With Or Including Plural, Distinct Reflecting Surfaces Patents (Class 362/297)
  • Patent number: 6966675
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a lighting module for a vehicle headlight for giving a light beam of the cut-off type, particularly one which is adapted to use with light-emitting diodes. The module has a second reflector having a substantially elliptical surface for reflecting light rays and at least one light source arranged close to the first focus of the first reflector. The module also includes a second reflector for producing the cut-off or dipped output beam, the focus of this reflector being arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector. The module further includes a third reflector or bender, having a reflective top face and being situated between the first and second reflectors. This third reflector has a cut-off edge arranged close to the second focus of the first reflector, whereby to form the cut-off within the light beam. The light source is a light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 6964506
    Abstract: A light reflector having a row of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein one segment is located at a top of the row and another segment is located at a bottom of the row. A pair of wings is connected at the sides of the row, each one of the wings including a plurality of light reflecting segments separated by fold lines, wherein at least some of the light reflecting segments of the row and at least some of the light reflecting segments of the wings form a shell-shaped arrangement wherein at least some light reflecting segments of the row and at least some light reflecting segments of the pair of wings are bent at their respective fold lines whereby the arrangement is generally curved along an imaginary line connecting the one segment and the another segment and generally curved along an imaginary line perpendicular to the first mentioned line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Allied Lighting Systems, INC
    Inventors: Peter C. Sara, Steven C. Donner, Henry M. Avila
  • Patent number: 6964497
    Abstract: A lighting device is described which comprises a light emission surface (11) and a plurality of substantially point-shaped light sources (21) such as, for example, LEDs, and which is suitable in particular for backlighting liquid crystal displays such as LCD picture screens, or for use as a planar light radiator. The lighting device is characterized in particular in that an optical waveguide plate (1) is provided with a plurality of cavities (20) for the light sources (21), which cavities are covered with a first reflecting layer (204) on their upper sides (203) facing the light emission surface (11), while the coupling of the light into the optical waveguide plate takes place through side walls (201) of the cavities. A very homogeneous distribution of the luminous intensity on the light emission surface is achieved thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Horst Greiner
  • Patent number: 6955452
    Abstract: An illumination system using filament lamps including a filament lamp, a reflector having a first and second focal points, the filament lamp disposed proximate to the first focal point of the reflector to emit rays of electromagnetic radiation that reflect from the reflector and converge substantially at the second focal point, wherein a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the filament lamp impinges directly on the reflector and a portion of the electromagnetic radiation does not impinge directly on the reflector and wherein the system further includes an additional reflector constructed and arranged to reflect at least part of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation that does not impinge directly on the reflector toward the reflector through the first focal point of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Wavien, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Li
  • Patent number: 6953252
    Abstract: A projector having a plurality of retro-reflectors. In one embodiment of the present invention, a projector includes a light source, an image forming device, a concave reflector, and a plurality of retro-reflectors. The concave reflector is positioned adjacent to the light source to reflect light emitted by the light source toward the image forming device. The plurality of retro-reflectors is configured to reflect light emitted from the light source toward the concave reflector and is positioned as sets at different respective distances from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Olan Way
  • Patent number: 6953261
    Abstract: A tubular reflector for reflecting light emanating from a tubular light source. The tubular reflector may be semi-circular or elliptical in shape and positioned around the tubular light source. Furthermore, the inner reflective surface of the tubular reflector may be smooth or multi-faceted. The reflector may reflect light from the tubular light source and redirect the light to achieve a desired distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: North American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianzhong Jiao, Matthew A. Lekson
  • Patent number: 6951415
    Abstract: Light from an LED light source, which is placed to be directed toward the front of a lamp, is incident on a translucent member, and the light that is transmitted through the translucent member is reflected by a reflector toward the front of the lamp. An internal reflection portion that internally reflects light which is incident on the translucent member at a small angle with respect to an optical axis of the LED light source, in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, and a refraction portion that refracts light which is incident at a large angle with respect to the optical axis, in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, are formed on the surface of the translucent member. The LED emitted light can be caused to be incident on a reflective surface of the reflector in the form of substantially parallel beams which are directed in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Amano, Hiroya Koizumi
  • Patent number: 6924945
