Modifier Mountable On Light Source Envelope Patents (Class 362/255)
  • Patent number: 5848840
    Abstract: An emergency fog lens device 10 for use with conventional clear headlights 101 of a vehicle 100. The device 10 includes an enlarged generally rectangular tinted lens member 20 provided with a plurality of spaced rows of apertures 22 dimensioned to receive a plurality of securing elements 40 which engage a like plurality of suction cup members 30 for releasably securing the lens member 20 to a vehicle headlight 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Norvin R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5800038
    Abstract: Rim mounted visor apparatus for mounting from an endless motorcycle headlight rim formed at its forward extremity with a radially in turned retaining lip. The visor includes a visor plate in the form of a sector of a cylinder configured at its rear extremity with a plurality of rearwardly projecting hangers spaced annularly about the visor plate and configured with respective radially outwardly projecting retainer ribs for engaging behind the retaining lip of the rim and engageable by a resilient retaining rod which is configured to complement the curvature of the rim and, upon installation, urge the respective hangers radially outwardly to hold the visor firmly engaged behind the retaining lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Cobra Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy McCool
  • Patent number: 5800047
    Abstract: One improvement of the structure of decorating light string's light bulb. The light bulb has two opposite copper filaments inside. These two copper filaments are linked together at their middle segment, and then fixed at a proper place on the socket of the light bulb. Their bottom segments stretch outside of the bottom, and their upper segments are being withheld inside, of the bulb. On the copper filaments withheld inside of the bulb, multiple places are linked together by tungsten filaments. After the electrical power is supplied, several light spots can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Chin Ying Yang
  • Patent number: 5793159
    Abstract: A lamp which provides substantially uniform illumination over a predetermined area which includes a glass envelope having a lensed end and a curved filament contained within the envelope. The filament contains a plurality of coils which are disposed in a concave orientation with respect to the lensed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Motz West, William Henry Lagerway, Raymond Alan Dean
  • Patent number: 5785414
    Abstract: A lighting system which comprises a housing (10) contains a light emitting diode (34) that fits into a lens (30). The lens is secured to the housing (10) so that the position of the lens relative to the housing is also fixed. One or more housings are fitted into a channel (50) closed by a transparent or translucent cover (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Gradus Limited
    Inventors: Paul William Baker, Bernard Lawrence Phillip Ackers
  • Patent number: 5782550
    Abstract: Structure is provided to protect a lamp body from the heat generated by a bulb without impairing the external appearance of a lamp or increasing the number of parts of the lamp. A lamp body incorporates a reflector, a bulb, and a shade for limiting the scope of light rays projected from the bulb. The shade has an upper shade portion and a lower shade portion which are integral with each other. The upper shade portion shields those of the light rays that would become dazzling light out of all of the light rays projected from the bulb. The lower shade portion shields those of the light rays from bulb projected toward a lower surface portion of the lamp body. The lower shade portion prevents direct projection of the light rays onto the lower surface portion of the lamp body by shielding the light rays from the bulb, which in turn prevents the lower surface portion of the lamp body from being overheated by the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ohashi, Hiroshi Shida
  • Patent number: 5769525
    Abstract: The headlight has a reflector (10) and a light source (12) which is arranged in a lamp carrier (22), which can be pivoted in relation to the reflector (10) about a horizontal axis (30) between a position for low beam and a position for high beam by means of an actuator (42). Starting from the position for low beam, the light source (12) is moved as a result of the pivoting movement about the axis (30), together with the lamp carrier (22), both in the direction of the optical axis (11) of the reflector (10) towards its vertex and also vertically downward in relation to the optical axis (11). Starting from the low beam reflected by the reflector (10) in the case of the arrangement of the light source (12) in its low beam position, the result achieved is both a concentration of the light beam reflected by the reflector (10) and an elevation of the light beam, so that an effective high beam is generated by means of which the remote region in front of the vehicle is illuminated with a high illumination intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Rainer Neumann, Frieder Liedtke, Lothar Streit, Albert Vent, Doris Boebel
  • Patent number: 5746494
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus of an endoscope having a bulb disposed to face an entrance end surface of a light guide for illumination to supply illuminating light to the light guide. A concave mirror surrounds side and rear portions of the bulb to converge light emitted peripherally from the bulb in the vicinity of the entrance end surface of the light guide. A convex lens is formed at the distal end of the bulb to allow light emitted forwardly and obliquely forward from the bulb to be incident on the entrance end surface of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Koeda, Hiroshi Sano, Hirohisa Ueda, Kunitoshi Ikeda, Kunikiyo Kaneko, Rensuke Adachi
