With Actuator Patents (Class 362/284)
  • Patent number: 5772314
    Abstract: A ceiling ornament system for a ceiling mounted light arrangement includes a flat parabolically shaped non-translucent sheet assembly fixedly or rotatably supported from the ceiling. The light arrangement is formed by an array of horizontally disposed lighting fixtures, each of which has a base depending directly from the bottom of the ceiling. The sheet assembly has holes, preferably arranged in a celestial pattern, which transmit light from the light arrangement through the sheet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Daryl J. Brumer
  • Patent number: 5772302
    Abstract: A strobe device is provided, including a light source and a reflector which reflects part of the light emitted from the light source. The reflector is provided with a reflecting surface that is shaped to form virtual images of the light source behind the reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tuyoshi Ishikawa, Shinichi Kusakawa, Yuji Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5769525
    Abstract: The headlight has a reflector (10) and a light source (12) which is arranged in a lamp carrier (22), which can be pivoted in relation to the reflector (10) about a horizontal axis (30) between a position for low beam and a position for high beam by means of an actuator (42). Starting from the position for low beam, the light source (12) is moved as a result of the pivoting movement about the axis (30), together with the lamp carrier (22), both in the direction of the optical axis (11) of the reflector (10) towards its vertex and also vertically downward in relation to the optical axis (11). Starting from the low beam reflected by the reflector (10) in the case of the arrangement of the light source (12) in its low beam position, the result achieved is both a concentration of the light beam reflected by the reflector (10) and an elevation of the light beam, so that an effective high beam is generated by means of which the remote region in front of the vehicle is illuminated with a high illumination intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Rainer Neumann, Frieder Liedtke, Lothar Streit, Albert Vent, Doris Boebel
  • Patent number: 5758955
    Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 5739604
    Abstract: The stator of an electric motor is provided by coils 22 disposed in an interrupted-annular array about a central space such that a path A through the array is provided whereby a selected one of a plurality of rotors 21 can be moved in the plane of and through the array into and out of said central space. In the preferred embodiment each rotor 21 is a gobo freely rotatable on a wheel which can be indexed to bring it into a light path, when it will be positioned to be rotated when the coils 22 are energised. The non-annular disposition of the coils 22 results in a motor of low torque but it is is adequate to rotate a gobo disc, which is simply a perforated sheet of metal. As applied to a disco lighting unit the motor of the invention provides a much cheaper and simpler drive arrangement for gobo discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mad Lighting Limited
    Inventor: David Thomas Summerland
  • Patent number: 5733036
    Abstract: A louvered light control controls the light emitted by a standard drop-in fluorescent light fixture. The fluorescent light fixture is removed and a louver frame containing first and second louver assemblies stacked within the louver frame is inserted in place of the lens. The louver assemblies are oriented so that the louver vanes of the first louver assembly are at a right angle with respect to the louver vanes of the second louver assembly. Adjusting means for adjusting the movable vanes of the first and second louver assemblies between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position permit control of light emitted by the fluorescent light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Tommie Lee Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5711590
    Abstract: An improved headlight having variable light distribution is provided, where said headlight comprises a reflector divided into an upper movable light distribution reflector and a lower fixed light distribution reflector by a horizontal line located 10 to 30 mm above the optical axis of the light source and the reflector, of which said movable light distribution reflector is rotatable around a vertical rotary axis practically crossing the optical axis of the light source and said fixed light distribution reflector is designed to reflect 50 to 60% of the total quantity of light applied to the reflector. With such an arrangement, the swerving side of the automobile is satisfactorily illuminated by the movable light distribution reflector while a desired frontal light distribution pattern of the headlight is ensured by the fixed light distribution reflector because the two reflectors provide a substantially equal quantity of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Gotoh, Toshiaki Aoki, Takashi Futami, Masahito Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5711598
    Abstract: A lamp device includes a light emitting unit for emitting a light beam, a light filtering unit, first and second focusing lenses, and a total internal reflection unit. The light filtering unit has a glass-holding frame and a pair of flat glasses which are fixed opposedly to the glass-holding frame. A space is formed between the flat glasses. A damping fluid is received in the space, and a plurality of colored glass fragments are dispersed in the damping fluid. The light filtering unit is positioned adjacent the light emitting unit so that the light beam from the light emitting unit can pass through the flat glasses and the colored glass fragments. The first and second focusing lenses are spaced opposedly from one another. The first focusing lens is positioned adjacent the light filtering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: George Weng
    Inventor: I-Fu Tseng
  • Patent number: 5709452
