Plural Axes Patents (Class 362/275)
  • Patent number: 7175315
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture comprises a substantially rectangular housing, a ballast located in the housing, a fluorescent lamp for emitting light in response to a first signal received from the ballast, a reflector made as a unitary structure for focusing the emitted light onto a pre-selected area, and a sensor for detecting an activity or inactivity, such that a second signal is transmitted to the ballast for triggering the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: William D. Eaton
  • Patent number: 7153003
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for single-base lamps is equipped with a power receiving plug which receives a supply of power by being fitted into a base socket of a power supply side, a main body which forms an integrated body with said power receiving plug, and a plurality of base sockets arranged on said main body on the opposite surface with said power receiving plug, wherein said base sockets are mounted at slopping angles which spread outward with respect to the axis of said power receiving plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Shodensha Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nakamura
  • 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: 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: 6866401
    Abstract: A lamp (10, 30, 80) includes an LED module (16, 36, 86) having at least one LED (12, 32, 82) arranged on a substrate (14, 34, 84). An optical system includes at least one lens (18, 38, 88) in optical communication with the LED module (16, 36, 86). A zoom apparatus (20, 40, 90) selectively adjusts the relative axial separation of the optical system and the LED module (16, 36, 86). In one embodiment (30), the zoom apparatus (40) is slidably adjustable. In a another embodiment (80), the zoom apparatus (90) is rotatably adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mathew Sommers, James T. Petroski
  • Patent number: 6863419
    Abstract: An illumination optical system that illuminates a plurality of image display elements comprises; a color separating optical system that separates light emitted from a light source into a plurality of color light components; and a plurality of light-guiding optical systems, each of which guides light component to a corresponding one of the plurality of image display elements. An illumination area on the image display element that is illuminated by at least one of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems is larger than those on the image display elements illuminated by the other ones of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems. This provides a compact projection type image display apparatus which can project bright images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kodama, Atsushi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 6860624
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is provided wherein the lighting fixture comprises a lamp and a positioning assembly. The positioning assembly is configured to allow translational, and rotational positioning of the lamp relative to a housing. The positioning assembly is also configured to be received by a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Atom Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Hille, Jeffrey B. Berghoff, Jon T. Lundquist
  • Publication number: 20040251404
    Abstract: The invention relates to a color photosensor for sensing the color contents of incident light. In order to provide a color photosensor which is cheap to produce and which allows the control of light in as well intensity as color a color photosensor is proposed comprising: a sensing unit (2) divided into four sensing areas (21, 22, 23, 24) each sensing the color content of incident light and outputting a sensing current, a filter unit (3) comprising four filter elements (31, 32, 33, 34) each being assigned and adapted to one of said sensing areas, said filter elements comprising a cyan colored filter element, a yellow colored filter element and a magenta colored filter element, and a subtraction unit (4) for separately subtracting each of the three sensing currents outputted from the three sensing areas to which one of said colored filter elements is assigned, from the forth sensing current obtaining color signals proportional to the red, green and blue content of said incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Rene Duijve
  • Patent number: 6796693
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster configured for engagement with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The headlamp adjuster includes a U-shaped structure which is engaged with a screw and which is engageable with the reflector. The screw is prevented from translating substantially upon rotation, but the headlamp adjuster is configured such that rotation of the screw causes the U-shaped structure to translate thereby moving the reflector. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft portion which is threadably engaged with an internally threaded bore of the U-shaped structure. The U-shaped structure may be a single piece which is engaged with the screw and is engageable with the reflector, or may include a U-shaped member which is engaged with the screw and a slide member, where the slide member is engageable with the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Clinch, Karl Schmitt, Usman Yusuf Shami
  • Patent number: 6773152
    Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle has a light module with at least one reflector and a light source, a first frame with which at least a part of the light module is connected, a first adjusting element for swivelling the first frame around a first swivel axis, a second frame in which the first frame is supported and which is turnable around a second swivel axis, a second adjusting element for swivelling the second swivel frame, a body-fixed frame support in which the second frame is supported, the frames being arranged so that the swivel axes extend perpendicular to one another and arranged in one plane, a base adjustment element for adjusting at least one of the frames around an adjusting axis which is aligned with one of the swivel axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Ruckwied
  • Patent number: 6761476
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mihai S. Pascutiu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040037064
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for a continuously rotatable light source. The present invention provides a light fixture assembly which houses a light source having a light source axis. A drive cage is coupled to the light fixture assembly to adjust the angle of the light source. The drive cage is rotatably coupled to a base unit to continuously sweep the light source about a generally vertical axis of a base unit. An anti-rotational assembly comprised of a plurality of u-joints is also provided. The anti-rotational assembly prevents the light source from rotating about the light source axis with respect to the base unit, while the light source is swept about the generally vertical axis of the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: L.P. ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: George D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030161153
    Abstract: An improved recessed lighting fixture allowing illumination from a lighting unit placed within a cavity of a planar surface, such as a ceiling or wall. The invention facilitates the ability to properly aim illumination because the user can aim the fixture while it is in place and illuminated. The invention is additionally designed to allow the substitution of lamps/light bulbs without requiring re-aiming of the fixture and to be used without modification with ceiling materials of varying thickness. The invention also includes an azimuthal adjustment mechanism wherein the lamp is mounted on a gimbal having a rack and pinion coupling to rotate the gimbal under control of a screw accessible from the exterior of the fixture and a horizontal aiming system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony G. Patti
  • Patent number: 6601959
    Abstract: The thickness of the projector device can be reduced by making the direction of irradiation of a digital micromirror device (DMD) with illuminating light by an illuminating optical system variable depending on whether the projector device is used or not used. As an illuminating optical system is provided rotatably around an optical axis of a projecting optical system, the position of the illuminating optical system can be varied depending on whether the projector device is used or not used, and the overall thickness of the projector device can be thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Miyata, Hitoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6592241
    Abstract: A light apparatus includes a base for engaging a planar support surface and rotatably mounting a base adapter for rotation about a first axis. An articulated arm extends between the base adapter and a lamp head. The arm has a lower arm section rotatably attached to the base adapter for rotation about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis and having an upper end and rotatably attached to an upper arm section for rotation about a third axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. An upper connector is rotatably attached to an upper end of the upper arm section for rotation about a fourth axis perpendicular to the third axis and the lamp head is rotatably attached to the upper connector for rotation about a fifth axis generally perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alert Safety Lite Products Co, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Kovacik, Paul S. Blanch, Joseph J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6478457
    Abstract: A movable vehicle headlight system for automatically aiming the headlights in the direction of travel regarless of the terrain of the road. The movable vehicle headlight system includes base assemblies each including a base member; and also includes headlight assemblies each including a headlight frame being securely mounted upon the base assembly and each including a headlight being pivotally mounted to the headlight frame; and further includes headlight drive assemblies for pivoting the headlight according to a terrain of a road being driven upon; and also includes a control unit assembly for controlling the headlight drive assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Richard W. Manley
  • Publication number: 20020159262
    Abstract: A light projector is provided which includes an elliptical reflector, a first spherical retro-reflector, the first retro-reflector having an first aperture formed therein, the first aperture having a first diameter and a first center-point, a second spherical retro-reflector located between the elliptical reflector and the first retro-reflector, the second retro-reflector having a second aperture formed therein, the second aperture having a second diameter and a second center-point, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the first and second center-points lying along a common axis, and a light source, the light source located at a foci of the elliptical reflector, the light source lying along the common axis, the elliptical reflector reflecting light emitted by the light source, the reflected light passing through the first and second apertures, the first and second retro-reflectors being positioned so as to reflect light emitted by the light source back towards the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Romano, Robert Fry, Wallace Daniels
