Shielding Type Modifier Patents (Class 362/248)
  • Patent number: 6698912
    Abstract: The present invention of a haloed vehicle light mainly includes a primary light-emitting socket, a secondary light-emitting socket, an outer reflector, an inner reflector and a light-permeable shield; the inner reflector is disposed inside the outer reflector and both of them are spaced at a proper interval distance; both of the primary and secondary light-emitting sockets are disposed with a light-emitting body; a projector with the function of refraction can be additionally disposed inside the inner reflector; a luminous washer can be additionally disposed in front of the frame of the inner reflector; a plurality of ring-shaped and light-reflecting saw teeth are disposed on the inner wall of the light-permeable shield incorporating with the luminous washer; the vehicle light of the present invention has a central light area, an outer circular light area, a luminous area and is capable of generating various applicative functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chiu-Ling Yang
  • Publication number: 20040004841
    Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle mirror is provided. The light assembly in one aspect has a light directing arrangement attached to a transparent pane, which directs a light beam into a specified zone, controls a color of the light beam and controls an intensity of the light. In another aspect, a pane is provided having similar attributes and a water drain and drip edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Georg Hecht
  • Publication number: 20030202349
    Abstract: A light source device has a light shielding member having an aperture, a light source arranged on one side of the light shielding member, and a converging member arranged relatively with respect to the light source and the light source to thereby converge light emitted from the light source in the aperture or in a vicinity of the aperture. Another type of light source device has a single light source, and a converging member for converging light from the light source to thereby distribute the light to at least two points. Still another type of light source device has a light source, and a reflecting mirror arranged to enclose a side of a light emission direction of the light source, the reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light source in a direction except the light source so that the light is radiated outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Yuji Takahashi, Takemasa Yasukawa, Hideaki Kato, Hideki Omoya, Hideyuki Nakano, Hisao Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20030174500
    Abstract: A decorative lighting equipment includes a shade that is transparent or translucent and formed into a tube with opposite ends, a light source for emitting a directional light flux, the light source being placed at one end of the opposite ends of the shade so that the directional light flux is transmitted within the shade toward another end of the shade, and the shade forming thereon hairlines which extend in a direction crossing the direction along which the directional light flux emitted from the light source is transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Masahiro Kameda, Atsuto Fukushima, Yoshimitsu Kida
  • Patent number: 6588923
    Abstract: A light-emitting structure is intended to be mounted on the exhaust tailpipe of a motor vehicle and formed of a tubular connector, an electronic control board, and a light shield. The tubular connector is fastened at the inner end to the exhaust tailpipe and provided with a fume channel via which exhaust fume is discharged into atmospheric air. The control board is fastened to the outer end of the tubular connector such that the control board is separated from the fume channel by a heat-insulating material. The light shield is provided with a plurality of grooves and is fastened to the outer end of the tubular connector, so as to shield the control board. The control board comprises an integrated circuit and a plurality of light-emitting bodies which are corresponding in location to the grooves of the light shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jen-Hsieh Shih
  • Publication number: 20030117798
    Abstract: A light fixture consists of one or more light emitting diode (LED) packaging systems within a housing. Each LED packaging system includes one or more LED light sources that simultaneously shines onto opposing reflecting surfaces, then shines forward through encapsulation material, to present a softer appearance. The housing consists of a cluster of prewired sockets with an outer reflective surface. Electrical wiring runs from the rear of the first socket and then to an adjacent socket in a daisy chain fashion. Each socket includes connectors configured to provide each LED packaging system with a source of electricity. The housing has diffusers that adjust the light to a softer and evenly distributed appearance. The light fixture will operate with reduced energy consumption and little maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. Leysath
  • Patent number: 6572239
