With Sealing Means Or Artificial Atmosphere Patents (Class 362/267)
  • Patent number: 7334919
    Abstract: Disclosed are a LED device and the manufacturing method thereof, the device comprises a LED, which is composed of a LED chip and bonded wires, both connected to a plurality of lead frames and enveloped by a lamp cap, wherein one end of the lead frames emerges from the lamp cap; the plurality of insulating lead wires consist of conductors in the center, and the conductor on one end of the lead wires is connected to said emerged lead frame. Moreover, the insulator of said insulating lead wires is bent to the back and extended sideward; a protective device firmly holds the LED, the electrical connecting portion and the bent insulator positioning portion so as to make the insulator not easily to be released and make the LED device become a safe device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 7329025
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes an outer lens and an inner lens disposed inside the outer lens. The inner lens covers an area narrower than the outer lens and is supported with the body by laser welding. The inner lens and the body respectively have joint areas. A laser absorber is contained in an interface between the joint areas. The joint areas are overlapped and laser beam is emitted to the laser absorber from behind the joint area of the inner lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Yasuda, Fujihiko Sugiyama, Kazuhiro Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080007951
    Abstract: A LED decorative lighting structure comprises a plurality of LEDS. Each LED has two electric conductor blades which being directly made by cutting down from a strip of the same material. Each of the two conductor blades is equipped with a terminal which further includes a holding strip and an electric conducting strip. The holding strip is for fixing an outer insulation sheath of a conductor by pressing on it; while the conducting strip is for fixing and making connection with the metallic stranded core wires of the conductor. The holding strips and the electric conducting strips in both conductor blades are disposed in different height with each other so as to avoid shortcircuiting by accidental contact. The plurality of LED constructed as such can be arranged in series/parallel connection thereby forming a desired configuration of the LED decorative lighting structure according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Wen Chan
  • Patent number: 7306360
    Abstract: A decorative lighting device includes: a light-emitting unit; a holding unit which includes an inner surrounding wall that has an outer wall surface, an outer surrounding wall that has a surrounding engaging surface spaced apart from the outer wall surface with a surrounding clearance, and an annular connecting wall that attaches the outer surrounding wall to the outer wall surface to form a surrounding abutment surface confronting the surrounding clearance; and a light-transmissive housing which includes an annular neck portion that terminates at an annular edge, that has inner and outer annular surfaces, and that is configured such that once the annular edge is brought to abut against the surrounding abutment surface, the outer annular surface is engaged with the surrounding engaging surface, while the inner annular surface is spaced apart from the outer wall surface to thereby cut off creepage of intruding extraneous water into the inner surrounding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Vincent Lin
  • Patent number: 7305929
    Abstract: The present invention is a view port suitable for installation under the water line of a vessel wherein the view port comprises a flange made from a corrosion resistant material and a body made from a heat resistant material. An alternative embodiment of the invention is an underwater light in which a high intensity discharge light is installed into the above mentioned view port. The light may be swiveled while installed in the view port in order to direct the light along a desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Underwater Lights USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacDonald, Randal Rash
  • Patent number: 7306346
    Abstract: Inside surround desiccant pattern A surrounding an organic EL element by bonding an element substrate to a sealing board, outside surround desiccant pattern C surrounding the inside surround desiccant pattern A, and internal desiccant pattern (having a thinner film thickness than the inside surround desiccant pattern A) surrounded by the inside surround desiccant pattern A are formed on the sealing board by one time screen printing. For this purpose, a screen mask is utilized on which opening patterns for the inside and outside surround desiccant patterns A, C and an opening pattern having a narrower opening width than the opening patterns for A and C for forming an internal desiccant pattern are formed. With this configuration, it has been achieved to manufacture a highly reliable organic EL display apparatus in more simplified process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Fukuoka, Nobuyuki Ushifusa, Issei Takemoto, Yoshinori Ishii
  • Patent number: 7303301
