Electric Or Pneumatic Patents (Class 362/272)
  • Patent number: 7165857
    Abstract: A toy, particularly an educational toy that has a light-emitting diode device attached thereto. Instead of a whole array of light-emitting diodes, the light-emitting diode device has only one or multiple cross rows of light-emitting diodes rotating about an axis. The light-emitting diode device is operative to generate a plurality of illumination patterns or images by selectively switching on/off the light-emitting diodes at a specific orientation. The light-emitting diode device further has a sound-generating device interactive with the light-emitting diodes. That is, the sound-generating device is operative to generate a sound to represent an audio form of the illumination patterns or images displayed by the light-emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 7121706
    Abstract: In an actuator of a vehicle headlamp unit for deflecting a direction or a range of illumination, a step-like rib for supporting a printed circuit board is formed at an inner side of a peripheral edge portion of a resin molded casing, and an opposed rib is formed at an outer side of this peripheral edge portion by a generally channel-shaped groove. A gear in a gear mechanism of the actuator is made of a resin having self-lubricating properties. The actuator includes a brushless motor, a yoke molded of a resin having a cylindrical container-shape. A gear is formed integrally on a central portion of an outer end surface of the yoke. A fixing means for fixing the stator coil of the brushless motor to a housing or the board has a positioning structure for positioning the stator coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Atsushi Sugimoto, Kazuma Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7033035
    Abstract: A portable light-emitting display device having one or more rotating members including one or more light sources mounted or otherwise affixed thereto. The one or more rotating members are coupled to a motor. The motor and the light sources are each electrically coupled to one or more controllers, which control the speed at which the motor rotates the one or more rotating members and controls a lighting frequency and/or an intensity of all or one or more of the light sources or any combination thereof, to create a visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: I & K Trading
    Inventors: John M. Fatemi, Chin Kuo (Phily) Chung, Hsin Yu (Michael) Chao
  • Patent number: 6955447
    Abstract: A remote control assembly comprising a signal light and a spotlight comprises a lamp receptacle, a combined light, two driving device for the combined light, a base stand, circuit board and suction disk. The combined light includes signal light and spotlight, lamp shields, lens and supporting shafts. When assembled, it is rotatably mounted in the lamp receptacle. One of driving device can make the combined light rotate upward and downward in the range of 250°, and can provide large visual angle in the evening or at night, even beyond 90°, and the other driving device can make the combined light rotate horizontally in the wide range of 360°. In addition, it (the combined light) has good performance of weather proof and super bright illumination. In emergency condition, its flashing light can be seen from several kilometers away. It is suitable for use on deck, galley, trailers and utility vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Yuk Fat Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Kim Fung Lui
  • Patent number: 6923563
    Abstract: A headlight unit that is adapted for use on a motor vehicle, such as a land vehicle, can be moved from one orientation with respect to the road into other orientations that are angularly spaced apart from the first orientation in response to movement of a control switch inside the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: James O. Barber, Barbara A. Barber
  • Patent number: 6918683
    Abstract: A floodlight configured to illuminate a controlled area includes a planar linkage assembly providing the lamp head of the floodlight with smooth oscillatory motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Karen Olson
  • Patent number: 6871992
    Abstract: A brake light system for a vehicle includes an indicating member movable between a first position and a second position, which is different from the first position. The indicating member is movable from its first position to its second position in response to the actuation of a brake system of the vehicle so as to indicate the extent of engagement of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Seong Woong Kim
  • Patent number: 6866402
    Abstract: A multiparameter lighting fixture, which includes a locking system for pan and/or tilt, either of which may include a manual input device and an actuator. The locking systems for pan and tilt can be manually locked or unlocked by a technician using their respective manual input devices and automatically locked or unlocked by their respective actuators. A yoke of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more than one rotational position in relation to the base housing. In addition, the lamp housing of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more that one rotational position in relation to the yoke. The locking systems for pan or tilt can be automatically locked by an appropriate actuator in response to an electronic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6834982
    Abstract: A spotlight with perimetrical delimitation of the emitted light beam, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical element that can move axially with respect to the light beam in order to adjust the breadth of the light beam, and a Fresnel lens for diffusing the light beam. Beam adjusting elements are provided for delimiting perimetrically the light beam which are associated with the optical element and can move axially with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
  • Patent number: 6814478
