In Plane, Or Extension Of Modifying Surface Patents (Class 362/280)
  • Patent number: 6702452
    Abstract: A xenon arc search lamp has a lamp beam focused by relative movement of a reflector by advancing or retracting it along its optical axis of symmetry on which the lamp is aligned. The battery and lamp assemblies are field replaceable without tools. The beam output is usable with a combination of filters to allow the most varied intensity and wavelengths for a particular application, such as smoke filled environments, infrared illuminations and underwater illuminations. The xenon arc lamp is oriented within the searchlight with respect to the reflector to provide the most uniform field of illumination on which the lamp is capable, namely with the anode of the lamp turned away from the forward beam direction in the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Xenonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Z. Jigamian, George Pelling, Goran Forschager, Jeffrey P. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6695466
    Abstract: In a headlamp having a single filament bulb or discharge bulb, there is provided a movable shade that can appear from a reflection mirror located above the single filament bulb. In a usual condition, the movable shade is pulled at the back of the reflection mirror located above the single filament bulb. Then, a light emitted from the single filament bulb is condensed by the reflection mirror and irradiates a very long distance thereby to make a high-speed traveling possible. On the contrary, when it is rainy or foggy, the movable shade is protruded in the front of the reflection mirror. Then, a part of a light emitted from the single filament bulb is shielded by the movable shade, and the road surface in 20-40 m front of the vehicle is darkened thereby to reduce surface reflection from the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Naganawa, Tomoyuki Moritani, Akinori Matsumoto, Takayuki Iwaki
  • Publication number: 20030206414
    Abstract: A color changing apparatus adapted to be installed between the reflector assembly and front barrel assembly of a theatrical ellipsoidal spotlight. The color changing apparatus includes a housing for connecting to the spotlight components. Contained within the housing are a plurality of color filters, preferably dichroic color filters, serially arranged perpendicular to the light path. The color filters may include constant or variable density patterns of any desirable color and are transported into the light path to effect a change in lighting conditions. The color changing apparatus is also preferably equipped with a control system enabling remote actuation and control of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael W. Wood, Thomas Shaw Cavness, Glenn Lee Fields, Douglas K. Franklin, Mary Alice D. Goewey, Lynwood J. Norrgard, Jesse Dale Trevino
  • Patent number: 6598997
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a light device and a color member disposed in a housing. A driving device, such as one or more motors are disposed in the housing, and engaged with the color member for moving the color member relative to the light device to generate different colors when the color member is moved relative to the light device. The light device includes one or more peripheral light tubes, and a casing is secured in the housing. The color member is disposed around the casing and disposed between the casing and the peripheral light tubes of the light device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Shing Jy Shyu
  • Patent number: 6585401
    Abstract: A sliding contact is formed by a first terminal 40 fixed to a side of a lamp base flange 2 and a second terminal 41 fixed to a side of a slider 7. Accordingly, it is possible to supply an electric current to a glass tube 9 without bending a harness 3. Therefore, a harness 3 is not deteriorated, and a resistance at a time of sliding the glass tube 9 is not increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Akizuki, Yasumitsu Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20030117804
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a light device and a color member disposed in a housing. A driving device, such as one or more motors are disposed in the housing, and engaged with the color member for moving the color member relative to the light device to generate different colors when the color member is moved relative to the light device. The light device includes one or more peripheral light tubes, and a casing is secured in the housing. The color member is disposed around the casing and disposed between the casing and the peripheral light tubes of the light device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Shing Jy Shyu
  • Patent number: 6582104
    Abstract: A lighting fixture has a proximal end fixture adapter connectable at a proximal end to a mounting device attachable to a ceiling. The mounting device may be an elongated track, a fixed canopy or a ceiling ring permitting a proximal portion of the fixture to be above the ceiling. The lighting fixture has a generally cylindrical housing with first and second resilient rings partially engaged into first and second external grooves around the distal end of the housing. A decorative shade has a fitter slidable on the housing and retained between the first and second resilient rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Jack V. Miller, Ruth E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030081411
    Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushi Noda, Hiroshi Ito
  • Patent number: 6554454
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an improved filter or illumination device. In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device is provided having multiple optical color filters wherein a first time period, required for at least one of the multiple optical color filters to pass across a light path, is different from a second time period, required for each of the other optical color filters to pass across the light path. According to another aspect of this invention, an illumination device has multiple optical color filters and an optical member wherein a boundary, which extends in a direction, is provided between one of the multiple optical color filters and another one of the multiple optical color filters, and the optical member includes an inlet for receiving light from the optical color filters, wherein the inlet extends in a first direction corresponding to the direction of the boundary when the boundary crosses the light path, for a greater distance than the inlet extends in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Kitano