    Abstract: A storage and display apparatus for decorative lighting. The storage and display apparatus includes an elongate housing that has a main channel for holding strings of decorative lighting for the purpose of both displaying during the holiday season, and storage when not in use such as during the summer. The housing has an opening into the main channel for housing the lighting. A plurality of securing members selectively holds the decorative lighting in place in the main channel of the housing. Each of the securing members is mounted a back wall of the housing, and is generally a C-shaped design. A flexible panel member for selectively covering the opening of the housing can be slid up into a slot in an upper portion of the housing when not being utilized to cover the opening. The housing is mountable to a surface of a structure, such as under the eaves or gutters of a house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Harbin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030007342
    Abstract: A light guide plate has a back face provided with a first light diffusion pattern which tends to get denser according to an increasing distance from a primary light source. The light guide plate has an emission face provided with a second light diffusion pattern covering rate of is the largest at an approximately center portion (particular partial region) of the emission face. The first and second light diffusion patterns consist of a great number of fine light diffusion elements, respectively. Each fine light diffusion element of the second light diffusion pattern has a smaller size as compared with that of the first light diffusion pattern. The emission face of the light guide plate has an effective emission area to provide an emission light which is supplied to an LCD panel or other objects to be illuminated, via a light control member such as prism sheet. The approximately center portion and/or other one or more particular partial regions in the emission face show an intentionally heightened brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kazuo Suzuki, Kazumasa Ohsumi
  • 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: 6464367
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tandem type surface light source system allowing a uniform luminance over the surface light source. The surface light source system includes a plurality of bar-like light sources disposed in parallel to each other; reflecting members, each of which is disposed to surround a right or left side, an upper side, and a lower side of the corresponding one of the light sources; light guide plates made from a transparent material, each of which is disposed along the left or right side of the corresponding one of the light sources, and is formed into a taper shape in cross-section along the traveling direction of light; and reflecting sheets, each of which is disposed on the back surface of the corresponding one of the light guide plates. In this system, each of at least the second and later ones of the light guide plates is, at its end portion on the light source side, integrated with a light introducing portion made from a transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomotaka Ito, Tomoya Yano
  • Patent number: 6428194
    Abstract: A headlight for a vehicle operating in accordance with a projection principle has a light source, a reflector, a shield arranged in a beam path of a light reflected by the reflector for producing a bright-dark limit of a light bundle exiting the headlight, a lens through which the light passing on the shield passes, a light-permeable cover member arranged after the lens in a light outlet direction, the cover member having a region which deviates the passing light upwardly, and a screening device arranged between the shield and the cover member and formed so that at least a part of the light passing on the screen which would pass through the region of the cover member is screened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Oschmann, Hartmut Stephan
  • Patent number: 6416201
    Abstract: An illuminated sign system provides uniform illumination over the lamp face by using partially transmissive lamp masks located between the lamps and the sign face. The sign face itself also diffusely reflects at least a majority of light incident on its second surface back towards the interior of the sign. The lamp spacing ratio in the illuminated signs can be increased, e.g., to a ratio of 3:1 or more, and, possibly, to a ratio of 4:1 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Neal T. Strand, David G. Freier, Ellen O. Aeling
  • Patent number: 6371629
    Abstract: Decorative lights includes a plurality lamps attached to a conductive line terminating in a plug member adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power. Each lamp comprises an enclosure with a light source therein. The enclosure has an opaque portion and a light transmitting portion, and the opaque and a light transmitting portions arranged to resemble an open eye. A mouthpiece member is adapted to be removably attached to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: John R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6364507
    Abstract: A waterproof LED display has a housing. A circuit board with a plurality of LED groups is mounted within the housing. A transparent sheet which has a smooth inner surface opposite to the circuit board and a coarse outer surface to prevent reflection of the sunshine, is provided outside the circuit board. A panel with a plurality of apertures to respectively correspond to the groups of LEDs is mounted outside the transparent sheet. Waterproof silica gel is spread over joints between the panel and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Formosa Industrial Computing Inc.
