Light Source (or Support Therefor) And Modifier Patents (Class 362/257)
  • Patent number: 7290902
    Abstract: The present invention provides A direct-type backlight having: a resin sealing member including at least one resin layer, which has a light reflecting section formed on the outermost surface of the resin sealing member; an optical semiconductor element sealed by the resin sealing member; and plural circular light scattering grooves formed concentrically on at least one surface of the resin layer, wherein an area of a circle in the center and an area among the respective concentric circles are substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Suehiro, Yuji Hotta, Naoki Sadayori, Noriaki Harada, Kazuki Uawada
  • Publication number: 20070253217
    Abstract: A backlight module and a light diffusing module disposed therein are provided. The light diffusing module includes a diffuser plate and an optical structure layer. The diffuser plate has a light entrance surface and a light output surface. The light entrance surface is corresponding to a light emitting surface of a light source. The light output surface of the diffuser plate includes a prickleless surface. The diffuser plate has a transmittance between 50% and 65%. The optical structure layer is disposed on the diffuser plate and includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes a plurality of optical structures. The lower surface of the optical structure layer directly contacts the light output surface of the diffuser plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Chieh Su, Chih-Kang Wu, Chung-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20070230177
    Abstract: A light source unit mounting structure includes a light source unit, including a reflector for reflecting light of a light source on a concave reflecting surface to give a directivity; and a lamp holder, on which the light source unit is mounted by securing an opening edge part of a light emission opening of the reflector to the lamp holder. An annular flange portion around the light emission opening of the reflector mounted on a bearing surface provided at the lamp holder is elastically pressed by two pressers fastened by screws to the lamp holder, so that the flange portion is elastically pressed and retained in a thickness direction between the pressers and the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070216980
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided. The lighting apparatus includes a power supply housing section, a circuit board housing section, a light source housing section, a cutout portion, and a light source. An image recorded on a record medium is displayed in the state that an end portion of the power supply housing section and an end portion of the record medium secured to the cutout portion are placed on a surface where the lighting apparatus is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Shirakura, Koji Ashizaki, Yoshiaki Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20070201247
    Abstract: In a spread illuminating apparatus including: an LED at a side surface of a light conductor plate; and an FPC having a land formed on a side thereof for mounting the LED, throughholes are formed at the land, and solder is contained at least partly in each of the throughholes, whereby the LED can be mounted solidly on the FPC with a high precision in height position from the FPC, and at the same time the heat emitted from the LED can be efficiently conducted to a conductive pattern at the rear side of the FPC through an electrode terminal of the LED and the throughholes filled with the solder composed of a metallic material having a high heat conductance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohno, Chiharu Ota
  • Patent number: 7262885
    Abstract: A method for halftoning a gray scale image to generate a halftoned image uses a stochastic screen is designed to provide visually pleasing, blue noise dot profiles when thresholded at any gray level and wherein substantially all the threshold values corresponding to gray levels between gs1 and gs2 coincide with black positions in a constraining checkerboard pattern and substantially all the threshold values corresponding to gray levels between gs2 and gs3 coincide with white positions in the constraining checkerboard pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Meng Yao
  • Patent number: 7253557
    Abstract: A light source for testing sites using a fluorescent dye is described. The light source can include a low voltage lamp or a low heat generating lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burke, Terrence D. Kalley, David Gentit
  • Patent number: 7247071
    Abstract: To reduce or prevent adhesive particles from being scattered toward a light-emitting portion of an arc tube and an auxiliary reflecting surface of an auxiliary mirror even when an inorganic adhesive injected for fixing the auxiliary mirror to the arc tube is boiled, a method of manufacturing a light source lamp includes: setting a light-reflecting surface of the auxiliary mirror so as to face the light-emitting portion of the arc tube and injecting an adhesive into a gap between the auxiliary mirror and the arc tube; heating and curing the adhesive from a side nearer to the light-emitting portion of the arc tube; and attaching the reflector to the arc tube with the auxiliary mirror fixed thereto. For example, a heated air blowoff and light irradiation toward the adhesive form the side nearer to the light-emitting portion of the arc tube may be performed. Further, a projector includes: an illumination system with the light source lamp; an optical modulator; and a projector lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shohei Fujisawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Toru Terashima, Kazuhiro Tanaka, Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7226187