    Abstract: A light collection system that includes a light source, a condenser lens, a reflector mechanism to collect and focus light from the light source, an aperture, and an image lens. A light beam from the light source is focused through the aperture to define the image to be projected. Ancillary reflector elements can be positioned to collect light not collected by the reflector means. The result is a compact collection system with a smaller image lens and excellent collection efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Patent number: 6921188
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp emitting light to a lateral direction can include a simple construction to reduce design limitations, and can achieve desired light distribution characteristics by controlling the direction and intensity of light illuminated in a range covering the front and the side of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp preferably includes: a second reflecting surface for reflecting incident light from a light source to a predetermined direction; a third reflecting surface, arranged forward of the light source and backward of a projection lens and out of a main optical path, for reflecting light from the second reflecting surface toward front; and a fourth reflecting surface, arranged forward of the third reflecting surface and out of the main optical path, for reflecting light from the third reflecting surface to a lateral direction relative at least to a region of light emitted from the projection lens along the main optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 6918684
    Abstract: Luminaires for illumination of vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of reflector assemblies capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said luminaires either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the luminaires for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. Lamps used in embodiments capable of providing asymmetrical light distributions are located toward one or the other of side portions and are preferably vertically oriented. A main reflector is curvilinear in conformation and functions in concert with a secondary reflector located directly behind the lamp to direct light onto desired portions of a vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: John Bryan Harvey
  • Patent number: 6913378
    Abstract: A direct-lighting type back light unit includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light outward; a reflecting plate defining a plurality of curved reflecting recesses in which the light sources are respectively arranged. Each recess forms a first convex reflecting surface at a center of the recess, a second inclined reflecting surface formed at an edge of the recess and a third inclined reflecting surface formed at the edge and extending from the second reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Quanta Display Incorporation
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Ho
  • Patent number: 6913377
    Abstract: A projection-type headlamp producing a low-beam light distribution pattern having a cut-off line and which provides improved visibility for the driver of the vehicle with a reduced possibility of inflicting glare on drivers of oncoming vehicles. A low-beam light distribution pattern is synthesized from a base light distribution pattern, formed by a projection-type lamp unit, and a pair of additional light distribution patterns, formed by light reflected from a pair of additional reflectors provided on right and left sides of a lamp unit body. The additional light distribution patterns are superimposed on a horizontal cut-off line having a level difference within the base light distribution pattern. The contrast between the area above the horizontal cut-off line and the area below the horizontal cut-off line is accordingly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Naoki Uchida, Kenichi Takada
  • Patent number: 6908212
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture is provided for retrofitting light fixtures utilizing conventional fluorescent lamps into light fixtures utilizing energy efficient fluorescent lamps. The fluorescent light fixture is a single unit comprising a reflector, socket plates at each end, lamp sockets, ballast, ballast cover and wiring. The reflector may be slidably mounted onto the socket plates to allow the retrofit to expand and contract. The fluorescent light fixture may include a attachment which temporarily secures the fluorescent light fixture within a light fixture shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Schultz
  • Patent number: 6893148
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight has a light source cooperating with optical means to produce a beam which is generally spread widthwise. The optical means, such as a reflector, are adapted to produce in the beam two separate zones of maximum light intensity. The headlight gives two alternative functions, such as a short range lighting function for negotiating bends, and a foglight function, without the need for any movable optical components. The disclosure is also directed to a pair of vehicle lights so adapted, one on the right and one on the left of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Eric Blusseau, Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 6883935
    Abstract: A reflector holder retains a reflector that has a hole in one of its ends. The holder includes a base with a quick-connect connector extending from the base. In one version, the quick-connect connector includes a semi-arcuate flange member that extends from the base. The member has a pair of edges extending between the base and the outward end of the flange member and a mid-portion between the edges. The member also has a concave side and a convex side. A connection post extends from the mid-portion of the concave side of the end of the member away from the base, and terminates in an outward end. A pair of lock ears extend from the outward end of the connection post, with one ear extending toward each of the edges of the flange member. Each lock ear terminates in a locking end that is spaced from one of the edges so as to define a gap between the locking end and edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Leon Lassovsky
  • Patent number: 6871990
