Resiliently Biased Patents (Class 362/288)
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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: 6626549Abstract: There is provided a pointer type instrument which can reduce a light leakage to a side of a display board, and has a pointer 6 which includes an indication member 61 brightened by illumination light introduced from a back side of a rotation center region R and made of a translucent resin material, and a cover member 62 covering its outer periphery except for the back side of the rotation center region R and made of a light shielding resin material, and is driven to be rotated through a driving unit 2; a display board 3 which is disposed behind the pointer 6, is apart from the cover member 62 with a predetermined gap part S intervening, and includes a light passing part 33 corresponding to the rotation center region R; and a light source 5 disposed behind the display board 3, for generating the illumination light, wherein a leakage light prevention part 634 for suppressing a light leakage from the gap part S is provided on the back side (back side of a pedestal part 632) of the rotation center region R exceptType: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Fujita, Tsuyoshi Sakai, Kiyoshi Nishimura
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Patent number: 6575606Abstract: A light source mounting apparatus for liquid crystal projector comprises a lamp base (for holding the light generator) and a casing (for shielding light scattering). The lamp base has a board shape holding unit. The casing has a front positioning plane and a strip spring located above the front positioning plane. When the lamp base and casing is reassembled, the holding unit forces the light generator mounted thereon contact tightly the front positioning plane to rapidly complete initial positioning, and the rear end of the strip spring engages the light generator securely for pressing the light generator against the front reference plane tightly without flipping thereby to attain accurate positioning quickly.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Cheng-Ta Shaw
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Patent number: 6565237Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes an inner casing, a lamp socket located within the casing for positioning a light bulb, and a pivot support mounted within the casing and supporting the lamp socket. The support includes a hinge member engaging a part of the socket such that the socket is pivotable upwards and downwards about the hinge member. A vibration absorber is connected between the socket and the casing for damping upwards and downwards movement of the socket when a vehicle on which the lamp is mounted moves.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Lun Cheung Leung
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Patent number: 6520663Abstract: A UV curing lamp assembly permits adjustable positioning of a UV curing lamp with respect to a bracket supporting a reflector. The assembly includes an elongate UV lamp having opposed ends. A reflector having a central base and a curved reflective wall includes a pair of opposed openings through the reflector wall for passage of the UV lamp therethough. A bracket adjustably supports the reflector and the lamp. The bracket includes a bracket body movably supporting a mounting member for adjustably supporting the reflector with respect to the bracket body. A support arm extends from the bracket body towards one of the openings in the reflector. The support arm adjustably supports one of the ends of the UV lamp with respect to the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Henkel Loctite CorporationInventors: Mark Holmes, John P. Breault
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Patent number: 6502967Abstract: This invention relates to a lighting fixture support with a pivoting mounting bracket. More specifically, this invention is aimed at providing a well-type lighting fixture for use in outdoor, below ground lighting settings which is easily positioned at various angles with respect to the ground. The inventive mounting bracket comprises a first bracket which is connected to a second bracket at a pivot point. One or more dimples on either of the brackets are operatively connected to one or more sets of ratchet teeth on the other bracket. The dimples and sets of ratchet teeth cooperate to secure the first bracket into discrete positions about the pivot point with respect to the second bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Nate Mullen
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Publication number: 20020136010Abstract: A diode light source system for stage, theatrical and architectural lighting that includes a plurality of separate flat panels for mounting a plurality of light emitting diodes that emit a plurality of diode light beams to a common focus area, each separate panel being mounted with a plurality of grouped diodes of the plurality of diodes, each separate panel having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion. A housing containing the panels has a center base portion and a circular rim defining a housing aperture aligned with a circular rim plane having a rim plane center that is arranged transverse to an axis aligned with the center base portion. A first connecting means flexibly secures each outer diode panel portion to the housing rim. A screw arrangement positions the panels at a plurality of selected positions wherein each of the panels is oriented at a selected angle relative to the axis and the grouped diodes emit diode light beams transverse to each separate panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: John F. Luk