    Abstract: An electric current path for an oscillating warning light of an emergency vehicle includes a spring that is connected between a stationary base of the warning light and an oscillating assembly of the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 6786622
    Abstract: A searchlight including a housing having first and second ends, a window in the first end of the housing and a lamp disposed within the housing so as to emit light through the window. A post is secured to a positioning assembly within the body. The positioning assembly includes: a first motor operable to rotate the housing in a first plane with respect to the post, and a second motor operable to rotate the housing in a second plane with respect to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Lee Rice
  • Publication number: 20040165385
    Abstract: A multiparameter lighting fixture, which includes a locking system for pan and/or tilt, either of which may include a manual input device and an actuator. The locking systems for pan and tilt can be manually locked or unlocked by a technician using their respective manual input devices and automatically locked or unlocked by their respective actuators. A yoke of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more than one rotational position in relation to the base housing. In addition, the lamp housing of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more that one rotational position in relation to the yoke. The locking systems for pan or tilt can be automatically locked by an appropriate actuator in response to an electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6767118
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a light emission direction of a motor vehicle headlight has a unit for executing a pivoting movement of at least one part of the motor vehicle headlight that is held by a suspension and which effects the light emission direction, about an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle, the unit for executing the pivotal movement having at least one electric motor selected from the group consisting of a direct current motor and an alternating current motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Seif, Ulrich Neubauer, Ernst-Olaf Rosenhahn, Gustav Klett
  • Patent number: 6744693
    Abstract: A lighting fixture projects a light beam for spot lighting in theater stages, cinema and television studios and the like. The fixture includes a light source at one end of a housing having a light beam exit aperture at the opposite end thereof, the light source and aperture being arranged generally concentric with a longitudinal or optical axis of the lighting fixture. One or more beam-shaping blades, and preferably also other light beam influencing elements, such as one or more lenses, an iris, and/or a pattern or gobo, are arranged along the path of the light beam along the longitudinal axis through the housing from the light source to the aperture. The position of the beam-shaping blade or blades, and preferably of all the light beam influencing elements, is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis. The fixture produces a well-defined light beam or light cone with a geometry, angle of conicity and focal point that may be altered manually or by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: N.V. ADB TTV Technologies SA
    Inventors: Thomas Brockmann, Peter I. W. Plesner, Christian Poulsen
  • Publication number: 20040037086
    Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for swiveling a headlamp body of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a headlamp bracket configured to receive the headlamp body to rotate the headlamp body. The headlamp bracket has a mounting stem and a first receiving port extending therefrom. An outer bracket has a receiving slot formed thereon. The receiving slot is shaped so as to receive the mounting stem to define a first axis about which the headlamp bracket rotates within the outer bracket. The outer bracket has a second receiving port extending therefrom. The first receiving port is cooperable with a first motor assembly for rotation of the headlamp bracket within the outer bracket. A plurality of sockets is attached to the outer bracket to define a second axis about which the outer bracket and headlamp bracket rotate. The second receiving port is cooperable with a second motor assembly for rotation of the outer bracket and headlamp bracket about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mihai S. Pascutiu
  • Patent number: 6663268
    Abstract: The invention provides an automatic automotive headlamp leveling device for providing a highly accurate optical axis correction by controlling the driving of an actuator without being affected by the mounting tolerance of a vehicle height sensor itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Toda, Hideaki Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20030223244
    Abstract: An adjustable element is part of an apparatus such as an automotive headlight which includes a support, and a security cap prevents undetected interference with the adjustment of that element, guaranteeing its inviolability. The adjustment is effected with a control member rotatable about a geometrical axis transverse to the axis of the support. The control member has an adjusting head accessible from outside the support. The security cap is mounted for movement in translation with respect to the support, parallel to the geometric support axis, and includes snap-fitting means co-operating with a zone of the support, to be engaged in response to this movement. The cap is put into a final snap-fitted position, in which it conceals the adjusting head, by a simple push.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Franck Dinant
  • Patent number: 6653933