    Abstract: A submersible light fixture which includes a housing, and an LED light engine mounted to a heat-conducting plate, with the heat conducting plate being supported by the housing. The housing defines an opening adjacent to the heat-conducting plate, and the opening is designed to be in fluid communication with a body of water when the light fixture is submerged such that the water acts as a heat sink to the LED light engine. In one arrangement, the opening is a gap between the heat-conducting plate and a watertight container containing a control module for the LED light engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nexxus Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Koren, Roy Archer, Stephen Faber, Michael Bauer
  • Patent number: 7300181
    Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a lamp fixture configured to be coupled to the housing, an element extending from the lamp fixture and configured to be received in the housing, and a sealing member defining an aperture for receiving the element therethrough. A periphery of the aperture forms a fluid-tight seal around the element. In another aspect, a lighting unit includes a housing and an enclosure coupled to the housing and configured to define an interior space, wherein the interior space is sealed from an interior of the housing. In another aspect, a method for sealing a lighting unit includes providing a housing, an enclosure coupled to the housing, and an opening in the housing in communication with the enclosure, placing a seal between the housing and the enclosure, and applying a sealing member to the opening to seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick Stephen Blincoe
  • 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: 20070253199
    Abstract: A vandal resistant luminaire having an electrical component housing with an outwardly extending rim separating a front portion from a rear portion; the front portion has a gasket ring about a front edge, at least one lamp socket, wiring, and associated electrical components contained therein; a shock absorbing gasket is mounted on the gasket ring and a lens with a rear edge removeably sealed against the gasket by means of a front trim ring that surrounds an outer portion of the lens and an outer portion of the front portion of the electrical component housing. Optionally, the vandal resistant luminaire has a rear trim ring surrounding a rear portion of the electrical component housing having a shock absorbing configuration and a substantially flat rear mating surface eliminating pry points between the vandal resistant luminaire and a surface too which it is mounted. Additionally, the front trim ring may depend about the lens forming a pattern thereon such as a grid pattern or a graphical display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: GENLYTE THOMAS GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Biello, Dylan A. Akinrele, David S. Monteiro, Thomas Russello
  • Publication number: 20070253200
    Abstract: A gasket for a vandal resistant luminaire, the gasket is constructed to be disposed between an electrical component housing and a lens wherein the lens is held to the electrical component housing with a front trim ring surrounding an outer portion thereof. The gasket is designed to form a seal between the lens and electrical component housing and absorb physical shock placed on the lens and/or the electrical component housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: GENLYTE THOMAS GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Russello, Kenneth W. Biello, Dylan A. Akinrele, David S. Monteiro
  • Patent number: 7287877
    Abstract: A beam welding method in a vehicular lighting device where a transparent cover is mounted on a housing so as to cover its front face is characterized in that a transparent cover and a housing each includes a joining part. The method includes a step of integrating an elastic member with the joining part of the transparent cover, a step of bringing the elastic member into contact with the joining part of the housing, and a step of irradiating beams onto the joining part of the housing to weld the elastic member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Yasuda, Fujihiko Sugiyama, Michihiko Suzuki, Kazuhiro Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20070247838
    Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater lumination device applied to a swimming pool which comprises a solar power supplier, at least one light body being located at a bottom surface of the swimming pool and having a seal housing and a light or luminan, in which the solar power supplier electrically communicates with the light or luminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: GUANGZHOU FAPU ELECTRONIC & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Quanwei Fan
  • Patent number: 7284895
    Abstract: A lamp and socket assembly includes a lamp assembly including a lamp holder having an end panel, and a housing having a lamp side and a wire side. The lamp side includes a lamp receptacle. The lamp holder is received in the lamp receptacle. A channel is formed in the lamp receptacle. The channel includes opposed side walls, and each side wall has an engagement surface. The engagement surfaces engage side edges of the end panel to retain the lamp assembly in the lamp receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Goto
  • Patent number: 7284896