  • Patent number: 5726446
    Abstract: A line-focus system with a bulb in a bulb enclosure assembly, where the bulb has a lamp label attached to it in such a manner as to create an occluding aperture for directing light from the bulb toward the scan line in the line-focus system. The lamp label is shaped in such a manner that the light intensity across the photosensor line array in the line-focus system is relatively uniform. The lamp label is furthermore of an opaque, non-reflecting nature so as to prevent any stray light from being reflected into the line-focus system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Company
    Inventor: David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 5711594
    Abstract: An EL lamp includes a strip of EL material within a translucent cylinder, preferably a glass tube. The tube can be frosted or coated to further enhance the appearance of the lamp. The strip can be flat or curved and, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lamp includes a glass fiber between the light emitting surface of the strip and the tube for gathering light from the strip and emitting the light in a preferred direction. The tube is an optical element combined with the strip to produce the unexpected result of having the tube appear luminous, even without coatings to enhance this effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Durel Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Hay
  • Patent number: 5702179
    Abstract: A discharge lamp, such as a neon lamp or a subminiature fluorescent lamp, includes an elongated tubular lamp envelope containing a fill material for supporting a light-emitting discharge and electrodes mounted at opposite ends of the lamp envelope. A light-transmissive conductive coating on the lamp envelope substantially attenuates emission of RF energy. A conductor in electrical contact with the conductive coating couples the conductive coating to a reference potential, such as ground. The conductor may be a metal or conductive silicone strip in electrical contact with the conductive coating along the length of the lamp envelope. The discharge lamp may be connected to a ballast circuit by coaxial cables. The outer conductor of each coaxial cable is connected to the conductive coating to form a continuous RF shield. The conductive coating and/or the metal strip may be used for heating of the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Sidwell, George J. English, Robert L. Garrison, Ralph J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5690409
    Abstract: A headlight has a light source and a reflector. A screening device is associated with the light source and has a web located at both sides of the light source and extending along the optical axis. A light-impermeable cap forms a part of the screening device arranged under the light source. A gap-like opening remains between the upper edges and the lower edges of the webs. Above the web, light emitted by the light source and reflected from the upper region of the reflector can pass and form a low beam to produce an upper bright-dark limit by the upper edges of the webs. The light passing through the gap-like openings is reflected from the lower region of the reflector and forms an additional light beam arranged at a distance above the bright-dark limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Doris Boebel
  • Patent number: 5673999
    Abstract: An liquid-crystal display panel is illuminated by one or more xenon flash tubes as a backlighting source. The LCD backlight includes a back reflector, a reflecting cavity, and a light diffuser. The LCD panel is illuminated by triggering a flash of light from the xenon flash tube at a given frequency, reflecting the flash of light off of a back reflector, and diffusing the flash of light through a light diffuser. Flash lamp drive circuitry controls the triggering of a flash of light from a xenon flash lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Norand Corporation
    Inventor: Steven E. Koenck
  • Patent number: 5654608
    Abstract: The capped electric lamp has a glass lamp vessel (1) having first and second neck-shaped portions (2,3). An outer glass envelope (8) has a narrowed portion (9) where it is coupled to the first neck-shaped portion (2). A metal sleeve (10) has a clamping zone (11) which clampingly holds the outer envelope (8), and a welding zone (12) to which tongues (21) of a fixation member (20) which is fixed in a lamp cap (30) are welded. The metal sleeve (10) becomes narrower from the clamping zone (11) towards the first neck-shaped portion (2) up to the welding zone (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Manfred Westemeyer, Hans J. Kohl, Ralf Schafer
  • Patent number: 5645337
    Abstract: A backlighting unit for illuminating a planar display is provided, comprising an illumination source having a light emitting portion for emitting illumination toward the generally planar display, and a reflector for collecting the emitted illumination and reflecting the collected illumination toward the planar display, the reflector being positioned intermediate the illumination source and the display. The illumination source is a fluorescent lamp having an interior surface thereof substantially coated with a phosphor, and the light emitting portion is an aperture in the fluorescent lamp wherein no phosphor coating is present. The fluorescent lamp may be provided with a reflective wrap for increasing its illumination gain. A lens positioned between the reflector and the display receives the illumination reflected by the reflector and redirects the received illumination toward the display to provide even backlit illumination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Interstate Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 5641222