    Abstract: The headlamp has a headlamp insert (10), which is mounted pivotably at its front marginal region (22) in a portion (26) of a receiving fixture (12) and which is acted upon, at a distance from its bearing point, by an adjusting device. The receiving fixture portion (26) surrounds the headlamp insert (10) on its periphery and between the headlamp insert (10) and the receiving fixture portion (26) there is clamped an elastically deformable element (29) in the form of a ring. By means of the ring (29), the headlamp insert (10) is mounted pivotably without play in the receiving fixture portion (26). Changes in distance which, upon a swivel motion of the headlamp insert (10), arise between this and the receiving fixture portion (26) are counterbalanced by the ring (29) and this ring, together with the receiving fixture portion (26), constitutes a very simple mounting for the headlamp insert (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Bertling, Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Juergen Mueller, Lothar Streit, Albert Vent
  • Patent number: 5691886
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Stacy
  • Patent number: 5683163
    Abstract: An adjustable indicator assembly for indicating a position of a reflector (14) in a vehicle lamp (10) includes an adjustable indicator follower (42) for moving axially along a rotatable threaded shaft (18). The adjustable indicator follower defines a laterally-opening mouth for receiving multiple, intertwined, male indicator threads (40) of the threaded shaft. The adjustable indicator follower can be moved laterally to bring a female follower thread, in the laterally-opening mouth, into and out of engagement with the male indicator threads of the threaded shaft. The adjustable indicator follower rides in a stationary track (44) which allows this axial and lateral motion of the adjustable indicator follower. Hand grips (56a and b) allow an operator to move, by hand, the adjustable indicator follower. The adjustable indicator follower has spring arms (48a and b) for engaging opposite sides of a guide rib (76) and a rear guide surface (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Karol Goldschmidt, Heiko Briese
  • Patent number: 5676447
    Abstract: An oscillating signal light mechanism comprises a base, at least one signal light assembly mounted on the base for rotation of the light assembly relative to the base about an axis, a source of motive power having a rotating output shaft, a drive wheel, an oscillator, a driven wheel, and a belt. The drive wheel is operatively mounted on the base for rotation relative to the base. The oscillator is operatively connected to both the drive wheel and the motive power source output shaft and is configured to oscillate the drive wheel in response to rotation of the motive power source output shaft. The driven wheel is operatively connected to the light assembly for rotating the light assembly. The belt engages the periphery of the drive wheel and engages the periphery of the driven wheel to cause oscillation of the driven wheel upon oscillation of the drive wheel. The belt is securely fixed to a first portion of the driven wheel to prevent radial separation of the belt from the first portion of the driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 5669695
    Abstract: An automotive vehicular headlamp adjustment mechanism comprises a ball rod having a ball element disposed upon a free end thereof for connection to a vehicular headlamp housing. A threaded drive rod, having oppositely disposed threaded sections formed thereon, is rotatably journalled within a bushing member which slidably supports the ball rod for slidable movement in extension and retraction directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Albert Willem van Boven, Samuel P. Amdahl
  • Patent number: 5660455
    Abstract: An automotive headlamp having a tilt measuring device for measuring an amount of horizontal tilt of a reflector is mounted between an aiming screw and a guide member extending parallel to the aiming screw. The aiming screw is supported by a lamp body. By turning (or moving back and forth) the aiming screw, the reflector is tilted in the horizontal direction. The tilt measuring device includes a slide member loosely coupled to the aiming screw and slidable along a guide member, a screw holding member functioning such that when the screw holding member grasps the aiming screw in proximity to the slide member, the sliding motion of the slide member is associated with the rotation (or the back and forth movement) of the aiming screw, and when the screw holding member is retracted to the side of the aiming screw, the coupling of the slide member with the aiming screw is released, a cursor provided on the slide member, and a scale provided on the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Tsukamoto, Katutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 5658070
    Abstract: A fiberoptic illumination system having an attenuator with a "multiple wedge" aperture that more uniformly attenuates the light beam striking the fiberoptic without changing the color temperature of the light beam or affecting the exit divergence angle of the light beam. The system includes an optical housing design having orthogonal lights paths that allows two fiberoptics to be illuminated from the same bulb, two bulbs located in primary and back-up positions, respectively, mounted on a rotating carousel and a retinal protection filter that filters out wavelengths of light harmful to the retina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Scott Rowe, Eric Marason, David Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5647659