    Abstract: A light emitting device with a top electrode and a bottom electrode is pushed by a plug to make contacts with either an upper metal plate or a lower metal plate each serving as one of the leads for an electrode of the light emitting devices. The plug is inserted through an opening larger than the light emitting device in the metal plate not in contact with the light emitting device but serving as another lead for the light emitting device. The plug is locked in place by means of threaded screw heads, snug-fit, snap-on buttons or an elastic sleeve. Thus, the light emitting device can be easily replaced without any wire bonding. A plurality of the light unit can be sandwiched between the upper metal plate and the lower metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jiahn-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 7278758
    Abstract: A garment is illuminated with flashing lights in response to movement by a wearer and is protected against water damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: E.S. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Ezra Esses
  • Publication number: 20070230194
    Abstract: A spotlight includes a body (1) with a transparent front (2) and has LED's (5) as light-emitting elements. This spotlight body (1) and the transparent front (2) are made of plastic material and the printed circuit (6) including the LED's (5) is arranged in a juxtaposed arrangement on a metal plate (4) being fit to dissipate the heat being produced by the LED's, the metal plate being cooled by the water flowing into the body (1) of the spotlight through lateral openings (8) being provided in the body. The body (1) is concavely shaped and has the dissipator plate (4) securely attached to it at its open front end, the body (1) having at its center an inner pillar having a hollowed-out portion (10) and an outer open end (11) to receive the spotlight's electric connections (13 and 14) that will be fitted to it. The dissipator plate (4) is securely attached to the peripheral open front end of the body (1) and onto its central pillar (9) with the intermediary of respective O-ring seals (15 and 16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Sacopa, S.A.U.
    Inventor: Joan Julia Vilarrasa
  • Publication number: 20070223226
    Abstract: Embodiments of a light emitting diode (LED) illuminating apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. An LED illuminating apparatus can include a substrate, at least one LED mounted on the substrate, and a moisture-proof coating layer formed around the at least one LED. A method of manufacturing an LED illuminating apparatus can include mounting at least one LED on a substrate and forming a moisture-proof coating layer around the at least one LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Dong Wook Park
  • Patent number: 7252407
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus is provided comprising a light source (10), the light source being encapsulated in a protective medium (11) to seal the light source against ingress of moisture, the lighting apparatus having a heat sink (12, 13), the heat sink having a first region (12) in communication with light source (10) to receive heat from the light source (10) and a second region (13) which projects externally of the protective medium, such that the heat sink can dissipate heat to the ambient area. The invention provides light apparatus which is particularly suitable for use with caving lamps, although other uses are possible, for example in traffic lights or the lights of a motor vehicle, where the encapsulation would provide protection against rain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Lewis
  • Patent number: 7249867
    Abstract: A lighting fixture assembly includes a housing assembly that forms an interior. A valve mechanism is associated with the housing assembly and is configured to automatically vent fluid from the interior to the atmosphere when the pressure in the interior exceeds a threshold level. Otherwise, the valve mechanism seals the interior from the atmosphere. The lighting fixture also includes a pressure-equalization mechanism, separate from the valve mechanism, which is also associated with the housing assembly. The pressure-equalization mechanism is configured to, upon activation, substantially equalize the interior pressure with the atmosphere pressure and to otherwise seal the interior from the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Coarsegold Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Hagen, Allen Alexander
  • Patent number: 7249861
    Abstract: A keypad assembly (100) for a communication device (200) utilizes two boards, a main circuit board (102) with electronic components including light emitting diodes (LEDs) (104) and a keypad board (108). A lightguide (106) is sandwiched between the two boards (102, 108), the lightguide having window protrusions (112) to accommodate the LEDs (104). The keypad board (108) has openings (116) within which the window protrusions (112) align in order to provide backlighting and sealing to the communication device (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis R. Coleman, Jody H. Akens, Christopher D. Crawford, Ali H. Zaidi
  • Publication number: 20070164302
