Flexible Modifier Patents (Class 362/278)
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Patent number: 6332703Abstract: A lighting device 10, having a light irradiation portion 11 comprised of light-emitting elements; a freely turnable flexible shaft 12; extendible portions 13 that support the said flexible shaft at the base, house the flexible shaft, and provide a nested housing for each one of the extendible portions within one another; a drive portion 14 that drives the light irradiation portion; a power supply portion 15 that supplies electric power to the drive portion; and a case 16 covering the drive portion at least, which more preferably covers the extendible portions, as well. Moreover, this includes ones having a spring mechanism that allows said extendible portions and said flexible shaft to freely extend, and by the spring mechanism, as the flexible shaft extends, said nested extendible portions can be extended in succession.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: LAB. Sphere CorporationInventors: Keiko Tamaoki, Kiyotaka Minato, Satoshi Tamaoki
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Patent number: 6332695Abstract: A light fixture having an adjustable reflector is supported on a deployment bar. An actuation screw passes through the deployment bar and engages a threaded stud. Threading the actuation screw into and out of the threaded stud bends the deployment bar, which in turn pushes against the reflector adjusting the angle of the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: James P. Wang
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Patent number: 6280059Abstract: The present invention comprises a discharge lamp (2) for emitting light; a cold mirror (4), having an opening portion, for reflecting the light emitted from the discharge lamp; a reflecting mirror (10), located on the opening portion side of the cold mirror, for reflecting the light reflected by the cold mirror; a light-shielding drum (6) having a light emission port (8) for emitting the light reflected by the reflecting mirror; a stepping motor 14 for driving the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum to rotate about an optical axis of the discharge lamp; rotational angle detecting means (18, 20) for detecting a rotational angle of the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum; and control means (40, 46) for controlling, according to the rotational angle detected by the rotational angle detecting means, the rotational driving of the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum (6) caused by the stepping motor 14; wherein any of a plurality of irradiation ports is selectively irradiated throughType: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Moriyuki Ito, Kazuhito Kawai
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Patent number: 6176598Abstract: A light fixture for receiving commercially available reflectors or diffusers having flexible walls and a plurality of flexible struts, has a housing with a socket for receiving a lamp or lamps. A power connection is provided for supplying electrical power to the socket and a plurality of receivers are connected to the housing, each for receiving a free end of a strut. A mount is connected to the housing for mounting the housing to a stand or tripod or other appropriate support. Each of the receivers which are preferably in the form of tubes or blind bores, are positioned so that the free end of each strut must be bent into a braced position and inserted into a receiver. This deploys the flexible wall of the reflector or diffuser into its open reflecting position.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Marvin Seligman, Chi Yu
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Patent number: 6174075Abstract: The customized clear, free from impediment, obstruction, or hindrance, or the translucent or transparent transmission of light is permitted to shine through an injected or poured pliable plastic which could be PVC, formulated to emit the maximum even dispersion of LED (light emitting diodes), illumination. The single or multiple LEDs are fitted into a cavity usually in the back of the plastic unit in order for the emission of light to pass through the unit. This light emitting unit is usually molded for application onto wearable apparel, accessories or decorative items and can be molded into varying shapes, colors, designs or logos with impressions within or on the surface in flat, two dimensional or three dimensional properties for illumination and exploitation of said unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Luminary Logic LTDInventor: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa
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Patent number: 6168291Abstract: A luminaire motorized shade or douser mechanism includes a lamp mounted within a reflector and a motorized shade unit that opens and closes in front of the lens of the reflector. The shade unit includes a motor, two rollers, two guide cables, a sheet of opaque flexible material or fabric, and an aluminum frame. The motor drives the roller to run the shade in front of the lens to cover it and also to uncover. The motorized shade or douser mechanism is used to effectively block the light emitting from the lamp and create a condition whereas no light leaves the lens of the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems IncorporatedInventors: Noah N. Rockey, Jim J. Frensko, Johann A. Toikka, John B. Grunloah
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Patent number: 6158867Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Mark D. Miller, Thomas A. Hough
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Patent number: 6076935Abstract: A photographic lighting dome (10) for holding and directing a light source having a housing (11) of flexible material, the housing (11) having an inner perimeter (12) surrounding a central opening (13), and an outer perimeter (14). There are a plurality of flexible support rods (20), each support rod (20) having a connecting end (24) and a releasable end (26). A central hub (18) having a plurality of support rod attachment fixtures (42) is positioned in the central opening (13) of the housing (11), where each fixture (42) is configured for receiving the connecting end (24) of one of the plurality of support rods (20). A plurality of channels (22) are formed in the housing (11), extending from the housing central opening (13) to the outer perimeter of the housing (14), each channel (22) being shaped to receive one of the plurality of support rods (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Eugene A. Kester