  • Patent number: 6467936
    Abstract: An adjustable desk lamp preferably includes a base, light ballast, adjustable height support, at least one support tube, and at least one support band. The adjustable height support extends from a top of the base. One end of the at least one support tube is attached to the base and the other end is attached to the light ballast. One end of the at least one support band is attached to the base and the other end is also attached to the light ballast. The at least one support band is supported by an end of the adjustable height support. The light ballast preferably includes a base ring, rotary guide, rotary light support, and ballast assembly. The rotary light support is attached to the rotary guide and rotably constrained by the base ring. The ballast assembly is pivotally retained by the rotary guide and the rotary light support. A light bulb is retained in the ballast assembly. The height of the light ballast relative to a desk surface may be adjusted by raising or lowering the adjustable height support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew J. Golemba
  • 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: 6435691
    Abstract: A spa lighting apparatus including a wall fitting which seats in an opening in a spa wall and threadably receives a light transmissive lens which includes respective plastic layers providing impact and chemical resistance. The lens is further designed to disperse light from a plurality of LED sources to give an appearance similar to that of a single incandescent source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen S. Macey, Neil R. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 6428197
    Abstract: A spotlight is disclosed for use with an all-terrain vehicle or a snowmobile with the spotlight being selectively removably positioned in a U-shaped bracket which is pivotally secured to the vehicle about a vertical axis. The spotlight includes a housing having indentations at its opposite sides which removably receive inner ends of connectors which are positioned at the inner sides of the upper ends of the leg portions of the U-shaped bracket. The connectors are pivotally secured, about horizontal axes, to the leg portions. The leg portions of the U-shaped bracket are able to flex with respect to one another to permit the spotlight to be secured to the U-shaped bracket and to be removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Cycle Country Accessories Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Downing
  • Patent number: 6416195
    Abstract: A stage lamp is composed of a lower casing, driving device, a support frame, eccentric device, a swing ring, and a globe shade. Once the power is on, the light bulb is lighted up and the output shaft of the driving device actuates to rotate the eccentric rod on the eccentric device. Therefore, the globe shade rotates eccentrically and the swing ring moves pivotally in an arc to make the colored light emitted through the globe shade has irregular lighting change for enhancing dynamic visual delight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Superstar Lighting Company Limited
    Inventor: Yu-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6302553
    Abstract: A radiating direction control unit 1 of a lighting device for a vehicle for controlling a radiating direction of the lighting device 6 in accordance with the pitch angle of the vehicle. The radiation direction control unit includes an axle level detector 2 which detects a change in the level of a front or a rear axle of the vehicle, and a vehicle inclination detector 3 for detecting an inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction. A pitch angle of the vehicle is determined based on respective signals emitted by the axle level detector and the vehicle inclination detector. A radiation direction controller corrects a radiating direction of the lighting device only when a change in the inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction is not detected by the inclined attitude detection means 3. Accordingly, the radiating direction of the lighting device 6 is not changed due to a change in the vehicle attitude which does not affect the pitch angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Izawa
  • Patent number: 6260993
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a reflector having a rear surface and an aiming screw coupling portion; a lamp body having an inner surface, for containing the reflector tiltably; an aiming screw extending in a substantially longitudinal direction coupled to the aiming screw coupling portion of the reflector and the lamp body; a first projected portion formed near the aiming screw coupling portion on the rear surface of the reflector; and a second projected portion formed on the inner surface of the lamp body in a place behind the first projected portion. When the reflector is tilted up to a predetermined angle position, the first and second projected portions are brought into contact with each other within a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the aiming screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 6220735
    Abstract: A head lamp for vehicle use is provided, which includes a intermediate tilting member tiltably supported by a lamp body at three points. One point acts as a tilting fulcrum, while the other two points are supported by an aiming adjusting member of an aiming adjusting mechanism, for changing positions of the intermediate tilting member with respect to the lamp body. The head lamp also includes a reflector which is tiltably supported by the intermediate tilting member at three support points, wherein two points are formed into tilting fulcrums, and the other point is supported via a leveling actuator of a leveling adjusting mechanism, for changing a position of the reflector with respect to the intermediate tilting member by an automatic operation or a remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Matubara