    Inventor: Chung-Chin Yang
  • Publication number: 20010017774
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tandem type surface light source system allowing a uniform luminance over the surface light source. The surface light source system includes a plurality of bar-like light sources disposed in parallel to each other; reflecting members, each of which is disposed to surround a right or left side, an upper side, and a lower side of the corresponding one of the light sources; light guide plates made from a transparent material, each of which is disposed along the left or right side of the corresponding one of the light sources, and is formed into a taper shape in cross-section along the traveling direction of light; and reflecting sheets, each of which is disposed on the back surface of the corresponding one of the light guide plates. In this system, each of at least the second and later ones of the light guide plates is, at its end portion on the light source side, integrated with a light introducing portion made from a transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Tomotaka Ito, Tomoya Yano
  • Patent number: 6250779
    Abstract: Decorative lights includes a plurality of pairs of lamps attached to a conductive line terminating in a plug member adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power. Each pair of lamps are connected to a rigid support member that maintains each individual lamp of each pair spaced apart at a predetermined distance. Each lamp comprises an enclosure with a light source therein. The enclosure has an opaque portion and a light transmitting portion, and the opaque and a light transmitting portions arranged to resemble an open eye. A mouthpiece member is adapted to be removably attached to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: John R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6241358
    Abstract: A set of light guide blocks B L 1˜B L 3 provide a tandem arrangement. The light guide block B L 1 is supplied with light from a primary light source L 1. The other primary light sources L 2, L 3 are arranged in recesses formed around distal portions of the light guide blocks B L 1, B L 2, supplying the light guide blocks B L 2, B L 3 with primary light, respectively. Overlap of mutually neighboring light guide blocks gives tang-shaped overlapping portions 17a, 17b, 27a, 27b as well as overlapping bands 17c, 27c, thereby avoiding electrodes at both ends of the primary light sources L 2, L 3 from causing short of brightness. The light guide blocks B L 1˜B L 3 may be in the form of unified single guide plate. Primary light sources L 1˜L 3 may have a shape such that electrode sections of both ends are curved. A compact surface light source device with a large emission area is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignees: Nitto Jushi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventors: Eizaburo Higuchi, Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Akihiro Horibe
  • Patent number: 6234649
    Abstract: An electric lamp device which is capable of suppressing obstruction light toward the sky even if being used as a garden light or the like as well as a common lighting electric lamp. In the electric lamp device comprising an envelope and a small-sized light-emitting element assembly, an open end of a globe is coupled to a globe connection opening of a base body to constitute the envelope, and the small-sized light-emitting element assembly, such as a set of baseless small-sized electric lamps connected in series to each other, is housed within this envelope, and additionally, a louver including ring-like louver components is put within the envelope surrounding the small-sized light-emitting element assembly. Further, when needed, an attachment is fixed in the globe connection opening of the base body. The louver is mounted on this attachment. The attachment is composed of a plate section, a light-emitting element mounting section, and a support standing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Moriyama Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Katougi
  • Patent number: 6227680
    Abstract: An institutional lamp includes several features to enhance lamp longevity and safety in an institutional setting. A diffuser/guard assembly fully surrounds the lamp bulbs to prevent casual disassembly or inadvertent contact with the bulbs. An auxiliary socket is provided that can be conveniently used to power other devices. A night light bulb is included and is also located within the diffuser/guard assembly. When so located, the lamp continues to provide a natural appearing illumination when the night light feature is used. An easy to use rocker switch is provided to enhance user operating convenience, and a durable, plastic lampshade avoids the types of damages frequently suffered by cloth shades. Preferably, the lamp is constructed of heavy, durable materials to improve durability. However, the lamp is styled and decorated to have the type of inviting appearance commonly associated with lamps intended for use in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Schumaker Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A Arndt
  • Patent number: 6227687
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interleaved illumination support. The support includes a base and a wire coupled to the base. The wire includes beads attached to the wire along the length of the wire. A first leaf is coupled between the base and a bead that is the second bead above the base so as to maintain the wire in tension. A second leaf is coupled between a first bead and a fourth bead so as to maintain the wire in tension. A light source is coupled to the wire. Other features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Kahwaji
  • Patent number: 6229713
    Abstract: A device that includes multiple light channels for separating the light from adjacent indicating lights and preventing bleed-over can be constructed to include an electrically conductive material so that the device can also serve as an EMI shield to reduce the amount of EMI escaping from a computer system chassis. By reducing light bleed-over from one indicating light to the next, such a device reduces the likelihood that a user will be confused about whether an indicating light is on or off. Additionally, closely spaced indicating lights can be accommodated by slots in the chassis while EMI is reduced by the shielding effects of the light channel device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventors: Ty R. Schmitt, Andrew L. McAnally
  • Patent number: 6224232
    Abstract: A light covering system for use in permanently attaching a holiday light string onto a building structure, and selectively seasonally displaying or concealing the light string. A housing includes a fixed portion and a cover. The fixed portion includes a back plate which is mounted directly to the building structure, a hood, and end plates. The string light extends taut between the end plates so that it does not contact any other portion of the housing. The cover is hingeably attached to the fixed portion so that it may selectively enter a closed position wherein the light string is concealed, and an open position for displaying the light string. A latch selectively holds the cover in the closed position until it is released by pressing a release button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Greg Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6183104
    Abstract: A decorative lighting system which may be readily user-installed for surface-mounted display on a support structure includes a set of interconnectable modular component elements. The set of modular elements includes one or more pre-sized and formed light strip modules, and various other modules optionally employed as needed, including routing modules for effecting a multiple branching or angular change in course, and a power module for electrifying the lighting course. All modules are structurally suited for arrangement end-to-end, to create a continuous lightable track system which may be user-installed to follow a user determined lighting course, for example, in a manner accentuating architectural highlights. The light strip modules each includes a set electrically conductive pathways and a plurality of lights arranged along the length, variously connected in parallel across selected pairs of the set of conductive pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6164801
    Abstract: An improved self-contained portable lighting system comprising: a first shell having an interior portion in which lights are mounted and having an exterior portion on which is mounted a first closure; a plurality of reflectors are mounted by hinges on edges of a front face of the interior portion of the first shell so that the reflectors may be folded on top of one another and substantially flat against the interior portion of the first shell; a second shell having an exterior portion including second closure for engaging the first closure and locking the first shell the said second shell together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Teletec de Mexico, SA, DE CV.