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Publication number: 20020093823Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting installation, in particular as a danger light, obstruction light or daytime and night-time marker, having at least one luminaire, at least one lighting means being arranged in a housing of the luminaire.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Ralph Rohlfing, Wolfgang Serfass
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Patent number: 6402346Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-heat-dissipation spotlight structure comprising a reflector formed with an inner semi-ellipsoidal reflecting surface and having an open end; a light-emitting lamp body provided at the central location of the reflector; a lamp cover provided at the open end and formed with an inlet at its lower end; and an air guider installed at the inlet of the lamp cover so that an airflow can be directed into the space defined by the lamp cover and the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventors: Juicy Liao, Rick Lin
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Patent number: 6402337Abstract: A bollard style light fixture, which allows the user to vary the fixture's light distribution pattern, while also eliminating the fixture's emission of glare. The fixture of this invention is also designed to absorb a minor amount of shock without damage, and provides a mechanism whereby the fixture may be quickly and easily leveled and releveled even after installation. The fixture of this invention comprises a base; a compressible base pad upon which the base rests; a support sleeve vertically extending from the base; a light source located within the support sleeve; a light-emitting window located on the support sleeve opposite the base; and an adjustable cap assembly located atop the light-emitting window vertically adjustable for variably covering the light-emitting window, thus varying the light distribution pattern of the fixture and redirecting the light rays towards the ground, eliminating glare.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Craig LeVasseur, Terry Bridges
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Patent number: 6394629Abstract: Light from a flash discharge tube is reflected in a forward direction by a concave mirror and further refracted to a negative direction by a projection lens. A trigger wire for triggering the flash discharge tube to set off emission is constructed of an elastic material. The flash discharge tube is retained, as an integrated combination, by a discharge tube mounting frame on which support axial parts are provided in a protruding manner, and these support axial parts are slidably and swingably fitted with slide slots of the casing which are provided along the optical axis, so that the flash discharge tube is arranged to be displaceable both in a direction of the optical axis of the flash light emission apparatus and at least in one direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis with respect to a relative position thereof to the concave mirror.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoaki Kobayashi, Toshifumi Nakano
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Patent number: 6350043Abstract: A lighting bracket assembly has a base, a lens holder, a retaining ring and a light housing. The base has a locking channel and a top edge radiused to define a first sphere. The lens holder is disposed within the locking channel and is adapted to provide upon installation of the assembly an external surface continuous with a surface defining an opening into which the assembly is installed. The retaining ring is fastened to the base and biases the light housing. The light housing comprises a back portion with an outer circumference and a plurality of curved wing members defining the contour of a second sphere concentric to the first sphere extending from the back portion along the outer circumference. The light housing is adapted to rotate through an angular range of up to 20 degrees upon application of force against the bias of the retaining ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Aerospace Lighting CorporationInventor: Jennifer L. Gloisten
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Patent number: 6338566Abstract: The rotation of a first element (3), for example an arm carrying a lighting unit, with respect to a second element (2), about an axis (12), is limited in both directions, with an angular travel which can exceed 360 °, by an elastic element (13) comprising two coils wound in the same direction, each cooperating with a mobile stop piece integral in rotation with the first element (14, 15), the central part of the spring (13) cooperating with a fixed stop piece (16) integral with the second element (2)Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: ALMInventor: Alain Verdier