  • Patent number: 6157500
    Abstract: A flow cell 2, a composite lens 15, and first to third detectors 16 to 18 are arranged in this sequence in the light pathway of light emitted from a laser light source 1. The composite lens 15 is configured by a convex lens 15a, and lens elements 15b and 15c. These lenses have different focal lengths. When the posture of the composite lens is correct, light impinging on the convex lens forms an image on the first detector. Therefore, the positioning of the composite lens is enabled. When particles in the flow cell are irradiated with laser light, forward scatter is produced. Forward small angle scatter having a small scattering angle impinges on the first lens element 15b to be collected thereby, and is then received by the second detector 17. Forward large angle scatter having a large scattering angle impinges on the second lens element 15c in the outermost periphery to be collected thereby, and is then received by the third detector 18 which is remotest from the composite lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Yamazaki, Yutaka Nagai, Katsuhiro Tsuchiya, Yoshiyuki Takahara
  • Patent number: 6042252
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an illumination arrangement on a vehicle in several mounting points so that the illumination device in the region of one of the mounting points is turnable about an axis between a turned-in position and a turned-out position, the mounting device has a receiving part arrangeable on a vehicle and having at least one concavely curved shell-shaped region extending in planes perpendicular to the turning axis, at least one portion providable on the illumination arrangement and convexly curved in planes extending perpendicular to the turning axis, the at least one portion in the turned-out position being insertable in or withdrawable from the at least one shell region in a mounting direction and opposite to the mounting direction correspondingly, the at least one portion being arranged in at least one shell region so as to be slidingly displaceable so that during a sliding displacement a turning around the turning axis is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Guenter Steinert
  • Patent number: 6004005
    Abstract: A track lighting fixture in which decorative lamp housings are adjustably positionable along a fixture track, and which provides for several angular adjustments of each decorative lamp housing. Each decorative lamp housing comprises a common outer housing in which different interchangeable decorative inserts can be interchangeably inserted. In first and second embodiments, each track lamp fixture has a power supply housing for an enclosed power transformer and power supply which is attached to the fixture track. A support element of the power supply housing is rotationally mounted relative to the power supply housing and supports a decorative lamp housing thereon, such that the support element and decorative lamp housing can be rotated to different angular positions. In the first embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a cylindrical shaped housing, and in the second embodiment, the power supply housing comprises a rectangular shaped housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Demshki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5873644
    Abstract: A reading lamp system for passengers especially in an aircraft is equipped with at least one central light source preferably including a cool light lamp, the light of which is supplied through light guides such as fiber optical conductors, to individual reading lamps having a housing to which the respective light guide is connected. A liquid crystal film is positioned in the lamp housing between the light exit of the respective light guide and a lens that provides a light output from the reading lamp housing. The liquid crystal film is controllable in its light transparency by a passenger through a switch, whereby the passenger can make the liquid crystal film opaque to switch off the reading lamp or transparent to switch on the lamp. A dimmer may also be arranged to provide intermediate light level illuminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Roessner, Wilfried Sprenger
  • Patent number: 5863110
    Abstract: A wall mounted swing arm lamp with an integral display unit removably affixed to a base. Reinforcement is provided to the base to support the weight of the swing arm and the lamp when fully extended. The base and the display unit carry complementary attachment fittings for removably securing the display unit to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Lamps Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5800048
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for control of a concentrated high intensity light beam to a relatively distant target location. A reflector end high intensity light source are enclosed within a housing. The light source is moveable with respect to the reflector. The reflector has first and second portions which are moveable with respect to each other. The movement between portions of the reflector and the movement of the light source relative to the reflector allow a variety of different beam configurations and orientations from the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron K. Gordin
  • Patent number: 5800054
