Abstract: An apparatus allowing the recording and storage of data with a programmable timer alarm/alert. This data that can be either retrieved manually or automatically via audio playback or computer link. For certain embodiments, the audio device is configured for mounting on a consumable item. In a further embodiment the audio device may include and collect information regarding the consumer item on which it is mounted. In yet another embodiment the audio device contains a timing device and an alarm function coupled to an actuator that can be set at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards determining within a digital camera whether a pixel belongs to a foreground or background segment within a given image by evaluating a ratio of derivative and deviation metrics in an area around each pixel in the image, or ratios of derivative metrics across a plurality of images. For each pixel within the image, a block of pixels are examined to determine an aggregate relative derivative (ARD) in the block. The ARD is compared to a threshold value to determine whether the pixel is to be assigned in the foreground segment or the background segment. In one embodiment, a single image is used to determine the ARD and the pixel segmentation for that image. Multiple images may also be used to obtain ratios of a numerator of the ARD, useable to determine an extent of the foreground.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a laser or reflector may consist of a gross adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism. The gross adjustment mechanism may enable a laser or reflector to be oriented in an approximate orientation and locked in place. The fine adjustment mechanism may enable a fine and precise adjustment to be applied. The mounting mechanisms may include a mounting plate that may mount to the surface of a wall and protect the rest of the mounting mechanism from disruption, but may also allow the fine adjustment mechanism to be tuned. The mounting mechanisms may be used to create a durable yet easily adjustable laser maze amusement.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing method and apparatus thereof. The white component data is extracted from the input R, G, B color data which are the base components of the input image data. A maximum value is extracted from the R, G, B color data and a parameter is generated based on the white component data and the maximum value. The R, G, B color data are multiplied by the parameter to obtain a multiplication result. Subtract the white component data from the R, G, B color data to obtain a subtraction result. The multiplication result and the subtraction result are added together to generate the output R, G, B color data. The output R, G, B color data and the white component data form an output image data with higher brightness.

Abstract: A light projector (10) for projecting a beam of light (19), which comprises: a housing (16) containing a light source (40) and a projector lens (18), and a drive motor (42), and defining an aperture; and a main shaft (20) extending through the aperture. A flexible and resilient elastomeric coupling (30) links the main shaft (20) to the housing (16) at the aperture. The drive motor (42) is coupled by a drive mechanism (50) to the main shaft (20), so that activation of the drive motor (42) moves the orientation of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (20). Consequently a light beam (19) from the projector (10) sweeps out a conical surface in space around that longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A graphical-user-interface manipulable lighting system is disclosed in which a light source having a position of focus is moved by an articulator adapted to receive and send signals through a control box indicating the current and intended positions of the focus of the light source, and further a computer interface operating wirelessly which graphically displays the current position of the light source and is adapted to allow a user to drag an icon indicating the current position of the light source onto a new intended position thereby resulting in the movement of the light source to the new position.

Abstract: A lighting structure adapted to be disposed at an electronic apparatus is provided. The lighting structure includes a lighting module, a first elastic element, a latch, and a second elastic element. The lighting module has a light source and a stopper element. The first elastic element is connected to the lighting module. The latch has an interfering portion for blocking the stopper element and is capable of sliding in the electronic apparatus. The second elastic element is connected to the latch. When the latch is subjected to an external force and slides to deform the second elastic element, the stopper element disengages from the interfering portion, and the first elastic element rotates the lighting module, such that the lighting module is at a different position, and the light source is used to illuminate part of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device that includes a housing and a heat sink assembly received within the housing. The heat sink assembly includes at least a first heat sink member and at least a second heat sink member. A printed circuit board having at least one LED provided thereon is mounted to both the first heat sink member and the second heat sink member. At least one biasing member biases an outer side of the first heat sink member and an outer side of the second heat sink member into contact with an inner side of the housing. Heat from the at least one LED is transferred through the heat sink assembly to the housing, where it is dissipated into the air.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base with a through hole defined therein, and a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a bracket mounted to the base, a pivoting member pivotably attached to the bracket, a light fixed to the pivoting member, at least a resilient member arranged between the bracket and the pivoting member to restore the pivoting member, and a sliding member mounted to the bracket with a first end. A latch slot is defined in the pivoting member for receiving a second end of the sliding member, the pivoting member is driven by the at least a resilient member to pivot and the second end of the sliding member slide in the latch slot for achieving the pivoting member pivoting out or pivoting back through hole of the base.

Abstract: A light assembly including a socket, a housing, and a mounting member. The socket is connected to the mounting member, which is pivotably secured to the housing and constructed to allow rotation of the socket, and thereby a lighting element engaged with the housing, relative to the housing.

Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a bezel, a housing coupled to the bezel, the housing having a pivot point provided on a first surface, a lamp provided between the housing and the bezel, and a biasing member configured to bias the lamp against the bezel. The biasing member engages the housing at the pivot point, and the lamp pivots relative to the housing about the pivot point.