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Patent number: 6045238Abstract: An illumination assembly for an optical viewing device that includes an optical subassembly for viewing an illuminated object plane. The illumination assembly includes a base member having an imaging window formed therethrough, a plurality of LEDs fixed to the base member in a plane substantially coplanar with the imaging window for projecting light upwardly away from the base member, and a non-mirrored reflector for redirecting light emitted from the LEDs back through the imaging window toward the object plane to illuminate the object plane. The non-mirrored reflector is positioned so as to house the LEDs, and includes a central aperture for providing optical communication between the illuminated object plane and the optical subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Welch Allyn Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Wheeler, Michael J. Pileski
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Patent number: 6030087Abstract: The light reflector is for use in photography and comprises a cloth 1 raised on radial ribs 2 each of which has a proximal end 3 and a distal end 4. The distal ends 4 of ribs 2 are removably engaged in pockets 5 formed at the angle edges 6 of the cloth 1. Each of the proximal ends of the ribs is removably engaged into a socket 29 pivotally mounted on an armature 10 adapted to be fastened on a lamphead 17. The central portion of cloth 1 is engaged on a sleeve which is part of the armature 10. A locking assembly 36 is mounted on each socket 29 to allow locking thereof in a position where it extends peripherally of the armature 10.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Elinca S.A.Inventor: Malcolm David Whittle
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Patent number: 6024469Abstract: A blank for a one piece reflector for a light radiation source is formed as a unitary part having a reflecting surface. It includes a continuous elongated rim; a plurality of segments extending from one side of the rim and spaced along the length of said rim, the segments being separated by recesses each having a tip extending to the one side of the rim; and a flap extending from a side of the rim opposite the segments. The flap has notches aligned with the recess tips.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbHInventor: Stefan Greif
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Patent number: 6012826Abstract: An illuminating balloon with an inflatable envelope and a control unit integrated in the envelope includes an electropneumatic blowing device having an intake orifice to suck air in from the outside, and a discharge orifice to send the air into the internal space of the balloon, an electronic circuit for power supply of the electropneumatic device and of the bulb, and a cover for support of the bulb and of a protective grid preventing the envelope from coming into contact with the bulb, said grid being extended up to near the top of the envelope from coming into contact with the bulb, said grid being extended up to near the top of the envelope to give the balloon rigidity.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Airstar of Zone Artisanale de Champ FilaInventor: Pierre Chabert
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Patent number: 6010234Abstract: In an illuminating assembly of a type including a light-projecting element having a protruding light projecting member and a speed ring for coupling a hood with the light-projecting element, an apparatus for reducing the light intensity projected from the light projecting element and the protruding light projecting member into and through the hood, the apparatus comprising a scrim engagable when flexed with the speed ring to extend outwardly therefrom and over the protruding light projecting member.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Reed Rahn
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Patent number: 6007211Abstract: A molded illuminating device (12) comprising a housing (14) molded into any desired shape and form. A facility (16) within the housing (14) is for illuminating the housing (14). A structure (18) is for attaching the housing (14) to an article (20) that requires illumination for a novelty effect and safety visibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: James Cheung
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Patent number: 5988836Abstract: An indirect fluorescent lighting fixture with a self-contained curved reflector is enclosed in a square housing that fits into an inverted T-bar grid cell of a suspended ceiling in place of 2'.times.2' ceiling tile, or it can be permanently mounted in a wall or ceiling. A centrally located fluorescent tube, extending between two opposite sides of the enclosure, is enclosed from view by a U shaped shield. The reflector, disposed above the tube directing light downwardly into a targeted room region, can be made with a single concave curvature for narrower "spotlight" applications or with a dual concave curvature for wider field applications. The reflector is held in place in a self-stressed condition between a pair of end channels such that its shape can be controlled by varying its length. The illumination pattern can be controlled and modified by a combination of shaping the reflector's curvature and selection of its reflective surface properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Ralph W. Swarens
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Patent number: 5988834Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp comprising a lamp body formed by one single device component. The device component is formed of a foil made of a bendable, elastic material. The foil exhibits a bending line near a center of the foil. The foil contains an opening for receiving the illuminating device and/or current-carrying parts. The foil is formed to a curved, central wave fold by exerting a light pressure from two sides toward the center of the foil based on the bendable and elastic properties of the foil. The curved, central wave fold ends at said bending line. The foil assumes a cap-like spatial structure based on a partial deformation along the bending line caused by the light pressure. The cap-like or hood-like foil can be then easily fixed in this spatial structure by means of a suitable tightening, clamping, or locking device. The entire lamp body is stable and fixed in this spatial structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Michael Latzel