    Abstract: A hand-held multiple-shot flash generator is presented for temporarily blinding an assailant at a distance. The light is generated by a plurality of ultra high intensity flash bulbs containing a fast-burning substance such as magnesium sealed in pressurized pure oxygen that is triggered by an electric current. A portion of the glass bulbs is coated with a reflective surface to concentrate and project the light flash in a forward direction. The intensity of the flash striking the eyes is sufficiently strong to cause temporary blindness, thereby rendering the assailant mobile. The flash bulbs are mounted in a cylindrical housing containing a battery and a bulb firing and ejection system designed to give repetitive operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Andrew Minovitch
  • Patent number: 5632547
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an imaging camera including a frame part and a tubular lamp for providing light for the camera. The apparatus further comprises a device connected between the frame part of the camera and an end of the lamp for (i) grounding out electrostatic charge on an outer surface of the lamp, (ii) dissipating heat generated by the lamp and (iii) gradually correcting brightness roll-off at the end of the lamp to produce a uniform illumination of an imaging field of the camera. The device includes (i) a reflector portion for reflecting light from the lamp and (ii) a locating portion for locating the reflector portion relative to the lamp such that light reflected from the reflector portion cooperates with light from the lamp to gradually correct brightness roll-off at the end of the lamp to produce the uniform illumination of the imaging field of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Lei Ge, Murray R. Zink
  • Patent number: 5609410
    Abstract: A support element for a bulb in particular a miniature bulb in a motor vehicle, the support element being of the type including at least one elastically deformable branch for holding and making electrical connection with an end terminal of the bulb and fastening means for fixing the support element to a base. According to the invention said fastening means comprises at least one fixing tab including at least one projecting toe, said fixing tab being suitable for being inserted essentially perpendicularly to a plane of said base in the same direction as is used for installing a bulb on the base, the tab being forced into at least one housing provided in the base in such a manner that the, or each, projecting toe engages in a wall of said housing. The invention is applicable to making lighting devices of glove boxes or rear number plates of motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Claude Rives
  • Patent number: 5600909
    Abstract: An illuminated changeable message display system utilizing a plurality of fluorescent lamps in an array of multi colored light or aesthetic design patterns of light which extend exterior of a message display box supported in a suitable framework that may be mounted upon a suitable masonry base or suspended from a suitable support or may be free standing. The illuminated message display system may have single or double sided message boxes and may be upright or horizontal with suitable mounting. These message display systems may include a frame work having a mirror and diffusion panel to enhance the color arrays of the fluorescent lamps exposed outside of the message box. An electrical system is provided contained within the frame work to energize the fluorescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Steve A. Hooper
  • Patent number: 5593223
    Abstract: An illumination device consists of a light emitting element, a casing for supporting the light emitting element, and a colored cap which covers the light emitting element. The cap has a flat top surface so that the device can be held by suction stably at the top surface by means of a suction nozzle that is used commonly for other electronic parts and can be carried and mounted on a circuit board by the automatic part mounting equipment. The cap also has the formation of a curving surface section between the flat top surface and cylindrical section so that an increased amount of light is transmitted in the up-oblique direction through the curving surface section, thereby compensating the degraded light distribution caused by the formation of the flat top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 5590952
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for Christmas tree light sets, including a lamp socket having a positive metal contact plate with raised portions and a negative metal contact plate on the inside, and a lamp bulb threaded into the lamp socket to force its ring contact and tip contact into contact with the negative metal contact plate and the positive metal contact plate, wherein the lamp bulb has a plurality of grooves spaced around the topmost edge of the ring contact, the grooves causing the negative metal contact plate to make sound when they are moved over the raised portions of the negative metal contact plate during the installation of the lamp bulb in the lamp socket, so that the operator can sense that the lamp bulb is threaded into position when no sound is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: You-Jen Cheng, Tzu-Ling Cheng
