Fluorescent Type Patents (Class 362/260)
  • Publication number: 20080068534
    Abstract: An exemplary one-piece backlight module (200) includes a brightness enhancement unit (240); and a light emitting unit (260) including a first electrode layer (261), a second electrode layer (264), and a light emitting layer (262) between the first and second electrode layers. The brightness enhancement unit and the light emitting unit are stacked one above the other. A liquid crystal display device using the backlight module is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kai Meng, Che-Kuei Mai
  • Patent number: 7344272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile, handheld inspection lamp with a unique configuration. Light of different wavelengths is emitted along different portions of the length, and an opaque slider allows the user to select the preferred wavelength of light for a particular task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Spectronics Corporation
    Inventors: B. William Cooper, Richard Regan
  • Patent number: 7341359
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lighting device using a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), which has reduced size and volume and concentrates light from the CCFL, thus enhancing its luminance. The lighting device includes a casing which is open on a surface thereof, thus having an open part, with an ON/OFF switch button which protrudes through a sidewall of the casing and is used to turn on or off the lighting device. A reflective plate is inserted into the casing through the open part, with a circuit board provided on a predetermined position of the reflective plate. A CCFL is inserted into the reflective plate and electrically connected to the circuit board with a cover assembled with the casing and receiving the CCFL between the casing and the cover. A socket is assembled with each end of the casing that supports both the CCFL and the cover, and is electrically connected to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Kumho Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Sung Hwang, Han Hur, Min-Su So
  • Patent number: 7338194
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display and a backlight module thereof are provided. A backlight module comprises a light source, a reflector, and a bottom plate. The reflector is disposed under the light source. The bottom plate is disposed under the reflector and facing a lower surface of the reflector. The bottom plate comprises a plurality of trench structures formed on a surface thereof facing the reflector. Heat-produced by the light source mixes with air in the trench structures, and the mixture of heat and air is conducted via the trench structures to the bottom plate, thereby dissipating heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Shin-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 7334928
    Abstract: A flat light-emitting lamp includes a first common discharge unit for producing a first electrical discharge according to a first AC waveform having a first phase, a second common discharge unit for producing a second electrical discharge according to a second AC waveform having a second phase different from the first phase, and a plurality of discharge tubes each having first ends connected to the first common discharge unit and second ends connected to the second common discharge unit. The discharge tubes emit light according to the electrical discharges of the first and second common discharge units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Man Gu, Kang Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 7334361
    Abstract: A system for accessing internal electrical components of an LED display panel assembly includes a case and a display panel having a plurality of LEDs on an outer surface and electrical components on an inner surface. A linkage assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the case and the inner surface of the display panel and configured for generally translational and generally rotational movement of the display panel from a closed position to an open position for accessing the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Adaptive Micro Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jesse E. Schrimpf, Kelly J. Bronk, Scott S. Liebert, Gregory P. Schleusner
  • Patent number: 7325946
    Abstract: A lamp fixture includes a housing with a high voltage end lamp socket therein. A fluorescent lamp extends from the socket. A heater is at the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket and is adjacent to. The heater includes a plate radiator which is attached to the outside of the light reflector and a thermostat. The thermostat is hooked to the line voltage to the fixture. A substantially clear heat reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp and, with the heater, substantially encloses circumferentially the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket. The reflector is pivotally mounted relative to the fluorescent lamp to allow retraction of the heat reflector for placement of the fluorescent lamp. A light reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Tyson
  • Patent number: 7325964