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Patent number: 5984492Abstract: This invention is in the field of novelty lighting and aesthetic display device, with a unique shape changing ability. With the use of an elastic outer membrane and an array of rotating rod frames, the Morphing Lamp constantly changes its volumetric shape, which presents a unique visual effect. The light source inside the membrane illuminates the outer membranes, which enhances the presentation of the volumetric shape. The light permeating through the translucent outer membrane is a source of soft lighting.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: New Paradigm Corp.Inventor: Michael Joon Cha
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Patent number: 5944409Abstract: This invention is concerned of the structure of Light Hood Assembly. It consists of an outer hood, reflection hood, glass tube and fixed chips. The reflection hood and the glass tube are placed inside of the positioning slot of the outer slop. The reflection hood is positioned upon its own tension. The fixed chips are screwed to the outer hood to press the reflection hood and the glass tube unto their positions, in which the assembly is completed; by following above structure, it will reach the effects of quick assembly simple component and easy production.This invention concerns to a Structure of Light Hood Assembly. It provides for quickness of assembly and simplicity of component which leads to cost decreasing of its manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Frank Chen
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Patent number: 5913598Abstract: A movie set lamp protection and shielding system is provided including a movie set lamp having a front face with a light and a rear extent. A transparent sheet is formed of a flexible and heat resistant material. A coupling mechanism is included for effecting the coupling between the sheet and the movie set lamp. During use, the sheet has a first mode of operation wherein the frame is situated over a top of the rear extent of the lamp such that the coupling mechanism is coupled therebetween for maintaining the system over the lamp for protecting the same. In a second mode of operation, the frame is situated over a front of the fins of the lamp such that coupling mechanism is mounted therebetween for maintaining the sysetm in front of the lamp for shielding heat of the lamp from a movie set situated in front thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: R. Dean Hunt, Jr.
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Patent number: 5893629Abstract: A marker flashlight and stand therefore is described. A tube of translucent, somewhat flexible material is adapted for releasable securement to the flashlight's lamp section. When the flashlight is turned on, almost the entire tube of translucent material is caused to glow. The tube can also be coated with a phosphorescent material so that it is capable of glowing even when the flashlight is not producing light. The tube can be removed from the flashlight's lamp section and placed about the body of the flashlight. The tube can be compressed so that the flashlight can still be received within a standard holster-type holder that has an interior area having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the flashlight's body. The tube may include a strap for enabling the tube to be attached to a user's clothing and be a holder for the flashlight.The stand includes a wide base that is adjustably and releasably secured to the body of the flashlight.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventor: Franklin L. Gubernick
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Patent number: 5871274Abstract: The device of a stretchable and contractable desk lamp comprising a lamp shade and a stand, the lamp shade is pivotally connected on one end thereof to a first pivot connection on the top of the stand, the connection is for pivotal mounting of a handle for carrying the lamp, the bottom of the stand is provided with a second pivot connection for pivotally mounting of a separated rotating seat, the lamp thus has a function of rotating with two pivot axles, and is portable and can save space in packaging; a receptacle is provided on the top of and engaged with the lamp shade, the receptacle receives a stretchable or drawable frame therein, a magnifying glass is provided in the frame and can be stretched out and firmly kept in a suitable anglular position on the lamp shade for viewing under illumination, the magnifying glass can be hidden in the receptacle when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventors: An Hsun Lee, Fred Mendelsohn
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Patent number: 5845988Abstract: An armored housing has resiliently supported therein the combined weight of a reflector structure, a lamp in the reflector structure and an electrical component, such as a ballast, mounted on the reflector structure. The reflector structure preferably comprises an extruded aluminum reflector support and a sheet metal reflector.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Michael C. Mandall
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Patent number: 5842766Abstract: A fiber optic jump rope device including a pair of handles and at least one bulb situated within an associated handle. Further provided is at least one electrical assembly for providing power to the bulb. A transparent flexible jump rope is included with a hollow tubular configuration. The jump rope is constructed with a pair of open ends. A multiplicity of fiber optic cables are situated within the jump rope. Each fiber optic cable has a first end situated coincident with one of the open ends of the jump rope and a second end with a bend formed therein such that the second end is positioned perpendicular with respect to an interior surface of the jump rope. The optic cables are each adapted to emit light from the second end thereof upon the application of light from the bulb.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Harry E. Scharf, III