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Patent number: 6328458Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm about a main pivot axis. A rod extends within an interior region of the second arm. A link is coupled to the rod to the first arm for pivoting movement about a link pivot axis that is spaced apart from the main pivot axis. A spring extends within the interior region of the second arm. The spring exerts a force on the rod and the link to counterbalance the surgical lighthead. A space filler includes an outer cover coupled to the first arm and formed to include a first slot and an inner cover nested within the outer cover and formed to include a second slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: William R. Bell, Dennis C. Coon, Thomas M. Peterson
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Patent number: 6283612Abstract: A light emitting diode light strip that uses a rigid hollow tube (20) sized to accommodate a printed circuit board (22) which has a positive and negative bus extending the full length of the board. One or more resistors (38) are in contact with the positive bus on one end and a series of light emitting diodes (44) on the other. The diodes are mounted through holes (34) in the board and the anode of the diode is in communication with a resistor while the cathode of the diode contacts an adjacent diode anode connecting them in linked series through traces on the bottom of the circuit board. The end cathode in each series, engages the negative bus forming a predetermined group of diodes electrically coupled to a single resistor on one end and the negative bus on the other. A pair of end caps (50) enclose the tube and an electrical cable (60) is connected through the caps to the busses on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Mark A. Hunter
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Patent number: 6257740Abstract: A lamp having a light bulb connected to a base insertable into a light socket in such a way that insertion breaks an electrical circuit between two spring terminals inside the socket and reestablishes it through the lead wires on the light bulb. The light bulb has a filament and two lean wires connected to the filaments. The filaments extend from the bottom of the base and are bent outwardly and upwardly around the base. The bulb with its base are insertable into the light socket. Wires from a source of electricity enter the socket and form electrical terminals, one on either side of the socket. Two spring terminals within the socket are biased toward each other and will conduct when supplied with an electrical potential unless separated. A protrusion on the base of the light bulb separates the spring terminals. Thus, in a light string where the lights are electrically in series, removal of a light bulb of the present invention will not cause the string to go out.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: James W Gibboney, Jr.
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Patent number: 6247835Abstract: A vehicle headlight includes a driving unit capable of repeatedly switching the headlight's light distribution pattern between a by-passing mode and a traveling mode by moving an element committed to the formation of the light distribution patterns. The driving unit includes a first spring for biasing a positioning element in a by-passing mode, a meshing gear for moving the positioning element to a traveling mode position against the bias of the first spring, a motor which supplies power to drive the meshing gear, a second spring biased in an engaging direction of the meshing gear, a solenoid for releasing the engagement of the meshing gear with a second gear against the pulling power of the second spring. The disclosed headlight enables size reduction of the driving unit, and provides improved reliability if the motor malfunctions.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
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Patent number: 6183113Abstract: A halogen lamp assembly comprising a housing (12) having a light exit opening (14) and a halogen bulb (28) in the housing, means supporting the halogen bulb (28) so that it can slide axially in the housing (12) and spring means biasing the bulb in the direction of the light exit opening (14) by a clamping ring (18) removably attached to the forward edge (26) of the bulb for pushing the halogen bulb lamp (28) against the force of the spring means (42) into a rear position inside the housing (12), the halogen bulb (28) is pushed by said spring means (42) into a forward position by removal of the clamping ring (18) from the housing (12), wherein its front edge (26) projects out of the housing (12), a socket (30) holds the halogen bulb (28) attached to a socket clip (32), which is supported on two pins (28) so that it can slide in the axial direction of the housing; at least one pin (28) being surrounded by a helical spring means (42), which is held between a rear housing stop (40) and the rear surface of the socType: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH Co.Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
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Patent number: 6176601Abstract: A lighting system for a personal watercraft including a front light portion secured to a peripheral frame portion at a front portion of a personal watercraft. The front light portion is comprised of an elongated rod having a lower end extending through an aperture in the peripheral frame portion. An upper end of the elongated rod has a bulb disposed thereon. The front light portion is in communication with a battery of the personal watercraft. A rear light portion is secured to the peripheral frame portion at a rear portion of the personal watercraft. The rear light portion is comprised of an elongated rod having a lower end extending through an aperture in the peripheral frame portion. An upper end of the elongated rod has a bulb disposed thereon. The rear light portion is in communication with a battery of the personal watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Ty Nester