    Inventor: Didier Alexander-Katz
  • Patent number: 6050709
    Abstract: A light string mounting system for retaining and protecting at least one light string during nonuse. The inventive device includes an elongated base having a U-shaped cross-section, a cover pivotally attached to an upper portion of the base, a bias spring between the cover and the base, and a pair of tracks within the base which receive a plurality of clips. The bias spring retains the cover in the closed position when the light string is not in use. When the cover is opened to expose the light string, the bias spring retains the cover in the open position. The cover and the base are coated with material which matches the color of the trim of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Herman Hastings
  • Patent number: 6007209
    Abstract: A light source for a display panel of the type used in notebook computers. The light source consists of a housing having diffusively reflecting bottom and side interior surfaces that form a cavity. The housing defines an aperture that is juxtaposed with a rear surface of the display panel. A first series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity around the perimeter of the aperture and is shielded from the aperture by perimeter baffles that extend around the periphery of the aperture. A second series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity on the bottom wall of the housing. A series of baffles is interposed between the second series of LEDs and the aperture. A series of light quality enhancing films is interposed between the cavity and the display panel. The light source produces light of a uniform character with relatively high intensity and whiteness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Pelka
  • Patent number: 5951150
    Abstract: A display system includes a plurality of color filters disposed between a plurality of light sources and a display panel. A first light source is energizeable to transmit light through a first color filter to illuminate the display panel with a first color (red). A second light source is energizeable to transmit light through a second color filter to illuminate the display panel with a second color (green). The first and second light sources are simultaneously energizeable to transmit light through both of the color filters to illuminate the display panel with a third color (yellow). The display panel includes inner and outer layers containing light absorbing pigment and light scattering particulate. The outer layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of pigment than the inner layer. The inner layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of light scattering particulate than the outer layer. The inner and outer layers of the panel have the same optical density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Helstern
  • Patent number: 5951148
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that is adapted to be received over individual lighting elements of an ornamental light string. The preferred form of the device is a body of primarily unitary construction and having an open end and a closed end. The lighting element is received through the open end and into the body of the device. The diameter of the open end is adapted to snugly fit around the outer diameter of the light element for frictive adhesion. The device of the present invention is adapted to substantially block any light emitted from the lighting element such that remote viewers are unable to detect them. In alternate embodiments, the device of the present invention is modified to allow a reduced amount of luminosity to escape thereby rendering the covered lighting element dimmer than an uncovered element. Additionally, the present invention may be included with traditional ornamental lighting strings in a kit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jamie A. Limber
  • Patent number: 5931564
    Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 5876112
    Abstract: A plurality of lamps electrically connected together have different decorative patterns on the surfaces of the lamp bulbs so that when the bulbs are sequentially lit, a story is progressively and visually displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon K.H. Wu
  • Patent number: 5823656
    Abstract: A wide-dispersion indirect lamp assembly with an elongated lamp housing (14), symmetric to a central, vertical plane (26), and which prevents at least most of the light from escaping downward. The assembly includes two fluorescent tubes (28); and a reflector (30) above each of the tubes. Each reflector, seen in vertical cross section, slants upward and away from a point (32) on the upper half of the circumference of the fluorescent tube. The point (32) is preferably shifted away from the apex line (34) of the circumference of the fluorescent tube toward the central plane (26) of the lamp housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Herbert Waldman GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
  • Patent number: 5816687
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a string of lights to a surface so the lights may selectively concealed or revealed. The apparatus includes a base for attachment to the surface and a removable cover or a hingable cap for selectively exposing the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: F. Barry Tapp
  • Patent number: 5801490
    Abstract: A halogen torchiere lamp comprises a grid-like guard arranged across the lampshade opening for preventing flammable material from making contact with the hot glass shield of the bulb or the bulb itself. A temperature sensor is installed within the lampshade near the bulb to sense the rise in ambient temperature within the lampshade should its opening be covered by any material. The sensor comprises a thermostat that de-energizes the bulb when the sensed ambient temperature reaches a predetermined value. The sensor may also comprise a thermistor that operates the dimmer switch of the lamp to dim the bulb when the sensed ambient temperature reaches a predetermined value. The sensor may further comprise a photocell-powered thermistor that varies the bias of a transistor, which in turn causes the bulb to dim, thereby lowering the ambient temperature within the lampshade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Catalina Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Chan K. Fai
