Electromagnetic Actuator Patents (Class 362/286)
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Patent number: 7887205Abstract: An emergency lighting system comprises a wall unit housing that may readily be located and secured between wall studs in a conventional structure. The housing includes a rotatable door to which an emergency lamp is secured, said door being in a closed position when main electrical power is on such that the lamp is hidden within the housing. The rotatable door is coupled to a motor that is supplied battery power when main electrical power loss is detected, thereby rotating the door to an open position and exposing the emergency lamps. The emergency lamps are also illuminated by battery power.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventors: David Knoble, Khosrow Jamasbi
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Patent number: 7866848Abstract: An illumination system comprises an illumination assembly, a human body's signal detecting unit, a processing unit and an illumination direction adjustment unit. The illumination assembly projects an illumination light beam along an illumination direction; the human body's signal detecting unit detects at least one human body's signal released from at least one user to accordingly generate an intensity signal; the processing unit receives the intensity signal and transmits an illumination direction adjustment signal according to the intensity signal; and the illumination direction adjustment unit receives the illumination direction adjustment signal to automatically adjust the illumination direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Edison Opto CorporationInventors: Pin-Chun Chen, Hsi-Ku Tu, Shang-Wu Chen
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Patent number: 7823580Abstract: Method and apparatus for a range hood. The apparatus can include a housing and a lighting and control unit moveably coupled to the housing. The lighting and control unit can include a user interface and one or more lights. The lighting and control unit can be coupled to a motor that can move a first face of the lighting and control unit outward during use and can move the first face of the lighting and control unit inward when not in use. Some embodiments of the invention provide a fan mounted within the housing and a louver assembly coupled to the housing. The louver assembly can include one or more rotating louvers. In some embodiments, the louver assembly can be rotated downward to access at least one of a filter, a motor, and user interface electronics.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Broan-Nutone LLCInventors: Richard R. Sinur, Brian R. Wellnitz, Paul E. Hsu, Jay F. Perkins
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Patent number: 7817020Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Michael A. Bryson, David L. Plangger, G. Bruce Poe, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7674022Abstract: To provide a headlight device, in which a change of the region of illumination afforded by the headlamp can be initiated substantially punctual to the start of cornering of the motorcycle, the headlight device includes a headlamp for illuminating forwardly of the motorcycle, a light-distribution adjusting mechanism for changing a region of illumination, a bank angle detecting unit for detecting a bank angle ? of the motorcycle in reference to an angular velocity ?y about a vertical axis of the motorcycle, an angular velocity ?r about a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and a motorcycle velocity v, and a light-distribution controller for controlling the light-distribution adjusting mechanism based on the detected bank angle ? to change the region of illumination into an area further away from and at least inwardly of a direction of turn of the motorcycle during a cornering.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Nakano, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mikio Domoto, Makoto Baino
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Patent number: 7654693Abstract: A lighting fixture having at least one internal processor and at least one fixed element to which controllable moving elements are rotatably fastened, one moving element having at least one light source that generates a beam of light. Information concerning positions of moving components in a lighting fixture is automatically achieved. Correct position indication at start up is obtained without moving the components to their end stops for finding set points for step motors by the provision of at least one absolute encoding device, which encoding device indicates the angular movement of a first input axel in relation to the encoding device, which absolute encoding device has a gearbox with a second internal axel, which first input axle drives a first toothed timing wheel, intermeshing with a second toothed timing wheel that rotates the second axel with a angular velocity different from the angular velocity of the first input axle.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Martin Professional A/SInventors: Niels Joergen Rasmussen, Torben Kaas Rasmussen
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Patent number: 7651242Abstract: A wheelchair lamp that is primarily for making a wheelchair more visible. The wheelchair lamp includes a housing that is mounted to the wheelchair. An extendable member having a light on top extends from the housing. The extendable member may be extended and retracted. A motor is contained within the housing to extend and retract the extendable member. An electrical conductor is longitudinally disposed with the extendable member. The electrical conductor electrically connects the light and the power source. A switch is used to selectively connect the motor to the power source causing the motor to operate so that the motor may extend or retract the extendable member. The light is extended and lit when a wheelchair user is near traffic or potentially at risk for a collision and is typically retracted when the user is indoors.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Inventor: George H. Guerrant