  • Patent number: 5587626
    Abstract: An interference filter or coating is provided in a predetermined pattern on a lamp envelope. The coating is comprised of alternating layers of high and low index of refraction materials applied to a vitreous outer surface of a lamp envelope. The coating may be geometrically symmetric or asymmetric, continuous or discontinuous with respect to the coating itself or the envelope to which it has been applied. The envelope can be masked prior to deposition of the coating so that removal of the mask leaves the filter in the desired pattern. The preferred process for forming the coating includes forming a boric oxide mask on a portion of the envelope, applying the coating over the mask and removing the coating from masked areas of the envelope by dissolving the mask in an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Parham, Frederick W. Dynys, Carl V. Gunter, John M. Davenport, Thomas M. Golz, Rolf S. Bergman, Frederic F. Ahlgren, Gary R. Allen, Mark E. Duffy, Richard L. Hansler
  • Patent number: 5568967
    Abstract: The electric lamp with reflector has a concave reflecting surface of a rotationally-symmetric general shape, onto which flat four-sided facets are superimposed which are tangent to the general shape. The facets each illuminate a rectangular field in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the reflector, which fields are of equal shape and size and have the same orientation. Thereby, the electric lamp with reflector is able to illuminate a rectangular field with a high degree of uniformity and of efficiency. The electric lamp with reflector may be used in an image-projection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Marten Sikkens, Johannes P. M. Ansems
  • Patent number: 5558426
    Abstract: A set of automotive wheel lights (70) for illuminating the wheels (75f/75r) of an automobile (85) in operation at night comprises a plurality of lights, one for each wheel (75f/75r), each mounted on the frame (86) of the automobile (85) near a respective wheel (75f/75r). Each light includes a light bulb (45) in a socket (30), held fixed at its lighting position at the lighting end (27) of a rigid arm (20) bent towards the wheel (75f/75r) of the automobile (85) and mounted onto and extending from the automobile (85); the light bulb (45) is encased in a protective light bulb cover and lens in one (35) which directs illumination onto the entire outside surface of the wheel (75f/75r). The light bulb (45) in the socket (30) is electrically connected to the power source (95) of the automobile (85) sharing a single switching control (96) with the parking lights and headlights (80) of the automobile (85).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: Dennis C. Cabanatan, Henry C. Cabanatan
  • Patent number: 5558431
    Abstract: A device for protecting leading surfaces of a lens of an emergency vehicle warning light. The device has a replaceable, transparent shield adapted to be conformed to the profile of the leading surface. The shield is attached to the lens by upper and lower grooves formed in the lens. Notches are provided to assist with removal of the shield for replacement. Channels are provided to drain moisture from the lower groove. A first lens modified protector provides tracks, secured to the lens, for securing and conforming the shield to the lens. A second modified protector provides a thin, removable film for attachment to the lens by a pressure sensitive adhesive. A third modified protector provides a heating element attached to the shield for thawing, and for operably defrosting and preventing accumulation of frozen water products from and on the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Novation Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew V. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5555163
    Abstract: A miniature light string display container for selectively displaying a plurality of light bulbs of a miniature light string in a desired arrangement, including a container with a front display panel having an array of regularly spaced mounting openings therethrough, which openings are sized for securely receiving light bulbs of a light string at least partially therethrough in a desired arrangement or pattern which is selectable on the array of mounting openings. The display container also includes a reversibly openable entry panel with a closed position and an open position, in which open position a rear surface of the display panel may be accessed. Electrical connection wire is extendable through the display container, when closed, for connecting the string of lights to an electrical power source, so that the pattern of inserted light bulbs is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Richard R. Pisani
  • Patent number: 5548493
    Abstract: The present invention is collar for an ornamental light bulb in which the collar contains a phosphorescent material such that the light bulb emits light into the collar and stimulates the phosphorescent material within the collar to emit light. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the phosphorescent material is combined with a florescent dye to produce a miniature light collar containing a phosphorescent-florescent dye. Preferably, the collar is comprised of a low density polyethylene to promote flexibility of the collar to enable to fit over miniature bulbs of varying sizes. The present invention is further comprised of a plastic collar for a miniature light comprised of a cylinder having a series of slots cut into the cylinder such that the cylinder can expand to accommodate light bulbs of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony R. Young