    Abstract: This invention provides a bright decorative molded article exhibiting a bright color, and particularly a gold color tone. Also, this invention provides a molded article located in the beam path of a radar device that allows only a small radio transmission loss. This bright decorative molded article comprises: an opaque resin substrate; a light-emitting device provided thereon; a transparent resin layer covering the substrate and the light-emitting device; a bright decorative layer (upper surface layer) covering the light-emitting device on the transparent resin layer; and a bright decorative layer (lower surface layer) provided on the surface of the substrate at a portion covered by the bright decorative layer (upper surface layer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hikohito Yamazaki, Itsuo Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7222988
    Abstract: A device and method for illuminating optical storage disks are disclosed. The device and method allow such disks to serve decorative and functional purposes, other than simply serving to store and transmit digital data. The display device is ideally suited to serve as a nightlight for children, and can also be utilized as an advertisement tool to promote the sale of optical storage disks or for any other suitable purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: David A. Gober
  • Patent number: 7222989
    Abstract: A computer peripheral device includes a body, a printed circuit board (PCB), a light source, and a reflecting device within the body arranged to cause light to be emitted from the body in a homogeneous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Kye Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Tang Zhou
  • Patent number: 7192153
    Abstract: A lens, a light irradiation apparatus and a laser pointer to which the lens is applied to are provided, in which eccentricity, discrepancy of light axes, uneven gap of lens surfaces and the like are reduced without performing positioning of respective lenses; and cost of manufacturing a lens having a plurality of functions can be reduced. A lens according to the present invention is the lens, in which a light diameter expanding element for expanding a diameter of incident light and a light collimating element for projecting approximately collimated light after receiving the incident light having the diameter thereof expanded by the light diameter expanding element are integrally formed in advance as a lens of one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Aoshima, Kyu Kanno
  • Patent number: 7158307
    Abstract: An illumination method and system use a light source and illumination optics to illuminate a pattern generator. The illumination optics can include at least two devices. For example, if first and second diffractive and/or refractive devices are used, one can be a pupil defining element (PDE) and one can be a field defining element (FDE). In another example, a third diffractive or refractive element can be used to make light entering the illumination system uniform. When only two are used, the PDE forms one or more light beams having a defined profile. The FDE directs the one or more light beams having the defined profile, such that each directed beam substantially corresponds in size and shape to a desired illumination area(s) on the pattern generator. The directed beams are directed to impinge substantially only on the desired illumination area(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Scott Coston, Wenceslao A. Cebuhar, Jason D. Hintersteiner
  • Patent number: 7147903
    Abstract: Optical devices such as backlight assemblies, according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Sanford Cobb, Jr., David L. Wortman
  • Patent number: 7144133
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus, method and system for an illumination arrangement including a color recycling subsystem to receive reflected light from a transflective color filter along a reflectance axis that is non-coincident with an incident axis. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: Serge J. A. Bierhuizen
  • Patent number: 7066626
    Abstract: An LED lamp including a circuit substrate (22) on which an electrode pattern is formed, a reflecting frame (31) including a tapered concave portion (32) having an inner peripheral surface broadening toward an upper end of the reflecting frame, a light emitting unit (27) disposed on a central portion of the concave portion (32), an air layer (40) disposed above the light emitting unit (27), and a lens body (44) provided through the air layer above the reflecting frame (31), the reflecting frame being provided with an air hole (45) for communicating the air layer with an outside area of the LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Omata
  • Patent number: 7058733