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Patent number: 6168298Abstract: A clip formed of flat spring steel stock material and operable in association with a lamp housing mounting arrangement of a downlighting fixture to exert a force on a lighting trim through the lamp housing to retain the trim snugly against a ceiling about an opening in the ceiling through which at least lowermost portions of the lamp housing and/or trim extends, an environmental space beneath the opening being illuminated through the opening by lamping carried by the lamp housing. In the preferred embodiment, an adjustable, U-shaped mounting yoke is carried by a conventional downlighting pan with the bight of the yoke being disposed immediately over a socket cup mounted to an uppermost end of the lamp housing or reflector, the clip extending between spaced arms of the yoke and being attached to a central portion of the clip.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: NSI Enterprise, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Hentz, Richard F. Ashcraft, James M. Mershon
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Patent number: 6164788Abstract: A drop down concealed emergency lighting unit includes a box-like housing for substantially flush mounting in a recess and a pivotally mounted door for closing the opening in the housing and upon which is mounted a lamp unit. A drive assembly moves the door between the open and closed positions and includes a DC motor on the housing with a drive gear which is operatively engageable with a driven gear on the door to move the door to the closed position. An electrical control circuit senses the absence of alternating current and effects disengagement of the gears to allow the door to move from the closed position to the open position, and senses the restoration of alternating current to effect reengagement of the gears to actuate the motor to move the door to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventors: Thomas Gemmell, Abi Madadi
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Patent number: 6152571Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable lamp which can be fitted into a wall such as the, wall of a swimming pool or other water tank the bulb of the lamp can be positioned so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or have with a downward slant, typically between about 3.degree. to about 8.degree.. The lamp can include an elbow duct for receiving electric cables to the lamp. The lamp can be directed in at least eight different angles relative to the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp by positioning its lighting axis so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or with a downward slant, while the elbow duct for electric cables to the lamp, can be directed in eight different angles, towards the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.Inventor: Robert Garrigos Ruiz
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Patent number: 6135619Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a housing of a motor vehicle lighting or signalling device to the bodywork of the vehicle. The fixing device comprises a body having a portion that is elastically deformable in elongation connecting a fixing portion for fixing to the body work to a fixing portion for fixing to the housing, the fixing device having one of the two ends suitable for being engaged in an enclosure associated with the housing or with the bodywork so as to provide, in said enclosure, two degrees of freedom transverse to the elongation direction of the elastically-deformable portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Juan Manuel Donaire Camacho, Jose Garcia Castilla
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Patent number: 6089733Abstract: A pendant elevation and projecting angle adjusting structure includes a locating disk fixedly fastened to the bottom end of a suspension rod at the ceiling, a plurality of pull ropes respectively inserted through equiangularly spaced wire holes at the locating disks, a lampshade and a balance plate respectively suspended from the ends of the pull rods below the locating disk, and a power cord inserted through the suspension rod and connected to the lampshade, wherein the lampshade is tilted to change the light projecting angle of the lamp bulb when one pull rope is pulled; the elevation of the lampshade is changed when the balance plate is pulled downwards or lifted.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: Meiric Chen
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Patent number: 6086232Abstract: The device has a drive motor (30), which via a gear drives a gear wheel (33), which is connected to a sleeve (40) through which an adjusting bolt (44) is inserted. The adjusting bolt (44) can be coupled to the sleeve (40) via a set of teeth (43, 48) in the direction of rotation about its longitudinal axis (17), and the coupling of the adjusting bolt (44) is secured by an axially prestressed spring (57) engaging it. A connecting element (16) pivotably connected to the headlight part to be adjusted is coupled in the direction of rotation to the adjusting bolt (44), and the adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable relative to this connecting element in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17). The adjusting bolt (44) is displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (17) counter to the prestressing of the spring (57), so that it is uncoupled from the sleeve (40) and is rotatable relative to the sleeve (40) via an actuating element (58).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Schulze, Elefterios Konto, Michael Westermann