    Abstract: A light emitting device capable of efficiently dissipating heat outward, and a method producing it are provided. The light emitting device comprises an insulating board, a metal member, a light emitting element, a conductive member and a transparent member. The insulating board has a through hole. The metal member is inserted into the through hole. The light emitting element is mounted on the top surface of the metal member. The conductive member is formed on the insulating board and is electrically connected to the light emitting element. The transparent member covers the light emitting element and the top surface of the insulating board. The conductive member is continuously formed from the top surface to the bottom surface of the insulating board. The bottom surface of the metal member is substantially coplanar with the bottom surface of the conductive member on the bottom surface side of the insulating board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichiro Tanda
  • Patent number: 7244048
    Abstract: An underwater pool light comprises: a housing; a lens sealingly fixed to the housing; a light source located within the housing; and mounting means for mounting the housing to a niche within or on a wall of a pool. The housing includes an integral connector for external connection to an electrical supply cable, and the pool light includes electrical connection means within the housing connecting the light source to the integral connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Aqua Pharos International Limited
    Inventor: Brian Poggi
  • Publication number: 20070139921
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an LED lamp module into a light such as a traffic signal light. The LED lamp module includes a plurality of LEDs for producing light. The traffic signal light includes a housing, a door assembly removably or movably attached to the housing and having an aperture for passing the light, and a securing bracket having a first end secured to the door assembly and a second end secured to the LED lamp module, for maintaining an alignment between the door assembly and the LED lamp module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Ho Wu
  • Patent number: 7220025
    Abstract: An illumination device comprising: a body member; one or more sources of light aligned on a longitudinal axis of, and lying within, the body member; one or more transparent regions of the body member through which light from the or each source passes when the source or sources are energized; and optical particles such as balls or chips of glass lying in the body member and extending between the or each source and that side of the or each transparent region which is directed towards the inside of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Beadlight Limited
    Inventor: Alan Frank Parker
  • Patent number: 7220022
    Abstract: A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Fiber Optic Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Allen, David Allen
  • Patent number: 7210807
    Abstract: An optical semiconductor device for emitting a light beam includes an outer envelope that forms an indentation in which a light emitting element is positioned. The indentation is divided into a first indentation part corresponding to a lower part of the indentation, and a second indentation part corresponding to an upper part of the indentation. A projection strip between the first and second indentation parts, projects from the inner surface of the outer envelope. A conductive lead supplies an electrical power to the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shin Sakamoto, Isao Ogawa, Hideo Tamura
  • Patent number: 7207706
    Abstract: A planar light source device (100) for a display device includes a light guide plate (120) and pluralities of light emitting diodes (110). The light guide plate has a light incident surface (121). The light emitting diodes are located in the vicinity of the light incident surface. Each light emitting diode has a light emission surface opposite to the light incident surface of the light guide plate, and has a diffraction grating (117) provided on the light emission surface for improving a range of divergence of light beams emitted therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles Leu, Wen-Jeng Huang, Jyh-Chain Lin
  • Patent number: 7204614
    Abstract: A portable, automated illumination device is provided that is capable of illuminating an item stored on or near the device, such items may include eyeglasses, drinking cups, or other household articles. In one embodiment, the device includes a top section platform that has a sloped, nearly vertical edge to retain items and a sensor that instantly illuminates a light in response to motion adjacent to the device. In certain embodiments, the light provides illumination of the surrounding area to allow a user to find an item stored in or near the device, or to locate a more significant light source. Preferably, the light is illuminated for a certain period of time, after which the device resets to be triggered by subsequent motion, heat, or other stimuli detectable by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Beacons, LLC
    Inventors: Kerri E. Hanis, Lawrence R. Happ, Mark Hanis
  • Patent number: 7182500
    Abstract: An elastic member (3b) is fixed to a space between a front surface of an intermediate frame (4a) and a rear surface of a liquid crystal panel (2) constituting a liquid crystal display module (12), or a space between a rear surface of an upper frame (1) and the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel (2) constituting the liquid crystal display module (12). Alternatively, the elastic members (3b) are fixed to both of the spaces. A peak portion (14a) of the elastic member (3b) is formed to possess a flexible structure. The liquid crystal display module is configured to hermetically seal the space between a back light (11a) and the liquid crystal panel (2), the space between the upper frame (1) and the liquid crystal panel (2), or both of the spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7172322