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a lamp, a light guide plate, a lamp holder, a lamp cover and a receiving container. The lamp generates light. The light guide plate guides the light generated from the lamp. The lamp holder holds an end portion of the lamp. The lamp holder includes an opening portion that exposes a portion of the lamp. The lamp cover receives the lamp holder holding the lamp and reflects the light generated from the lamp toward the light guide plate. The receiving container receives the light guide plate. Therefore, light-using efficiency is enhanced. Furthermore, a dark region displayed at edge portions of a conventional backlight assembly may be removed to enhance a display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee-Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080025027
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluorescent light source including an yttria layer. Specifically, the current invention provides a fluorescent light source having high quality and a long lifetime, which can prevent a decrease in initial luminance of a fluorescent light source, including a fluorescent lamp, and resist the radiation of ultraviolet light and the permeation of mercury, which are the causes of deterioration of the fluorescent light source, so as not to decrease the luminance in proportion to the lighting time of the fluorescent light source, thus assuring both initial luminance properties and luminance properties after use for a long period of time. Such a fluorescent light source includes glass, a fluorescent material layer, and an absorbing layer composed mainly of yttria particles formed between the glass and the fluorescent material layer or on the inner surface of the fluorescent material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Hyung-Joon Lim, Young-Chul Yoo, Sang-Jin Lee, O-Sung Kwon, Joon-Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 7322717
    Abstract: An illuminator for a display device is provided on a back side of a display panel, and includes a plurality of rod-shaped light sources each having a length extending in a first direction and having substantially the same length. The plurality of rod-shaped light sources include a plurality of first rod-shaped light sources arranged so as to be substantially parallel and spaced from one another in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of second rod-shaped light sources arranged to be substantially parallel and spaced from one another in the second direction, each second rod-shaped light source being arranged to be collinear with and spaced in the first direction from a corresponding one of the plurality of first rod-shaped light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takata
  • Publication number: 20080019132
    Abstract: A lamp body for a fluorescent lamp has multiple sections arranged on an inner surface of the lamp body. The sections include at least one coated section coated with fluorescent powders and at least one non-coated section being naked and kept free from fluorescent powders. The fluorescent powders generate visible lights when colliding with ultraviolet rays. The visible lights can directly pass out of the lamp body through the at least one non-coated section to form a light source and improve a luminance of the fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Chen-Ron Chan
  • Patent number: 7318651
    Abstract: A flash module includes a first light source emitting a first primary light has a first wavelength-converting overlay disposed on the first light source to provide a first color of light. The first wavelength-converting overlay includes a first plurality of quantum dots dispersed in a matrix material. The flash module also includes a second light source providing a second color of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Janet Bee Yin Chua, Klan Shin Lee, Kee Yean Ng
  • Patent number: 7319289
    Abstract: A light emitting device has a light emitting element, and a phosphor layer of phosphor glass to generate fluorescence while being excited by light emitted from the light emitting element. The light emitting element emits ultraviolet light, and the phosphor glass generates visible fluorescence while being excited by the ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Sumita Optical Glass, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Mitsuhiro Inoue, Hideaki Kato, Tohru Terajima, Kazuya Aida, Naruhito Sawanobori
  • Publication number: 20080007968
    Abstract: An exemplary double-layer lamp (210) includes an inner cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) (211), an outer glass tube (212) accommodating the inner CCFL therein, and a reflecting member (214) disposed between the inner CCFL and the outer glass tube. An exemplary backlight module (200) applies the above double-layer lamp. The backlight module has a smaller volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Peng Lei, Wen-Hui Yao
  • Patent number: 7314288
    Abstract: A backlight system for use with a liquid-crystal display provides longer lamp lifetime through uniform temperature distribution, offers improved brightness uniformity and enhanced power-supply system efficiency, and ensures safety through lowered voltages. Linear lamps (21, 23) are divided into left and right approximately in the middle. The distance that heat travels is therefore shorter than when linear lamps have a length extending throughout the horizontal direction, which enables more uniform temperature distribution on the entire screen and lengthens the lifetime of linear lamps (21, 23). Furthermore, stray current is halved to achieve uniform brightness and enhanced inverter efficiency and safety can be easily ensured through lowered voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: NEC-Mitsubishi Electric Visual Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Toshitsugu Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 7309146