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Patent number: 5829870Abstract: A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle is provided having a light source generating light, a reflector, a generally transparent light shield, an electrostatic shutter and a lens. The light shield has a surface and laterally displaced edges. The reflector has a predetermined relationship with the light shield and the light source and directs a portion of light from the light source to the surface of the light shield. The electrostatic shutter means is adjacent the surface of the light shield to selectively blocking a portion of the light from the light source. A lens between the light shield and the image surface directs light passing the light shield.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Remillard, Mahendra S. Dassanayake, Marie T. Malecki
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Patent number: 5794881Abstract: A gel tensioning device maintains tension on a gel. The gel is wound between two rollers as the diameters of the rollers change by rolling and unrolling the gel, the amount of movement between the two rollers also changes. This difference in movement is absorbed by a spring that biases the rollers relative to one another. The present invention preferably applies force to one of the rollers, that one roller connects to a special spring assembly and through that special spring assembly to the other roller. The special spring assembly includes a special kind of spring, which has desirable characteristics but is susceptible to reverse winding. A roller clutch allows force to be applied to the spring in the winding direction only and not in the non-winding direction. This prevents damage to the spring from any reverse winding.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.Inventor: Nigel Evans
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Patent number: 5681103Abstract: An electrostatic shutter includes an input window, an electrical contact connected to the voltage source, a metallized polymer scroll having one end electrically connected to the electrical contact, an electrically and thermally conductive heat sink selectably connected to the voltage source and so that a potential difference exists between the electrical contact and the heat sink and an electrical insulator covering the heat sink. When a sufficient voltage potential exists between the scroll and the heat sink, the scroll unrolls so that the scroll is in direct contact with the input window and thermally coupled to the heat sink through the insulator and the input window.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Remillard, Timothy Fohl, Alfred Wasilewski
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Patent number: 5672001Abstract: The headlamp has a reflector (10) and a light source (12). Disposed in the ray path of the light reflected from the reflector (10) there is a lens (18), which is received in a mounting (20) and consists of an elastically deformable material. The lens (18) is acted upon by at least one control element (22), by which a force can be applied to the lens (18) in order to deform it. The light passing through the lens (18) is influenced, i.e. deflected in its direction. In the nondeformed state of the lens (18) the light beam radiating from the headlamp exhibits a first characteristic, i.e. direction and scatter, and in the deformed state of the lens (18) the light beam radiating from the headlamp, because of the then different optical effect of the lens (18), exhibits a different, second characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Bertling, Karl-Otto Dobler, Rainer Neumann, Henning Hogrefe, Heike Eichler, Martin Lampen, Doris Boebel
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Patent number: 5580147Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber-illuminated stylet or probe useful for among other things in assisting in the performance of intubations. The styler has a handle having a light source from which extends an encased, malleable fiber-optic cable capable of transmitting light to the local area to be seen (e.g. in the vicinity of the epiglottis).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventor: Albert Salerno
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Patent number: 5577830Abstract: An awning comprises an outer sheet of flexible material supported on a rigid translucent support. The awning is illuminated by strip lights mounted on a support framework, which is stepped back from the rigid translucent support. An even illumination is achieved with no shadow lines on the flexible sheet. The sheet may have advertising indicia or logos.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: Illuminated Awning Systems LimitedInventors: Martin Barry, David McKeown
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Patent number: 5556186Abstract: A grid for a photographer's soft box or like device is made from flexible fabric. The grid is formed by intersecting and interlocking strips of fabric, formed in two sets, strips of one set intersecting the strips of the other set. The strips of intersecting sets are slotted in a complimentary manner. A wire may be used to keep the grid taut if necessary. In some instances, strips of one set may be omitted, such that the grid is formed only of strips extending in one direction. Reflecting material may be placed on inside edges of peripheral strips to guide the light.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Inventor: Stephen E. Pilby
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Patent number: 5537302Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
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Patent number: 5530571Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including a frame, a liquid crystal module and a back light module mounted within the frame, and a transparent backing covered on the frame over the back light module, the back light module consisting of a diffusion scroll, a reflecting scroll, and a photo conductive plate disposed between the diffusion scroll and the reflecting scroll, the diffusion scroll including a diffusion screen and a transparent screen connected in series, the reflecting scroll including an opaque reflecting screen and a transparent screen, the frame having rotary knobs turned to rotate the diffusion scroll and the reflecting scroll, permitting the diffusion screen and the opaque reflecting screen to be aligned with the liquid crystal module for image displays, or permitting the transparent screens to be aligned with the liquid crystal module for slide projections.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Inventor: Hung-wen Chen