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a lamp body, a reflector accommodated in the lamp body and tiltably supported with respect to the lamp body by an aiming mechanism, and an aiming screw which constitutes a part of the aiming mechanism and extends in a front-rear direction of the lamp body. The rear end part of the aiming screw penetrates the rear wall of the lamp body and protrudes rearward from the lamp body. An orthogonal conversion gear mechanism engaging a rear end part of the aiming screw and has a rotational operating shaft linked with the aiming screw for causing the same to rotate. The rotational operating shaft is provided on an upper end thereof with a concave engaging part engageable with the tip of a driver tool. An expanding member protruding from the rear wall of the lamp body covers the orthogonal conversion gear mechanism like a visor. The expanding member also serves as a driver guide for guiding the tip end of the driver to a concave engaging part of the rotational operating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideshi Mori
  • Patent number: 5645338
    Abstract: A light distribution control device includes a projection type headlamp for a motor vehicle in which a clear cut line in a light distribution pattern is varied by rotating a shade for forming a clear cut line about a horizontal support shaft. A vehicle-to-vehicle distance measuring sensor for measures a distance between a vehicle carrying the light distribution control device and another vehicle running in front of the former, and a shade rotation control unit controls the rotational position of the shade. The angular position of the shade at which the amount of glare at an eye point specified by a vehicle-to-vehicle distance and a rotation angle of the steering wheel is smaller than a tolerable quantity of glare is stored in the form of table data in the control unit. The control unit sets the rotational angle of the shade on the basis of distance information measured by the vehicle-to-vehicle distance measuring sensor, and the steering angle of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5613752
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an improved forensic light source comprising a source of light and support structure for supporting the source of light is provided. A light guide having first and second ends is coupled to the source of light at the first end to receive light from the source of light and transmit the light to the second end. The light guide is mounted on the support structure. A filter support member supports a plurality of filters. A movable light directing assembly is mounted on the second end of the light guide for movably supporting the filter support member for movement to a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to the coupling of a selected one of the filters to the second end, whereby the light is filtered by the selected filter. A heat sink may be coupled to the first end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Instruments SA, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicolas Vezard
  • Patent number: 5607220
    Abstract: A headlight has a housing and a reflector arranged in the housing adjustably by an adjusting screw. An indicating device controls the setting of the reflector and has a movable indicating part which follows turning of the adjusting screw and a substantially stationary indicating part arranged outside of the housing. The substantially stationary indicating part is arranged on a guide so that it is difficult to displace. In other words, the substantially stationary indicating part can be displaced to assume a base setting and in its set position is fixed. However, during travels of the vehicle, it no longer displaces on the guide under the action of vibrations and other influences. The ability of the substantially stationary indicating part to be difficult to displace can be provided for example by arranging of the substantially stationary indicating part on the guide with a slight press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Weihing, Georg Ebinger, Ulrike Hartick, Horst Runtschke, Eberhard Baur
  • Patent number: 5608580
    Abstract: A device presenting a disk supporting two prisms and rotating about an axis offset in relation to the path of an incident beam. One of the two prisms is in the shape of part of a circle, and presents a series of faces in the form of parallel portions of the circle, and which are inclined, in relation to a plane perpendicular to their axis, by an angle increasing gradually towards the peripheral face of the prism. The disk and the two prisms are rotated by two electric motors via respective gear assemblies; and the disk is fitted to a shaft also fitted with a gear of the respective gear assembly. Each of the two prisms is integral with a ring gear, and the respective gear assembly presents a gear rotating on the shaft of the disk and meshing simultaneously with both ring gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
  • Patent number: 5590955
    Abstract: A variable light modifier provides rapid beam deflection and flipping with a minimum of noise, power consumption and heat generation. In one embodiment of the invention, a dual-sided reflector is pivotable along orthogonal axes by pan and tilt mechanisms. The pan and tilt mechanisms are driven by pan and tilt motors, one or both of which remain stationary with respect to the yoke. The variable light modifier can be used to deflect light beams generated by one or more light sources and can reflect the light from one or both reflective surfaces of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bornhorst, Bradley D. Ellis, Richard W. Hutton
  • Patent number: 5573326
    Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device of a vehicle lamp is provided which comprises a reflector tiltably fixed to a lamp housing by a joint member; an aiming screw, turnably laid between the lamp housing and the reflector, for tilting the reflector; a drive gear fastened to an end of the aiming screw; a racing gear facing the drive gear and mounted on the aiming screw so as to rotate relatively with the aiming screw; toothed parts formed in respective surfaces of the drive and racing gears facing each other; and a guide, formed on the housing, for guiding a tool to be engaged with the toothed parts. When the tool is turned, the aiming screw is turned simultaneously with the rotation of the drive gear. The racing gear rotates in a direction opposite to that of the drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Iijima