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Patent number: 6071001Abstract: A fiber optic light source module (FOLSM) of a hybrid fiber optic lighting distribution system for distributing light from the FOLSM to various lighting features. The FOLSM includes a base, a lamp holder connected to a forward portion of the base and an access cover connected to a rearward portion of the base independent of the lamp holder. The base has a lamp cavity, a communicating lower rod support and an electrical lead port. The lamp holder has a front cover for covering the lamp cavity, an upper rod support and an annular lamp support member for interfacing with a lamp having a concave mirror. The upper and lower rod supports collectively form a rod support, wherein a square cross-sectioned light transmission connecting rod is seated therein via a resilient grommet. Accordingly, because the lamp support member is integral with the upper rod support, when the concave mirror is seated at the lamp support member the lamp is automatically aligned with respect to the light transmission connecting rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John V. Denuto, Alan B. Toot, Matthew S. Mrakovich
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Patent number: 6068385Abstract: A durable lamp, comprising: a hollow main body with a front end, having an inner cavity, which towards the front end forms an open accommodating space; a light bulb, mounted in the accommodating space; a light filter, mounted in front of the light bulb; and a fan, mounted in the cavity, for directing air from outside the main body through the cavity along a ventilation path that passes the light bulb, so as to cool the light bulb during operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Jordan Hsieh
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Patent number: 6042252Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an illumination arrangement on a vehicle in several mounting points so that the illumination device in the region of one of the mounting points is turnable about an axis between a turned-in position and a turned-out position, the mounting device has a receiving part arrangeable on a vehicle and having at least one concavely curved shell-shaped region extending in planes perpendicular to the turning axis, at least one portion providable on the illumination arrangement and convexly curved in planes extending perpendicular to the turning axis, the at least one portion in the turned-out position being insertable in or withdrawable from the at least one shell region in a mounting direction and opposite to the mounting direction correspondingly, the at least one portion being arranged in at least one shell region so as to be slidingly displaceable so that during a sliding displacement a turning around the turning axis is performed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl-Otto Dobler, Guenter Steinert
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Patent number: 6033100Abstract: Devices and methods for transmitting light through an aperture in a surface substantially without leakage. In one embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and configured to reorient to conform to the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. In another embodiment, the device comprises an optical relay structure having an end configured to transmit light, and an opaque collar positioned around the end and spring-biased relative to the end, so that the opaque collar is forced against the surface when the end and the aperture are aligned. The devices further may include a stop mechanism for limiting movement of the opaque collar, a registration mechanism for aligning the end and the aperture, and a light source and/or a detector for generating or detecting light, among others.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: LJL BioSystems, Inc.Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Glenn R. Edwards, Douglas N. Modlin
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Patent number: 6030101Abstract: A vehicle fascia assembly includes a main body portion adapted to be interconnected to a frame of a motor vehicle and a horizontally elongated lamp having an inboard end and an outboard end. The lamp, which in one embodiment is a sidemarker lamp, is normally retained in an operative position within an opening in the main body portion of the fascia assembly and is permitted to move relative to the main body portion during an impact to accommodate elastic deformation of the main body portion. In the preferred embodiment, an inboard end of the lamp is interconnected to the main body portion of the fascia assembly through a resiliently deflectable mounting member. The mounting member is preferably constructed of spring steel.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Earl R. Sobeck, Gerald C. Dermidoff, Robert E. Senger, Jr.