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a primary light source and a visor for preventing the lamp from falling into a state of false illumination due to incident light from light sources other than the primary light source. The lamp can irradiate light toward a predetermined direction. The visor can be provided at a position close to either the light source or a false light source formed by light from the light source. The visor can include a plurality of grooves extending horizontally on one surface thereof, and the grooves can have a V-shaped cross section. An angle made by two sides forming the V-shaped cross section is preferably an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norifumi Imazeki, Takashi Nakanishi, Takeaki Okamura
  • Patent number: 6871979
    Abstract: A back light module disposed under a display panel has at least a light source generator for generating light beams, a diffusing plate for scattering the light beams to the display panel, a light guide plate (LGP) for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate. The reflecting sheet has at least an opening for dissipating heat generated by the operation of the light source generator of the back light module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Toppoly Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Che-Kuei Mai
  • Patent number: 6871991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dipped headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source cooperating with a mirror in order to form an illuminating beam with a V-shaped cut-off, the mirror comprising four regions arranged side by side, a first region giving the beam its width, a second region giving the beam its range under the horizontal part of the cut-off, a third region giving the beam its range under the inclined part of the cut-off, and a fourth part giving the beam its range along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. According to the invention, each region is joined to the adjacent region without a step, the first region of the mirror has a reflecting surface which strongly spreads the light in the lateral direction, and the second and third regions are located on the same side of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Hervé Perrin
  • Patent number: 6854863
    Abstract: A multi-directional decorative lighting equipment is disclosed. The lighting equipment is composed of a lighting unit and a reflector plate. The lighting unit further includes conductors, a lamp holder, and a lighting element, wherein the lighting element is installed and fixed on the lamp holder, and connected to the power source with the conductors. The reflector plate is fixed to the lamp holder and forms a prescribed angle with lamp element so as to perform multi-directional reflection effect. The reflector plate may be finished with various colors, and its figure may be planar or polyhedral, and the surface thereof may be smooth or rugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 6846101
    Abstract: LED lamp assembly particularly adapted for automotive applications that utilizes one or more standard replaceable LED bulbs with changeable optics to make multiple beam patterns. Preferably the optic is molded and easily replaced. An electric module is mounted directly under the LED to facilitate the electrical connection and provide good thermal contact. The LED light source(s) and interchangeable optic are positioned and sealed in the base of a main reflector or the vehicle hull by means well known to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Coushaine
  • Publication number: 20040265707
    Abstract: An illumination source is optimized by changing the intensity and shape of the illumination source to form an image in the image plane that maximizes the minimum ILS at user selected fragmentation points while forcing the intensity at the fragmentation points to be within a small intensity range. An optimum mask may be determined by changing the magnitude and phase of the diffraction orders to form an image in the image plane that maximizes the minimum ILS at user selected fragmentation points while forcing the intensity at the fragmentation points to be within a small intensity range. An optimal mask may be used to create a CPL mask by assigning areas of minimum transmission in an optimum transmission mask a −1, and areas of maximum transmission a +1. Primitive rectangles having a size set to a minimum feature size of a mask maker are assigned to the located minimum and maximum transmission areas and centered at a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Socha
  • Patent number: 6832843
    Abstract: An illumination system including at least one reflector subtending an angle with respect to a location on a surface of an article, and first and second light sources, the first and second light sources each providing a light output, the light outputs from both of the first and second light sources being directed to impinge on the location on the surface of an article within the angle, at least one of the light outputs being reflected by the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Orbotech, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avraham Adler, Moshe Ben Shlomo
  • Patent number: 6827467
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus having a light source, an optical unit disposed on the object side of the light source having a lens portion having positive refractive power in the central portion thereof, incidence surfaces on which light from the light source is incident and reflecting surfaces for totally reflecting the incident light, on both sides of the lens portion, and an emergence surface from which the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces emerges, wherein a beam emerging from the lens portion and a beam emerging from the emergence surface intersect with each other substantially at the same place in their condensed state, and a second optical unit having a plurality of prism portions, wherein the relative interval between the optical unit and the second optical unit are changed to vary an irradiation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
  • Publication number: 20040240223