  • Patent number: 5546289
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a light source, a floor plate with holes and optical fibers one of which is mechanically and optically coupled to one of the holes. The light source includes an enclosure coupled, a light system fixedly coupled to the enclosure, a cylinder, which is hollow and transparent and which has an outer sidewall, concentrically aligned with the light system and rotatably coupled to the enclosure, a plurality of bands of tape, which are transparent, concentrically aligned with the light system and serially disposed on the outer sidewall of the cylinder and a drive system fixedly coupled to the enclosure and mechanically coupled to the cylinder in order to rotate it. The light system generates an output of light. The output of light passes through the outer sidewall. Each optical fiber is optically coupled to the light source at a second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Michael D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5537303
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Stacy
  • Patent number: 5517388
    Abstract: A parabolic reflector (14) is rotated about a stationary light source (12) to create a beacon. A low profile stepper motor (30) includes a centrally located spindle (34) having a socket (35) in which the light source (12) is placed. A hub (50) fits over the spindle (34). The hub (50) includes a slot (57) that receives a corresponding tab (16) on the parabolic reflector so that, as the low profile stepper motor (30) rotates, the parabolic reflector (14) is rotated about the light source (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Dominion Automotive Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Hutchisson
  • Patent number: 5513084
    Abstract: A Christmas tree decoration has a motor driven carousel (A) for displaying a series of images on a transparent film strip (B). A hollow transparent support (C) is provided for supplying an upright receptacle for retention of the photographs upon the carousel for rotation therewith for sequentially displaying the images on the film strip. A light bulb (D) provides the necessary illumination and a hanger (E) is provided for suspension of the Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ted L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5513083
    Abstract: A rotary device of a projector includes a plate and a board engaged by extending a shaft of a motor engaged to a side of the board through a center of the board and the plate respectively, the board having an opening defined therein and the plate having a plurality of holes defined therein, the opening and each one of the holes coinciding with each other respectively when the plate is rotated about the shaft, the plate having a main gear fixedly engaged to the shaft and four ring elements extending transversely from the plate, each ring element having an inner periphery defining the corresponding hole and having a toothed portion defined in an outer portion thereof engaged to the main gear, a first one-way stop engaged to the plate, when a torque transmitted from the motor is less than the resistant force between the first one-way stop and the plate, each of the ring elements rotates while the plate is static, otherwise, the plate is rotated about the shaft while each of the ring elements is rotated therewith
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ming C. Chang
  • Patent number: 5485359
    Abstract: A remote control holder and illumination device, for a remote control having a keypad has a base, an illumination member and a mirror housing adjustment member. The base has a guide passage therein. A fastening member is attached to the upper surface of the base to fasten the base to the remote control. The illumination member has a support frame slidingly attached to the base. A mirror housing is connected to the support frame. A convex mirror is attached to the mirror housing. The mirror may be curved in a convex or concave manner. A mirror housing adjustment member has a guide tab, connected to the support frame, that traverses the guide passage. An actuation member extends through the guide passage to allow the user to adjust the position of the mirror housing along the length of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: William J. Galvin
  • Patent number: 5461554
    Abstract: A double ended high intensity lamp holder of the type used in television and motion picture lighting applications is provided with an improved lamp holder for securely and safely supporting a double ended lamp. The improved fixture includes a pair of lamp holder assemblies each including a generally U-shaped lamp holder member with a spring clip thereon for quick and easy snap-fit reception of the opposite ends of a double ended lamp. The two lamp holder members are resiliently suspended by a spring mounting arrangement from a corresponding pair of support brackets, whereby the double ended lamp is resiliently mounted in a manner substantially isolating and protecting the lamp against damage due to thermal stress, physical shock, vibration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Leonetti Company
    Inventors: Frank M. Leonetti, Luis E. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5459646
    Abstract: An automobile headlamp in which an illumination angle of the headlamp can be adjusted laterally by pivoting a reflector right to left with respect to a lamp body. A leveling device for measuring the lateral inclination of a reflector is held between the reflector and a lamp body. The leveling device includes tubular holders which are fixedly fitted into the holder fitting hole of the lamp body and extend longitudinally, a sliding rod which is slidably fitted into the holder, has its leading end urged to abut against the rear side of the reflector and slides in the holder in association with the inclination of the reflector, and graduations provided between the sliding rod and the holder. Flanges are formed on the holder by fixing them to the peripheral edge of the holding fitting hole with screws, whereas vertical walls are formed at the peripheral edge of the holder fitting hole of the lamp body. The vertical walls engage the respective flanges in the peripheral direction and surround the holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Sato