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Patent number: 6012821Abstract: An arm assembly for supporting a surgical lighthead of a surgical light apparatus includes a first arm and a first clevis appended to the first arm and having a first stop surface and a second stop surface. The arm assembly also includes a second arm formed to include an interior region and a second clevis appended to the second arm and having a third stop surface and a fourth stop surface. The surigcal lighthead is supported by the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.Inventors: Gerald L. Yeaney, John M. Bulko, Frank L. Martyna, Thomas M. Peterson, Michael A. Taft
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Patent number: 5957574Abstract: Pan assemblies for mounting of recessed lighting fixtures in ceilings and the like such as between structural joists, the invention primarily comprises pan frames formed of wire and strap stock shaped according to various embodiments of the invention into particular configurations capable of carrying standard cans or reflector housings, junction box structures and bar hangers inter alia for rough-in of downlighting fixtures. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the pan assemblies adjustably mount IC/non-IC cans which contain a source of illumination and appropriate trim inter alia, adjustable bar hanger assemblies usually being mounted by the pan assemblies with junction box structure being carried by the pan assemblies or connected directly to a can mounted by one of said pan assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Hentz, Richard F. Ashcraft
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Patent number: 5911502Abstract: The present invention provides a a headlight operable as a running light of a vehicle and, in particular, as a headlight of the vehicle for selectively projecting a low and a high beam. The headlight includes a reflector having a light source disposed therein. A beam position adjusting device operates to move the light source between its low beam position and its high beam position. The beam position adjusting device includes an electric powered drive motor and a displaceable interconnecting element interconnecting the beam position adjusting device and the light source. The device also includes a motion translation element for translating the drive output of the drive motor to displacement of the displaceable interconnecting element, the beam position adjusting device being operable to dispose the light source in its high beam position. A return movement device automatically biases the light source to move to its low beam disposition when the drive motor is not powered.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Zillgitt, Stefan Hammerstingl, Werner Schulze, Thilo Wagner, Andreas Hammele, Elefterios Konto
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Patent number: 5904416Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a headlight or a lamp to one or more vehicle parts in which the headlight or lamp is retained in an opening formed by at least two body parts by spring forces acting between the vehicle parts and the body parts forming the opening and/or by catch elements, making it possible to fasten a headlight or a lamp in an opening formed by two body parts, thus compensating differential heat expansions due to different materials of which the body parts are made.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Michael Muller
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Patent number: 5758959Abstract: A recessed lamp fixture having a minimal plaster frame and a lamp housing. The plaster frame comprising a mounting bracket is adapted to receive a variety of differently sized and shaped lamp housings. The housing comprises an integrated lamp and trim assembly that is retained within the housing by a biased retaining spring. The housing is designed with minimal openings for reduced heat loss and air flow. The frame further comprises an integrated junction box and hanger bar system adapted to mount the fixture behind a panel. The junction box and the lamp housing also comprise an electrical power line retaining means to securely fasten the line to the box and housing. The hanger bar is slideably attached to the frame with ends that are designed to engage ceiling and wall supporting structures without the need for additional fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Progress Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Philip Sieczkowski
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Patent number: 5709452Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Bertling, Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Juergen Mueller, Lothar Streit, Albert Vent
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Patent number: 5628558Abstract: An in-ground, pneumatically-operated, extensible-and-retractable landscape light comprised of an elongated outer housing having an air inlet in its body and an opening in its upper end into which is received in a telescoping, mating relationship an elongated inner housing which has a light source operably connected to the upper end thereof. The light source may be comprised of a light bulb and a source of electrical power, and the light source may be sheltered by an interchangeable light source sheltering unit. In use, the injection of air into the outer housing through the air inlet raises the inner housing from its retracted position to its extended position. The inner housing may be selectively locked in its extended position by a locking mechanism such as a solenoid with a solenoid plunger attached to one housing and a notch for receiving the plunger in the other housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventors: James L. Iacono, Nils L. Reed