    Abstract: A portable handheld computing device has a notification system that alerts a user of an event regardless of whether the device is on or off. The notification system has a notification mechanism that is activated upon occurrence of the event and remains active until the user acknowledges the activated mechanism. In one implementation, the notification mechanism is a light emitting diode (LED) mounted externally on the handheld computing device. The LED is visible to the user when the lid is closed onto the base (i.e., the device is off) or when the lid is open (i.e., the device is on). The notification mechanism also has a deactivation button mounted externally of the handheld computing device. The user depresses the deactivation button to deactivate the LED. The LED and deactivation button may be integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Vong, Chad Schwitters
  • Patent number: 7052139
    Abstract: An illumination unit of the present invention includes: an ellipsoidal reflector having a first focus and a second focus; an arc tube; a collimating lens; a first lens array 120 having a plurality of small lenses 122 for splitting the illumination luminous flux from the collimating lens into a plurality of partial luminous fluxes; a second lens array having a plurality of small lenses corresponding to the plurality of the small lenses 122 of the first lens array 120; and a superimposing lens for superimposing respective partial luminous fluxes from the second lens array at the illuminated area, characterized in that the light incident surface of the first lens array 120 is situated at the position which is closer to the ellipsoidal reflector than the second focus, and which is such that the light quantity of the illumination luminous flux from the collimating lens is distributed throughout over the light incident surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7040774
    Abstract: An illumination system has a light source and a wavelength conversion layer within a light-recycling envelope. The light source is a light-emitting diode or a semiconductor laser. The light source will emit light of a first wavelength range that is transmitted through the wavelength conversion layer in order to convert a portion of the light of a first wavelength range into light of a second wavelength range. Light of both the first and second wavelength ranges will exit the light-recycling envelope through an aperture. The recycling of the light by the light-recycling envelope will enhance the output radiance and luminance of the light exiting the illumination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Goldeneye, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl W. Beeson, Scott M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7040786
    Abstract: The anticollision light for aircraft, particularly airplanes, is provided with a holding body (12) with an outer side and several LEDs (16) arranged at the outer side of the holding body (12) the light-radiating directions of which point away from the holding body (12). Further, the anticollision light is provided with a drive unit (18) for the pulse-like drive of at least some of the LEDs (16) and a refractive optical element (26) for generating a desired spatial distribution of the light of the LEDs (16), the refractive optical element (26) surrounding the holding body at least in the region of the LEDs (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Ganzer, Rico Schulz
  • Patent number: 7006295
    Abstract: An illumination method and system use a light source and illumination optics to illuminate a pattern generator. The illumination optics can include at least two devices. For example, if first and second diffractive and/or refractive devices are used, one can be a pupil defining element (PDE) and one can be a field defining element (FDE). In another example, a third diffractive or refractive element can be used to make light entering the illumination system uniform. When only two are used, the PDE forms one or more light beams having a defined profile. The FDE directs the one or more light beams having the defined profile, such that each directed beam substantially corresponds in size and shape to a desired illumination area(s) on the pattern generator. The directed beams are directed to impinge substantially only on the desired illumination area(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Scott Coston, Wenceslao A. Cebuhar, Jason D. Hintersteiner
  • Patent number: 7000999
    Abstract: A light-emitting module structurally suspended between a pair of spaced apart electrical conducting wires wherein each of the wires has selected portions that are electrically insulated from the module. The light emitting module, in concert with the electrical conducting wires, provides structural support for the light emitter portion of the light emitting module via the connections to the insulated and non-insulated portions of the electrical conducting wires. A plurality of light emitting modules may be ganged together in series, parallel or series-parallel electrical configurations to produce chains of light emitting modules. The chains of light emitting modules produce selected or desired illumination depending on the quantity of light emitting modules being ganged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick Henry Ryan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6994451
