators, means for juxtaposing the emitted beams to form a unified beam, a longitudinal collimator for longitudinally collimating the unified beam, and means for focusing it onto the target area. The light beams have a transverse and a longitudinal divergence and the ratio of the transverse divergence to the longitudinal divergence is higher than 1. The transverse collimators are placed at such a distance from the sources that, at the point at which the beams reach them, the sum of the short sides of the beams is equal to the long side of each of them at the point at which they reach the longitudinal collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Vladimir Vadimovich Solodovnikov, Anatoly Fedorovich Lavrov
  • Patent number: 6380697
    Abstract: For insertion into a lamp housing, a radiator module (1) is provided inside of the module with at least one discharge lamp as radiation source, which puts out an ultraviolet radiation produced by plasma within a discharge chamber (2), the plasma being formed by coupling an electromagnetic field into the discharge chamber (2) and the radiation produced by the plasma exits along a given optical axis through at least one body (12) transparent to ultraviolet radiation as a window. In the range of the plasma at least one diaphragm opaque to radiation is provided with a through-bore along the axis (6), an additional thermal radiation source is fixedly arranged in a given position within the module along the optical axis (6); the additionally produced radiation penetrates through a second transparent body (13) as entry window into the discharge chamber, and then exits along the axis through the first transparent body (12) together with the ultraviolet radiation produced by the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Beate Herter, Anke Schnabl, Karsten Ernesti, Dieter Steck
  • Publication number: 20020048170
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for uniform illumination of an object is presented. A plurality of light sources is adjusted relative to a base in order to give a defined illumination pattern with respect to the base. Then, the light sources are rigidly affixed to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Tomasz Momot, Adam Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20020027779
    Abstract: The invention provides an illumination system for a head-mounted display. The illumination system includes a plurality of illuminators which irradiate light over an area. The area has a central region where the light has a selective intensity, and outer regions on opposing sides of the central regions where the light has higher intensities than the selective intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Cassarly, Miller H. Schuck
  • Publication number: 20010040804
    Abstract: An illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp, having at least one LED which is mounted on an LED printed circuit board is provided which permits uncomplicated and flexible production. A base housing of the illuminator is produced from plastic. The base housing is penetrated by at least two contact elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: WERMA Signaltechnik GmbH & Co
    Inventors: Erich Marquardt, Siegfried Neumann, Juergen Marquardt, Dirk Rothhaas
  • Patent number: 6305821
    Abstract: LED lamps include a hollow light-transparent ball and one or more LED of the same or different colors fixed behind the ball, which has an inner semi-transparent layer and an outer transparent layer. The semi-transparent layer has a larger deflecting percentage than the outer transparent layer so that light emitted by the LED may deflect and collide with each other many times in the semi-transparent layer of the ball to produce soft and evenly mixed colored light when seen through the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Gen-Home Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Tai Hsieh, Jui-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6283612
    Abstract: A light emitting diode light strip that uses a rigid hollow tube (20) sized to accommodate a printed circuit board (22) which has a positive and negative bus extending the full length of the board. One or more resistors (38) are in contact with the positive bus on one end and a series of light emitting diodes (44) on the other. The diodes are mounted through holes (34) in the board and the anode of the diode is in communication with a resistor while the cathode of the diode contacts an adjacent diode anode connecting them in linked series through traces on the bottom of the circuit board. The end cathode in each series, engages the negative bus forming a predetermined group of diodes electrically coupled to a single resistor on one end and the negative bus on the other. A pair of end caps (50) enclose the tube and an electrical cable (60) is connected through the caps to the busses on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6264346
    Abstract: A faceted surface has first and second facets which deflect respective first and second light beams to produce first sub-beams which alternate with second sub-beams. The faceted surface may be a reflector having first facets at 120° to second facets for mixing light beams which are incident at 120° to each other. 100% of reflected sub-beams from each source alternate with 100% of sub-beams from the other source. The faceted surface may also be a refractor which is part of a transparent block having two parallel faceted surfaces. A first refractive surface refracts parallel light beams to produce diverging beams which are each split into spaced apart sub-beams by the second refractive surface. 50% of refracted sub-beams originating from each source alternate with 50% of refracted sub-beams of each adjacent source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Pashley, Thomas Marshall, Stephen Herman
  • Patent number: 6244727
    Abstract: A low loss optic lens cell the cell comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of light sources such as LEDs mounted to a board and capable of being electrically connected to a power source. A lens is attached to the board in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Each lens has a flat portion, least one and preferably a plurality of convex portions, and an aperture defined in each convex portion in a generally collinear arrangement relative to a corresponding LED. A plurality of the cells may be combined into an array, arranged in a housing, and connected to an electric control for operating the cells to form lighted patterns. Low intensity light rays are maximally utilized by refracting the rays back toward the LED axis and high intensity light rays are maximally utilized by allowing them to pass through the aperture without refraction and with little or no optical losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: American Signal Company
    Inventors: Patrick H. Ryan, Jr., Stephen P. Hart