  • Publication number: 20030076682
    Abstract: The lighting device 1 is constructed such that the lens holder 11 is held by the guide rails 12a, 12b in such a way that the lens holder can be slid in a forward or rearward direction, the rack 13 is formed along the sliding direction of the lens holder 11, wherein it stores the lens position adjusting mechanism 6 including the gear 14 slid in integral with the lens holder 11 in a forward or rearward direction while being engaged with the rack 13, the operating knob 15 arranged at the outer surface of the lighting device 2 and slid in a forward or rearward direction while being integrally rotated with the gear 14, and the cam type lever 21 for use in locking a rotation of the operating knob 15. Thus, when either the focus adjustment or the zoom adjustment or the like is to be carried out, a fine adjustment of the position of the lens 5b can be easily carried out and a fixing of position of the lens after adjustment is also easily performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Tsunemichi Tanaka, Tsutomu Ishizone, Masaki Asaoku, Keijiro Asakura
  • Publication number: 20030076681
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes an effect wheel which is mounted on a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is mounted on a mechanism which moves the effect wheel from a position outside of the light path to a position in which the effect wheel intersects the light path to provide a continuous wheel effect. The translation mechanism can move the effect wheel between positions in which the effect wheel crosses the light path in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, respectively. The apparatus allows a continuous wheel effect to be added to a multi-purpose luminaire and also allows the direction of travel of the continuous wheel effect across the illuminated field to be continuously varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Publication number: 20030076680
    Abstract: A nightlight with a dynamic image effect comprises a plug, a sensor, a motor, a lower casing, an upper casing, a rotary seat, a lamp tube, a rotary transparent cover, and a lampshade. Power is always conducted to the motor so as to actuate the motor. The rotation of motor rotor will induce a shaft to rotate to drive the rotary seat. As a result, the rotary transparent cover also rotate with the rotation of the shaft. When at night or in the places with weak illumination, the sensor will sense the condition and thus conducts. Thereby, users may view a dynamic image on the rotary transparent cover periodically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: All-Line Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 6520662
    Abstract: A projector particularly for projecting light in infinite colors, comprising a pair of light sources arranged side by side and inserted in a single luminaire, a single dimmer element, a single color changer and a single diffuser element being arranged after the lamps, in order to obtain in output a light beam determined by the sum of the light beams emitted by the light sources arranged side by side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
  • Patent number: 6502961
    Abstract: A lighting module that modifies a light beam to affect the size and shape and color characteristics of the projected beam includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. The reflector is formed so that light is directed along a light path that is not parallel to a center line of the reflector. A primary lens element reduces the cross section of an effected light region as the light enters a modifying element area in the optic path. Light modifying elements are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the shape, size, and color of light beam desired by the user. The construction of the light modifying elements allows the elements to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the elements are rotated so that light modifying element segments align with lens segments of the primary optical element, and the light modifying element or elements change the light being projected from the lighting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Patent number: 6499864
    Abstract: A lighting device with a light source and a first reflector which directs light provided by the light source towards at least two focal points in the operational state, is to be constructed such that the light path to one of the focal points can be obstructed without thermal problems arising. A second reflector is provided which diverts away at least partly the light guided by the first reflector to a first of the two focal points towards the second one of the two focal points, directly or indirectly, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Luce
  • Patent number: 6499853
    Abstract: A night-light with changeable color light, having a casing with a nontransparent portion, a transparent portion and a plurality of transparent windows. A luminous part is provided under the casing, having a plurality of light cabinets consisting of electro-luminescence panels with different colors of light. A rotating disc and a power supply plug part are provided under the light cabinets. A power output socket is provided on the upper side of the casing, which casing engages a rotating disc. The luminous portion, power supply plug and the power output socket engage each other, and are stationary. When the casing is rotated, the transparent portions of the casing can be located above a selected light cabinet with the desired color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: All-Line Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 6485164