    Abstract: An autonomous local area distributed network provides a peer-to-peer network to connect nodes and devices using low cost and low bandwidth communication techniques, thus allowing the network to share node resources and distribute programming tasks across the different nodes. Home appliances and devices such as refrigerators, televisions, light switches, light fixtures, garage door openers, stereos, and the like may be configured as nodes on the peer-to-peer network. Operational programs, referred to as “sequences,” may be distributed across nodes in a network to enable the maximum utilization of available node resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: emWare, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Raschke, Robert B. Kane
  • Publication number: 20030202352
    Abstract: A floodlight configured to illuminate a controlled area includes a planar linkage assembly providing the lamp head of the floodlight with smooth oscillatory motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Karen Olson
  • Patent number: 6616302
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a drive portion having a drive source, and a lamp body that has a light source and that is supported by a rotary shaft operable to be rotated by the drive portion. A rotary contact is provided around the rotary shaft and rotates together with the lamp body. A fixed contact is provided for the drive portion. The rotary contact and the light source are electrically connected through a power supply cord and electric power is supplied to the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sugimoto, Keiichi Tajima, Kazuma Mochizuki, Masanori Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 6547410
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: 911 Emergency Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 6517216
    Abstract: The present invention includes an adjustable lighting fixture having a housing and light holders which are able to extend, pivot, spin, and slide with respect to the housing, a mounting arm, or each other. The lighting fixture may thus provide enhanced lighting during events, such as live performances, teleconferencing, filming, or videotaping. Each adjustable lighting fixture generally includes a light holder positioned on a mounting arm pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the housing. The lighting fixture uses fluorescent light sources. When enhanced lighting is not required, the light holders may be restored in the housing in an aesthetic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Brightline, L.P.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Cercone, Katherine Katz
  • Publication number: 20030021102
    Abstract: An illuminated assembly that can be configured as a pinwheel, pinwheel bow or decorative bow. The illuminated assembly includes segments of material that are folded over to form looped structures. At least some of the looped structures retain chemical light assemblies that are used to illuminate the folded loop structures when activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Webb Nelson, Mark Chernick
  • Publication number: 20020181244
    Abstract: A headlamp system for a motor vehicle for providing increased visibility to a driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a moisture-laden atmosphere. The system includes at least one headlamp adapted to produce a beam of illuminating light and a shield mounted for placement adjacent to said at least one headlamp. The headlamp is selectively movable between a first position in which it is recessed into the body of the vehicle and a second position in which it projects in front of the body of the vehicle to permit the shield to deflect at least a portion of the beam of illuminating light emitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6461021
    Abstract: A reflector-positioning apparatus, and an associated method, for a lighting assembly. Rotational forces are generated and applied to rotatable ring members. Rotation of the ring members is transduced to tilt and pan movements, as desired, of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Wybron, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Warnecke
  • Patent number: 6412972
    Abstract: There is provided a digital light projection apparatus for projecting digitally selected light beams onto a stage display to create the effect of a continuously moving image. The apparatus has a fixed housing with a luminaire and a deformable micromirror device and a rotatable housing with a fixed mirror and a rotatable mirror. The deformable micromirror device directs selected light beams generated by the luminaire to the fixed and rotatable mirrors for projection to a stage display. Color may be achieved by use of color wheels, chromatic prisms, and/or lasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Altman Stage Lighting Company
    Inventors: Roger A. Pujol, Thomas P. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20020064045
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a drive portion having a drive source, and a lamp body that has a light source and that is supported by a rotary shaft operable to be rotated by the drive portion. A rotary contact is provided around the rotary shaft and rotates together with the lamp body. A fixed contact is provided for the drive portion. The rotary contact and the light source are electrically connected through a power supply cord and electric power is supplied to the fixed contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Atsushi Sugimoto, Keiichi Tajima, Kazuma Mochizuki, Masanori Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 6371621
    Abstract: An improved flush-mount emergency light fixture (10) is provided having a housing (12) adapted for placement in a wall or ceiling aperture (20), an internal illumination assembly (16) and a selectively movable cover (14), in order to provide illumination during an emergency condition. The fixture (10) includes a servo-motor (74) and an operator (78) for controlled movement of the cover (14) between a closed position and a deployed illumination position. A floating hinge (54) couples the cover (14) to housing (12) and allows the cover to both pivot and translate relative to the housing (12) during cover movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent Victor Le Bel