    Abstract: An easy-assembly dual-pole floor lamp includes a first pole with top and bottom ends and a base portion which is secured to the bottom end of the first pole. The base portion has a lower second-pole-receiving region, and a second-pole-mounting member is secured to the first pole at a predetermined distance above the lower second-pole-receiving region of the base portion. The second-pole-mounting member has an upper second-pole-receiving region. The lamp also includes a second pole which has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is configured to mate with the upper second-pole-receiving region, and the bottom end is configured to mate with the lower second-pole-receiving region. The length of the second pole is adjustable over an adjustment range which extends at least between first and second values; the first value of the length is selected to permit easy insertion of the second pole between the upper and lower second-pole-receiving regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventor: David Lo
  • Patent number: 5700084
    Abstract: In the light-source position adjustment device, a magnification lens 31 magnifies a light bundle emitted from a light source 50. A half mirror 32 guides the light bundle outputted from the magnification lens system toward the first and second optical paths. An angular shift measuring portion is disposed in the first optical path for detecting emission angle intensity distribution of the light source. A position shift measuring portion is disposed in the second optical path for detecting a magnification image of the light source which is produced on an image plane of the magnification lens. The light source 50 is disposed on a multi-axes stage unit 10 which is driven by a stage drive unit 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Manabu Yasukawa, Chiyoharu Horiguchi, Musubu Koishi
  • Patent number: 5690420
    Abstract: A light for indicating a location of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a spotlight for creating a directed beam of illumination. A gimbal supports the spotlight relative to the vehicle such that the beam is always directed vertically upward for indicating a presence of the associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Andres B. Saldana, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5676454
    Abstract: An aiming device for track lighting includes an elbow member rotatively mounting a lamp housing to a vertical extension tube. The elbow member has an upper end connected to a lower end of the extension tube for rotation in a horizontal plane through 355 and a lower, transverse end formed with an annulus of locking teeth and an internal rotation limiting rib. The lamp housing has a lateral mounting plate with a connecting turret with a rim of locking teeth, a hub formed with a screw socket and a pair of radially extending rotation preventing members enclosing between them a lead receiving aperture within the turret. A clamping screw can be manually adjusted between a locking position clamping the mounting plate immovably to the elbow by locking engagement of respective teeth and a release position permitting vertical rotation of the lamp housing limited by engagement of the rotation limiting rib and rotation preventing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: W.A.C. Lighting Co.
    Inventor: Robert E. De'Armond, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5633565
    Abstract: An electrical flasher circuit has improved operating characteristics, in particular by providing continuous illumination for a long period of time from a fully charged solar battery. The circuit employs a solar battery recharging circuit component that achieves full charge in a short period of time. The flasher circuit may be used in roadside warning device having a sign member with a warning image. Placed around the warning image are a plurality of light emitters for providing a visual warning during evening and night hours. The light emitters are powered by a solar energy source connected to a flasher circuit including an oscillator for causing the light emitters to be energized in a particular sequence. When the device is exposed to sunlight, the battery is disconnected to avoid unnecessary draining of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Interplex Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Roni Friedman, Chaim Chacham, William F. Richardson, Jr., Brian N. Raymond
  • Patent number: 5613771
    Abstract: The invention provides illumination and may provide magnified viewing of an object using a means which may be located directly in front of a seated or reclining individual, while providing for the means to pivot out of the way for easy egress from the sitting or reclining position. The invention provides a counter weight at a fixed radius for stability, and to facilitate the user's easy assessment of whether the counterweight will contact or interfere with nearby objects. The use of the fixed radius counterweight provides utilities that are not achieved when using a variable radius counterweight, or a weighted base configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Michael M. Siverling
  • Patent number: 5586820
    Abstract: A table, desk or wall-mount lamp is disclosed which is adjustable by being rotatable and also directable into several continuous directions for focusing the light onto an object and for focusing the intensity of light towards the object which is to be illuminated. The adjustability of the lamp is achieved by rotating parts of the lamp about three different axes and by sliding a portion of the lamp. One rotation is brought about by a tension wheel which is easily controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Andrew K. Klink
  • Patent number: 5564815
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Lightron of Cornwall Incorporated
    Inventors: Eugene Littman, Cecil Mann, Steven Proner
  • Patent number: 5510970