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture or luminaire includes an enclosure having within it a light source for projecting light through an opening in the enclosure and a motor train for slowly moving a transparent plastic film across the opening and over the light emitting surface of the light source, thereby preventing the light emitting surface or lens from becoming dirty over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 6461015
    Abstract: A flashing light source mounted to rotate or fixed to the top of a hat or helmet. The light provided shines out throughout a full 360 degree circle around the wearer to signal and warn people of the presence of the wearer or of danger. In a preferred embodiment the lamp may be a single lamp formed as a circular xenon flash lamp or a bulb or flash tube with a reflector that rotates to traverse the entire 360 degree circle around the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Charles D. Welch
  • Patent number: 6461030
    Abstract: Illumination angle adjuster (42) for condensing illumination light from a light generator (41) toward a workpiece (25) includes a simple-structured optical member of condenser lens (44). With the simple arrangement, illumination angle of the illumination light to the workpiece (25) can be easily changed by moving the condenser lens (44) along an optical axis of an optical system (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Shimokawa, Shunsaku Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6390648
    Abstract: A display apparatus for an art work includes a work support structure on which the art work rests; a power source; and an electric power circuit containing a light source oriented toward the work and a switch wired to a sensor for detecting the approach of a person, and upon detection to close the switch and thereby activate the light source to illuminate the work. The light source preferably is a low heat, substantially full visible spectrum light source. The light source preferably includes a fluorescent bulb and a reflector adjacent to the fluorescent bulb, the reflector being oriented relative to the fluorescent bulb to direct light from the fluorescent bulb toward the art work. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a timer, where the sensor is connected to the timer to shut off the switch a pre-set length of time after the moment of the last detected motion or body heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Yves E. Privas, Tanguy M. Privas
  • Patent number: 6386728
    Abstract: A decorative light assembly for illuminating Christmas trees and the like having a ring shaped housing containing a DC light source and a motor drive for rotatably driving one of a series of interchangeable disks disposed in the path of the light source and providing variable light patterns through the disk which communicate with fiber optic strands to receive and distribute light received through the disks from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: John P. Colonna
  • Patent number: 6361188
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image is provided. The system uses one or more laser beams directed at one or more mirrors. Each mirror is flexibly attached to the vibrating portion of a transducer such as a speaker, the transducer being coupled to a signal source. Suitable signal sources include radio and television tuners, CD players, tape decks, VCRs, musical instruments with suitable signal outputs, and signal generators. The laser beam(s) reflected by the mirror(s) is directed at a rotating viewing surface, the viewing surface being semi-transparent. Due to the rotation of the viewing surface, a three-dimensional image is formed that can be viewed from multiple angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Kuts
  • Publication number: 20020034075
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture or luminaire includes an enclosure having within it a light source for projecting light through an opening in the enclosure and a motor train for slowly moving a transparent plastic film across the opening and over the light emitting surface of the light source, thereby preventing the light emitting surface or lens from becoming dirty over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Patent number: 6334699
    Abstract: A light pattern controller provides a pattern of light to a collimator. The light pattern controller includes a beam deflector that sweeps a circular pattern with a radius that is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the beam deflector. Alternatively, the light pattern controller includes a two-dimensional scanning galvanometer that sweeps out the circular pattern or a liquid crystal shutter. The pattern of light is collimated and reflected such that it is substantially parallel to the optical axis of an imaging system. A focusing element redirects the collimated light pattern onto a sample part at an angle of incidence which is a function of the radius of the light column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Gladnick
  • Patent number: 6325528
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight assembly switchable between low-beam and high-beam modes of operation includes a housing, a reflector component mounted in the housing for displacement relative thereto between a plurality of beam aiming positions, and a light source component mounted in the housing for movement relative to the reflector component between a low-beam position and a high-beam position. A motor is provided for displacing the reflector component between the plurality of beam aiming positions relative to the housing. To selectively move the light source component between, and for holding the light source component in at least one of, its low-beam and high-beam positions relative to the reflector component, use is being made of the motor and of an electromagnet operated in sequential cooperation with the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Wittmeier, Heinz Grimm
  • Patent number: 6254254