    Abstract: A novel lighting assembly that incorporates a high brightness light emitting diode (LED) in a compact assembly for further integration into a lighting device is provided. The lighting head assembly of the present invention provides several novel aspects that are all closely integrated to provide a unique assembly for incorporating a high brightness LED into a lighting device. In particular, the head assembly utilizes a receiver sleeve that includes a non reflective coating to provide a high level of contrast between the lighting element and the interior region surrounding the lighting element. Further, an optical element is coupled to the receiver to capture an image of the lighting element to provide a sharp, uniformly illuminated image in the far field of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Robert D. Galli
  • Patent number: 6943687
    Abstract: A small-sized hidden motion detector that can be incorporated in a decorative manner into a decorative lantern. The motion detector can be incorporated into lighting fixture designs not previously amenable to a hidden motion detector in the body of the lighting fixture. A small decorative motion detector housing is provided defining a compact interior region with a PIR sensor mounted inside and providing a sufficient optical pathway for a practical motion detector of wide angular field of view that can nevertheless fit inside commonly found small-sized decorative lantern elements. In one embodiment the motion detector is hidden in a small generally cylindrical decorative element of the sort that is found in a number of traditional decorative lantern designs and that has not previously been amenable to a hidden motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wade Lee, Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 6905230
    Abstract: A lamp retainer for a UV lamp system includes a retainer bracket having a registration surface configured to engage a UV lamp to thereby facilitate accurate and repeatable positioning of the lamp in a lamp housing. The lamp retainer further comprises a retainer clip couplable to the retainer bracket and configured to bias a UV lamp toward the registration surface. The retainer clip facilitates removal and installation of the UV lamp in the lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Schmitkons
  • Patent number: 6893145
    Abstract: An X-ray localizer light system comprises: a long life X-ray localizer light source; an optical concentrator, the light source being situated at a first focal spot, the optical concentrator being configured for concentrating X-ray localizer light from the light source to a second focal spot; and an opaque shield having an aperture therein situated proximate to the second focal spot and being of such a geometrical shape so as to maximize light throughput while meeting light field edge contrast requirements. In another light system, the optical concentrator comprises a reflector comprising a quasi-ellipsoidal portion within which the light source is situated, a cylindrical portion situated between the quasi-ellipsoidal portion and the shield for reflecting stray light, a back reflector portion situated proximate to the shield, and a centrally-mounted portion situated between the aperture and the light source for directing back-reflected light in the direction of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ljubisa Dragoljub Stevanovic, Eugene George Olczak, Frank Jacob John Mueller, Dietmar Karl Sundermann
  • Patent number: 6869204
    Abstract: Light fixtures for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light fixtures are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light fixtures that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment. The light fixtures may have a significantly thin depth dimension to facilitate streamlined mounting in the pool or spa. Additionally, the light fixtures may be particularly constructed to take advantage of the liquid in contact with the light fixture so as to facilitate the dissipation of heat generated by the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Thor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Brian Roberge
  • Patent number: 6853151
    Abstract: An LED lamp for mounting to an existing fluorescent lamp fixture having a ballast assembly including ballast opposed electrical contacts, comprising a tubular wall generally circular in cross-section and having tubular wall ends with one or more LEDs positioned within the tubular wall between the tubular wall ends. An electrical circuit provides electrical power from the ballast assembly to the LED(s). The electrical circuit includes at least one metal substrate circuit board and means for electrically connecting the electrical circuit with the ballast assembly. The electrical circuit includes an LED electrical circuit including opposed electrical contacts. Each metal substrate circuit board supports and holds the one or more LEDs and the LED electrical circuit. Each metal substrate circuit board is positioned within the tubular wall between the tubular wall ends. At least one electrical string is positioned within the tubular wall and generally extends between the tubular wall ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Denovo Lighting, LLC
    Inventors: Susan J. Leong, John Kit