    Abstract: Headlight for a motor vehicle comprising a reflector and a light source (S) running transversely to the optical axis (Y-Y) of the reflector and placed near the focal point of the reflector. The transverse light source (S) is placed near the internal focal point (Fi) of an ellipsoidal reflector (R1). The wall of the ellipsoidal reflector has a cutout (1) situated on one side of the plane passing through the geometric axis of the light source (S) and parallel to the optical axis (Y-Y) of the ellipsoidal reflector. A lens (2) with an optical axis parallel to or coincident with that of the ellipsoidal reflector (R1) is placed in front of this reflector, the focal point (3) of the lens being close to the external focal point (Fe) of the ellipsoidal reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Norbert Brun, Jean-Luc Meyrenaud, Kamislav Fadel, Xavier Helme-Guizon
  • Patent number: 6824301
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp which provides a low-beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line and which enhances distant visibility in the traveling line by assuring a sufficient amount of light in a hot zone, even if the height of a reflector is small. The reflecting surface of the reflector is configured to have first reflecting zones which reflect light so as to form a horizontal cut-off line, and second reflecting zones which reflect light so as to form an oblique cut-off line. The second reflecting zones Z2 are provided at two positions on right and left sides of the lamp optical axis Ax which are arranged diagonally with respect to the lamp optical axis Ax. The amount of light in a hot zone HZ is increased by superimposing light distribution patterns produced by the light reflected from each of the second reflecting zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 6811272
    Abstract: A reflector, light source, phase retarder, and linear polarizer configured to increase a single-polarization output beam by converting wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light. The linear polarizer reflects the wrong-polarization light and transmits the correct-polarization light. The phase retarder converts the wrong-polarization light into correct-polarization light, which is then transmitted by the linear polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O'Connor, Clark A. Pentico
  • Patent number: 6811289
    Abstract: A lens has a concave shape or a convex shape in either vertical cross section or transverse cross section. Thereby light passing through the lens is largely refracted and the interior is harder to be seen even if a prism is not formed. As a result, there is no need to give a finish more than optical performance required for reflection to the front surface of the reflecting surface of a reflector, which is for the purpose of enhancement of its appearance, and thereby the machining work is simpler than the conventional way. Further, since the lens has a flat shape in either vertical cross section or transverse cross section, the lens is easily polished when it is made of glass, which is excellent in manufacture of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nakata
  • Patent number: 6811277
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is constructed such that light exiting from an LED light source is converted into collimated light and such that the collimated light is reflected forward of the lamp by means of a reflector. At that time, the reflector portion has a stepwise reflection surface in which there are alternately formed a plurality of light incidence sections into which the collimated light enter and a plurality of intermediate sections into which no collimated light enters. Further, each of the intermediate sections is formed from an irregular surface formed so as to recess rearward of the lamp with respect to a plane parallel to the direction of radiation of the collimated light. By means of the irregular surface, stray light or the like included in the collimated light exiting from the optical member is reflected forward of the lamp. As a result, when the lamp is viewed from the front, the light incidence sections appear to glare, resembling spread spots, and the intermediate sections also appear to glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Amano
  • Patent number: 6796691
    Abstract: An indicator lamp for a motor vehicle is delimited at least on one side by a partition (22) running along the lamp over a substantial depth and comprises a light source (10), a flux concentrator and/or recuperator element (211), glazing (30), and an auxiliary reflecting area (212) able to direct, towards the glazing in the vicinity of the partition (22), an auxiliary luminous flux the average direction (x′-x′) of which is substantially inclined with respect to the principal axis of emission (x-x). The auxiliary reflecting area comprises a segment of axisymmetric paraboloid focused in the vicinity of the source, and the axis of which is oriented along the said average direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Valérie Molto, Claude Tribouiller, Jean Rit
  • Patent number: 6793368
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) has means for holding and for electrically connecting a tube-like lamp (2) and a back reflector (4), extending over the length of the lamp (2), which is provided for the purpose of reflecting a part of the light emitted from the lamp (1) counter to a certain emission direction. In the back reflector there are provided through-openings (5) which are provided for the purpose of allowing a part of the light emitted from the lamp (2) to pass through in the emission direction, whereby pot reflectors (6) adjoin onto the through-openings (5) in the back reflector (4) in the emission direction. The luminaire distinguishes itself through the variety of the illumination effects which can be achieved therewith, which however have no effect on the functionality of the luminaire for room illumination or for the illumination of workplaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH
    Inventor: Gerald Ladstätter
  • Patent number: 6793372
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a light assembly with LESDs mounted opposite to the reflective side of a reflector. A plurality of reflectors are arranged in an overlapping fashion such that the light emitted from the LESD of one reflector is directed to the reflective surface of an underlying reflector. In this fashion, a number of LESDs may be incorporated into a lighting device in a variety of patterns while maintaining the LESDs and their mountings hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Guide Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Wehner, David L. Rhorer
  • Patent number: 6793375