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus to control the light exposure of the skin. One objective is to increase the exposure during periods of common deficient exposure such as for dark skin persons on winter days in areas far from the equator. Another objective is to decrease the exposure during periods of common overexposure such as for light skin persons during spring and summer days in bright environments. A novel feature of the invention is the use of lamps for whole body irradiation while showering or bathing during dark seasons. The whole body exposure enables the use of very low irradiance levels to provide an enhanced probability of beneficial effects and to reduce the possibility of harmful effects of the ultraviolet light. Another novel feature is the use of an adjustable ultraviolet light transmitting building window or automobile sunroof to increase the sunlight exposure on cold days when a deficiency in exposure due to closed windows is common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Chubb, Lisa C Rottler
  • Patent number: 6190029
    Abstract: A headlamp 1 has a beam distribution switch mechanism that comprises a hood 3 and a reflecting mirror 4. The hood 3 includes a fixed member 31 having a cut portion 31a on the upper side and a moving member 32 for opening and closing the cut portion. The reflecting mirror 4 includes a first reflecting surface 41 for reflecting the light beam from the light source 2 when the cut portion 31a is closed and the second reflecting surface 42 for reflecting the light beam from the light source 2 when the cut portion 31a is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Taniuchi, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 6179455
    Abstract: An automobile headlight comprising a light source, a reflector having a by-passing reflecting portion, which reflects light emitted from the light source downward to form a light distribution pattern for by-passing, and a traveling reflecting portion, which reflects light emitted from the light source to a horizontal front of the automobile headlight when the movable shade is in a position for traveling straight ahead, a fixed shade which directs light emitted from the light source towards the reflector, a movable shade capable of taking a position P or Q depending on whether the automobile is traveling straight ahead or by-passing another vehicle, and a driving unit connected to the movable shade for changing a position of the movable shade, wherein when the movable shade is in the by-passing position Q, the movable shade suppresses light emitted from the light source towards the traveling reflecting portion and passes light emitted from the light source toward the by-passing reflecting portion, and when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 6174071
    Abstract: A flashlight includes an elongate body having a front end and providing a compartment for containing a battery cell and a head assembly connected to the front end. The head assembly includes a light bulb, a reflector movable between an inner position behind the light bulb and an outer position surrounding the light bulb for light focusing, and a colored filter movable between an inner position behind the light bulb and an outer position surrounding the light bulb for light color changing. The flashlight includes a manually operated mechanism for initially moving the filter from the inner position to the outer position and subsequently moving the reflector from the inner position to the outer position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Kwong Chi Chan
  • Patent number: 6168291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Noah N. Rockey, Jim J. Frensko, Johann A. Toikka, John B. Grunloah
  • Patent number: 6161945
    Abstract: A light beam projector device having a light source and a reflector arranged to direct the light originating from the light source in such a manner as to form a light beam, said reflector having a curved concave reflecting surface with a geometrical focus where the light source is positioned, at least a first tubular wall made of a material able to filter color from the light and arranged when set in an active position to laterally embrace the light source so as to be traversed by the light before it reaches the reflector, the tubular wall being arranged with its axis substantially coinciding with the axis of the reflector, actuator means for axially moving the tubular wall into an active position or to an inactive position below the reflector where it does not interfere with the radiation emitted by the light source and directed towards the reflector, and to intermediate positions in which only a part of the tubular wall is traversed by the light, and a second tubular wall or tubular wall segment positioned
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Space Cannon VH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno Baiardi
  • Patent number: 6142652
    Abstract: A lighting module that projects various colors, hues, and intensities of light. The device includes a light source and a reflector to direct the light along an optic path. A primary optical element reduces the cross section of effected light regions as the light enters a filter assembly area in the optic path. Filters in the filter assembly are deployed in varying combinations and to varying degrees to produce the color, hue, and intensity of light desired by the user. The refracting action of the optical element allows the filters to be physically positioned in the optic path but to have no effect on the light until the filters are rotated so that filter segments align with optical segments, and the filter changes the light being projected from the lighting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Patent number: 6139161
    Abstract: A surface illuminating device is provided with a light source, a light introducing plate lying in a plane passing the light source, a first light diffusing plate arranged on a top surface of the light introducing plate, and a second light diffusing plate arranged on a bottom surface of the light introducing plate. The light introducing plate includes a first section arranged with the first light diffusing plate, and a second section arranged with the second light diffusing plate. The first and second sections each are formed with serrations in a surface opposite to a surface arranged with their respective light diffusing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Honda, Masataka Hamada, Hideki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6113252