  • Publication number: 20040264189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a LED spotlight (type II), which includes a lampshell, heat-remover, and a light-collecting cover, wherein the cover has its bottom provided with an aperture to engage with a LED. The light-collecting cover is capable of reflecting and concentrating the light emitted from the LED to a same direction that provides an efficient spotlight. An IC board is provided in the shell on the bottom of the heat-remover and is electrically connected with the LED to transform input AC current to DC current for easy use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kuo-Fen Shu, Chung Zon Wong
  • Publication number: 20040264188
    Abstract: This invention proposes a beam-condensing element comprising a beam-condensing portion having a translucent concave end face, which is the same curvature as a translucent convex face of a LED lamp comprising a LED chip and a substantially hemispherical translucent convex face enveloping the LED chip, and extending from a peripheral edge of the translucent concave end face in a shape of a parabolic rotating body, in which when viewing at a cross section including a rotation axis of the beam-condensing portion, an inclination of tangent drawn to the beam-condensing portion at a peripheral edge position of the translucent concave end face with respect to the rotation axis is set up so that an incidence efficiency of light beams emitted from the LED lamp to the beam-condensing portion is not less than a given value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Hare Tazawa, Masato Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20040264190
    Abstract: A light source module structure for a CIS module of a scanner, a multi-function printer (MFP) or a copy machine is provided. The light source module structure includes a housing having a first circuit board therein; a light-sensing element disposed on the first circuit board and electrically connected to the first circuit board; a lens disposed in the housing and being parallel to the light-sensing element; and at least one organic electro luminescent element integration disposed in the housing to provide a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Creative Sensor Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Ta Su, I Wang Wen
  • Publication number: 20040252505
    Abstract: A tree torchiere lamp having a general area lighting means connected to one end of a stem which, in turn, is supported upon a base. At least two task lights are rigidly connected to the stem at points longitudinally spaced apart along the stem by a fully flexible arm allowing the task light to be positioned in a multitude of positions surrounding the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis K. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20040252506
    Abstract: A light fixture mounting system (11) is disclosed having a cover plate (14) having a pair of post holes (17) therethrough, a mounting plate (21) has two, oppositely disposed peripheral hooks or catches (25), a latch bar (31), and two threaded posts (35). Each catch (25) has a horizontal portion (27) and a vertical portion (28) extending upwardly and terminating with a tang (29). The latch bar is coupled to the cover plate (14) for reciprocal movement between an engaged position distal the cover plate and a locked position proximal the cover plate. The latch bar (31) has two internally threaded adjustment holes (32) which are configured and threaded to receive two threaded posts (35) which extend through the cover plate post holes (17). Each post has a head portion (36) which may be configured to receive the drive end of a screwdriver or may be externally configured to enable one to grasp and rotate it with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jason D. Patz, Robert J. Pape, Brian S. Sibson
  • Publication number: 20040246745
    Abstract: The invention relates to optical filters comprising an opacified portion. The optical filters are preferably suitable for use in illuminators for weathering devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, Richard M. Fischer, Warren D. Ketola, Bradley D. Guth
  • Patent number: 6827451
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a lamp which produces a first light which may be a white light; a first light valve, a second light valve, a first color separator, and a first aperture device. The first color separator receives the white light from the lamp, and separates the white light into a first color light and a first residual light. The first aperture device receives the first color light and the first aperture device can be controlled to modify a frequency of the first color light to the first light valve. The second light valve receives at least a portion of the first residual light. The first aperture device could also be controlled to substantially block at least a portion of the first color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Publication number: 20040240205
