Plural, Relatively Movable Patents (Class 362/281)
  • Patent number: 7967483
    Abstract: Wireless network used to control multiple lights, includes multiple different networks for different purposes, and interference prevention mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: Robin Lee
  • Patent number: 7942540
    Abstract: A lighting module includes a light output window, at least one side wall that defines a cavity and a mounting plate, and at least one light source, and at least one reflector that is within the cavity. The light output window may be one of the side walls in a side-emitting configuration. The spectral distribution of the light coming out of the light output window may be changed by manipulating the relative position of the side wall to the at least one reflector that is within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Mark A. Pugh, Menne T. de Roos, Peter K. Tseng
  • Publication number: 20110085338
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp with magnifier which has a lighting lamp, a lampshade, a magnifying lens, a lamp arm and a lamp body fixing means; the lighting lamp is fixedly disposed under the lampshade; the magnifying lens is disposed in a central position of the lampshade; the lampshade is movably connected with an upper end of the lamp arm via a first rotating shaft and rotatable in a vertical plane; the lampshade is freely rotatable around the first rotating shaft in a horizontal plane; the lamp arm comprises an upper lamp arm and a lower lamp arm which are movably connected with each other forming an adjustable angle in between; the lower lamp arm is movably connected with the lamp body fixing means, and the lower lamp arm is rotatable in a horizontal plane relative to the lamp body fixing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: James LU
  • Patent number: 7905630
    Abstract: A light effect system includes a light source and at least one aperture element interposed between the light source and an exit lens of the system. The aperture element has at least one aperture and at least one light effect element positioned therein. The system uses an aperture element having at least two “fingers” partly surrounding each light effect element in at least 180° of the circumference. These “fingers” engage with the contour of the outer surface of the light effect element to hold the light effect element in position in the aperture, and the fingers are formed of a flexible material. Hereby, it is achieved that the locking and releasing of the light effect component can be done by push and pull in an ideal perpendicular direction to the light path. In other words, no angling, bending or twisting is necessary, so a minimum of space is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventor: Carsten Dalsgaard
  • Patent number: 7896523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a target illuminator (1) for night-vision technology, comprising a laser source (2), the radiation power of the laser source being at least 15 mW, in particular from 100 to 500 mW, and the laser source being formed for emission of radiation having a wavelength ? of from 700 nm to 1400 nm, and a second optical system (4) for the divergent emission of the radiation. Furthermore, the target illuminator (1) has a first optical system (3) arranged down-circuit of the laser source (2) and before the second optical system (4) and intended for increasing the beam cross-section before entry into the second optical system (4) to a diameter of at least 5 mm and for guiding the beam into the second optical system (4). The angle of divergence (10) of the emitted radiation can be varied in a defined manner, the variability being limited for ensuring a minimum divergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Picotronic GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Drolshagen, Thiemo Komischke, David Heckner
  • Publication number: 20110038161
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, first and second beam-directing prism elements, and a transmission device. The light source emits a light beam. The first beam-directing prism element is arranged in a first direction. The second beam-directing prism element is arranged in a second direction and partially overlapped with the first beam-directing prism element. When the light beam passes through different regions of the first and second beam-directing prism elements, different bending angles are resulted. The transmission device is connected to the first and second beam-directing prism elements for driving movement of the first beam-directing prism element in the first direction and movement of the second beam-directing prism element in the second direction. Accordingly, the light beam emitted by the light source simultaneously passes through one of the regions of the first beam-directing prism element and one of the regions of the second beam-directing prism element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Light-On IT Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Fa Hou
  • Patent number: 7871183
    Abstract: A light source for an atomizing device, specifically an atom absorption spectrometer comprising one, two, or more lamps, whose ray can be selected by means of at least one two-dimensionally moveable optical selection element, and which can be directed in the direction of atomizing device. Fine-tuning is thereby achieved quickly with little constructive expenditure and with low costs. A very high degree of accuracy is possible from the selector through a rotational and highly adjustable rotation spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: David H. Tracy, Bernhard H. Radziuk, Klaus Fischer
  • Patent number: 7862208
    Abstract: A dimming device for a searchlight for adjusting the brightness of a light field generated by a searchlight is provided. The dimming device comprising a plurality of different screening elements, which are formed and provided to partly or completely screen the light emitted by the searchlight. The screening elements are formed by different structured masks at least partly screening the light emitted by the searchlight, which include regularly arranged opaque or partly transparent regions and transparent regions. Means each are provided for incremental adjustment of the brightness of the generated light field of the searchlight either to bring the screening elements into the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to reduce the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level, or to remove the same from the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to increase the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Erwin Melzner