    Abstract: A surface mountable strobe incorporates an elongated light source and a multi-element reflector. The reflector includes a first generally circular partial parabolic reflector element with an axis of rotation which corresponds to an axis of symmetry of the source. The first reflector element produces a spike of on-axis radiant energy which substantially exceeds the off-axis output profile. A plurality of spaced apart arcuate reflector elements provides output light profiles in horizontal and vertical planes which intersect at or near the axis of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6783250
    Abstract: A light collection for an arc lamp includes a parabolic reflector having primary and secondary parabolic reflector sections, the secondary parabolic reflector section divided into subsections, resulting in multiple arc images. The light collection system combines high efficiency and etendue preserving aperture shaping, and is particularly useful in projection display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Peter J Janssen
  • Patent number: 6776509
    Abstract: A light fixture having a relatively narrow light emitting aperture in a bottom thereof, includes a pair of elliptically shaped reflectors mounted therein, wherein first terminating ends of each reflector are connected, the elliptically shaped reflectors extending in parallel along the housing. Disposed inwardly from each reflector and spaced therefrom are light sources, each said light source extending in parallel relation. The ellipsoidal reflectors being positioned to reflect light through the narrow width aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Chris Warner
  • Patent number: 6773151
    Abstract: An automobile dome lamp assembly which includes a metal reflector unit, plastic lamp housing,cartridge lamp, and cover lens. The reflector unit comprises two concave reflector portions that are mounted on the plastic base in electrical isolation from each other. Each of the two reflector portions include a unitary electrical terminal and lamp retainer clip. The cartridge lamp is mounted to the reflector unit by the two retainer clips such that it is located in front of the reflector. Power supplied to the electrical terminals is routed to the lamp through the reflector portion and their unitary retainer clips. The reflector unit is stamped from a single pieces of metal frangible bridges interconnecting the two reflector portions. The reflector unit can be insert molded to the plastic housing and the frangible bridges are separate at that time to electrically isolate the two reflector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Brown
  • Patent number: 6773143
    Abstract: A structure for reflection of light comprising a curved surface reflector for reflecting the light emitted from a light source located on a focus of the curved surface reflector, and a semi-sphere surface for reflecting the light emitted from the light source located on a center of the semi-sphere surface. In specific, the focus of the curved surface reflector and the center of the semi-sphere surface are so positioned as to be substantially on the same location, thus after the light emitted from the light source is reflected by the semi-sphere surface, the reflected light passes through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector, so that all of the light emitted from the light source can pass through the center to illuminate on the curved surface reflector and is then reflected by the same so as to obtain a condensed light beam with the smaller converging angle and spot size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Chang
  • Patent number: 6771870
    Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: eele Laboratories
    Inventors: Karlheinz Strobl, Paul Gasteiger
  • Patent number: 6767113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-angle reflector for use in a backlight unit. The back light unit comprises a plurality of lamps, a multi-angle reflector and a diffuser. The multi-angle reflector comprises a plate and a plurality of reflecting protrusions. The plate has a top surface toward to the lamps. The reflecting protrusions are respectively disposed on the top surface of the plate. Each reflecting protrusion has a reflecting surface. The reflecting surfaces have a plurality of reflecting angles corresponding to the top surface of the plate so that the light from lamps are adapted to reflect to the diffuser according to the reflecting angles. Therefore, according to the invention, the reflecting angles of the reflecting surfaces on the reflecting protrusions can be adjusted so as to suit to various actual conditions. The lights are uniform and the utility of the lights is improved. Because the reflecting protrusions are small, the reflector can be made into a thin type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yao
  • Patent number: 6761475
    Abstract: A lighting device, comprising a luminous source consisting of a LED (5) that is placed between the flanges (2,3) of a primary reflector (1), which is essentially V-shaped. A secondary reflector (7), composed of an elongated element with steps (8), runs along the extension of one of the flanges (3) of the primary reflector (1), while an elongated transparent diffuser (9) runs along the extension of the other flange (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Piermario Repetto, Sabino Sinesi, Davide Capello, Daniele Pullini, Denis Bollea
  • Publication number: 20040125615
    Abstract: A direct-lighting type back light unit includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light outward; a reflecting plate defining a plurality of curved reflecting recesses in which the light sources are respectively arranged. Each recess forms a first convex reflecting surface at a center of the recess, a second inclined reflecting surface formed at an edge of the recess and a third inclined reflecting surface formed at the edge and extending from the second reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Chun Ho
  • Patent number: 6755547
    Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a sheet, film or plate overlying a light emitting member. The sheet, film or plate has a pattern of deformities on one or both sides that may vary or be random in size, shape or geometry, placement, index of refraction, density, angle, depth, height and type for controlling the light output distribution to suit a particular application. Also the sheet, film or plate may have a coating or surface treatment for causing the light to pass through a liquid crystal display with low loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Solid State Opto Limited