  • Patent number: 6299336
    Abstract: An improved low profile mounting arrangement is provided for a telescoping tube construction applied to the roof of a vehicle. The lowest mast section is nested between two vertically upright shaft support plates which journal a pivot shaft rotatably secured to a collar affixed to the bottom of the lowest mast section whereby rotation of the pivot shaft causes the telescoping mast to rotate from a horizontal to a vertically upright position. A pivot link mounted to an end of the pivot shaft extends downward adjacent a support plate side opposite to the side facing the telescoping mast so that an actuator secured to the pivot link is mounted on the side of the telescoping mast construction to achieve a low profile mount with minimal vertical elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Will-Burt Company
    Inventor: John A. Hulse
  • Patent number: 6254253
    Abstract: The invention is a device for deflecting a light beam. A system includes a memory unit for memorizing the data of a symbol to be read into the system, a laser beam deflection unit, a laser, and a power source. All parts are integrated in a housing which can be held by the human hand. The light beam is deflected using piezo-responsive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Viewpoint Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Daum, Wieland Hingst
  • Patent number: 6146000
    Abstract: A device for rotating an emitter device emitting a laser beam L about a rotation axis for the purpose of generating a plane or a conical surface has an elongated body of revolution 2 which carries the emitter device 1 and is held rotatably at the ends on a fixed holder 5 by means of a pivot bearing 3, 4 in each case, the pivot bearing 3, 4 comprising a conical seat 16 and a bearing member 17 engaging in the latter and having a rounded outer surface concentric with the rotation axis, and the conical seat 16 and the bearing member 17 being prestressed (20) against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventors: Johannes Holzl, Hans-Jurgen Lienesch, Volker Konetschny
  • Patent number: 6086232
    Abstract: The device has a drive motor (30), which via a gear drives a gear wheel (33), which is connected to a sleeve (40) through which an adjusting bolt (44) is inserted. The adjusting bolt (44) can be coupled to the sleeve (40) via a set of teeth (43, 48) in the direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis (17), and the coupling of the adjusting bolt (44) is secured by an axially prestressed spring (57) engaging it. A connecting element (16) pivotably connected to the headlight part to be adjusted is coupled in the direction of rotation to the adjusting bolt (44), and the adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable relative to this connecting element in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17). The adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17) counter to the prestressing of the spring (57), so that it is uncoupled from the sleeve (40) and is rotatable relative to the sleeve (40) via an actuating element (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schulze, Elefterios Konto, Michael Westermann
  • Patent number: 5934223
    Abstract: The pet toy projects a moving image into a room, as determined by a computer chip, so that a pet may be entertained by the moving image without requiring a person to be in the room to move the image. The pet toy comprises an upright housing containing batteries and supported by a heavy base with a ball bearing unit at the top of the housing. The ball bearing unit has a lamp unit attached thereto. A plurality of glass units with various cut-outs that may be removably attached to the lamp unit so that the glass units may be used to change the image projected by the lamp unit. A control unit contained in the housing controls the speed of the rotatable ball bearing unit to control the speed of the moving light image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Erin P. Ellery-Guy
  • Patent number: 5931572
    Abstract: A head lamp device for a vehicle capable of changing a lighting region in front of the vehicle in rightward and leftward directions is provided. The device comprises a head lamp, lighting region changing means for changing the lighting region of the head lamp, strain degree detecting means for detecting degree of strain of the driver, and control means for controlling the lighting region changing means on the basis of information detected by the strain degree detecting means. The control means adjusts the amount and/or the speed of change of the lighting region in accordance with degree of strain of the driver. The change of the lighting region can be carried out naturally without sense of incongruity in view of degree of strain of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichiro Gotoh
  • Patent number: 5921659
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z coordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5816689
    Abstract: An illuminating service for creating a broad area of illumination is preferably enclosed in a compact and hand held housing, and includes an illumination source consisting of a bulb and a reflector. The illumination source is directly connected to a moving means using an attachment means, and is rotated at a frequency to provide an increased area of illumination having an intensity perceived as being substantially equivalent to that of a non-rotating beam when viewed by an observer. In addition, an energy reuse and DC notching reducer are disclosed that includes a load member and an energy storage means that are operatively connected with a pair of switches. The switches are selectively energized as to allow current to pass through the load member and to allow the energy storage means to store and discharge energy such that the energy is recycled through the load member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Strazzabosco