  • Patent number: 7837347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a luminaire comprising a lamp housing having an upper surface and at least one opposed pair of lamp holders extending downwardly from opposing ends of said housing. The housing includes a plurality of apertures in the upper surface thereof to permit transmission of light therethrough and a reversible reflector capable of being secured to said housing in a plurality of positions having a plurality of apertures therein wherein in a first position the apertures in said reflector are aligned with the apertures in said housing to permit light transmission therethrough and wherein in a second position the apertures in said housing are covered by said reflector to prohibit light transmission therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Warner, William Thomas Busch, Charles Adrian Phillips, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100246183
    Abstract: Described are an improved automated luminaire 12 and luminaire systems 10 employing an improved iris 40. The iris 40 is improved by simultaneously improving the thermal conductivity of the system for wicking away heat and the use of a bearing race 41 within the iris structure 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: PAVEL JURIK
  • Patent number: 7798675
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods and systems for use in providing enhanced illumination. Some embodiments include at least two light sources and one or more smoothly rotating wheels, where the one or more wheels comprises at least one mirror sector, the circumferential portion of the mirror sector is the inverse of the number of said sources, a first source of the sources is so disposed that the mirror sector reflects light from the first source into a common output path, where the first source pulsing such that a duty cycle of the first source corresponds to a time the mirror sector reflects light from the first source into the common output path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Julio Cesar Chaves, Juan Carlos Minano, William A. Parkyn, Jr., Waqidi Falicoff, Pablo Benitez, Roberto Alvarez, Oliver Dross
  • Patent number: 7736037
    Abstract: A projector assembly having a light source and a reflector body positioned proximately to the light source for reflecting light forward along an axis of the projector assembly. Mounted to the reflector body is a lens. The lens is in front of and at a distance from the light source to focus the light into a beam pattern. An actuator is mounted to the reflector body and includes a pair of rotatable shafts extending from opposing ends along an axis that is perpendicular to and below the axis of the projector assembly. A light shield is mounted onto the rotatable shafts of the actuator and is rotatable between a first position, wherein substantially all of the light below the axis of the projector assembly is blocked, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the light below the axis of the projector assembly is allowed to project forward through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libor Losak, Vladimir Dobrus, Jiri Kopenec
  • Publication number: 20100135023
    Abstract: A lighting device having a light source and devices for changing the illumination area, comprising two arrangements made of transparent flat components with oblong imaging elements disposed next to each other in a parallel fashion, having a surface deviating from a plane on at least one side, the imaging properties of the component arrangements can be changeable and the longitudinal axes of the one component arrangement being perpendicular to those of the other, characterized in that the light source is a matrix-shaped arrangement of light emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Sebastian Heise
  • Patent number: 7703948
    Abstract: A light effect system includes a light source and one or more aperture elements interposed between the light source and an exit lens of the system. The aperture element comprises at least one aperture and at least one light effect element positioned therein. This invention concerns a system where the aperture element comprises at least two “fingers” partly surrounding each light effect element in at least 180° of the circumference. These snapping “fingers” engage with the contour of the outer surface of the said light effect element in order to hold the light effect element in position in the aperture, and the said fingers are formed of a flexible material. Hereby, it is achieved that the locking and releasing of the light effect component can be done by push and pull in an ideal perpendicular direction to the light path. In other words, no angling, bending or twisting is necessary, so a minimum of space is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventor: Carsten Dalsgaard
  • Patent number: 7703947
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a flexible color filter material coupled to a scrolling mechanism that moves the material in a first direction to position a selected portion of the color filter material in a part of a light beam from the fixture. A device coupled to the mechanism may move the mechanism in a second direction so that another part of the light beam passes unfiltered. Different areas of the color filter material produce different colors. The device may move the mechanism in a direction parallel to a plane of the color filter material. The device may rotate the scrolling mechanism about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the plane of the color filter material. The color filter material may include a dichroic filter. The light fixture may also include a second scrolling mechanism coupled to flexible diffusion material, such that at least a part of the light beam of the light fixture may be diffused by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Omnicolor, L.P.