    Abstract: A display device includes a backlight having a discharge tube and a reflector. A heat conduction member is attached to the reflector in contact with the discharge tube, so that a part of the discharge tube is locally cooled by the heat conduction member. Liquid mercury is collected at a first position in the discharge tube, and the backlight is assembled so that the heat conduction member or other cooling device is located at the first position. Also, the display device includes an optical sheet having a diffusion portion having projections containing scattering material particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Hayashi, Tetsuya Kobayashi, Tetsuya Hamada, Takeshi Gotoh, Toshihiro Suzuki, Mari Sugawara, Akio Sotokawa, Seiji Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 7300169
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a viewing system having an upright member, a first mirror coupled to the upright member, a light source coupled to the upright member, and a retractable mirror assembly coupled to the upright member. The retractable mirror assembly includes a horizontal support coupled on one end to the upright member, an adjustable vertical support coupled on one end to the other end of the horizontal support, and a second mirror coupled to the other end of the adjustable vertical support. A user can adjust the position of the second mirror by retracting or extending the adjustable vertical support. The system can include a remote control or a control switch coupled to the adjustable vertical support to control the extension and retraction of the adjustable vertical support. The second mirror can be foldable to allow for multiple viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chi Yau Yue
  • Patent number: 7296910
    Abstract: A light fixture or troffer for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a reflector assembly within which the light source is positioned; a housing defining at least one selectively enclosable ballast enclosure; and a ballast that is positionable in the at least one ballast enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Mayfield, III, Stephen H. Lydecker, Gary D. Trott, Carl T. Gould, Kevin Leadford, Christopher L. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7293897
    Abstract: An integrated fluorescent lamp device for use with a lamp fixture including a lamp socket configured to removably receive a portion of the integrated fluorescent lamp device therein to selectively support the integrated fluorescent lamp device thereon, the integrated fluorescent device comprises an enclosure to house an electronic ballast coupled to a lamp base affixed to the enclosure having a pair of mounting members formed on opposite sides thereof configured to be removably received in the lamp socket obversely configured to secure the integrated fluorescent lamp device to the lamp fixture and a fluorescent lamp affixed to the enclosure including a spiral shaped glass tube containing a gas electrically coupled to the electronic ballast such that when a switch mounted on the lamp fixture is in the on position electricity flows from an AC power source through the lamp base, electronic ballast and fluorescent lamp to energize the gas within the spiral shaped glass tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Fred Mendelsohn
  • Patent number: 7293895
    Abstract: A modular lighting system is formed of tubular fluorescent lamps mounted within adjustable fixtures. The fixtures are composed of rigid and flexible elements and can conform to the shape of almost any size or shape of lamp. The lamps may be of any variety of pre-determined shape, curvature or length, to meet the desired lighting requirement. Each fixture may include a lampholder, lamp retention device, mounting surface, ballast, enclosures, and specially-molded flexible special power cable which flexibly connects the rigid elements or assemblies of each fixture. Electrical connections are made between each adjacent fixture with integral male and female flexible power cords. Thus, a custom-made fluorescent lighting system is created using standardized flexibly adjustable fixtures and any variety of lamp shapes or lengths. The system may be installed and electrically connected without any disassembly or tradition field-assembled and installed wiring, minimizing effort for installation or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cathode Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Grossman, Richard E. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7287876
    Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent lamp lighting device includes a lens cover, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp and a control box. The lens cover is a semicircular-shaped tube and includes a post having a threaded hole for insertion of a bolt. The cold cathode fluorescent lamp is circular and secured in the lens cover. The control box includes a control circuit to control the lighting of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. The control box further comprises electric wires and a connector to be connected with a connector of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 7284878
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluorescent light lumen regulating apparatus. More specifically, in one aspect, the present invention is a fluorescent lighting assembly for mounting at least one fluorescent lamp. In this aspect, the lighting assembly comprises a lamp housing. In another aspect, the invention further comprises a thermal dissipater to selectively dissipate heat from the fluorescent lamp to the ambient air to maintain the temperature of the cold spot of the fluorescent lamp within a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jay Dorogi, Eric Seth Perkins, Luke Jonathon Siefker, Terry Alan Richards