  • Patent number: 5749647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display panel presenting a matrix array constituted by a plurality of light emitting elements. A mask composed of a vertical wall presents a plurality of openings opposite the light emitting elements and a plurality of fins directed towards the display surface and at a distance therefrom. The mask intercepts virtually all the sun's radiation and avoids heating of the display surface due to such radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Securite et Signalisation
    Inventor: Philippe Migny
  • Patent number: 5746503
    Abstract: A rear illuminated light box device for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The device has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which hold in place a front translucent sheet material or panel member. The front member can be flexible and stretched in place, or rigid panels. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the front member. A flat or curved light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the translucent material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light on the front member. Access members in the apparatus allow convenient changes of the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Marketing Displays Inc.
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 5745176
    Abstract: The present invention takes advantage of the efficiency of high-brightness red, infra-red, or other color LEDs arranged in a single row, the properties inherent to a focusing element such as a cylindrical lens, as well as the advantages of having a straight-edged diaphragm and a light-absorbing enclosure to produce an illumination source for machine-vision systems. The illumination source exhibits multi-directional properties on one side of an imaginary plane defined by the positions of the row of LEDs, the straight-edged diaphragm, and the focusing element, and minimize light cast on the other side of the plane. The present invention provides a compact light line generator which has no shadowing or secondary lines. The present invention also provides a method for measuring the height of a raised surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: PPT Vision, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 5715619
    Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an information displaying traffic sign which comprises a board, the front side of which is formed of dusters of LED devices. Visors are mounted to the front of the board, each visor being provided with an opening on its top face so that vertical air circulation along the front side of the board may be permitted to cool the LED devices. Shades are provided, adjacent to each visor opening, to prevent sun rays from reaching the LED devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Groupe Infocite Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Polisois, Daniel Chevalier
  • Patent number: 5552969
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp device for a combination tail lamp comprises: a lamp body having a cup shape and an front opening; a bulb supported by the lamp body; a front lens covering the front opening of the lamp body; and a shade for cutting light off except a light emitting area in front of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 5477422
    Abstract: A back-lit LCD apparatus comprises a LCD (1), one or more LEDs (3) (or other light sources), and a plate-like light guide (2) behind the LCD (1). An attenuating member (5) is included in front or behind the light guide (5). In the former case the attenuating member (5) is formed as a sheet of reflective material on which is printed a pattern of non-reflective dots for reducing the intensity of light reaching portions of the LCD nearest to the light source. In the latter case the attenuating member (5) is transparent and the dots are either opaque or reflective. The size and frequency of the dots may be varied to adjust the level of attenuation. Also, the pattern of dots may be graduated to provide progressively less attenuation as the distance from the LEDs increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Limited
    Inventors: Guy Hooker, Dave Smith
  • Patent number: 5359506
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an all occasion light system providing for a permanent installation at a preferred location, the system including: a plurality of spaced apart, electrically connected base members, having structure to insert therein a plurality of light bulbs; structure to removably attach ornaments over the light bulbs with the ornaments to be illuminated thereby; and structure to individually conceal each of the light bulbs when the ornaments are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Edward J. Koleno
  • Patent number: 5343375
    Abstract: An emergency lighting strip provides for illumination of the floor of an emergency egress passageway during clear air conditions and also marks an escape path during conditions of limited visibility. The strip mounts two strings of narrow cone L.E.D.s in a transparent tubular housing which is mounted on the passageway wall. The marker string mounts L.E.D.s at half-inch intervals with their beam axes aimed at the middle of the passageway floor. The illuminator string mounts L.E.D.s at four-inch intervals with their beam axes angled above horizontal. A strip of the half-inch spaced L.E.D.s, with the L.E.D. beam axes perpendicular to the wall is mounted to frame and mark an exit doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: H. Koch & Sons Company
    Inventors: H. Gerald Gross, Stephen B. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5313375