    Inventors: Jack Calmes, Kevin Stone
  • Patent number: 7682038
    Abstract: A portable light is provided having a reflector assembly configured to create multiple modes of light reflection. The reflector assembly surrounds a light source and has first and second reflectors that together define a substantially continuous reflective surface. The second reflector is mounted for axial movement relative to the first reflector. Thus, different modes of light reflection can be produced. In an exemplary embodiment, the second reflector is disposed within a central opening defined by the first reflector, and the reflectors combine to define a substantially parabolic reflective surface, with the light source disposed at a focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Brinkman Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Wood
  • Patent number: 7625101
    Abstract: A lighting device has a light source, a light pipe, two convex magnifying lenses, and an adjusting mechanism for moving the two magnifying lenses relative to the light source. The light emitted from the light source is dispersed and directed into the light pipe by a reflector. The light pipe transfers collimated light through the first and second magnifier lenses which redirects the light to produce a circular spotlight beam having uniform intensity. The size of the spotlight beam is adjusted by an adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Alessio
  • Patent number: 7461950
    Abstract: A field sequential lighting device for emitting light corresponding to a plurality of colors using a field sequential method includes: a light source; and a light converting section for intensifying the emitted light by sequentially converting the light, emitted from the light source, corresponding to the plurality of colors. By doing this, it is possible to provide a field sequential lighting device using the light emitted from the light source efficiently and having desirable color reproducibility, and an image projecting device having it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuya Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20080180951
    Abstract: An illumination system (10), comprising an illumination source (2) and a mechanical dimming device (4) for dimming the amount of light generated by the illumination source (2) and emanating from the lighting apparatus, comprising an array of partially overlapping blades, the array of blades being mechanically operable to define an optical passageway there through of variable cross sectional area, wherein each blade comprises at least one overlapping segment and at least one non-overlapping segment, the overlapping segments being a color filter and the non-overlapping segments being a shutter. In a preferred embodiment the color of the color filter is in the range from yellow to amber to red. This arrangement is especially useful with a high intensity lamp as the illumination source, and provides for natural dimming of the light produced by the illumination source over the range of from about 0 to 100% causing a color change in the projected light that resemble natural sunset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Hofmann, Roger Jean Quirinus Van Den Plas
  • Publication number: 20080175001
    Abstract: The invention provides a light exposure apparatus containing a light exposure control device for curing light sensitive adhesives. The light exposure apparatus includes a) a light source; b) a light transmitter for transmitting light from the light source; and c) a light intensity controlling component between the light source and the light transmitter. The light intensity controlling component includes a light regulator having a planar face between the light source and the light transmitter. The light regulator has opaque members having a continuously tapered width, on the face of the light regulator. Each planar member is spaced from adjacent planar members by a light transparent segment having a tapered width, on the face of the light regulator. The light regulator is mounted such that a portion of the opaque members and portion of the substantially light transparent segments are adjustably positioned between the light source and the light transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: George H. Lester, Thomas J. Cavanaugh, Kirk A. Middlemass, Stephan J. W. Platzer
  • Patent number: 7384174
    Abstract: An articulating lighting system and lamp frame (1) with many configurations in use and installation by rotation of frame components (2, 3) about a central axis (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Ejnesman
  • Publication number: 20080106901
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a flexible color filter material coupled to a scrolling mechanism that moves the material in a first direction to position a selected portion of the color filter material in a part of a light beam from the fixture. A device coupled to the mechanism may move the mechanism in a second direction so that another part of the light beam passes unfiltered. Different areas of the color filter material produce different colors. The device may move the mechanism in a direction parallel to a plane of the color filter material. The device may rotate the scrolling mechanism about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the plane of the color filter material. The color filter material may include a dichroic filter. The light fixture may also include a second scrolling mechanism coupled to flexible diffusion material, such that at least a part of the light beam of the light fixture may be diffused by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: OMNICOLOR, L.P.