  • Patent number: 7281825
    Abstract: A retractable dimmer sleeve comprises sleeve material formed into an elongated enclosed passage having an open end and an interior volume for receiving an elongated light source. The dimmer sleeve enables, during operation of a light source while received within the sleeve, adjustment of a length of a selected portion of the light source that is occluded by the dimmer sleeve so that only a fraction of light emitted by the light source escapes the dimmer sleeve. The apparatus may further comprise an elongated light source at least partially enclosed by the dimmer sleeve. A method comprises: enclosing at least a portion of the light source with the retractable dimmer sleeve; and moving, during operation of the light source while received within the sleeve, an end of the dimmer sleeve along the light source, thereby adjusting a length of the light source that is occluded by the dimmer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Nathan A. Neckels
  • Patent number: 7278756
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) (10) includes a chip body (103), an encapsulation can (105) surrounding the chip body, and a base (106) supporting the encapsulation can and the chip body thereon. Numerous fluorescent particles (1050) are provided in the encapsulation can. With the fluorescent particles, light beams from the chip body are diffused and attain wider irradiation angles. A backlight system (900) includes a light guide plate (20), and a number of the above-described LEDs disposed adjacent to the light guide plate. Light beams having wide irradiation angles are emitted from the LEDs and enter the light guide plate. This enables a light emitting surface of the light guide plate to have highly uniform brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Leu, Tai-Cherng Yu, Ga-Lane Chen
  • Patent number: 7275854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp comprising a lamp bulb (2) and a lamp base (3), which lamp base (3) comprises a projection (4) located in a substantially central position of the lamp base (3) and extending in a direction away from the lamp bulb (2), at least one lock-engaging portion (6), and a substantially flat base surface (5) opposed to the lamp bulb (2) and surrounding the projection (4), characterized in that the at least one lock-engaging portion (6) is located on the edge of the base surface (5) surrounding the projection (4) remote from the central projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Willem Frederik Dorleijn, Nicolas Gerardus Antonius Peeters, Markus Pieper, Karl-Wilhelm Vogt
  • Publication number: 20070223225
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting unit applied to a fluorescent lighting fixture including a light emitting diode (LED) lighting unit mounted in an existing fluorescent lighting fixture; a source part being disposed in the LED lighting unit; polarity being switched by means of the source part installed in the LED lighting unit depending on the direction of the installation direction of the LED lighting unit; the LED lighting unit being capable of coping with changed polarity resulted from any direction of the installation; a first bridge rectifier and a second bridge rectifier installed in the LED lighting unit functioning to rectify the current supplied from a ballast of the fluorescent lighting fixture and to conduct a light emitting diode (LED) assembled unit connected in series and parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: YASHIMA DENGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sugi Eiich, Hashizume Kenjiro
  • Patent number: 7274153
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 7270451
    Abstract: A torchiere lamp which includes a plurality of at least three dedicated compact fluorescent bulbs which are disposed internally of an upwardly directed pan shaped member carried by a stem supported upon a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lamps Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis K. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7264375
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp unit employing a fluorescent tube having a double spiral configuration is provided. The fluorescent lamp unit include a double spiral configured fluorescent tube having an upper central portion from which two spiral portions extend at a downward incline and wind around a vertical axis such that an outer diameter of the double spiral configuration increases as the spiral portions extends from the upper central portion to sealed ends of the fluorescent tube. The fluorescent lamp unit further includes a ballast housing having an electronic ballast contained therein. The ballast housing is partially enclosed by the spiral portions of the fluorescent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Byung Il Ham
  • Patent number: 7256539
    Abstract: An eccentric planar fluorescent tube includes an outer planar fluorescent tubular member that extends substantially but not completely about a center point and which is extended by two inner portions that extend from a first peripheral portion of the outer tubular member and on opposite sides of the center point and terminate at ends proximate to an opposite peripheral portion of the outer tubular member and wherein the ends are connected by a leg member for supplying power to the fluorescent tube. In one embodiment, the leg member includes electrical contacts that extend substantially in a plane of the outer tubular member and, in another embodiment, a central adapter may be provided including electrical contacts that extend transversely with respect to the plane of the outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: William Yu