Abstract: A night light appliance that when plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet provides a means to direct many beams of light to specific places in the room. Extending from the appliance body are bendable arms with bright light emitting diodes mounted at the end of each arm. The plastic body of each light emitting diode contains a lens that forms the light into a narrow beam. This night light is particularly suitable to a conventional bathroom where an electrical outlet is normally found high on the wall and near the sink. Unlike conventional night lights that illuminate the area near the outlet, these light beams can be directed to appropriate places like the doorway, sink, and toilet. It is also useful in a hallway by directing light beams down the length of the hall rather than lighting the area around the electrical plug.

Abstract: An emergency taillight for a vehicle includes a reflective housing with a transparent cover and a light source resiliently suspended in the focal center thereof. In the first embodiment, the light source is energized by a periodic source of electrical power to provide the impression of flickering light both during the movement of a vehicle as well as when it is standing still and no vibration is transmitted to the resilient suspension means of the light source. According to the second and third embodiments, electromechanical means are provided to cause the oscillating motion of the light source even when the vehicle is not itself in motion. The invention provides for a better attraction of the observer to the emergency light in poor visibility conditions regardless of the presence of vehicle motion. One or more light bulbs, LEDs, or laser light diodes may be used as a source of light for the emergency light of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is a fiber-optic illuminator with a single or multiple internal turret used for connecting the illuminator with different fiber-optic cables. The internal turret may be incrementally rotated by a handle to present a customized predetermined port for a predetermined fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the light source. Incremental indexing rotation is accomplished through use of a biased bearing mechanism located inside the illuminator. The turret has cooling fins distant from the handle turned by the operator. The turret may carry a tubular lens for internal reflection of the illumination.

Abstract: A light source mounting apparatus for liquid crystal projector comprises a lamp base (for holding the light generator) and a casing (for shielding light scattering). The lamp base has a board shape holding unit. The casing has a front positioning plane and a strip spring located above the front positioning plane. When the lamp base and casing is reassembled, the holding unit forces the light generator mounted thereon contact tightly the front positioning plane to rapidly complete initial positioning, and the rear end of the strip spring engages the light generator securely for pressing the light generator against the front reference plane tightly without flipping thereby to attain accurate positioning quickly.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight includes a driving unit capable of repeatedly switching the headlight's light distribution pattern between a by-passing mode and a traveling mode by moving an element committed to the formation of the light distribution patterns. The driving unit includes a first spring for biasing a positioning element in a by-passing mode, a meshing gear for moving the positioning element to a traveling mode position against the bias of the first spring, a motor which supplies power to drive the meshing gear, a second spring biased in an engaging direction of the meshing gear, a solenoid for releasing the engagement of the meshing gear with a second gear against the pulling power of the second spring. The disclosed headlight enables size reduction of the driving unit, and provides improved reliability if the motor malfunctions.

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).

Abstract: A semiconductor laser module including a barrel screwed up with a screw cap and a semiconductor laser beam generating device mounted inside the barrel and triggered to emit a laser beam out of a laser beam firing hole on the screw cap, wherein the semiconductor laser beam generating device has two opposite pairs of planes spaced equiangularly spaced around the periphery and respectively stopped against; the barrel has springs mounted in respective locating holes and respectively stopped against two adjacent planes on the semiconductor laser beam generating device and two adjustment screws mounted in respective screw holes and respectively stopped against the other two adjacent planes of the semiconductor laser beam generating device and turned to align the longitudinal central axis of the position of the semiconductor laser beam generating device with that of the barrel.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for supporting at least one elongated lamp is pivotally attached to a mounting structure so that the lamp assembly is rotatable with respect to the mounting structure about an axis generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the lamp. An otherwise substantially enclosed housing has an opening sized to admit a lamp assembly that pivotally attaches to the housing such that it is rotatable through the opening, and a friction assembly attached to the lamp assembly provides a slidable frictional interface with the housing.

Abstract: An in-ground light, motion detector, or other active element is housed in a telescopically mounted housing so that it can be retracted to ground level when not in use and positioned above the ground when in use. A motor that extends and retracts the telescopically mounted housing relative to a main housing is rotatably mounted in a nonrotatable motor housing that adjoins the main housing. A plate having electrical contacts is mounted to the motor so that the contacts rotate when the motor rotates. A second plate having electrical contacts is nonrotatably secured to the motor housing so that relative rotation of the two plates activates and deactivates the motor. Relative rotation of the plates occurs when the telescopically mounted housing is fully extended or fully retracted because the rotational energy of the motor's output shaft is transferred to the motor when full extension or retraction has been achieved.