    Inventors: Jack Calmes, Kevin Stone
  • Patent number: 7350941
    Abstract: A control of gobos defined by records in the gobo. The gobos are formed by menued shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7322706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting light intensity for discharge lamp projectors with an optical assembly that contains a spherical mirror and a discharge lamp, and a Fresnel lens provided in front of the lamp of the optical assembly. The device is characterized in that an iris diaphragm (5) is provided on the optical assembly, in front of the lamp, in correspondence with the focus of the optical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: De Sisti Lighting S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario De Sisti, Fabio De Sisti
  • Patent number: 7270444
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7261438
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) has a light source, a light pipe (28), two convex magnifying lenses (40, 60), and an adjusting mechanism (20) for moving the two magnifying lenses (40, 60) relative to the light source. The light emitted from the light source is dispersed and directed into the light pipe (28) by a reflector (26). The light pipe (28) transfers collimated light through the first (40) and second (60) magnifier lenses which redirects the light to produce a circular spotlight beam having uniform intensity. The size of the spotlight beam is adjusted by an adjusting mechanism (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Alessio
  • Patent number: 7234855
    Abstract: A lamp having a planar light-emitting source includes a light-guiding structure, a light-emitting portion, and a shading supporting seat. The point-shaped lighting units of the light-emitting portion emit the point-shaped light beams toward the side plane of the light-guiding structure. Then, these beams enter the light-guiding structure. After turning approximately 90 degrees, a uniformly distributed planar light generated from the light-emitting plane of the light-guiding structure. So, a planar light source is obtained. In this invention, it has a planar light-emitting function with better lighting efficiency. The planar lighting is evenly distributed without shadow. Its energy consumption and heat generation are low. The product's life is prolonged. Its volume is small and it is portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Green Point Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao Chen Chiu, Chi Feng Cheng, Ray Long Tsai, Hui Hua Hu, Ming Yuan Lai
  • Patent number: 7226185
    Abstract: An illumination system including a plurality of light source modules each including a light-emitting surface and a dome lens, an illumination target and at least one optical device disposed between at least one of the light source modules and the illumination target. Each optical device includes an alignment mechanism engaging the dome lens, and at least one optical element fixed to the alignment mechanism, the optical element having an optical axis. The alignment mechanism is releasably securable between a first position and a second position relative to the dome lens for adjusting the optical device between the first position where the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface and the illumination target, and second position where the optical axis passes through the light-emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Dolgin, Simon Magarill
  • Patent number: 7195359
    Abstract: A light fixture includes an adjustable shutter to illuminate a desired area. The fixture resides substantially behind a room surface (e.g., a ceiling) and includes a fixed portion residing on and behind the surface, and a movable portion which is extendable from the surface for adjustment of the shutter. A tilting member rotates in a rotating member to allow two axis of adjustment. A light bulb mounts in the tilting member, and light from the bulb is reflected by a mirror or prism to provide a compact fixture. A four part shutter is imposed between the bulb and the mirror or prism to adjust the shape and area which is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Mario W. Conti
  • Patent number: 7192162
    Abstract: A novel spotlight where the position of image formation does not change even when the zoom adjustment is made after focus adjustment, so that focus adjustment and zoom adjustment can be facilitated. When a drive shaft (10) is rotated by operating a zoom adjustment handle (5), a lens (4a) moves forward and backward according to an unequal pitch (P1) of a first screw section (15), and a lens (4b) moves forward and backward according to an equal pitch (P2) of a second screw section (16), so that the distances between the lenses (4a–4c) are changed and zoom adjustment is made. Focusing adjusted by a focus adjustment mechanism (b) does not change even when the distances between the lenses are changed. Therefore, focus adjustment and zoom adjustment can be made extremely simply, and the spotlight can be used particularly useful in performance space such as TV studios and theater stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Marumo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunemichi Tanaka, Tsutomu Ishizone
  • Patent number: 7163317