    Abstract: A module for an optical information reader, wherein a light emitting unit (22), a collimator lens (23), a vibration mirror (31) for scanning, a condensing mirror (40), and a light receiving unit (50) are installed in a module casing (10) for modularization, and a lens-barrel hole (13b) opening at one end thereof and having an aperture (13a) formed at the tip face thereof is provided in the module casing (10), the collimator lens (23) is installed in the lens-barrel hole (13b) so as to come into contact with the tip bottom part thereof, and the light emitting unit (22) is press-fitted into the press-fit part (13c) of the lens-barrel hole in front of the collimator lens to form a laser beam generating part (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hayakawa, Toru Takahashi, Kentaro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040233659
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a number of buttons for being actuated by users, and includes a space formed between the buttons, and includes an electric circuit. One or more illuminating members and one or more optical elements are disposed on the space of the keyboard and disposed close to each other. The illuminating member is coupled to the electric circuit of the keyboard and to be energized to generate light through the optical element, and to light the buttons of the keyboard. The illuminating members are not required to be electrically coupled to the other electric power source separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Guo An Chen
  • Patent number: 6811284
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and apparatus for modifying the irradiation distribution of a radiation source. In accordance with the method the radiation source (1) is used to direct radiation to an essentially planar target surface (6). In accordance with the invention between the radiation source (1) and the target surface (6), several plates (4), which are essentially transparent to the radiation and have spaces between them, are placed close to the radiation source (1), in order to use the reflection and absorption of the transparent plates (4) to attenuate the radiation to desired areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Endeas Oy
    Inventors: Jaakko Hyvarinen, Folke Stenman
  • Publication number: 20040208005
    Abstract: A low voltage lamp assembly includes a lamp housing having an illumination bore extending along an optical axis and that receives a light transmission member. A low voltage light source is situated within the bore and is axially aligned with the optical axis. A bushing is positioned within the bore and surrounds a portion of the light source. First and second wires extending from the lamp assembly for establishing an electrical connection to the light source. The wires are received by a strain relief pod separated from the lamp housing. The strain relief pod includes a current limiter therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Dragos N. Luca, Kazuhiro Goto, Andras Gyimes, Roger E. Robichaud, Ronal Du Pont, Alan Albino
  • Publication number: 20040184268
    Abstract: A display device is created by utilizing an acrylic sheet (frosted throughout) and an opaque surface or panel. The acrylic sheet or panel is placed substantially parallel to the opaque surface or panel such that the acrylic sheet or panel and the opaque surface or panel are separated by a distance of between 1 and 185 millimeters (0.04 to 7.3 inches). Display items are mounted to the acrylic sheet or panel on side opposite the opaque surface or panel. Shadows cast by the display items or display supports on the acrylic are “absorbed” by the acrylic sheet or panel due to the spacing between the acrylic sheet or panel and the opaque background surface or panel. A method of creating a display device to minimize or eliminate shadows caused by display items or holders is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Fashion Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Clark Maxwell, David Dwayne Echeberry, Dennis Kenneth Rausch, Katherine O. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20040165383
    Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source for producing the image of flames, a screen, and a simulated interior fireplace wall positioned behind the screen. The screen has a front surface and is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The screen is adapted to transmit the image of flames through the front surface. The front surface of the screen includes an observation region, which is adapted to permit observation of part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hess, Kelly Stinson
  • Patent number: 6781695
    Abstract: An improved light source for use in an opacity monitor (transmissometer) that reduces the variation in light intensity across a projected light beam to enable a more accurate and stable method for measuring the opacity of gases in a stack/duct, especially at low values (e.g., <10%) of opacity while operating within specific performance requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Land Instruments International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hovan, Stuart F. Metcalfe, Derek D. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20040160776
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for illuminant module is provided. The illuminant module, which is used to be installed in an image retrieving device, includes an illuminant, a transparent protective layer and a reflecting plated layer. The transparent protective layer envelops at least a part of the tube of the illuminant and protects the structure of the illuminant from being damaged by collision or compression caused by external forces. The reflecting plated layer, which, being installed in the transparent protective layer but situated at one side of the tube of the illuminant, is used to reflect a part of the light generated by the illuminant and direct the light to be emitted outwardly in the same direction, so that illumination efficiency and illuminant accuracy can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Po-Hua Fang, Shu-Ya Chiang