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Patent number: 7591566Abstract: A lighting system comprises a housing, suitable for mounting to a structural unit, the housing including a plurality of enclosure panels. At least one light-bearing member is moveable relative to each of the enclosure panels. An actuator is in operable communication with the at least one light-bearing member, the actuator being operable to selectively: extend the light-bearing member from the housing into a display configuration; and retract the light-bearing member into the housing. At least one lighting element is carried by the light-bearing member, the at least one lighting element being visible by a spectator when the light-bearing member is at least partially extended from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Innovative D-Lites LLCInventors: Detlef Andreas Galke, Melvin Hess Pedersen
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Patent number: 7543967Abstract: A rotatable vehicular lamp assembly includes a main frame having spaced-apart top and bottom main plates, a lighting unit, and a drive unit. The lighting unit includes a lamp seat holder connected pivotally to the top and bottom main plates for rotation relative to the main frame, and a lamp seat connected to and rotatable synchronously with the lamp seat holder. The drive unit includes a motor mounted on the main frame to rotate the lamp seat holder relative to the main frame. A vibration-limiting element is disposed between the main frame and the lamp seat holder to limit vibration of the lamp seat holder.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventor: Chian-Yin Tseng
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Patent number: 7537360Abstract: A color changer, particularly for spotlights, comprising at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to be arranged in front of a light source, a motor for moving the at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to place the dichroic filter at least partially in front of the light source, the color changer further comprising an actuator which is adapted to tilt the dichroic filter with respect to the axis of emission of the light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.Inventor: Fabio Allegri
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Patent number: 7476006Abstract: A lighting system includes multiple extendable and retractable light units. Each light unit includes a housing with inner and outer sleeves, which are telescopically interconnected. A drive assembly is located in each housing for extending and retracting the inner sleeve whereby a luminaire mounted in the inner sleeve can be selectively elevated. The housings are adapted for flush-mounting in the ground with their inner sleeves retracted. The lighting system can include a centralized control subsystem for collectively and individually operating the individual light units.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Kenneth A. Hinds
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Patent number: 7445365Abstract: A position adjustment device includes a housing, a limit rod, a movable rod, a rotation knob, a linking member, a driven member, a worm wheel, a direct-current motor, and a circuit board. Thus, the movable rod is movable to adjust the position and projecting angle of the headlight so that the direction of the headlight can be adjusted according to the slope of the road so as to provide a larger illuminating zone and a better viewing angle, thereby protecting the driver's safety when driving the car. In addition, the position and angle of the headlight is adjusted manually or in a motorized manner, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the direction of the headlight.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Lezi Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shou-Kang Hsu
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Patent number: 7431483Abstract: An illuminating lamp having a grip, a transparent sleeve, being attached to the front end of the grip, and three lamp receptacles side by side being provided in the transparent sleeve, wherein an intermediate lamp is fixed in the transparent sleeve, and the pivot axis on the tail ends of the left and right lamp receptacle out of the bottom surface of the transparent sleeve whereby the left and right lamp receptacle is capable of rotating in the transparent sleeve; two driven gears engaged with each other are fit on the pivot axis, one of the two driven gears being engaged with a transmission gear; and a rotor provided between the transparent sleeve and the grip, on the inner wall of the rotor being provided with a teeth to engage with the transmission gear; wherein when the rotor rotates, the transmission gear will be driven by the teeth on the inner wall of the rotor, and the transmission gear will sequentially transmit the force to drive the two driven gears to rotate, and simultaneously the left and rightType: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: Shih-Lin Lee