    Abstract: Color-changing apparatus, and an associated method, for a lighting assembly. One or more dichroic filters are selectably positioned in the path of a light beam generated by a light source. A positioner supportively positions the dichroic filter and effectuates its translation into and out of the path of the light beam. A set of dichroic filters, each separately supported by a separate actuating positioner permits a combination of dichroic filters to be combined to cause the light color of the light beam to be of any desired color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Wybron, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Warnecke, Kenneth R. Fasen
  • Patent number: 7144134
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Morpheus Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Romano, Robert Fry, Wallace Daniels
  • Patent number: 7108401
    Abstract: A specialized lighting fixture, such as a framing projector provided with a plurality of adjustable framing shutters, is modified to incorporate a pair of locking rings, surrounding the body of the lighting fixture and positioned on opposite sides of outwardly projecting portions of the framing shutters. After initial adjustment of the framing shutters has been completed, the locking rings are tightly compressed together, as by locking screws positioned between adjacent pairs of framing shutters, to lock the shutters in position against unintended dislodgment. For lighting fixtures of non-uniform shape, the locking rings may be made in two parts, preferably hinged together, which are secured together after being positioned on the housing of the lighting fixture. The locking rings are particularly adapted for retrofit installation on lighting fixtures of existing design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Lighting Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kane, Frank Cogliano
  • Patent number: 7008094
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a light source, a major reflecting surface, a projection lens, and a shutter. A first reflecting surface of an ellipse group reflecting surface preferably has a first focus on the light source and a second focus, capable of being inserted in or removed from an optical path from the light source to a second fixed reflecting surface. A first fixed reflecting surface of a parabolic group reflecting surface can include a focus on the second focus of the first reflecting surface, and at least two second reflecting surface elements. The second fixed reflecting surface can include a first focus on the light source and at least two third reflecting surface elements for reflecting light rays that have traveled an optical path from the light source thereto without being reflected by the first reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 6988817
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Production Resource Group L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 6942364
    Abstract: Luminaires particularly useful for ceiling mounting in either recessed or surface-mounted applications and intended for “washing” light over an adjacent wall, the “wall wash” luminaires of the invention are configured in preferred embodiments for operation with elongated lamping and particularly tubular fluorescent lamping including T5 lamps. The present luminaires are usually provided with elongated and other apertures, certain of which are often referred to as “small” apertures, conformed by shaping of at least one elongated edge thereof to minimize alternating relatively light and dark striations on adjacent walls. Luminaires according to the invention having relatively narrow elongated apertures function to transition abrupt changes in luminance imaged onto an adjacent wall by alteration of aperture opening, such as by an extension of structure from one elongated edge of such an aperture, thereby to produce a more smooth vertical light distribution over the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Wegner, Carl T. Gould
  • Patent number: 6926427
    Abstract: A process and apparatus reversibly converts an ellipsoidal stage lamp into a projector for projecting light with special effects onto a stage. The apparatus includes a replacement for the shutter section, which is a cabinet for disposition within the ellipsoidal stage lamp to replace the shutter section. The cabinet defines a first opening disposed along and around the optical axis of the ellipsoidal stage lamp and which is open to the base and lamp having a filament. The cabinet has one open side for permitting the sliding insertion of a drawer. The drawer, which is mountable to the cabinet, has a second opening disposed along and around the optical axis of the ellipsoidal stage lamp and open to the base and lamp when the drawer is inserted to the cabinet. A movable projector plane is mounted to the drawer across the second opening for insertion to the cabinet at the open side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: GAMProducts, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Tawil, Lee Conlon
  • Patent number: 6817737
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Morpheous Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Romano, Robert Fry, Wallace Daniels
  • Patent number: 6796683
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.