  • Patent number: 5816678
    Abstract: An airport beacon for use with a source of electrical energy is provided. The airport beacon comprises a stationary housing, a rotatable assembly rotatably mounted to the stationary housing, and a motor rigidly attached to the stationary housing and connected to the rotatable assembly for rotating the rotatable assembly. A conductive liquid-filled rotary coupling is used to connect the source of electrical energy to the rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly includes a lamp housing having first and second lamp holders and a ballast assembly. The ballast assembly includes a first ballast which electrically connects the conductive liquid-filled rotary coupling to the first lamp holder and a second ballast which electrically connects the conductive liquid-filled rotary coupling to the second lamp holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hali-Brite Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary B. Woehler
  • Patent number: 5806956
    Abstract: A searchlight which comprises a cover mounted on a rotating support shaft and defining an axis of rotation, first means for rotating the support shaft containing the cover around the axis of rotation, a reflector pivotally mounted within the cover, and second means for rotating the reflector in a different direction relative to the direction of rotation of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Lee Hyun-Jo
  • Patent number: 5673991
    Abstract: A manual and an electromotive actuatable adjusting apparatus for a reflector of a motor-vehicle headlight (1) are arranged together in a common housing. An adjusting pin (4), which is attachable to the reflector, can be moved along its length axis by both the manual and the electromotor adjusting apparatus. An end portion (6) of the adjusting pin, directed away from the reflector, slidably engages in a blind hole (7) of a gear (9) to be rotatable therewith. The gear is sealingly seated in a hollow cylinder (10) of a cover (2) and its hub (8) rotatably engages, while being axially fixed, in a bearing opening (13) in an end wall (12) closing off the hollow cylinder to the outside. There are a plurality of openings (14) in the hollow cylinder which allow a rod-shaped auxiliary tool (11) to be inserted therethrough so that when the tool is rotated about its length axis tooth-like protrusions (15) thereof engage in teeth (16) of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Willi Eickhoff, Gerhard Stumpe
  • Patent number: 5615938
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for illuminating objects, in particular those to be recorded by a video camera, having at least one lamp, the light of which a condenser system projects onto an optical system, which directs said light onto the object or objects to be illuminated, and a control means for controlling the intensity of the illumination with which the object is illuminated.The present invention is distinguished by the control means moving, respectively pivoting, the lamp, the condenser system and/or the the optical system in the direction of the optical axis of the condenser system, respectively of the optical system and/or perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Norbert Lemke
  • Patent number: 5615939
    Abstract: The headlight for a self-propelled vehicle includes a pivotable reflector (12) having a reflector pivot axis (20), a holder (10) for the reflector (12) and a compact mechanism for pivoting the reflector (12) relative to the holder (10) to adjust the orientation of the reflector. This compact adjusting mechanism for the reflector includes an adjusting element (26) having a ball end (30) and eccentrically engaged with the reflector (12) relative to the reflector pivot axis (20) and a compact double-jointed pivot joint for pivotally connecting the adjusting element (26) with the reflector (12). This compact double-jointed pivot joint includes a pivot joint mount (36) provided with a spherical receptacle (42), a socket insert (50) having a spherical-segment-shaped outer section (52) pivotally engaged in the spherical receptacle (42) of the pivot joint mount (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Wolfgang Krieg
  • Patent number: 5584560
    Abstract: A spotlight is provided that employs stationary motors for positioning a light beam at a desired azimuth and elevation such that there is no blind spots of the light beam at the zenith of the azimuth and elevation. A drive train rotates the spotlight about a horizontal axis and allows the motor driving the rotation to have a stationary mounting in a base while at the same time providing the light beam of the spotlight with a range of elevation that exceeds 90 degrees from a horizontal reference plane at any desired azimuth. More particularly, a stationary motor drives a capstan, which includes a spool that winds and unwinds a cable connected to a lamp assembly of the spotlight for positioning the light beam at a desired elevation. The cable is communicated between the lamp assembly and the capstan by way of a central bore in a mast that supports the lamp assembly for rotation about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Earl W. Gosswiller, Philip C. Hawken, Paul D. Graham
  • Patent number: 5526245
    Abstract: A room lighting system specially suited for medical procedures. The system includes first and second light assemblies adapted to be mounted in the ceiling of the procedure room and each including a lamp movable between a plurality of angular positions. The lamps are controlled by a wall control unit mounted in a wall of the procedure room or by a remote control unit including an infrared transmitter communicating with an infrared receiver mounted in the wall control unit. The light assemblies can be controlled individually as to both intensity and angular position either from the wall control unit or from the remote control unit. Each light assembly includes a transformer which receives line power and steps the line power down to a 24 volt circuit to control the intensity of the lamp and a 12 volt circuit which includes all of the controls for the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: The Kirlin Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Davis, Jana K. Brownell, Stephen C. Brownell