  • Patent number: 5455755
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a light display. The apparatus includes a display housing having at least one lens aperture and a light source for illuminating the interior of the housing with light having a specified wavelength. At least one light-collecting profile part capable of glowing when exposed to light of the specified wavelength is mounted within the display housing. A lens mounted in the lens aperture is provided for diffusing and scattering light associated with the light-collecting profile part. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides an interactive light display toy for amusement. The toy includes a housing having a lens aperture and a canister aperture. A canister containing light-collecting profile parts is rotatably mounted at least partially within the housing. The canister has at least one side wall formed at least partially from a light-diffusing canister lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Bandy
  • Patent number: 5453914
    Abstract: An adjustable composite device has at least two parts, an adjusting screw adjusting the parts relative to one another and also screw being axially fixed with one of the structural parts so as to be rotatable relative to the latter and threadingly connectable with another of the structural parts, an open threaded shell which is formed on the another structural part, and a U-shaped elastic holding element releasably mounted on the another structural part and having one leg engaging a portion of the another structural part and another leg engaging the adjusting screw so as to hold the adjusting screw with a part of its periphery under tensioning in abutment in the threaded shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Otto Dobler
  • Patent number: 5448455
    Abstract: Provided by this invention is an improved animated light signage device in which no electrical line connecting to an electrical wall outlet is used and no internal light source is used. The device has an animation element through which light flows and is forwarded through optical fibers to provide an animated light signage in one or more display face panels. A process for providing animated light signage by use of the device is also a part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Fiber Optics Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyr A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5442524
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing enhanced security and the deterrence of unauthorized or illegal entry into residential or commercial premises by the creation of the perception of occupancy in an outside observer, by passing differing patterns of light and shadow across the surfaces of translucent window coverings in a seemingly random sequence and at varying speed and frequency while also causing the illumination and extinguishment of a secondary llight source in another part of the structure at irregular intervals for variable periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Larry Q. Farmer
  • Patent number: 5424923
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp assembly is provided which includes a bulb; a reflector housing mounting the bulb; at least one rod pivotally connected to the housing; an adjuster body encircling the rod and threadably engaged therewith, the adjuster body having an insertion end generally opposite the reflector housing and a slot on the insertion end; a vehicle panel with an aperture for receipt of the adjuster body insertion end; and a slider mounted for relative movement with respect to the panel. The slider has an aperture with a first dimension for receipt of the insertion end of the adjuster body, and the slider aperture has a second end with a smaller dimension for encircling the adjuster body adjacent the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Young, Randall J. Smith, William E. Nagengast, Brian E. Witte
  • Patent number: 5422792
    Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle comprises at least one light generator with a light source, a plurality of light conductors receiving light from the light source, a plurality of light distributing units connected with the light conductors and operating for different illuminating functions, and a screening device associated with at least one of the light distributing units and switchable between a passive position in which the screening device permits supplying light in the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit to the light distributing unit or permits exiting of light from the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit, and an active position in which the screening device screens light of the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit from entering the one light distributing unit or exiting the one light distributing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Neumann
  • Patent number: 5416681
    Abstract: A color filter assembly having a color filter wheel revolvably mounted within a hole on a slide being reciprocated in a track, for the filtration of the light of a stage lighting through at least one lens thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the color filter wheel has a single lens, which has a plurality of refracting edges for refracting light in different directions. In another embodiment of the invention, the color filter wheel has a plurality of lens mounts meshed with one another to hold a respective color filter lens and turned by a motor drive to respectively filtrate a specific color from the light of the stage lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Wen-Chong Wu