    Abstract: The invention related to framing (8) for the window of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the framing having a support face between an inside edge (8a) and an outside edge (8b) of the framing and designed to be covered by the periphery of a window (6) connected in sealed manner to said outside edge. On its window-supporting face, the framing has an arrangement (15) for receiving a light source (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Maelig Pommeret, Stephanie Ader
  • Patent number: 7168825
    Abstract: A recessed insert fixture uses a housing shaped as a hollow, single piece cylinder that comprises a top and a bottom and starts from the top with an internal, shallow cylindrical cavity and continues downwardly with an internal, deep cylindrical cavity. The interior diameter of the former is lesser than the interior diameter of the latter. A first annular channel starting from the top is coaxial with the internal, shallow cylindrical cavity. A second annular channel extends radially, proximately to the top, into a wall of the internal, shallow cylindrical cavity. Two O-rings are used. One is inserted into first annular channel. The other one is inserted into the second annular channel. When the fixture is assembled, the first O-ring is compressed directly by a lid, the other one indirectly by the same lid that acts on a flange and surface of a lamp reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. McArthur
  • Patent number: 7156538
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an LED package for a backlight unit. The LED package includes a plurality of LEDs, a die bonding part, a wire bonding part and a body. The die bonding part, on which the plurality of LEDs is arranged, allows the first electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to an external circuit. The wire bonding part is spaced apart from the die bonding part by a predetermined distance to be insulated from the die bonding part and allows the second electrodes of the LEDs to be electrically connected to the external circuit so that the LEDs are operated. The body has a molding cup which is used to fill a space above the LEDs with transparent resin and a base on which the die bonding part and the wire bonding part are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Taeg Han, Chan Wang Park, Seon Goo Lee
  • Patent number: 7137721
    Abstract: A weatherproof outdoor pivoting light assembly includes a front gasket on a metallic lamp housing having spaced sealing rings for locally compressively engaging to seal the floodlight envelope and a rear gasket for sealing the power cord thereby providing a sealed cartridge for the electrical socket enabling mounting at ground and structure location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: C. Gireesh Rao, Ashok Sathyanarayana Alilughatta, Tushar Han Godbole
  • Patent number: 7128437
    Abstract: A temperature activated pressure relief mechanism for a flashlight or other battery containing device includes a watertight sealed flashlight housing which has an opening which extends from an outer surface to and inner surface of the housing. A metallic eyelet having an eyelet opening and having a cylindrical body sized to fit is placed tightly into the housing opening. A fusible plug of a suitable alloy material placed into said eyelet opening so that when said alloy material reaches the alloy melting point, said material will melt and flow at least partially out of the eyelet opening allowing gas pressure from within the sealed flashlight housing to vent to outside the sealed housing through the eyelet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: W. T. Storey, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Storey
  • Patent number: 7128439
    Abstract: A planar photoluminescent lamp includes a plurality of glass spacer beads affixed to a first glass plate, and a second glass plate in contact with the glass spacer beads. The glass plates are hermetically sealed to form a chamber, which is filled with a selected gas. Transparent electrodes are placed on the exterior of the first and second glass plates, over which electrically insulating layers are extended. First and second semi-transparent decorative layers are laid over the insulating layers, out of which light is transmitted. One or more transparent insulating layers extend over transparent electrodes placed on the exterior surface of the first and second glass plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Winsor Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Winsor
  • Patent number: 7125146
    Abstract: An underwater light, e.g., for a pool or spa, includes an ordinarily watertight housing, an outer compartment within the housing and floodable by water flowing therein in the event the housing is no longer watertight, a current shield within the outer compartment and at least partially defining an inner compartment within the outer compartment, a light emitter within the inner compartment, a passageway communicating between the inner and outer compartments such that outer compartment flood water can enter the inner compartment and contact the light emitter, and a conductor. The conductor is positioned so as to collect stray electrical current conducted from the inner compartment by water within the passageway, thereby reducing the risk of shock presented by such stray electrical current. The underwater light is installable within a wet niche, and includes a transformer housed in a separate compartment that extends into the wet niche for thorough cooling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Vance E. Willis, Ronald H. Griffin, Vitaly Shinkarev