    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: 6796682
    Abstract: A stage lighting instrument having a high-intensity light source or lamp coupled with a concave reflector, and a projection optical system having a lens system that includes an aperture stop. The lens system forms a real image of the light source encompassing or near the aperture. A color filter and dimming system may be located within the lens system so that the color filter and dimming elements occupy a volume of space near the aperture stop and within the real image of the light source. By locating the color and dimming apparatus near the aperture stop and within the volume occupied by a real image of the light source, superior color mixing, dimming and integration is achieved using simple, un-patterned filters and a simply-shaped dimmer panel. A color filter and dimming system may alternatively be located as close to the light source as possible so that a real image of the color filter and dimming elements is formed near the aperture stop where the image of the light source is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hough, Richard K. Steele
  • Publication number: 20040125602
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Light & Sound Design Ltd., a British corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6755555
    Abstract: An auxiliary illuminating device that has an adjustable color temperature. The color temperature is adjusted by varying the light throughput of independently adjustable color filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel M Bloom, Mark J Bianchi, Robert E. Sobol
  • Patent number: 6687063
    Abstract: Units for projection of profiled images and for floodlighting suffer from a tradeoff between the quality of the illuminated field and efficiency. The hue, saturation, and intensity must be continuously controllable, and the quality of the illuminated field must be even. According to the invention the optical components have been refined according to a general principle which enables the use of efficient elliptical reflectors without a reduction in quality for both purposes. Each color is controlled by relatively moveable filters having a comblike structure in which the design of the individual teeth compensates for the interaction of the many variables. The intensity is controlled by mechanical dimmers which are designed according to the same principles. This construction will also improve the quality of condenser type projection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
  • Publication number: 20040017685
    Abstract: A spotlight with perimetrical delimitation of the emitted light beam, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical element that can move axially with respect to the light beam in order to adjust the breadth of the light beam, and a Fresnel lens for diffusing the light beam. Beam adjusting elements are provided for delimiting perimetrically the light beam which are associated with the optical element and can move axially with it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: COEMAR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
  • Patent number: 6632004
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed which comprises an illuminating light source for illuminating an object, a first optical unit disposed on the side of the object of the illuminating light source and having an optical action section for diverging light or an optical action section for converging light, and a second optical unit disposed on the side of the object of the optical action section of the first optical unit and having an optical action section for exhibiting a characteristic opposite to a characteristic of the optical action section, wherein the optical action section of the second optical unit overlies the optical action section of the first optical unit in varying areas to change light distribution characteristic on the side of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Saburo Sugawara, Yoshiharu Tenmyo, Takayuki Uchida, Nobuhisa Kojima
  • Patent number: 6578987
    Abstract: A stage lighting instrument having a high-intensity light source or lamp coupled with a concave reflector, and a projection optical system having a lens system that includes a well-defined aperture stop. The lens system forms a real image of the light source near the aperture stop. A color filter and dimming system may be located within the lens system so that the color filter and dimming elements occupy a volume of space near the aperture stop and within the real image of the light source. By locating the color and dimming apparatus near the aperture stop and within the volume occupied by a real image of the light source, superior color mixing, dimming and integration is achieved using simple, unpatterned filters and a simply-shaped dimmer panel. A color filter and dimming system may alternatively be located as close to the light source as possible so that a real image of the color filter and dimming elements is formed near the aperture stop where the image of the light source is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hough, Richard K. Steele
  • 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: 6547429
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly comprising a reflector, with three (3) mounting bosses arranged in a triangular fashion on the rear side thereof, a light source and a housing. Three (3) pivot sockets are fixedly attached to each mounting boss, respectively. The vehicle lamp assembly also comprises two (2) ball pivot adjusting screws that are movably secured within two (2) of the three (3) pivot sockets, and an actuator ball pivot that is movably secured within the third pivot socket. An actuator is fixedly attached at one end to the housing and attached at the other end to the actuator ball pivot in a manner that permits linear motion of the actuator. The invention further comprises a vertical adjuster plate and a reflector plate. Movement of the actuator causes the reflector to adjust in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thus allowing the vehicle lamp assembly to produce both low beam and high beam lighting functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Vanduyn, Tony E. Collins
  • Patent number: 6536922
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Publication number: 20030035290
    Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: James M. Bornhorst