  • Patent number: 5412543
    Abstract: In the rear of a collimator lens there is disposed a reflector having a bulb serving as a light source, and a shade is interposed between the collimator lens and bulb. The reflector is mounted by means of a guide engagement mechanism, which is arranged such that guide pins provided in the front edge portion of the reflector are pivotally and slidably engaged with a plurality of guide grooves formed in a guide plate fixed on the side of the collimator to thereby be able to deflect an optical axis. The guide engagement mechanism controls or displaces the reflector by use of a control motor. The shade is fixedly secured on the side of the collimator lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kobayashi, Hirohiko Ohshio, Masaaki Ishikawa, Hideki Uchida
  • Patent number: 5408389
    Abstract: A device and method of operation are disclosed which provide an improved light source. The device and its mode of operation serve to substantially reduce the energy required to produce sufficient light for normal human vision. A mechanical embodiment of the device serves to concentrate the total output of a light source into one or more relatively small beams, then sweep the beams of light around or over an area to be illuminated for vision. Alternatively, an electrical approach can be employed to achieve substantially the same results as the mechanical approach. Because the light emitted by the light source is concentrated within one or more relatively small beams, the intermittent lighting effect of which is undetectable by the human eye, a significant reduction in energy consumption can be achieved in that a lower-powered light source can be employed to achieve an illumination level which is comparable to that of a much higher-powered light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Glen E. Burlingame
  • Patent number: 5408398
    Abstract: A reflective base assembly for a performance stage lamp includes a base with a first pair of opposite sides and a second pair of opposite sides, a first pair of reflective mirrors respectively extending from the first pair of opposite sides of the base and meeting at a position above the base, a second pair of reflective mirrors respectively extending from the second pair of opposite sides of the base and meeting at a position above the meeting position of the first pair of reflective mirrors, and a pair of filter lenses respectively extending from the first pair of opposite sides of the base and meeting at a position above the meeting position of the second pair of reflective mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Ming C. Chang
  • Patent number: 5402326
    Abstract: A gobo holder for a lighting system is provided which includes a housing for removably receiving a gobo therewithin, the housing having first and second ends and being positioned in the beam of light such that light enters the housing through the first end, passes through the gobo and exits the housing through the second end, a support on the housing for supporting the gobo in the housing, the support being positioned such that the beam of light passing through the gobo is unobstructed by the support, and a spring retainer supported by the housing and in contact with and resiliently biasing the gobo into contact with the support, the spring retainer being positioned such that the beam of light passing through the gobo is unobstructed by the spring retainer. The gobo holder is particularly advantageous in that it is capable of securely retaining gobos of various thicknesses in position during use while permitting easy and quick replacement of the gobos during lighting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 5383101
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating radiation, which device comprises an electrically operated radiation source (1), a cap-like reflector means (9), which reflector means (9) is positioned around the radiation source (1). The reflector means (9) comprises an opening (13) for directing radiation out of the reflector means (9) towards a collecting optics (12) positioned in the vicinity of the opening (13). The device comprises a rotatable modulator means (15) including interrupting means (16 and 17) for modulating the radiation coming from the radiation source (1). The modulator means (15) is cup-like, comprising a bottom portion (18a), at which the modulator means (15) can be rotated, and a substantially circular wall portion (18b), which wall portion (18b) comprises the interrupting means (16 and 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Rautaruukki Oy
    Inventor: Heimo Keranen
  • Patent number: 5381317
    Abstract: A simplified adjusting mechanism for adjusting the aiming of a headlamp assembly in automobiles and the like includes a gear encircling a bushing and an adjustor screw that is journaled through the bushing. The adjustor mechanism is snapped into a stationary component of the headlamp assembly and the aiming of the headlamp is manually adjusted by using a drive tool. The adjustor mechanism has a series of indication lines that allow the user to adjust the aiming of the headlamp assembly back to its desired position if the headlamp assembly becomes misaligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Schmitt, Douglas E. Pherigo
  • Patent number: 5373425
    Abstract: A movable reflector type automobile headlamp in which the inclination of the reflector, and therefore the light beam, can be observed from in front of the headlamp. A level device is associated with the reflector, and an opening is provided in either the lamp body or the frame of the reflector such that the image of the level device is reflected by either a prism or a mirror, respectively, to the front of the headlamp. The inclination of the reflector is adjustable from in front of the headlamp through the use of interconnected aiming screws, gear mechanisms and adjusting screws. Further, a mechanically operated inclination detector is operatively connected with one of the adjusting screws for displaying a position of the reflector in a direction transverse to that indicated by the level device. The level device may be of a bubble type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katutada Shirai