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Publication number: 20080013317Abstract: A lighting system includes multiple extendable and retractable light units. Each light unit includes a housing with inner and outer sleeves, which are telescopically interconnected. A drive assembly is located in each housing for extending and retracting the inner sleeve whereby a luminaire mounted in the inner sleeve can be selectively elevated. The housings are adapted for flush-mounting in the ground with their inner sleeves retracted. The lighting system can include a centralized control subsystem for collectively and individually operating the individual light units.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Kenneth A. Hinds
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Patent number: 7301251Abstract: The invention concerns an actuator. In a common housing are a motor contained in a metallic casing and an electronic card adapted to control the motor. The casing is electrically connected to a ground. This connection is made by a deformable element, whose deformation provides, by contact, the electrical connection between the casing and the ground.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Hervé Cara, Stéphane Delabriere
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Patent number: 7264227Abstract: A self-climbing stage lighting system having a self-climbing apparatus and a light bar is disclosed. The self-climbing apparatus is hung from cables that extend approximately vertically from a fixed endpoint. The self-climbing apparatus includes an elongated support member and a linear actuator that drives travels sheaves along a portion support member. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in a first direction, the self-climbing apparatus climbs cables. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in the direction opposite the first direction, the self-climbing apparatus descends the cables.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventors: John H. Miller, Roger L. Zobel
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Patent number: 7220010Abstract: An emergency light for providing illumination during emergency conditions with a housing, a light source, and a drive arrangement for driving the light source between retracted and extended positions. Flanges, which can be removable, can project from the housing. Fastening arrangements each comprising a mounting bolt in combination with a locking clip can retain the emergency light in relation to a support surface. A motor in combination with a drive screw threadedly engaged with the light source can form the drive arrangement to produce an axial movement of the light source. A limit switch can sense a position of the light source, and a reflector can guide light from the light source. An emergency condition sensor can trigger an extension and illumination of the light source. A battery can power the light during a power failure. Plural lights and a central control unit can form an emergency lighting arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: EgressLite, LLCInventors: Brian A. Corbett, Sean P. Collins
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Patent number: 7165857Abstract: A toy, particularly an educational toy that has a light-emitting diode device attached thereto. Instead of a whole array of light-emitting diodes, the light-emitting diode device has only one or multiple cross rows of light-emitting diodes rotating about an axis. The light-emitting diode device is operative to generate a plurality of illumination patterns or images by selectively switching on/off the light-emitting diodes at a specific orientation. The light-emitting diode device further has a sound-generating device interactive with the light-emitting diodes. That is, the sound-generating device is operative to generate a sound to represent an audio form of the illumination patterns or images displayed by the light-emitting diodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
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Patent number: 7121706Abstract: In an actuator of a vehicle headlamp unit for deflecting a direction or a range of illumination, a step-like rib for supporting a printed circuit board is formed at an inner side of a peripheral edge portion of a resin molded casing, and an opposed rib is formed at an outer side of this peripheral edge portion by a generally channel-shaped groove. A gear in a gear mechanism of the actuator is made of a resin having self-lubricating properties. The actuator includes a brushless motor, a yoke molded of a resin having a cylindrical container-shape. A gear is formed integrally on a central portion of an outer end surface of the yoke. A fixing means for fixing the stator coil of the brushless motor to a housing or the board has a positioning structure for positioning the stator coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Atsushi Sugimoto, Kazuma Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7118240Abstract: An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Stephen J. McPhilliamy, Christopher Houghton
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Patent number: 7033048Abstract: A height adjusting device for a lamp includes a main body(100) having a motor(120), a casing(160) mounted below the main body(100), an upper terminal unit(200) having upper contact terminals(240) spaced apart from the main body(100) in the casing(160), a moving body(400) moving vertically by a cable(140) connected to the main body(100) and having lower contact terminals(420) corresponding to the terminals(240), and a stopper(300) mounted to the casing(160) to elastically maintain its horizontal state. The moving body(400) has a protrusion(430) at its side to partially contact with the stopper(300) so that the moving body(400) is hooked at a certain height by the stopper(300) when the protrusion(430) ascends over the stopper(300) and then descends, while the moving body(400) may move downward when the side ascends over the stopper(300).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: Jeong-Hoon Sin