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Patent number: 5510965Abstract: Fluorescent tube lights have improved reflectors and light directors or dimming devices characterized by elongated light element protection tubes sleeved over the light elements and having a reflective and/or variable opacity surface formed thereon whereby the direction and intensity of light may be varied by rotating the protection tubes with respect to the light fixture. The light element protection tubes have a variable light blocking surface formed thereon or on a flexible plastic film insert which may be sleeved within the tubes to provide for improved projection of light direction and intensity. The light blocking surface is formed by an opaque portion and opposed variable opacity portions having a dot matrix pattern. The modified light reflecting and light blocking protection tubes may be otherwise conventional protection tubes which are usable in many applications including fluorescent light fixtures at office workstations.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Plast-D-Fusers, Inc.Inventor: Joe F. Teakell
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Patent number: 5490051Abstract: A self-positioning lamp fixture with an integrally formed unitary support structure, including a self righting rounded lower wall terminating in a flat portion to stabilize the lamp structure when in its upright position. A continuous cavity extends throughout the integrally formed support structure making it lightweight. A weight receiving recess is provided at the lower end having an open wall across the flat portion of the structure's lower wall to receive a cylindrical weight therein. The cylindrical weight is removable and is held in the weight receiving recess by removable lag screws. The cylindrical weight has a planar bottom wall which covers the open wall across the flat portion of the structure's lower wall when the cylindrical weight is secured in place within the weight receiving recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1993Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Inventor: Joseph Messana
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Patent number: 5461808Abstract: A tabletop backlit display for use in tradeshows which can be readily assembled and disassembled on site, and when disassembled, can be accomodated in a single shipping carton of a size acceptable at normal rates by package delivery services. A major feature is an articulated lighting unit assembly which includes a pair of lighting units each carrying three equally spaced parallel fluorescent lamps, an intermediate reflector panel and a pair of auxiliary side reflector panels, the lighting assembly being foldable, without removing the lamps therefrom, from an in line operative configuration in which all of the fluorescent lamps are equally spaced, to a compact generally U-shaped alternative or shipping configuration. The assembly is removably mounted on a frame with supporting members, and a flexible, rollable light transmissive display panel is removably mounted on the front face of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventor: Robert W. Fritts
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Patent number: 5438486Abstract: Variably shaped lenses that adjust the shape of the light beam of vehicle headlights. The shape of the lenses is changed by the transfer of a liquid between the lens assembly and an external cylinder. Baffles are used in the refracting portion of the lens to prevent shifting of the liquid and distortion of the lens when the vehicle accelerates.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1992Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Inventor: Edward P. McNair
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Patent number: 5381324Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom
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Patent number: 5371663Abstract: A color medium structure for use with a stage spotlight comprises a frame constituted by two opposite frame plates, preferably made of a fiber reinforced plastic, with a portion of the periphery thereof secured together to allow other portion of the periphery to be peelable off for receiving therebetween a light-transmitting color film. The light-transmitting color film is secured between the frame plates by the attraction of magnets mounted to the frame plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Inventor: Tsung-Jen Chuang
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Patent number: 5347432Abstract: The photographic light control system includes a plurality of structures for causing a particular, selectable convergence of light emanating from a photographic light source such as a flash unit. The system is essentially generic in nature by accommodating a variety of light sources, such accommodation being produced by a sleeve of the system which includes a drawstring engagement thereon for accommodating various sized light source housings.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventor: Gary J. Chiavetta
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Patent number: 5303132Abstract: A glass repair method which provides for illumination of breaks, followed by penetrating of bonding material into the breaks. Apparatus for accomplishing the illumination is included. The apparatus includes means by which a light can be secured on the inside of a windshield to improve visibility of a break, such that a technician can work on repair of the break on the outside of the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1991Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Inventor: Robert Lowder
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Patent number: 5057981Abstract: A decorative lighted configuration includes a light source. A frame substantially surrounds the light source and is flexible to permit the formation of a predetermined configuration therefrom. The frame is adapted to receive one or more decorative articles.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventors: Richard D. Bowen, David B. DeNard