  • Patent number: 5373424
    Abstract: An automotive-type projection headlamp having a substantially elliptical reflector, a light source (bulb) located at the first focal point of the reflector, a projection lens disposed in front of the reflector, and a shade located at a position near the second focal point of the reflector for partially intercepting light passing from the reflector toward the projection lens. The shade is rotatable about a horizontal support shaft, and has a circumferential surface spirally shaped as seen in a longitudinal sectional view, so that the distance from the center of rotation of the shade to a point on the circumference thereof gradually varies. The vertex of the shade is vertically varied by turning the shade about the horizontal support shaft, thereby controlling the distribution of the output light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5363092
    Abstract: A Portable signaling device comprises a housing having a first face and a second face, the housing being provided with a first opening in the first face and a second opening in the second face. The first opening is smaller than the second opening. A lamp is mounted to the housing for motion between a first position in which the lamp is oriented towards the first opening and a second position in which the lamp is oriented towards an interior of the housing. A shifting component is movably mounted to the housing and engageable with a lamp mount for operating on the mount to move the lamp between the first position and the second position. An electric power supply is provided in the housing. Contacts are provided in the housing for operatively connecting the power supply to the lamp at the first position and the second position only. At other positions of the lamp, the lamp is disconnected from the power supply and is therefore de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jovanka Starchevich
  • Patent number: 5359499
    Abstract: The reflector of the headlamp is pivotally supported within a housing for vertical tilting about a horizontal axis and for horizontal pivoting about a vertical axis. A bubble level is carried by the reflector and may be adjusted relative thereto to a level position after the reflector has been tilted about the horizontal axis to establish proper vertical aiming of the headlamp beam. A horizontal indicator is located at the same inspection position as the bubble level and may be adjusted to a zero setting after the reflector has been pivoted about the vertical axis to establish proper horizontal aiming of the beam. Part of a mounting platform for the bubble level also serves as part of an indicating scale for the horizontal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Elco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 5343371
    Abstract: A projection headlamp for cars has a substantially elliptical reflector 14, a light source 12 located at the first focal point of the reflector 14, a projection lens 16 disposed in front of the reflector 14, and a shade 20 located at a position near to the second focal point of the reflector 14 and the focal point of the projection lens 16, and the shade 20 partially intercepting light beams going from the reflector 14 toward the projection lens 16. The shade 20 is formed of a tubular member having a step 23 for forming preset light beam distribution patterns. The step 23 spirally extends on the circumferential outer surface of the tubular member in the axial direction. The shade 20 is rotatable about the horizontal shaft 24 of the reflector 14. With the rotation of the shade 20, a step position of the distribution pattern horizontally slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kobayashi, Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5343372
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp assembly with a tilt measuring device of small height, which is difficult to damage, requires a decreased number of parts, and is easy to assemble. The tilt measuring device is interposed between a protruding portion of a horizontal aiming screw protruding rearward of a reference member and the reference member. The tilt measuring device includes a fixed holder fixed to the reference member and covering the protruding portion of the horizontal aiming screw protruding rearward of the reference member, an elongated groove being formed in said fixed holder extending parallel to the horizontal aiming screw. A slidable nut member is received in the fixed holder in such a manner as to be longitudinally slidable relative to the fixed holder. The nut member threadedly engages the protruding portion of the horizontal aiming screw. A portion of the nut member is exposed through the elongated groove of the fixed holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katutada Shirai, Hideharu Mochizuki, Hironori Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 5337221
    Abstract: A highly controllable way to light target areas includes a primary reflector which generates a defined primary beam in association with a light source. The primary beam, or at least a portion of the primary beam, is directed onto a secondary reflector which generates a secondary beam to the target space. The secondary reflector can be configured in any number of contours, shapes, specularities, or other characteristics to alter and control the characteristics of the secondary beam.Various options, alternatives, and features are possible with the invention. For example, a plurality of light sources and primary reflectors can be used with one secondary reflector. The surface of the secondary reflector can be corrugated to have alternating segments to direct light in different directions. A combination of light source, primary reflector, and secondary reflector can also be positioned on a moveable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Joe P. Crookham