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Patent number: 7033035Abstract: A portable light-emitting display device having one or more rotating members including one or more light sources mounted or otherwise affixed thereto. The one or more rotating members are coupled to a motor. The motor and the light sources are each electrically coupled to one or more controllers, which control the speed at which the motor rotates the one or more rotating members and controls a lighting frequency and/or an intensity of all or one or more of the light sources or any combination thereof, to create a visual effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: I & K TradingInventors: John M. Fatemi, Chin Kuo (Phily) Chung, Hsin Yu (Michael) Chao
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Patent number: 7021795Abstract: Illumination apparatus (8) which comprises at least two light sources, at least one light collecting device for collecting light from the light sources (10), motion providing means for providing relative motion between the light sources (10) and the light collecting device (14), and control means for controlling the illumination of the light sources (10) such that the light sources (10) are illuminated for a predetermined time period when in a predetermined position relative to the light collecting device (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: SEOS LimitedInventors: Nicholas Richard Coates, Anirudh Luthra
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Patent number: 6953274Abstract: The subject invention comprises an adaptive front lighting system (“AFS”) utilizing at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) as a light source and a means for moving the LED to achieve AFS functionality. An exemplary embodiment of the subject invention comprises a plurality of LEDs positioned and located on a LED carrier. The LED carrier is mechanically connected to at least one actuator that causes the LED carrier and LEDs to move. A controller is used to cause the actuator to move the LEDs. In this manner, this exemplary embodiment adjusts the light beam and creates the desired light beam pattern. Other exemplary embodiments of the subject invention pivotally connect the LEDs to the lens and to each other and utilize the actuator and controller to adjust the light beam. Another exemplary embodiment positions the LEDs in a spherical surface and connects them to the actuator by an extension in order to adjust the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Guide CorporationInventor: Lawrence M. Rice
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Patent number: 6923558Abstract: A system for aligning a light source to a reflector on a frame for efficiently illuminating a target along a first axis of the reflector. The light source is coupled to an arm that is linearly translatable by a driver assembly coupled to the frame. The travel of the driver assembly is aligned to a plane defined by two axes of the reflector with an alignment pin coupled to the driver assembly and adjusted to the frame. The light source may then be aligned for travel in the first axis by mechanically isolating the drive mechanism from a malleable arm connected to the light source and by bending the malleable arm in at least one dimension.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: NextEngine, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Knighton, Kevin H. Vuong, John Z. Zheng, David D. Drobnis
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Patent number: 6923563Abstract: A headlight unit that is adapted for use on a motor vehicle, such as a land vehicle, can be moved from one orientation with respect to the road into other orientations that are angularly spaced apart from the first orientation in response to movement of a control switch inside the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventors: James O. Barber, Barbara A. Barber
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Patent number: 6893139Abstract: The present invention includes an adjustable lighting fixture having a housing and light holders which are able to extend, pivot, spin, and slide with respect to the housing, a mounting arm, or each other. The lighting fixture may thus provide enhanced lighting during events, such as live performances, teleconferencing, filming, or videotaping. Each adjustable lighting fixture generally includes a light holder positioned on a mounting arm pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the housing. The lighting fixture uses fluorescent light sources. When enhanced lighting is not required, the light holders may be restored in the housing in an aesthetic manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventors: Samuel P. Cercone, Katherine Katz
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Patent number: 6866407Abstract: Vehicle headlight including a light emitting unit for emitting a light, an operating member joined with the light emitting unit, the operating member fitted with a magnet, a coil in the vicinity of the operating member for generating a magnetic field, and a housing for holding the operating member and the coil therein, thereby permitting selective lighting of a high beam for regular running at night or a low beam required in crossing an opposite vehicle by using a single light emitting unit and a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignees: CPIKOREA Ltd., Tae.Kyu ParkInventor: Tae Kyu Park