    Abstract: A lamp employs a halogen light fixture which includes a fitting threadably engaging a conduit entry "L". A standard electrical cord is provided to the entry "L" and connects inside the entry "L" with the pigtail wiring of the light fixture. The entry "L" also receives a spring clamp, securely mounted thereon, for enabling the lamp to mount to a support via use of the spring clamp, for providing a work lamp on a temporary or semi-permanent basis at a work site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Ranger Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Hollenbach, Patrick McLean
  • Patent number: 5504665
    Abstract: This quartz-halogen floodlight includes mounting means that is so constructed that the light-aiming angle of the floodlight can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically without disturbing the normal horizontal disposition of the quartz-halogen lamp within the floodlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Osteen, Suleyman O. Sumer
  • Patent number: 5486987
    Abstract: A boat utility light including a rigid base; a coupling mechanism for securing the base to a recipient supporting surface; an elongated rigid linear lamp supporting tube having an upper end and a lower end and with the lower end removably coupled to the base; a lamp socket having a base end, an electrically conductive tip end, and an electrically-energizeable power switch coupled thereto, the power switch having one orientation for allowing electrical energy to be delivered to the tip end and another orientation for preventing such delivery; a lamp adjustment tube formed of a piece of flexible tubing secured between the base end of the lamp socket and the upper end of the lamp supporting tube; a lamp removably secured within the tip end of the lamp socket for providing illumination when electrically energized; and a power transmission mechanism for coupling the power switch with an external source of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Jack D. Fritz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5465196
    Abstract: A portable cordless electric utility lamp includes a base having two parts which mate in an assembled condition to define an elongated handle which has a hollow distal end portion receiving a rechargeable battery pack. An elongated light-transmitting tube fits telescopically between cylindrical wall portions and retaining structures on the base parts for holding them together, being affixed thereto by screws. An elongated fluorescent bulb is plugged into the base and disposed in the tube. A cap closes the distal end of the tube and has a foam rubber cushion which seats against the distal end of the bulb for supporting and cushioning it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark J. Hasenberg, Peter B. Rau
  • Patent number: 5464182
    Abstract: An improved clamp-type lamp holder which allows the lamp head to be vertically adjusted and all the directional and angle adjustments can be effectuated above the clamp seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: All Line Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 5453915
    Abstract: A lighted adjustable mirror with clamp is disclosed. The device consists of a illuminated two-surfaced mirror--one surface without magnification, the other surface with magnification. The mirror, housed within a frame, is pivitolly attached to a bracket. The bracket is pivitolly attached to a flexible column. The mirror is free to pivot about mutually perpendicular axes with the column adding further multi-directional adjustment. The column is attached to a clamp for easy securement to a variety of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Raymond L. Bradley, III
  • Patent number: 5386349
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly having a recalibration device for providing the correct aim of the headlamp in a horizontal plane and characterized in that the recalibration device includes a transparent member which allows a leveling device to be visible to an observer so as to indicate whether or not the headlamp is in a correct aimed position in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Wheat, David R. McMahan, Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 5381313
    Abstract: Art automobile headlamp having a displacement gauge that facilitates the rotation of a zeroing adjustment screw. The displacement gauge is mounted between a lamp body and a reflector, which is supported rotatably by aiming mechanisms in the lamp body and is employed to measure the amount of rightward or leftward displacement of the light beam axis of the reflector. A zeroing adjustment screw for the displacement gauge passes through and extends rearward beyond the lamp body. A crown gear, employed as a screwdriver engaging fitting to rotate the zeroing adjustment screw, is fitted over the end of the zeroing adjustment screw at the rear of the lamp body. With this arrangement, a screwdriver can be inserted from above the lamp body to engage the crown gear and to rotate the zeroing adjustment screw. In an alternate embodiment, a drive shaft is provided having a bevel gear at its lower end engaging the crown gear and a screwdriver-engaging fitting at its upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masataka Choji
  • Patent number: 5377087
    Abstract: An orientable passenger reading light is provided for vehicles having a two-part removable bezel arrangement. The lower part of the bezel is freely rotatable to disguise the method of relamping by requiring correct manipulation of the upper bezel part to allow release and removal of the bezel arrangement. A continuously adjustable ball and socket arrangement permits varying the orientation of the light over a wide range such as a 25 degree spherical zone. A simplified locking mechanism may be engaged in any position without tools, to prevent adjustment by passengers. When the locking mechanism is disengaged, enough friction is provided to maintain the orientation despite environment vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Gulton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Yoon