    Abstract: A light fixture for use with a high efficiency particulate air filter is disclosed which includes a peripheral frame, in which a high efficiency particulate air filter is mounted. A plurality of individual lighting elements are positioned in the frame directly beneath the filter in the direction of air flow. The individual lighting elements each include an elongated streamlined housing for receiving an elongated electric light bulb to direct laminar air flow from the filter in a non-turbulent flow pattern around the light bulbs in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Guth Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan D. Jones
  • Patent number: 5311411
    Abstract: A front section of a motor vehicle includes a fog light system with indirect lighting. The indirect lighting improves an operator's vision in fog and is obtained by projecting the beams of light of the front fog lights so that they are oriented in such a way as to leave a zone or corridor not directly lit immediately ahead of the motor vehicle. A projection of light beams solely outwardly or upwardly at an angle of 45, 60 or 90 degrees with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel and through the projecting fog light is preferred. The fog light can be positioned such that the body or roof portion of a vehicle itself acts to prevent any inwardly directing light. A rectangular shield mounted on the vehicle roof with the lower portion axially extending further than the upper portion can be relied upon to block downwardly directed light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Gianni Garolfi
  • Patent number: 5213410
    Abstract: The underwater illumination apparatus for use in nuclear facilities has a high pressure sodium arc lamp sealed to a stainless steel base with a flexible, radiation-resistant seal to provide a watertight and shock-absorbing connection. A wet-mateable base connector is attached to the base to permit connection to a lower cable. A light-transmissive, impact-resistant cover is formed around the base and the arc lamp. The cover has holes through which water can flow in and out to conduct heat away from the arc lamp. The combination of the above elements creates a modular unit which is replaced as a whole when the arc lamp burns out. The lower cable which provides power to the arc lamp is attached at its other end to a ballast power supply which is hermetically sealed in a stainless steel housing. Wet mateable connectors are attached at the inlet and outlet of the ballast power supply to attach to the lower cable and to the upper cable connection to a 120 VAC source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Remote Ocean Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Acks
  • Patent number: 5213409
    Abstract: A grid suitable for preparing an illuminated display is disclosed. This grid contains a face material which has at least 0.6 discrete receptacles per square inch. Each of such receptacles contains two channels communicating with a larger, middle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: David B. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5122943
    Abstract: A light emitting diode with reduced stray light includes a base with an active light emitting element mounted in the base. An epoxy envelope is mounted on the base. The envelope includes a conical side portion and a spherical dome portion. The envelope is encapsulated with optically absorbing material of low reflectivity. The optically absorbing material is in direct contact with the side portion of the envelope and part of the spherical dome portion leaving an exposed portion through which rays of light pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Miles Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry T. Pugh
  • Patent number: 5117340
    Abstract: A lighting device comprises a support plate having first and second sides and a current supply attached to the first side; a structure for supporting the support plate at a distance from a surface of a room is provided, defining a laterally open space between the support plate and the surface; a leg having first and second ends, the first end penetrating the plate and protruding from the second side; a first socket is attached to the second end for attaching and electrically connecting a light bulb, and a second socket is disposed on the first side in the space for attaching and electrically connecting a further light bulb for indirectly lighting the room. The plate may be spaced from the surface by a cast resin body into which the current supply is embedded, or by a holder in the form of a multi-legged holder star.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Ralf Schafer
  • Patent number: 5014167
    Abstract: A visual signaling apparatus including an enclosure having an aperture, and defining a cavity, a light source for emitting light in predetermined wavelengths borne by the enclosure and positioned in the cavity; and a semi-transparent dichroic mirror borne by the enclosure and disposed in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture, the semi-transparent dichroic mirror adapted to selectively reflect ambient light and transmit the predetermined wavelengths of light emitted by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5001614
    Abstract: A floor lamp apparatus is provided in which an elongated lightbulb, preferably a fluorescent lightbulb, is supported above the floor. The apparatus is preferably triangular, the first and second sides of the triangle forming a support structure, and the elongated lightbulb being fixed along the third side. The elongated lightbulb can thereby be supported above the surface by either of the first and second sides, and at different angles relative to the surface. The invention is particularly useful to detachably support fluorescent light units of the type having at least one elongated fluorescent lightbulb fixed to an elongated channel housing. a cradle can be formed in the third side to receive and retain the channel housing. Adjacent sides are preferably detachable, or pivotally connected, to permit convenient folding and storage of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: John Buss