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Patent number: 6853041Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a new class of micro-machined electromechanical devices that make use of vibrating membranes. The electromechanical devices include two or more electrodes which are positioned with a membrane. A gap exists between the membrane and each electrode which may vary for each electrode. In general, one electrode is used as an input electrode which receives an electrical signal that causes vibration of the membrane. The vibration of the membrane is then coupled to a receiving or an output electrode. A DC bias voltage is applied to the electrodes to set or modify a width of a gap in the electromechanical device. The electromechanical device could be designed as a transformer, a capacitor, a resonator or a filter. In addition, the device includes a control voltage to dynamically change the coupling between the input electrode and the output electrode(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Butrus Thomas Khuri-Yakub, Fahrettin Levent Degertekin, Arif Sanli Ergun
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Patent number: 6851208Abstract: A firefly simulation device which has a first depending flexible line segment, a motor driven fan at the distal end of the first depending flexible line segment, a second depending flexible line segment and an LED at the distal end of the second depending flexible line segment. The fan provides thrust in a plane normal to the first depending flexible line segment. The LED has a small light-transmitting opening able to be eclipsed by the LED body. In a darkened environment, the device provides apparent random motion and blinking of a light simulating a firefly.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventor: Timothy L. Carter
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Patent number: 6848807Abstract: A compact, battery-powered LED lighting device having manual and/or magnetically actuatable switches, a microprocessor and timer is used in a retaining system that includes a first retaining pouch for receiving the lighting device and a second retaining pouch for holding a magnet, the retainers being secured to opposing sidewalls of a container, such as a ladies handbag or a briefcase, so that when the container is opened a magnetic switch in the lighting device closes the circuit actuating the LED to illuminate the interior contents of the container for a predetermined period of time. The manual switch can be used to override the timed illumination and to turn the LED on or off at any time.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Acolyte Technologies, LLC.Inventor: Salvatore Guerrieri
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Publication number: 20040208017Abstract: In an actuator of a vehicle headlamp unit for deflecting a direction or a range of illumination, a step-like rib for supporting a printed circuit board is formed at an inner side of a peripheral edge portion of a resin molded casing, and an opposed rib is formed at an outer side of this peripheral edge portion by a generally channel-shaped groove. A gear in a gear mechanism of the actuator is made of a resin having self-lubricating properties. The actuator includes a brushless motor, a yoke molded of a resin having a cylindrical container-shape. A gear is formed integrally on a central portion of an outer end surface of the yoke. A fixing means for fixing the stator coil of the brushless motor to a housing or the board has a positioning structure for positioning the stator coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Keiichi Tajima, Atsushi Sugimoto, Kazuma Mochizuki
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Patent number: 6789912Abstract: A modular rotatable warning light incorporates a standardized shaft, rotatable sub-assembly, motor and worm gear to form the mechanical core of the assembly. The rotatable sub-assembly includes a rotatable reflector mount supported by two axially spaced bearings for rotation around a hub. The axially spaced bearings significantly improve the function and service life of the rotatable warning light. The standardized parts are combined with a selected base plate, lamp holder, lamp and reflector to produce a modular rotatable warning light having a specified overall configuration. The efficiency of production and maintenance of various rotatable warning light configurations is improved by reducing engineering, production, maintenance and inventory costs.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, IncorporatedInventor: Kevin M. Smith
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Patent number: 6786622Abstract: A searchlight including a housing having first and second ends, a window in the first end of the housing and a lamp disposed within the housing so as to emit light through the window. A post is secured to a positioning assembly within the body. The positioning assembly includes: a first motor operable to rotate the housing in a first plane with respect to the post, and a second motor operable to rotate the housing in a second plane with respect to the post.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Lee Rice