    Abstract: Architectural luminaries utilize a common optical engine having a lamp coupled to an ellipsoidal reflector, a field stop aperture, and image-projecting lenses A color wheel, gobo wheel, and mechanical dimmer may also be included. A microlens element converts a spotlight optical engine into a wash light optical system. A multiple lens array provides variable diffusion. The optical engine is combined with an X-Y scanning mirror beam direction system in a substantially recessed housing for mounting in the ceiling of a building. The optical engine is combined with a pan-and-tilt yoke for greater range of coverage with an exposed luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Arlitt, William J. Luetkemeyer, Matthew B. Johnson, Bryan S. McNatt, Mark Richards, Richard K. Steele
  • Patent number: 6092914
    Abstract: A lighting fixture configured to image a high-intensity beam of light at a distant location with a variable beam spread and a variable image distance. The lighting fixture includes an illuminator mounted on a front projection system. The illuminator includes an elliptical reflector defining two focal points. A lamp is at one of the reflector's focal points, while an aperture of the front projection system is at the reflector's other focal point. The front projection system includes a tubular housing having shutter blades moveably positionable in the aperture to obstruct light passing through the second focal point. A rear lens receives and transmits light emitted by the illuminator, while a front lens is configured to receive light transmitted by the first lens and project it at the distant location. The lenses are contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Electronics Theatre Controls
    Inventors: Gregory F. Esakoff, Fred R. Foster
  • Patent number: 6045238
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Welch Allyn Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Wheeler, Michael J. Pileski
  • Patent number: 6004008
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a barrel for receiving a battery unit therein, a bulb mounted in the barrel, a transparent housing threadedly engaged with a front end of the barrel, a reflective mirror mounted in the housing to move therewith, and a rear cap mounted to seal a rear end of the barrel. An outer casing is threadedly engaged around the housing such that rotational movement of the housing causes movements of the housing and the reflective mirror relative to the bulb to thereby place the bulb in a position either surrounded or not surrounded by the reflective mirror. A colored sleeve is removably mounted between the bulb and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Plum Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry Lai
  • Patent number: 6000812
    Abstract: An array of disks faces a viewing direction is composed of disk's rotatable about an axis approximately perpendicular to the viewing direction between alternating orientations where bright and dark sides are respectively displayed in the viewing direction. There is provided a row of LED's located forwardly of the array and out of the normal viewing path located to illuminate the disks of said array. Masking means prevents direct illumination from said LED's being visible in the viewing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mark IV Industries Limited
    Inventors: Timothy A. Freeman, Veso S. Tijanic
  • Patent number: 5951149
    Abstract: A laser generating apparatus which includes a laser holder holding a plurality of lenses decorated with different designs, the laser holder being turned with a rotary cap on one end of a barrel, which is mounted within a casing and holds a laser module, and set into one of a series of positions for permitting one particular lens to be retained in alignment with a laser firing hole on the laser module for producing a particular pattern of light spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Simpatico Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Lee
  • Patent number: 5934787
    Abstract: A picture illuminating device for mounting on the wall above the picture, or on the back of the picture frame. The device utilizes a fluorescent light tube to produce uniform lighting and is powered by conventional or rechargeable batteries which eliminates the requirement of electrical outlets and the spectacle of exposed electrical cords extending down the wall. The device is composed of a stem and a shade. The shade houses the fluorescent light tube, batteries and the electronic circuit that converts the direct current from the batteries to the alternating current required to power the fluorescent light tube. The shade includes a reflector which is configured to mount the fluorescent light tube and batteries so that the shade covers the fluorescent light tube adequately to prevent any glare from the front while presenting the look of a conventional, corded picture lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Murari Sharma
  • Patent number: 5929951
    Abstract: A display apparatus is constituted by a planar display device and a planar illumination device therefor. A lowering in light quantity at a periphery of the planar illumination device is prevented by inserting a reflection member, such as a reflection frame, having an inside reflection surface along the periphery of the illumination device, or a combination of a scattering means and a transparent sheet member between the display device and the illumination device. A plurality of the display apparatus may be combined to allow an associate movement thereof so as to constitute a composite display apparatus, such as a head-mount display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Sasakura, Noritaka Mochizuki, Hiroaki Hoshi
  • Patent number: 5921656
    Abstract: A hand-held water activated strobe light which may be used in rescue or emergency operations in peacetime or in a combat zone. The light includes a watertight housing with a high intensity bulb which flashes white light. Interchangeable blue and infrared filters attached to a flash guard body can be used with the bulb for filtering various wave lengths of light spectrum in combat situations and for both 360 degree or line-of-sight transmission. The strobe light is water activated and includes a sensor that deactivates the light during daylight hours. A memory latch circuit maintains activation of the light once the water activated switch comes in contact with water. A power saving circuit permits the use of alkaline batteries in place of mercury batteries, which also provides for environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: John F. Flood, Mark S. Clark