  • Patent number: 5539628
    Abstract: A filtered lamp assembly useful for illuminating an aircraft cockpit instrument cluster. The lamp assembly includes an incandescent light bulb positioned within a housing that allows the emission of light having a wavelength in the range between about 380 and 620 nanometers. A wire form is positioned within the housing adjacent the light bulb and around the electrical leads extending from the light bulb so as to seal between the housing and the light bulb. The wire form prevents the leakage of a solidifable fluid material that is utilized to fix the light bulb and wire form into position. Further, a process for manufacturing a wire form minimizes the quantity of inventory and tooling necessary for the production of the filtered lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: James N. Seib
  • Patent number: 5526237
    Abstract: A light source includes an integral reflective coating on a portion of its envelope for reflecting light back through the source. The light from the source is directed by a reflector toward a focus thereof at which is located an input end of a light guide. The integral reflective coating allows a half ellipsoidal reflector to be used in one embodiment without depreciable loss of light. Accordingly, a pair of light sources can be arranged with a common focus to substantially double the brightness in the light guide. Alternatively, the light sources can provide a primary and redundant arrangement, or used to provide two levels of light in another arrangement. According to another embodiment, a hemispherical reflector is used to obtain unit magnification and increase the angular range through which light may enter the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John M. Davenport, Richard L. Hansler, Gary R. Allen, Thomas G. Parham
  • Patent number: 5463502
    Abstract: In a lens assembly for use with an LED, the combination comprising a lens unit having a forward light transmitting lens portion and a tubular sleeve extending rearwardly therefrom; annularly outwardly protuberant rings integral with the sleeve, and a frusto-conical camming surface on and at the end of the sleeve, whereby a retainer ring may be assembled onto and over the sleeve in response to camming engagement with the frusto-conical surface; and by interference engagement with the protuberant rings, for gripping the sleeve and for retaining the lens unit to a panel having an opening through which the lens sleeve has been received; the gripped sleeve sized to allow the LED to be freely inserted into the sleeve and positioned for light transmission from the LED through the forward lens portion of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5452190
    Abstract: An optoelectronic component with luminescence-emitting properties has an optoelectronic element with a body having at least a section that is at least partially light-transparent for allowing emission of luminescence. The component further has a member having at least a portion that is at least partially light-transparent. The portion of the member encloses the section of the body of the optoelectronic element, whereby the section and the member are in contact with one another by areally resting on one another. Preferably, the member may be injection-molded onto the section of the body. In the alternative, the member may be glued onto the section of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Wolfgang Priesemuth
  • Patent number: 5440467
    Abstract: A light assembly is provided for illuminating a worksurface below and in front of the light assembly. The light assembly includes a housing configured for mounting over the worksurface below an overhead cabinet or shelf, and an elongated linear light source such as a fluorescent light bulb supported in the housing. A step reflector is supported by the housing for reflecting light generated by the light source onto the worksurface therebelow, and a tubular lens is mounted telescopically onto the light source. The tubular lens includes prism-shaped triangular rings on its inside surface for controlling the light from the light source onto the worksurface therebelow. The tubular lens includes end sections and intermediate sections that can be selectively assembled together to cover the light source. By selectively including zero, one, or more of the intermediate sections, a variety of different length linear light sources can be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Patent number: 5420774
    Abstract: A device for protecting leading surfaces of a lens of an emergency vehicle warning light. The device has a replaceable, transparent shield adapted to be conformed to the profile of the leading surface. The shield is attached to the lens by upper and lower grooves formed in the lens. Notches are provided to assist with removal of the shield for replacement. Channels are provided to drain moisture from the lower groove. A first lens modified protector provides tracks, secured to the lens, for securing and conforming the shield to the lens. A second modified protector provides a thin, removable film for attachment to the lens by a pressure sensitive adhesive. A third modified protector provides a heating element attached to the shield for thawing, and for operably defrosting and preventing accumulation of frozen water products from and on the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Novation Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew V. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5418699