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Patent number: 5605392Abstract: A headlight-light unit for a vehicle mountable in a receptacle of the vehicle has a headlight provided with a headlight housing, a light provided with a light housing and releasably connectable with the headlight, at least one springy locking element arranged on one of the housing, and a holding element on which the locking element is arrestable, the holding element being mountable on the other housing and bringable to different positions along a mounting direction of the light on the other housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hans Daumueller, Frieder Liedtke, Peter Kusserow, Friedrich Schmied
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Patent number: 5584569Abstract: A semiconductor laser module including a barrel screwed up with a screw cap and a semiconductor laser beam generating device mounted inside the barrel and triggered to emit a laser beam out of a laser beam firing hole on the screw cap, wherein the semiconductor laser beam generating device has two opposite pairs of planes spaced equiangularly spaced around the periphery and respectively stopped against; the barrel has springs mounted in respective locating holes and respectively stopped against two adjacent planes on the semiconductor laser beam generating device and two adjustment screws mounted in respective screw holes and respectively stopped against the other two adjacent planes of the semiconductor laser beam generating device and turned to align the longitudinal central axis of the position of the semiconductor laser beam generating device with that of the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Quarton, Inc.Inventor: Chaochi Huang
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Patent number: 5442528Abstract: A lighting device characterized by its light weight and ease of handling. One application of the lighting device is a lighted bookmark which can be placed between the pages of a book and also functions as a portable book light while reading. The invention utilizes a novel neck mechanism possessing a memory effect that repeatedly returns the light-bearing neck to its original curved position when extended. The light-bearing neck of the bookmark can be retracted to fit within the body of the bookmark and can also be pushed to extend out of the bookmark, causing the light to automatically energize above the pages of a book when reading. The novel light-bearing neck mechanism can be successfully incorporated into other lighting devices such as a lighted notepad and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Inventor: Rudy A. Vandenbelt
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Patent number: 5379197Abstract: A lighted bicycle safety device with an actuatable safety light contained within a lighting apparatus. A light, power sours, and light switch are all compactly contained within the apparatus, which is pivotally connected to a bicycle to move between an operational orientation where the lighting apparatus is oriented substantially horizontally and laterally and the illuminating lens extends beyond the outermost side of the bicycle, and a storage orientation where the lighting apparatus is oriented flush with the plane of the bicycle frame. A straightening spring absorbs impacts of passing motor vehicles. An on-off switch projects from and slides along a channel formed in the apparatus. The switch moves a sleeve and a light bulb retainer to shift the light bulb between on and off positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Conyers (Gpmrr) Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Philip C. Conyers, Maxine E. Conyers
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Patent number: 5371663Abstract: A color medium structure for use with a stage spotlight comprises a frame constituted by two opposite frame plates, preferably made of a fiber reinforced plastic, with a portion of the periphery thereof secured together to allow other portion of the periphery to be peelable off for receiving therebetween a light-transmitting color film. The light-transmitting color film is secured between the frame plates by the attraction of magnets mounted to the frame plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Inventor: Tsung-Jen Chuang
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Patent number: 5337223Abstract: An aimable vehicle headlamp is disclosed which has a lamp unit rigidly held by a mounting ring which is of rectangular, horizontally elongated shape as seen in a front view and which is to be mounted to a vehicle for rotary motion in every direction within limits. A helical tension spring is coupled to the mounting ring at a point adjacent one corner thereof for biasing the same toward the vehicle. A horizontal aiming screw extends between a first lug on one shorter side, away from the corner, of the mounting ring and the vehicle. A vertical aiming screw extends between a second lug on one longer side, also away from the corner, of the mounting ring and the vehicle. The second lug projects from the one longer side of the mounting ring a greater extent than does the first lug from the one shorter side of the mounting ring, so that approximately equal forces are required for turning the horizontal and vertical aiming screws.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1993Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Fujino
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Patent number: 5329437Abstract: Embodiments of a retractable electric candle system are shown and described, each for installation into a window sill so that the candle rises out of the sill for use and retracts down into the space under the sill for storage. The candle system includes a base for attachment over an aperture drilled in the sill, a candle that slides up and down through the base and the sill, and a tube member into which the candle retracts. When a cover is removed from the base, a spring pops up the candle enough to allow the user to grasp it for lifting. A slot and pin mechanism cooperate to reversibly lock the candle into a raised position when the candle is lifted and rotated about 1/4 turn. Electrical contacts, wiring, and electrical tape are positioned to electrify the bulb or other display unit on top of the candle when the candle system is connected to a power source and when the candle is in the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventor: Perry A. Briggs