  • Patent number: 5915829
    Abstract: Basic vertical and horizontal adjustment of a light beam (9) of a headlight are carried out with respect to a longitudinal axis (5) of the headlight by vertical (6) and horizontal (7) displacement of a lens (4) relative to a light source (2) and a reflector (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Kalze, Heinz Werner Rixen
  • Patent number: 5882102
    Abstract: A turret assembly is provided for use with a light box for supporting and indexing a plurality of fiber optic bundles relative to a light source contained within the light box. The turret assembly includes a supporting element having a plurality of openings for retaining a plurality of fiber bundles which is rotatably attached to a hub member mounting the turret assembly to the light box. The turret assembly also includes a light intensity control member for adjusting the intensity of light entering each indexed fiber optic bundle from said light source. The intensity control member is fixedly attached to an adjustment knob which independently rotates a light vane positioned in the light path extending from the light source in order to selectively to vary the illumination output therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Pileski
  • Patent number: 5871274
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: An Hsun Lee, Fred Mendelsohn
  • Patent number: 5803576
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp comprises a light source, a reflector and a cover glass together with at least one dioptre lens adapted to be selectively interposed between the light source and at least one zone of the reflector, so as to modify the resulting light beam by refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Yann Le Gallo
  • Patent number: 5791768
    Abstract: A dual reflector lighting system having an adjusting assembly for independently adjusting an inner reflector and an outer reflector relative to a gaseous discharge lamp. The lighting system includes a housing having a ballast assembly mounted therein. An elongated tubular adjusting member has one end thereof connected to the bottom of the housing. A lamp socket for receiving a gaseous discharge lamp is mounted to the other end of the adjusting member. The lamp socket is electrically connected to the ballast assembly. The system includes both an outer reflector and an inner reflector mounted coaxially about the gaseous discharge lamp. The outer reflector is mounted to the tubular adjusting member for movement relative thereto to adjust the outer reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp. The inner reflector is connected to the adjusting member for adjusting the inner reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Stingray Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Robson L. Splane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5785416
    Abstract: A lamp with an adjustable shade for regulating the dispersion of a light beam, wherein there is mounted on to a wall fitting (1) a tube (2), the front edge of which forms a connecting piece (3) with a second tube (4), on to the free end of which is mounted a light source holder (5) and a light reflector (6), wherein the lamp has a shade (7, 10) and wherein the shade (7, 10) is movable in relation to the second tube (4), the light source holder (5) and the light reflector (6). The external shade part (7) is provided along one section with a longitudinal slot (8) where the shade (7, 10) can be moved along the length of the slot (8) in slidable engagement with the second tube (4). The shade (7, 10) consists of an external shade part (7) and an internal shade part (10), where the external shade part (7) has longer axial extension than the internal shade part (10), and where a slide block (13) constitutes a part and extension of an end wall (11) on the internal shade part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Ivar Hansen
  • Patent number: 5775799
    Abstract: A zoomable beamspreader is disclosed having two lenses arranged in closely spaced, confronting relationship, with each lens incorporating an array of alternating positive and negative lens segments. One of the two lenses is controllably movable relative to the other, in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis, between a non-spread position, in which the positive and negative lens segments of one lens are aligned with the respective negative and positive lens segments of the other lens, and a spread position, in which the positive and negative lens segments of one lens are aligned with the respective positive and negative lens segments of the other lens. The two lenses can take any of several alternative forms, including a one-dimensional array of cylindrical lens segments, for providing a zoomable beamspread along just one dimension, and a two-dimensional array of spheric or aspheric lens segments, for providing a zoomable beamspread along both dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: David W. Cunningham
    Inventor: John F. Forkner
  • Patent number: 5752767
    Abstract: A diffuse illuminator device is disclosed for providing uniform illumination onto a target. A generally tubular outer baffle, which has a proximal and an open distal end, defines an optic axis. A generally tubular inner baffle which is open at its proximal and distal ends is coaxially disposed within the outer baffle. An annular illuminator, positioned at the proximal end of the outer and inner baffles, directs a ring of illumination into an annular light tunnel which is defined by the space between the inner and outer baffles. This arrangement allows viewing of the target through the inner baffle. The inner baffle may also be adjusted along the optic axis in order to vary the illumination structure of the light on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Illumination Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mark Muehlemann