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Publication number: 20040165385Abstract: A multiparameter lighting fixture, which includes a locking system for pan and/or tilt, either of which may include a manual input device and an actuator. The locking systems for pan and tilt can be manually locked or unlocked by a technician using their respective manual input devices and automatically locked or unlocked by their respective actuators. A yoke of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more than one rotational position in relation to the base housing. In addition, the lamp housing of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more that one rotational position in relation to the yoke. The locking systems for pan or tilt can be automatically locked by an appropriate actuator in response to an electronic control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 6769790Abstract: A light is mounted on each one of a plurality of movable light supporting carts. The carts are moved along a predefined path. The lights can be energized to produce light beams as the carts move. Alternatively, the lights may remain off as the carts are controllably moved along the path to position each cart at a selected location along the path, and the lights energized after the carts are position. The carts, or selected carts, can be controllably moved at a selectably variable speed or speeds and/or in a selectably variable direction or directions while the lights are energized to produce the light beams. The lights themselves can be controllably moved with respect to their respective support carts, to controllably pan, tilt, swivel, etc. each light as the carts move, thereby facilitating production of a wide range of illumination effects.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: Hermann Frühm, François Eugene Charron
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Patent number: 6767118Abstract: A device for adjusting a light emission direction of a motor vehicle headlight has a unit for executing a pivoting movement of at least one part of the motor vehicle headlight that is held by a suspension and which effects the light emission direction, about an axis of rotation that is approximately parallel to a vertical axis of the motor vehicle, the unit for executing the pivotal movement having at least one electric motor selected from the group consisting of a direct current motor and an alternating current motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbHInventors: Lothar Seif, Ulrich Neubauer, Ernst-Olaf Rosenhahn, Gustav Klett
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Patent number: 6758581Abstract: A winding apparatus (23) having a guiding means (25) by means of which a drawing material (32) can be led onto a cylindrical drum surface (37) of a reel (24) rotatable about its axis (26) relative to the guiding means (25) and said drawing material can be taken up onto said drum surface (37), is used for instance for adjusting the height of a suspended luminaire. In order to optically advantageously configure the connection of this winding apparatus (23) to the drawing material (32), the axis (26) of the reel (24) is oriented in the direction in which the drawing material (32) runs on entering the winding apparatus (23).Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventor: Konrad Weinhuber
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Publication number: 20040125601Abstract: Illumination apparatus (8) which comprises at least two light sources, at least one light collecting device for collecting light from the light sources (10), motion providing means for providing relative motion between the light sources (10) and the light collecting device (14), and control means for controlling the illumination of the light sources (10) such that the light sources (10) are illuminated for a predetermined time period when in a predetermined position relative to the light collecting device (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Nicholas Richard Coates, Anirudh Luthra
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Publication number: 20040114387Abstract: Vehicle headlight including a light emitting unit for emitting a light, an operating member joined with the light emitting unit, the operating member fitted with a magnet, a coil in the vicinity of the operating member for generating a magnetic field, and a housing for holding the operating member and the coil therein, thereby permitting selective lighting of a high beam for regular running at night or a low beam required in crossing an opposite vehicle by using a single light emitting unit and a simple structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Tae Kyu Park
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Patent number: 6736528Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Light and Sound Design, Ltd.Inventors: William Hewlett, Ian Clarke, Nigel Evans, Richard Parker, Mark A. Hunt, Michael Hughes
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Publication number: 20040085747Abstract: A backlight device has a light guide plate, a rotary member, a rotary drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member, a plurality of mercury-free fluorescent lamps, and a power feed control mechanism. Each of the mercury-free fluorescent lamps has an arc tube mounted on the rotary member so as to extend parallel to the rotary shaft, a mercury-free discharge medium consisting of a rare gas sealed within the arc tube, and first and second electrodes for exciting the discharge medium. The mercury-free fluorescent lamps respectively emit lights of different colors. The emitted light enters the light guide plate through its light incident face and emerges from its light emission face.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Norikazu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6715895Abstract: A luminaire body for a surgical operation light with an annular reflector has at least two electric light bulbs, a first bulb of which with its socket is associated in normal operation with a given centered position (with respect to the reflector) in the stationary part of the luminaire body, while a second bulb with its socket is situated in a reserve position away from the centered position; in case of a failure of the first bulb the positions of the sockets of both bulbs are changed by an electromagnetically operated turning service such that the second bulb can be turned to the original centered position of the first bulb for reserve-bulb operation after the first bulb has been withdrawn from the centered position.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Heraeus Med GmbHInventors: Soren Wasow, Uwe Gampe, Klaus Buss