    Abstract: A reflective arrangement for tube type lighting comprises a reflective sheet of a resiliently flexible heat resistant material arranged behind the lighting tube. Longitudinal edges of the reflective sheet along each side of the lighting tube are protected by molding portions. A pair of clips is attached to the lighting tube, one at each end thereof, each clip having a center gripping portion for gripping the lighting tube and extending arm portions at each side of the gripping portions having retainers for securing the edge of the molding portions at each side of the reflective sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Nissey Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tazawa
  • Patent number: 5416674
    Abstract: An attractive displaying device whereby an ultraviolet radiation lamp, which is hidden from plain view, contains a transparent tube that coaxially receives the ultraviolet lamp and which is rotatable about an axial center line. Images are painted or printed on either the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp, or on a substantially transparent film placed over the surface of the transparent tube, with a fluorescent ink which emits light when ultraviolet light is radiated upon it. The lighted images are projected onto a concave reflective surface, which may also have images painted on it with a fluorescent ink. The rotatable tube allows for movement of the images against the reflective surface; and a three dimensional effect can be achieved by making it look as if the projected images are passing behind the images that are painted on the reflective surface. The display unconventionally provides illuminated images against a dark background as opposed to a dark image against a light background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Nippon Makisen Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuzo Murai
  • Patent number: 5402328
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable lamp assembly especially suitable for use as a table or desk lamp. The lamp assembly has a substantially spherical or conical base member having an adjustable center of gravity which allows it to be moved and retained in a variety of inclined and tilted positions. Also disclosed is a lamp assembly having a concave shade member having a peripheral rim and a central opening adapted to rest upon and be supported freely on the curved outer surface of a lamp bulb globe whereby the peripheral rim of the shade member will remain in a horizontal plane as the lamp assembly is tilted relative to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Pablo E. Pardo
  • Patent number: 5394314
    Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent tube reflector comprises an extruded ABS thermoplastic support subtending an arc of about 317 degrees and dimensioned to snap fit to the tubular body of fluorescent glass tube. The support has bonded thereto a metallized Mylar film which comprises vapor deposited aluminum which forms a specular second surface mirror. The aluminum coating is next to the support and protected from the ambient atmosphere by the clear Mylar film. The reflector is preferably for 7/8 inch diameter tubes and has a film thickness of about 0.8 mils. In one embodiment, the metallized film is attached during extruding of the support. In the alternative, the film is secured to the support during injection molding of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: National Cathode Corp.
    Inventor: Jim Evanisko
  • Patent number: 5375044
    Abstract: An optical display device for use with wearing apparel or in combination with novelty gifts for illumination thereof. The optical display device based upon a control circuit capable of energizing incandescent lamps attached to a conductive pathway. The control circuit having an IC based timing circuit with manual switches for lamp lighting mode sequence as well as sequencing speed. An alternative embodiment is disclosed using an EPROM IC chip wherein all sequencing and functional timing is performed by an instructional software program made operational upon manual switch toggling. The conductive pathway provides electrical coupling to the lamps with one embodiment having a pathway formed from flexible circuit boards. Use of flexible circuit boards permits simplistic color changing by use of peel-off covers placed over the lamps as well as protection from moisture, impact, or dislodgement of the lamps. The coupling of circuit boards across movable joints is by flexible wire or conductor tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Steven P. W. Guritz
  • 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: 5291379
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective lamp-shade consisted of a cylindrical shell molded from polycarbonate resin, and two silicone rubber end caps mounted on the lamp tube of a lamp assembly at two opposite ends to hold the cylindrical shell in place, wherein the cylindrical shell has parallel teeth around the inside or outside wall to refract the light of the lamp tube of the lamp assembly, and is peripherally and partially coated with a layer of white zinc coating along its length for reflecting the light of the lamp tube of the lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Jem Dong Lu
  • Patent number: 5278744
    Abstract: The illumination device comprises a housing, a lampholder, a reflector and an electric lamp having a base rigidly connected to its light-diffusing lamp vessel. A light source within the lamp vessel is disposed substantially coaxially with an optical axis of the reflector. The reflector is polygonal in cross sections transverse to its axis and shapes the light generated into a beam, the intensity of which increases from I.sub.o along the optical axis to a value of 105 to 130% thereof at an angle of 5 to 25% to the axis. Scenes illuminated by the device yield evenly exposed photo, film and video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jaak M. J. Geboers, Manfred Kiesling