  • Patent number: 7249865
    Abstract: LEDs can be added to a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture by providing an LED circuit to the fluorescent lighting fixture pan, by adding LEDs to the fluorescent light tube with an indentation in the light tube rear to receive an LED to influence the apparent color of the the fluorescent light, or by adding an LED to either end cap of the fluorescent light tube to shine down the tube from the interior, added as an add-on band which could clip onto the tube, and could also include a circuit board based LED attached to the rear of the tube and alternatively have LED lighting within a charged fluorescent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Plastic Inventions and Patents
    Inventor: Jonas Robertson
  • Patent number: 7235792
    Abstract: A light source of coaxially stacked volumetric light cells that can be used either in a lamp or a display. Each light cell is composed of high quantum yield nanocrystals in a silica aerogel matrix that is excited by a controlled ultraviolet light source. From these stacked cell assemblies visible light is emitted of a desired color or color temperature and brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Scott Elofson
  • Patent number: 7234835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens-arrayed backlight module, consisting of a housing, a plurality of lamps, and a plurality of lens plates. The lamps are disposed in parallel between the housing and the lens plates to provide illuminating rays. The lens plates correspond to the lamps respectively, each of which being mounted at the center axis of the corresponding lens plate so that the illuminating rays provided by the lamps diffuse through the lens plates. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display device using the lens-arrayed backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Szu-Han Li, Yi-Chen Kuo, Hui-Ju Hsu, Chun-Chung Hsiao, Chun-Chien Chu
  • Patent number: 7226195
    Abstract: A compact and cost-efficient lamp assembly includes cold-cathode fluorescent lamps in a variety of edge-lit display sign applications specifically, in edge-lit emergency lighting signs. The lamp assembly includes in one self-contained module a lower housing unit and an upper housing unit shaped to cover the lower housing unit. The lower housing unit is divided into a lower frame and an upper frame disposed on top of the lower frame. The upper frame has at least two inverters disposed within. The lower frame is a parabolic shape reflector frame supporting at least two cathode lamps in line with the two inverters, each of which is connected to each lamp for providing high voltage to power up the lamps. Additionally, an edge-lit panel having a front and back side is disclosed in the present invention. The backside includes a semi-transparent frosted surface with a white opaque lamination glued on the frosted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Radu C. Rapeanu, Viorel Mirica, Zhigang Xing, David Blier
  • Patent number: 7222992
    Abstract: A luminaire includes at least two lamps and a main reflector whose outer edge defines a light emission window. A counter reflector is provided opposite the main reflector. Light originating from the lamps can only leave the luminaire through the light emission window after passing through a diffuser and/or a mixer which are positioned in a counter light emission window of the counter reflector and on an edge of the counter reflector, respectively. Homogeneously mixed light can thus be obtained from the luminaire when two lamps of different color temperatures are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten, Paulus Gerardus Henricus Kosters
  • Patent number: 7213946
    Abstract: A backlight module of a directly lighting backlight device comprises a casing; at least one S shape lamp tube; a reflecting sheet positioned below the lamp tube; a guide plate; the reflecting sheet reflecting light from the lamp tube with a predetermined angle to a guide plate above the lamp tube; the guide plate having the effect of diffusing the light to various angles by the pattern on the guide plate or the diffusion agents; whole reflection being not formed so that light is emitted out from a front surface of the guide plate and thus the guide plate reflects light uniformly; a diffuser receiving the uniform distributed light; the diffuser being above the guide plate; and at least one light enhancing sheet; light diffused by the diffuser will further radiate to the at least one light enhancing sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Wen-Pao Tseng, Hsin-Chien Chiang
  • Patent number: 7208007
    Abstract: A fluorescence concentrator system that provides for high brightness light source. The system can include a host doped with fluorescent material, which is optically pumped by an adjacent illumination source. The fluorescence concentrator captures a portion of the isotropically emitted fluorescent light and guides it to an output surface. The fluorescent energy emerging the output surface provides a high brightness light source suitable for a number of applications. For example, the fluorescence concentrator system can be used as the light source in a medical apparatus suitable for various aesthetic procedures. Further aspects of the fluorescent concentrator system can include providing for controlling the illumination source to output pumping energy suitable for high energy applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cutera, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Nightingale, Gregory J. Spooner, David A. Gollnick, Dean A. MacFarland