Abstract: A luminaire assembly which is adapted for easy cleanability. The luminaire assembly includes a housing portion having a substantially smooth outer surface and which is further adapted to receive and enclose a ballast assembly. An optical assembly is further adapted to be affixed to the housing portion in a substantially sealed, water-tight relationship to define an internal chamber to receive and enclose a lamp. The optical assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface contiguous with the housing portion outer surface and has an opening defined therein. A removable door has an inner surface and an outer surface adapted to be affixed in a sealed relationship with the optical assembly opening when in a closed position. The door is further provided with a breathing aperture of a predetermined lateral dimension for permitting ambient air to enter and leave the internal chamber.

Abstract: An aimable vehicle headlamp is disclosed which has a lamp unit rigidly held by a mounting ring which is of rectangular, horizontally elongated shape as seen in a front view and which is to be mounted to a vehicle for rotary motion in every direction within limits. A helical tension spring is coupled to the mounting ring at a point adjacent one corner thereof for biasing the same toward the vehicle. A horizontal aiming screw extends between a first lug on one shorter side, away from the corner, of the mounting ring and the vehicle. A vertical aiming screw extends between a second lug on one longer side, also away from the corner, of the mounting ring and the vehicle. The second lug projects from the one longer side of the mounting ring a greater extent than does the first lug from the one shorter side of the mounting ring, so that approximately equal forces are required for turning the horizontal and vertical aiming screws.

Abstract: An airport beacon light for producing a bright, color coded signal as a visual aid for airplane pilots. The light includes a metal halide lamp, a housing having a primary color coding lens, a lamp holder for accurately holding the lamp within the housing adjacent the lens, a color correcting auxiliary lens mounted adjacent the primary color coding lens for correcting the color of the light produced by the lamp through the primary lens.

Abstract: The support comprises dismountable fixing means for mounting the optical unit on an annular member, which are provided as members made of rigid and resilient wire, each one comprising a linear portion forming a rotation axis, engaged within a corresponding bearing provided in the peripheral portion of the annular member, and two extensions extending on either side from the linear portion and bent transversely with respect to the latter one of the extensions called "inner extension" corresponding to the inner edge of the annular member and being provided at its end with a hook which can be resiliently engaged below said edge in view of its locking, while the other extension called "outer extension" carries at its end a bent portion oriented towards the central portion of the annular member when the inner extension is in the locking position, and the outer extension being, in this position, in close-contact with the outer face of the optical unit.

Abstract: A light mounting assembly for mounting safety lights on a towing vehicle includes a light carrying portion pivotably mounted to an attaching portion for pivoting the light carrying portion from a disposition normally on the top of the winching frame of the vehicle into a retracted position between the winching frame and the cab of the vehicle. The attaching portion includes a pair of bracket members adapted to be secured to the winching frame intermediate the frame and the cab and includes a rod rotatably carried by and spanning the attaching bracket members. A pair of cam members are fastened to the rod adjacent the attaching bracket members. The light carrying portion has two end members interconnected by a central support bar, and an arm fastened to each end member pivotably connects the end member to the respective attaching bracket member.

Abstract: In a beam-rotary lamp which has a reflector revolving around an electric lamp, an improvement is presented herein which is characterized by that a lamp unit is set together with a power unit comprising a reflector driving motor inside a closed helmet-shaped space, wherein the space is formed with a transparent bowl-shaped globe and an egg-shaped flat chassis put on said globe.

Abstract: The device comprises a bar pivoted to a swing-bar whose ends are each connected to a piston rod of a jack having two positions. The travel of one of the jacks is equal to double the travel of the other. The front end of the bar is connected to the upper part of a headlamp and the bar is connected to the middle of the swing-bar. The ends of the latter are formed over and engaged in notches formed in a support of the device. The edges of the notches constitute abutments for the swing-bar.

Abstract: A wire length adjusting device comprises an adjust screw threadedly engaging a nut fixed to one end of a headlight mounting frame, the other end of which is hingedly mounted to a vehicle body. The adjust screw has a head disposed within an area on outside of the headlight mounting frame. A wire for adjusting a headlight beam has one end anchored to the adjust screw and the other end operatively connected to a controller having its manually operative dial extending into the passenger compartment. A member, such as a headlight finisher or a radiator grill, mounted to the vehicle body within an area on outside of the headlight mounting frame is formed with a hole so as to permit a mating tool for turning the head of the adjust screw to reach the head of the adjust screw, whereby the wire length compensation can be carried out from the outside of the vehicle without removing the member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the joint control of the inclination of the headlights of an automobile, of the type comprising an electric motor-reduction gear mechanically coupled to each headlight to adjust the inclination thereof, each motor-reduction gear being of the type comprising, in series in its electrical supply circuit, an electrical switch actuated generator that the motor-reduction gear makes a predetermined rotation, and comprising a time base possessing at least one output and capable of supplying in controlled manner on said output a series of electrical pulses at intervals of time at least equal to the time necessary for the motor-reduction gears to make said predetermined rotation.