  • Patent number: 7118250
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a lamp source, a lamp body accommodating the lamp source, and a lens attached to the lamp body. The lamp body has an abutment surface on the top portion of a peripheral wall, which is configured to rise in a direction of an optical axis of the light source along a peripheral edge of the lamp body. The abutment surface of the lamp body is configured to incline to the optical axis. Similary, the lens has an abutment surface corresponding to the abutment surface of the lamp body along a peripheral portion of the lens. In this case, the abutment surface of the lens is configured within the dimention of an outer surface of the lens so as not to protrude over the outer surface. The abutment surfaces of the lamp body and the lens are integrally jointed together by laser walding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiharu Matsunaga, Michihiko Suzuki, Fujihiko Sugiyama, Kazuhiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7101060
    Abstract: A submersible light (10) comprising a lens (12) sealed to the front of the reflector (20), a replaceable light source (22) housed in an aperture (25) in the reflector, a pressure member (30) positioned behind the reflector to define an air chamber (32) open at the base of the light but in sealed communication with the aperture whereby, in use, as the light becomes submerged liquid enters the base of the pressure member to pressurise the air within the pressure member to in turn form a pocket of pressurised air in the space between the lens and the reflector and thus prevent entry of liquid into that space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hella Australia PTY, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Oppenheimer, Mark David Pryor
  • Patent number: 7070296
    Abstract: A flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tail cap, a head assembly, and a miniature lamp bulb holder and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel. One-way valves may be positioned at seal locations in association with passageways to allow venting of overpressure within the interior volume of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 7070304
    Abstract: A light emitting diode is provided which includes a circuit substrate, a semi-spherical concave surface part formed in the circuit substrate, and a transparent stage disposed in the semi-spherical concave surface part in the circuit substrate. An LED chip is mounted on the horizontal upper surface of the transparent stage, a reflective member forms a truncated cone-shaped concave surface part disposed to be joined to an end of the semi-spherical concave surface part and attached on the substrate. A sealing body is disposed in the joined concave surface parts to cover the LED chip. The transparent stage includes a lower surface having a convex surface corresponding to a concave surface of the semi-spherical concave surface part and an upper surface formed in a horizontal surface. The LED chip is mounted on the horizontal upper surface of the transparent stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadato Imai
  • Patent number: 7066628
    Abstract: A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode including a set of positive and negative contacts, and a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and end portions of the contacts. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. A light transmissive cover receives the lens body, and has an opening through which at least one of the contact set and the electrical wire set passes. An integrally molded plastic jacket at the opening of the light transmissive cover provides a seal at the opening against moisture and airborne contaminants. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Fiber Optic Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: David Allen
  • Patent number: 7063443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor lamp with an improved watertight mechanism. Its peculiar watertight structure is formed by a lower-cap and an upper-cap, wherein a slope shaped on an anti-water rim of the upper-cap to facilitate rainwater slipping, out of the slope and gravity, directly to the ground. A convex bottom is further formed on the anti-water rim of the upper-cap causing rainwater, being unable to flow inwards cross the convex, to fall directly to the ground, thereby preventing rainwater from streaming to the lower-cap. Combining the slope and convex thereof, rainwater flowing into a joint surface thereby being reduced significantly. Additionally, the joint surface is formed with a two-step structure to curtail capillarity, thereby minimizing rainwater permeating inside to damage the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Nien-Fu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7052170