  • Patent number: 6773141
    Abstract: A reflector lamp has a generally parabolic shaped housing (12) with an interior surface coated with a layer (14) of silver having a protective layer (16) of a stable protective oxide, such as silica, disposed thereon. An intermediate layer (18), such as a layer of elemental silicon, protects the silver layer during deposition of the silica layer and is completely or substantially consumed during formation of the silica layer. The lamp includes a light source (48) having a longitudinal axis (x) disposed on the parabolic reflector axis and preferably disposed outward of the parabolic focus (F). During lamp fabrication, the protective coating is preferably annealed to improve reflectance. The preferred lamp will have a lumens per watt greater than 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tianji Zhao, Rajasingh Schwartz Israel, Frederick Walter Dynys, Thomas Gene Parham
  • Patent number: 6771870
    Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: eele Laboratories
    Inventors: Karlheinz Strobl, Paul Gasteiger
  • Patent number: 6758576
    Abstract: A portable stack lamp includes a base supported by a supporting device, such as an extensible tripod and a plurality of rolling wheels, two or more lamp units stacked up to form a stack-up lamp body mounted on said base, and a cover which is adapted to cover a top opening of the housing of the lamp unit having a handle affixed thereon. The portable stack lamp is arranged to provide 360 degrees illumination so as to produce luminous beams in all directions while the user is able to selectively increase or decrease its luminous intensity by simply stacking up more or less lamp unit easily anytime. Therefore, the portable stack lamp can illuminate the surrounding that not only minimizes the number of work lamps to be used but also saves both the electrical energy and illumination cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Tsao
  • Patent number: 6753096
    Abstract: An environmentally-stable organic electroluminescent (“EL”) fiber comprises at least one layer of an organic EL material formed on a fiber, cable, or wire; associated electrodes for providing a voltage to activate the organic EL material; and a barrier layer formed around the EL and electrode materials for reducing the permeation of oxygen, water vapor, and other reactive materials into the underlying layers. The barrier layer comprises either (1) alternating sublayers of a polymeric material and an inorganic material, or (2) alternating sets of adjacent sublayers of polymeric materials and adjacent sublayers of inorganic materials. Color of light emitted from the fiber may be modified by one or more layers containing inorganic and/or organic phosphor materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anil Raj Duggal, Daniel Robert Olson
  • Publication number: 20040114940
    Abstract: An optical wireless local area network using line of sight optical links. The base station and terminal stations are provided with optical transceivers which include a transmitter array and detector array. The transmitter array consists of an array of resonant cavity light emitting diodes integrated using flip-chip technology with a CMOS driver circuit. The driver circuit includes constant bias, current peaking and charge extraction. The driver circuitry is compact and can be confined within a region underlying the corresponding light source. The detector array consists of an array of photo diodes, provided with sense circuitry consisting of a pre-amplifier and post-amplifier. The diodes and senses and the detector may include adaptive optical elements to steer and/or focus the light beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: David John Edwards, Dominic Christopher O'Brien, Grahame Edward Faulkner, David Michael Holburn, Robert Joseph Mears
  • Publication number: 20040080943
    Abstract: A discharge lamp is supplied with electric power of a negative voltage boosted by a DC/DC converter and electric power of a positive voltage given from a DC source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hasebe, Takashi Ohsawa
  • Patent number: RE39900
    Abstract: A light fixture having a base for housing a light producing source and a flat plate disposed within the base. The plate has a well formed in it, the well having light reflecting walls. A lamp socket is located in a light reflecting bottom wall of the well. A plurality of light reflecting elements is attached to the plate and a pair of light reflecting assemblies, one on either side of the well, is fixed to the plate. Each light reflecting assembly includes a plurality of light reflecting fins affixed to the plate and projecting at an angle away from the plate. A frame having a convex lens affixed thereto is hingedly attached to the base. A light shield is fixed to the frame for reducing dispersion of unwanted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: William A. Hein, Henry M. Avila, Peter C. Sara