  • Patent number: 7204633
    Abstract: A lamp holder capable of minimizing lamp wire breakage, an LCD containing the inventive lamp holder, and a method for using the lamp holder to minimize lamp wire breakage and to facilitate connection of a lamp wire to a lamp are provided. The lamp holder includes: a lamp holder body having a coupling hole into which a lamp is inserted, the coupling hole having a first opening on one surface side and a second opening on a second surface side; a cut-away portion having a predetermined depth in a third surface side; and a stopper adjacent to the cut-away portion in the third surface side. The cut-away portion and the stopper facilitate connection of a lamp wire to a lamp in the lamp holder so as to minimize lamp wire breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Su Yun
  • Patent number: 7202614
    Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a self-starting electronic driver circuit operated by a power supply and operable to start and run at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs from a single output; first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second bulbs to the single output; and a bulb accommodation circuit in the electronic driver circuit that enables operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter or non-starter type fluorescent bulbs and with either one or both bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bijan Bayat, James Newton, Robert Lee Ellis
  • Patent number: 7195372
    Abstract: Disclose is a master-satellite assembly for retrofitting a first existing recessed strip light fixture and a second existing recessed strip light fixture in a grid ceiling, where the existing fixtures are arranged end to end and are separated by a T-bar support member. The assembly has a master retrofit fixture, a satellite retrofit fixture and a wire cover bracket. The master retrofit fixture is received within the first existing recessed strip fixture and the satellite retrofit fixture is received within the second existing recessed strip fixture with wiring running under the T-bar support. The wire cover bracket extends from the master retrofit fixture, under the T-bar support member, and to the satellite retrofit fixture in order to cover the wiring. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting utilizing the master-satellite assembly, and a retrofit reflector configuration utilizing hanger tabs extending from the ends of the retrofit reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Carlton B. Plunk
  • Patent number: 7192161
    Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon or similar lighting uses fluorescent dyes, thus allowing for emission of light in colors that cannot ordinarily be achieved by use of LEDs alone. Such an illumination device is generally comprised of an elongated diffusing member enclosing a string of continuously mounted LEDs. An intermediate light-transmitting medium including a predetermined combination of one or more fluorescent dyes is interposed between the light source and the diffusing member, such that light from the LEDs is partially absorbed by each of the fluorescent dyes, and a lower-energy light is then emitted from each of the fluorescent dyes and into the light-receiving surface of the diffusing member, producing a substantially uniform light along the light-emitting surface of the diffusing member with perceived a color different than that of the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: iLight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Cleaver, George R. Hulse
  • Patent number: 7192164
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus includes a light-emitting element, a base body, a reflection member and a fluorescent material layer. A cross section of the inner surface of the reflection member cut by a virtual plane including a virtual axis penetrating a center of the inner surface and perpendicular to the upper principal surface of the base body has a sectional profile defined by a curved line expressed by the following formula, and the inner surface of the reflection member is a curved surface obtained by rotating the curved line about the virtual axis: Z=(cr2)/[1+{1?(1+k)c2r2}1/2] (where ?10?k??0.001, 0.001?c?10). An angle ?1 which is made by an upper surface of the fluorescent material layer and a line which connects one corner of a light-emitting portion of the light emitting element with an uppermost position of the inner surface and is tangent to the one corner, is given as ?1?90°?sin?1 (1/n1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7192158
    Abstract: A linearly extensible modular luminaire comprised of mounting tracks (100,180) and translationally offset overlapping channels (211,212), with incorporated luminous means, alone or along with hangers (331,332,731) that provide support for cover brackets (431,731) that are attached to light modifying coverings (400,900), and wherein linearly radiated light is distributed directly, or in combination with coverings indirectly or modified, when connected with a source of power and energized. Also, the modular luminaire that is not extensible but otherwise comprised of same components not translationally offset, permitting the construction of a wide variety of luminaires, such as the one in FIG. 11, that incorporates a canopy (150) for mounting over lighting outlet boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ross Robert Eppler