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Patent number: 6709140Abstract: A vehicle headlamp unit includes a discharge lamp, a socket to which the discharge lamp is fitted, a base carrying the socket and being compatible with a base of a halogen bulb provided with a high beam filament and a low beam filament, and a moving mechanism, in response to a high beam mode or a low beam mode, for moving the socket in parallel along a direction perpendicular to a light axis of the vehicle headlamp unit without inclining a light axis of the discharge lamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Asahi Rise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro Ui
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Publication number: 20030223244Abstract: An adjustable element is part of an apparatus such as an automotive headlight which includes a support, and a security cap prevents undetected interference with the adjustment of that element, guaranteeing its inviolability. The adjustment is effected with a control member rotatable about a geometrical axis transverse to the axis of the support. The control member has an adjusting head accessible from outside the support. The security cap is mounted for movement in translation with respect to the support, parallel to the geometric support axis, and includes snap-fitting means co-operating with a zone of the support, to be engaged in response to this movement. The cap is put into a final snap-fitted position, in which it conceals the adjusting head, by a simple push.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Franck Dinant
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Publication number: 20030218884Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle headlight equipped with a gas-discharge lamp, which is designed such that a high beam mode or a low beam mode is selectively operated by controlling a position of the gas-discharge lamp using a magnetic force, thus making the interior construction of the headlight compact, in addition to the prevention of frequent malfunction of the headlight. The headlight is provided with a lamp control means controlling a position of a bobbin in a housing to selectively operate the low beam mode or the high beam mode. The lamp control means includes a return spring provided in the housing to elastically bias the bobbin forward. A magnet assembly is installed in a rear portion of the housing in such a way as to be adjacent to a rear end of the bobbin. A solenoid is wound around a rear portion of the bobbin and cooperates with the magnet assembly to move the bobbin and a bulb rearward when electric power is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventor: Si Yung Kim
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Publication number: 20030202352Abstract: A floodlight configured to illuminate a controlled area includes a planar linkage assembly providing the lamp head of the floodlight with smooth oscillatory motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventor: Karen Olson
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Patent number: 6616302Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a drive portion having a drive source, and a lamp body that has a light source and that is supported by a rotary shaft operable to be rotated by the drive portion. A rotary contact is provided around the rotary shaft and rotates together with the lamp body. A fixed contact is provided for the drive portion. The rotary contact and the light source are electrically connected through a power supply cord and electric power is supplied to the fixed contact.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Sugimoto, Keiichi Tajima, Kazuma Mochizuki, Masanori Nishigaya
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Patent number: 6595661Abstract: An array of photo detectors or a ground glass is employed in concert with a beam-forming reflector to generate a positional error(s) as the light source is displaced from a reference location in the vertical plane. The beam is formed by means of a small hole through the reflector on its optical axis. These error signals are interpreted visually or introduced into electronic servo loops to mechanically drive the lamp assembly to an on-axis reference location. Provision is made to move the reflector along the optical axis to achieve co alignment of the reflected image of the arc source with its direct image.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Bernard Petrillo, Bruno Israel, Theodore Joshua
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Publication number: 20030133297Abstract: An adjustable vehicle light device for a vehicle includes a housing secured to the vehicle, a reflector disposed in front of the housing, a light bulb slidably engaged through the bore of the reflector. A solenoid device is received in the housing and coupled to the light bulb for moving the light bulb relative to the reflector and the housing and for adjusting the light beam of the vehicle. The solenoid device includes a core slidably received in a coil and coupled to a socket of the light bulb for moving the socket and the light relative to the housing and the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Jen Hsieh Shin