  • Patent number: 5365413
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system having a central light producing unit and bundles of optical fibers for the transport of light to lighting fixtures is provided. The central light-producing unit has a defined axis and at least one light source for producing light. The central light producing unit includes means for rotating the at least one light source about the axis. The light system further includes at least one light guide for receiving and guiding light produced by the at least one light source to at least one lighting fixture. The at least one light source is preferably rotated about a support collar which has at least one light guide, but preferably a plurality, connected to the collar. The light guides are preferably equally spaced about the periphery of the collar and which light guides receive and transport the light to light fixtures appropriately arranged in or on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Gert Krammer
  • Patent number: 5333102
    Abstract: What is described is a compact, light weight and relatively small theatrical search lighting system which includes a frame having a rectangular base and four legs which embrace a lamp and its reflector, and two containers for ballast and a data receiver. Also mounted to the frame is a scroller and a motorized mirror for reflecting the light from the lamp. The frame may be suspended from a truss, or because of two projections attached to two legs and a tail, the system may be rotated through 90 degrees and positioned in a generally vertical condition if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventors: Dave Oberman, Richard J. Ramano
  • Patent number: 5321589
    Abstract: An apparatus that controls the light irradiation angle of a headlamp of vehicles including a feed screw rotatable by a motor, a movable piece that makes a reciprocating motion by the feed screw, an output shaft attached to the movable piece at one end and linked to a headlamp at another end so that the illumination angle of the headlamp is controlled by the advancing and withdrawing motion of the output shaft. The apparatus further includes an irradiation angle initial setting mechanism that is connected to the movable piece so that the irradiation angle can be set manually by adjusting the position of linkage of the headlamp and the output shaft via the movable piece. With this structure, any initial setting of the headlamp angle can be accomplished regardless of the type of vehicles via a compact and simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Harada Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Shinkawa, Ryouichi Miyakawa, Hiroshi Komachi
  • Patent number: 5311411
    Abstract: A front section of a motor vehicle includes a fog light system with indirect lighting. The indirect lighting improves an operator's vision in fog and is obtained by projecting the beams of light of the front fog lights so that they are oriented in such a way as to leave a zone or corridor not directly lit immediately ahead of the motor vehicle. A projection of light beams solely outwardly or upwardly at an angle of 45, 60 or 90 degrees with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel and through the projecting fog light is preferred. The fog light can be positioned such that the body or roof portion of a vehicle itself acts to prevent any inwardly directing light. A rectangular shield mounted on the vehicle roof with the lower portion axially extending further than the upper portion can be relied upon to block downwardly directed light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Gianni Garolfi
  • Patent number: 5251114
    Abstract: An actuator for adjusting the setting of a motor vehicle headlamp includes a body which comprises a housing closed by a cover, with a sliding actuating rod mounted in the body and passing through a front wall of the housing of the body. Also within the body is a reversible electric motor for operating the sliding actuating rod through a mechanical transmission, which includes a drive member that engages with the actuating rod. The front wall of the housing carries at least one inwardly projecting lateral wall, which is arranged to support an intermediate element that forms part of the mechanical transmission device and which engages with the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Cantin, Gerard Hallier
  • Patent number: 5165786
    Abstract: The projector for medical use comprises an illuminating cupola articulately mounted about different axes and provided along its wider outline with a protecting flange of flexible material dimensioned so as to constitute a device for gripping and operating the cupola and defining an inner chamber bounded, on the outer face of the flange by a sufficiently thin wall to be deformed by manual pressure and allowing the operation of control mechanisms of a device for unblocking and reblocking articulation brakes of arm supports of the capola.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Alm, Societe de Droit Francais
    Inventor: Jean Hubert
  • Patent number: 5142457
    Abstract: A spotlight apparatus is arranged for mounting to a stern or bow boat socket, including a base portion directed into the socket, with an upper handle removably mounted to the socket for use with the organization as a running light or spotlight relative to the boat structure. A modification of the invention includes the base to include a receptacle cooperative with an adapter plug structure for use of the spotlight structure within a cigarette lighter of the boat organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: James J. Wehner