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Patent number: 5285359Abstract: A navigation light for a boat including a base plate mounted over a hole in the deck, or over a hole in the cabin side or hull side. The base plate has an opening therein in which is pivotally mounted a bulb carrying insert, with the insert being moveable between a flush position and a projecting position relative to the base plate. A solenoid connected in series with the light bulb in the light circuit is activated when the circuit is actuated and moves the insert from its flush position to its projecting position. In a first embodiment, a bow light, a spring is provided to assist the solenoid in moving the insert to its projecting position. In a second embodiment, a side light, a spring is provided to return the insert to its flush position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Accon Inc.Inventor: John Czipri
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Patent number: 5268825Abstract: A lighting or indicating unit, such as a direction indicator, is fitted in a wing of a motor vehicle between the wing itself and a headlamp. A fastening means for fastening the unit includes a first zone of engagement between the unit and the adjacent wing, which defines a notional axis of rotation for the unit and determines, at least partly, the correct positioning of the latter with respect to the wing; a spring which applies a resilient force to the unit so as to apply a turning moment to the latter about the notional axis; and a second zone of engagement between the unit and the adjacent headlamp, this second zone being subjected to the turning moment and applying a reaction force which ensures that the unit bears on the wing in the first zone of engagement.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1992Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Lucien Blancheton
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Patent number: 5147132Abstract: A swivel means for lighting fixture includes: a swivel base having a lower post secured on a supporting base of a lighting fixture, an upper bracket having a collar rotatably mounted on the swivel base as packed by a packing sleeve sandwiched between the supporting base and the collar and having an upper post secured with a lampshade provided with an illuminator in the lampshade, a tensioning spring resiliently holding the collar of the upper bracket on the swivel base, whereby upon a swinging rotation of the lampshade secured with the upper bracket and the collar about a horizontal axis of the swivel base, the lampshade will be angularly rotated to adjust its inclination angle about a horizontal axis longitudinally formed in the swivel base to be optionally angularly positioned on the swivel base as frictionally held on the swivel base by the packing sleeve and resiliently held on the swivel base by the tensioning spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1992Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Sangara Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Yu Lee
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Patent number: 5029058Abstract: A lighting apparatus of the present invention comprises a lamp which is started and lighted by a ballast and a starter and which takes an illumination position controlled by remote operation, the ballast and the starter being received in a lamp casing in which the lamp is disposed. The light apparatus is therefore capable of preventing the occurrence of noise in various kinds of electronic instrument, which is caused by the high-frequency waves generated from the ballast and other devices, and rapidly returning to its original positions from any illumination positions with respect to the illumination direction, the illumination angle and so on.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Assignee: Sanshin Dengu Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideto Hirose, Hiroaki Yamai
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Patent number: 5025359Abstract: A counterbalanced arm for a lighthead has an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion adapted at one end to be connected to the lighthead and at the other end for articulation about the upper arm portion, and a pivot assembly connecting the upper arm portion to the lower arm portion. The pivot assembly defines a pivot axis about which the lower arm portion pivots with respect to the upper arm portion. A lever mechanism is positioned so that a first end is positioned on one side of the pivot axis and a second end is positioned on the opposite side of the pivot axis, with the first end being pivotally secured to either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion. A pull rod is positioned within either the upper arm portion or the lower arm portion and is pivotally attached to the second end of lever mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1990Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Raja Saluja, Arthur T. Nagare
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Patent number: 4991068Abstract: In combination, a baseball style cap has a crown portion, a bill portion, and a portion for mounting a high intensity lamp to the bill portion. The mounting portion comprises a relatively stiff steel support rod having a first end bent so as to be located in a plane parallel to the bill of the hat for attachment thereto. Another portion of the support extends in an upwardly angled direction from the first end, and a second end extends substantially normal to a plane defined by the first end. The portion of the support bent in an upwardly angled direction and the connection portion are attached to an outer surface of the lamp for receiving the second end of the lamp support. The connection portion comprises an outer non-resilient tube bonded to the lamp and an inner resilient tube inserted into the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1990Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Inventor: Scott A. Mickey