  • Patent number: 5241462
    Abstract: A lighting equipment accessory comprising: one or more transparent bodies for directing at least part of the light, which is incident from a lighting equipment in a first predetermined direction, in a second predetermined direction; and a support supporting the one or more transparent bodies in such a manner that light emitted sidewardly from the lighting equipment is directed downwardly by the one or more transparent bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Jiro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5233264
    Abstract: In an electric incandescent lamp having a bulb (1) including a glass pinch (2) which is retained in a metal cap (3) with a rectangular cross-section, the cap is provided with outwardly bent tags (7) at the wider sides (10) of its end facing the bulb (1). The tags (7) each have at their free ends a rim (9) which runs at least substantially parallel to lamp axis (X--X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Helmut Tiesler, Wilfried Krings, Wilfried Emunds, Hermann Muller
  • Patent number: 5221140
    Abstract: A sub-miniature lamp in which a lamp body having a filament and an envelope is covered with a soft silicone rubber cap of a predetermined color having an opening at one end to a predetermined length of lead wires extending from the lamp body. A closure member is fitted to the opening of the envelope to seal the opening. The colored silicone rubber cap covers the envelope of the lamp body and is extended to a predetermined length of the lead wires, with the opened end of the cap fitted with an adhesive agent or a disc pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Oshino Electric Lamp Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Oshino
  • Patent number: 5220235
    Abstract: A discharge lamp device having an insulator base made of a synthetic resin integrally bonded to a globe holding member made of ceramic wherein a discharge lamp is attached. Also provided is a pair of lead supports for supporting the discharge lamp at its opposite ends. The discharge lamp and lead supports are completely surrounded by an ultraviolet ray shielding globe which is fixed to globe holding member. The globe effectively absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays having a wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Wakimizu, Yasuyoshi Numajiri, Shinichi Irisawa, Masakazu Nagasawa, Yonemasa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5180224
    Abstract: An interim tail light cover has a colored translucent body of red or amber, and snaps onto a taillight when the original lens or colored cover of the tail light has been broken or removed so that the light emitted light retains its red or amber color as is appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Oswald C. Svehaug
  • Patent number: 5165790
    Abstract: A light support structure for mounting in a window a light fixture and shade. The embodiment of the present invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with narrow windowsills by providing a bracket with a thin, flat first portion for insertion into a space at the interface of a windowsill and window, and a light socket receiving second end onto which is mounted a semitranslucent light shade. The arrangement of the present invention permits both a stable support for the light fixture and quick and easy interchangeability of ornamental light shades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Andrew Boschetto
  • Patent number: 5165784
    Abstract: An adjustable photography light including a light bulb having a ceramic layer coated over 180.degree. of its surface, which ceramic has the same expansion coefficient as the light bulb, and which acts alternatively as a white reflector or as a mask as the bulb is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Arriflex Corporation
    Inventors: Stanislaw Loth, Volker W. Bahnemann
  • Patent number: 5165789
    Abstract: A probe light is provided with two power lines passed through a long tubular small diameter brass rod extended from a handle with a plug in socket connection to a power supply to a small cross sectional halogen lamp bulb socket for a small diameter halogen light bulb. The halogen light bulb used is a high intensity light bulb pulling relatively high amperage developing considerable heat. The tubular small diameter brass rod, that is bendable for use convenience, conducts heat away from the lamp bulb socket and the plug in leads of the lamp bulb are bent in a wave shape to insure good electrical contact through an extensive heat temperature range. The lamp bulb leads plug into internal openings in the two socket pins held within the lamp bulb socket with the socket pins being heavy duty pins also conducting heat away from the lamp bulb leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Robert c. Womack
  • Patent number: 5143443
    Abstract: A long useful life, light permeable cover of pigmented, injection-molded silicone rubber for elastic manual placement over and self-retention on a light source enclosure. The cover, due to memory, is self-biasing and self-retaining upon the light source enclosure against inadvertent removal and may be used in large multicolor, automatically programmable, electrically changeable, broad spectrum displays, such as scoreboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Integrated Systems Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent D. Madsen