  • Patent number: 7192149
    Abstract: A direct type backlight module comprises a bezel, a reflection sheet, a light source, a diffusion plate, and a supporting unit. The light source is positioned between the bezel and the diffusion plate, and the reflection sheet is positioned on the upper surface of the bezel. The supporting element is fixed within the bezel to support the diffusion plate upwardly. The bezel further comprises a fixing hole and a button hole for fixing the supporting element. The supporting unit comprises a planar plate, a cone, a jammed plug, and a fixing button. The cone is positioned upon the planar plate to erect between the planar plate and diffusion plate. The top of the cone contacts with the diffusion plate. The jammed plug connects to the bottom surface of the planar plate by passing through the bezel via the fixing hole. The fixing button connects to the bottom surface of the planar plate, but distances the jammed plug by a fix distance, and inserts through the button hole of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventor: Kuang-Chou Lai
  • Patent number: 7192160
    Abstract: A light for use in applications requiring conventional and specialized, dimmable lighting wherein the color of the emitted light can easily be switched. The light includes fluorescent and/or LED light sources which are dimmable by a control box. The control box further allows for switching between two light sources provided in the light. The light sources may provide white light or specialized light including red or blue “invisible” light required in some military applications or UV lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Reiff, Jr., Paul J Reiff, Clyde M Brown
  • Patent number: 7178944
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of enhancing illumination by a variety of lamp types through the use of reflective technologies, for example, replacement of expensive high intensity density or mercury vapor lamps with low wattage flourescent tubes having at least one and in some cases, up to three reflective surfaces for focusing otherwise lost light toward a target illumination area. Further, the placement of light sources at the focal point of said reflective surfaces aids in optimizing the amount of light focused in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Randal D. Walton
  • Patent number: 7175312
    Abstract: A fluorescent wall wash luminaire has a housing with an opening for light generated by a fluorescent lamp to exit the housing. A portion of the housing forms an inclined base, and a socket pan holding a lamp socket for the fluorescent lamp is slidably mounted on the inclined base. The position of the socket pan may be adjusted by sliding the socket pan along the inclined base between an upper position and a lower position. The socket pan is held in place by a latching plate mechanism formed by a latching plate and a latching spring. The latching mechanism holds the socket pan in the upper position, the lower position, and selected positions between the upper and lower position. The amount and distribution of light emitted by the luminaire varies depending on the position of the lamp along the inclined base, thereby providing the ability to adjust the distribution of emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Wilton LeGrand Fowler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7175315
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture comprises a substantially rectangular housing, a ballast located in the housing, a fluorescent lamp for emitting light in response to a first signal received from the ballast, a reflector made as a unitary structure for focusing the emitted light onto a pre-selected area, and a sensor for detecting an activity or inactivity, such that a second signal is transmitted to the ballast for triggering the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: William D. Eaton
  • Patent number: 7159999
    Abstract: In a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display apparatus, a plurality of lamps disposed in a receiving space of the backlight assembly is spaced apart from each other by various intervals between the lamps depending upon positions at which the lamps are disposed. Each of the lamps may also have an external electrode having a different area from each other or due to the positions at which the lamps are disposed. Furthermore, each of the lamps may have a different amount of discharge gas injected thereinto due to the positions at which the lamps are disposed. Accordingly, the liquid crystal display apparatus may provide a uniform brightness, and prevent deterioration of display quality thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyeong-Suk Yoo, Joong-Hyun Kim, Seok-Hyun Nam, Jong-Sun Lim, Seock-Hwan Kang, Jin-Seob Byun
  • Patent number: 7160012
    Abstract: A lamp (10) is disclosed with a single or double-sided socket, whereby a bulb element (11) is arranged on the at least one socket (12), which surrounds a volume of space (14) and said lamp is provided with at least one LED element (13). An irradiation of the LED light into the bulb element occurs and, as a result of reflection, in particular total reflection, on the defining surfaces (16,17) of the bulb element a transmission of the LED light within the bulb element occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glëhlapen mbH
    Inventors: Achim Hilscher, Harald Hofmann, Thomas Noll, Martin Zachau