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Patent number: 5025356Abstract: A horticultural luminaire in which a lamp is contained within a first compartment and a ballast unit is contained in a second compartment. The ballast unit is in heat-conducting contact with the top of the unit and a plate member also covers the ballast unit to act as an additional heat sink. The top of the luminaire housing may be provided with bracket members to facilitate mounting of the luminaire on a structural I-beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1989Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Assignee: GET Sylvania Canada LtdInventor: Mahmoud A. Gawad
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Patent number: 4998189Abstract: A collapsible reflector unit (70) is disclosed in its preferred form for use in quick-erect portable display structures particularly adapted for temporary tradeshow booths. Unit (70) generally includes a reflector enclosure (74) formed of vinyl coated, fire retardant, flexible fabric attached to the display structure frame (9) around its periphery by a two-part fastening tape (124). The reflector enclosure (74) is supported in a tent-like manner away from the frame (9) by a support frame (72) including flexible rods (78, 80) removably anchored to the frame (9) and extending arcuately from the frame (9). The central segments (84) of the rods (78, 80) are held rearwardly of the frame (9) by interposing rods (92) therebetween, with the rods (92) having extensions (98, 100) extending contiguously therefrom and having their free ends removably anchored to the frame (9) intermediate the anchor locations of the flexible rods (78, 80). A light system (76) is removably attached to the rods (92 ) by clips (104).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1989Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Inventor: Giles Guggemos
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Patent number: 4991065Abstract: A lighting system is described for the uniform illumination of restricted working surfaces in which a large area reflector is used which partially spans the working surface and which is for example positioned above the head height of a standing person. This large area reflector is mounted on a vertical support which simultaneously carries the light source required to irradiate this large area reflector.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1989Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Inventor: Hartmut S. Engel
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Patent number: 4972306Abstract: A tambour-type panel of sections movable in a U-shaped track system from a side location in a housing to a location in the path of light. The panel sections are constructed to diffuse light passing therethrough. Each section of the diffusing panel has a texturing which diffuses the light with different degrees.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.Inventor: James M. Bornhorst
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Patent number: 4866582Abstract: Luminaires, floodlights and spotlights having a light shield comprised of a flexible material are disclosed. The flexible light shield has a slit in its majority and presents a low wind loading factor when used for a high mast luminaire that is subjected to wind speeds from 60 to 100 miles per hour typically experienced in storms or hurricanes. The flexible light shield is readily adapted to meet the light distribution needs of various other lighting units.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mitchell M. Osteen, Warren Halper
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Patent number: 4855884Abstract: A variable beamwidth stage light relying upon an axially movable reflector for changes in beamwidth. The reflector has a plurality of radially outwardly and axially forwardly extending leaves in side-by-side relation to define a bowl-shaped reflector surface. A stationary support flange is in frictional contact with the radially outward surface of each leaf. The reflector leaves are sandwiched between a base member and a ring member at the base of the reflector. A motor driven lead screw is attached to the base member to cause axial movement of the reflector relative to the support flange. The reflector defines a first and a second focal point along the axis of the reflector. A light source is fixed at the first focal point, which remains substantially fixed relative to the base member.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1987Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Morpheus Lights, Inc.Inventor: Brian E. Richardson
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Patent number: 4821053Abstract: Photographic flash device has its trough-shape reflector formed of a laminate of first and second sheets of piezoelectric material so polarized relative to one another that a change in potential across the laminate, applied by electrodes on the laminate, causes a flexing of the laminate and hence a change in the light pattern on the subject being photographed. Such a flash device is useful with zoom camera.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1988Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David R. Dowe, Paul L. Ruben
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Patent number: 4597034Abstract: A self sprung holder device for a hollow cathode lamp of the type useful as a spectral radiation source for atomic absorption spectrometers. The holder is constructed from a sheet of flexible material bent along two lines to form an elongate tapered triangular housing open at one angle. An adjustment means is pivotally mounted at the rear or larger triangular opening of the housing. The adjustment means includes two thumb screws and a projecting arm member for aligning the lamp along two axes of movement with the front end portion of the lamp being pivoted about one or more integral housing fulcrum points.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1984Date of Patent: June 24, 1986Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer CorporationInventor: Michael W. Kendall-Tobias
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Patent number: RE36039Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Brian J. Hillstrom