    Abstract: Lighting system mountable on a surface and including one or more miniature light sources and a multi-part housing including recesses for accepting the light sources and an electrical supply line. The light sources can include light emitting diodes. Separate parts of the housing are mated in a manner to fix the position of the electrical supply line between them, and may be formed with a recess that receives an asymmetrically shaped electrical supply line in only one possible orientation. Similarly, the recesses receiving the light sources may be shaped such that electrical connections with proper polarity are assured. Either or both parts of the housing may be fastened to the surface with adhesives and/or optional holes for receiving pins, nails, screws, bolts or the like. The lighting system is particularly suitable for emergency, railing, landscape and vehicle illumination applications, and may be powered by batteries and renewable energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Roman F. Striebel
  • Patent number: 7048414
    Abstract: A light fixture cover system and method is disclosed in which the selectively detachable cover is also a unitary structure including a body having a peripheral sealing lip that fits over any corresponding industry standard outside light fixture. The sealing lip of the cover has at least one laterally extending tab member to assist in removing the cover from the fixture. The cover portion is preferably made from a resilient polymeric material suitable for both winter and summer weather conditions in addition to being impervious to the heat generated by the electrical bulb or bulbs contained it the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Martin Thomas Weber
  • Patent number: 7040779
    Abstract: A lamp finding particular application in boat trailers and other vehicular applications is provided with a generally unbreakable lamp structure. The lamp preferably is provided with a plurality of LEDs arranged with rows and columns on a circuit card or board. The lamp is constructed by encapsulating the board and LED arrangement in a moldable lens material, which after removal from a suitable mold at least partially defines the lamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Mongo Light Co. INC
    Inventors: Isidore I. Lamke, Robert D. Plummer, Michael E. Dinan, Eugene P. Reinhold, John Figura, Matt Narzinski
  • Patent number: 7033038
    Abstract: A hydrological barrier plate for in-grade light fixture housings and a housing for use with light fixtures to prevent water entry into the water sensitive compartments of the light fixture. The barrier plate has a plate body with an opening in which is sealably disposed an anti-syphon wire pass-through valve for electrically connecting the components on one side of the barrier plate with the wires in the junction box on the opposite side of the barrier plate. The barrier plate is sealed around its outer edge against the housing wall. The pass-through valve is configured to prevent water from wicking along the wires and to prevent water from passing around the valve. The barrier plate is installed without tools and an effective seal is easily obtained. Using the barrier plate, water is prevented from migrating between the junction box and the primary housing compartments of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W Hagen
  • Patent number: 7021793
    Abstract: The present invention is a ground-embedded, air-cooled lighting device. In particular, the present invention is directed to a floodlight or sealed lamp. A preferred embodiment of the floodlight comprises a sealed casing having an exterior wall and contains air. The sealed casing holds a disc element supporting a translucid material and a tube spaced from the exterior wall. The tube is preferably concentrically mounted within the casing. The tube surrounds an optical reflector, a light source mounted at the reflector's focus and aimed at the disc element, and a power supply for the light source. The sealed casing further contains a fan, preferably aimed a portion of the exterior wall having increased thermal conductivity. The fan circulates air in the casing through the tube and past the disc element for cooling purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Francesco Biasoli, Francis Roche
  • Patent number: 7014340
    Abstract: An illumination assembly for a medical diagnostic instrument, includes an open ended lamp housing, an incandescent lamp disposed within the housing. A peripheral sealing member is disposed in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the lamp envelope such that initial energization of said lamp causes the sealing member to create a substantial fluid-tight seal with the lamp to protect the interior of the housing, including the electrical contacts of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Bettis
  • Patent number: RE39084
    Abstract: An adjustable mount for use with light fixtures that are sealed to prevent entry of moisture and contaminants. O-ring seals are utilized to connect and seal the components of the adjustable mount so that it is not a source of moisture or loss of vacuum. The adjustable mount is a knuckle-type mount that connects a light fixture with a junction box or other source of electrical power. The adjustable mount provides a full range of vertical and rotational angles without damaging the electrical wiring that is sealed inside the mount. Frictional connections in the mount allow the lighting angle to be set without the necessity of tightening the set screws which connect the components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Hagen