    Inventor: Jeffery R. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040114358
    Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed which includes a housing adapted to receive one or more battery cells and having a transparent lens on a forward end thereof. An LED light source connected to the cell is utilized in conjunction with collimating optics positioned adjacent the LED to refract rays of light from the LED forwardly. A first paraboloid reflector having a concave reflective surface is positioned within said housing to receive rays of light from the collimating optics and to reflect the rays rearwardly and a second paraboloid reflector having a concave reflective surface is positioned within said housing to receive rays of light reflected rearwardly from the first paraboloid reflector and to further reflect the rays forwardly through the transparent lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: William T. Storey, Brian E. Probst, Joseph E. Gorrie
  • Publication number: 20040114371
    Abstract: A luminaire (1) comprises a reflector (3) that defines an elongate concave cavity in which an elongate light source (2), for example a fluorescent tube, is located in spaced relationship to the reflector whereby the latter surrounds the light source on its rearward side to reflect light from the source and cause it to be emitted from the cavity in a generally-forwards direction. To enable the distribution of light from the luminaire (1) to be tailored to meet the requirements of the situation in which the luminaire is to be used, the reflector (3) is provided, on opposite sides of the cavity, with a respective prismatic structure (6) upstanding from its inner surface to intercept and deviate light that is emitted, in the generally-forwards direction, from the space in the cavity between the light source (2) and the reflector (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Michael C. Lea, John C. Wright, Andrew M. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20040114395
    Abstract: A direct-type backlight module. The direct-type backlight module includes a first diffuser, a prism, a second diffuser, a reflector and a tube. The prism is disposed under the first diffuser. The second diffuser is disposed under the prism. The reflector is disposed under the second diffuser and has a plurality of protruding reflecting portions. The protruding reflecting portions are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The tube is disposed between the second diffuser and the reflector. The tube is positioned between two contiguous protruding reflecting portions of the reflector. Light emitted from the tube is reflected upward into the second diffuser, the prism and the first diffuser by the reflector and the protruding reflecting portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Ching-Hsiang Chan, Ming-Chun Hsiao, Kang-Hung Liu, Wai-Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20040114366
    Abstract: A light assembly is configured to produce a large area of light emission from an LED light source. The LED light source is mounted within a concave reflector and oriented to face the rear of the reflector. A compound reflecting surface diverts axial light from the LED away from the axis of the reflector to avoid blockage by the LED support structure. A peripheral reflecting surface redirects the diverted light. The LED light source may be a linear array of LEDs aligned with a linear focal axis of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Smith, Jon H. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6749323
    Abstract: A generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surface elements is supported for rotation about a horizontal axis within a housing having an opening. A light source and a mirror are disposed in the housing to reflect light rays from the light source onto the mirror then to the spherical body to cause the light rays passing through the opening in the housing onto an exterior wall to simulate descending snowflakes. The mirror is adjustable in order to change the path of the simulated snowflakes on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: James L. LaChance
  • Patent number: 6746133
    Abstract: A luminaire having a lamp (1) and at least one concavely curved reflector arranged, seen in the radiation direction, behind or to the side behind the lamp (1). To the side of the lamp (1) color filters (5) are so arranged that only the light radiated by the lamp (1) to the side against the at least one concave reflector (3) is altered in its color composition by means of the color filters (5). The light radiated in the radiation direction intended for the illumination is not altered in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Zumitobel Staff GmbH
    Inventors: Simona Loga, Georg Kempter
  • Publication number: 20040105262
    Abstract: A light emitting diode chip or chips array mounted on a substrate is surrounded by one or more side walls. The wall has an uneven reflecting surface to diverge the light emitted from the LED chip or chip array. The wall may have a triangular cross-section so that the emitted light diverges in all directions. When three double-sided reflecting walls surround three LED panels, the reflected light becomes omnidirectional hemispherically and can be used in a light bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Tzyy Jang Tseng, Bily Wang, Alen Ke
  • Patent number: 6739737
    Abstract: A lamp body of the compact spot and flood light type suitable for use with a compact fluorescent light source, wherein the lamp body includes a lamp head, a lampshade for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, and an adapter connected to the lamp head, wherein the lampshade is formed by the integration of at least two coaxial conical surfaces with different vertex angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: William Yu
  • Patent number: 6739743
    Abstract: A design structure is provided in the effective luminous region of a lamp device. Moreover, there is provided a unit which allows the optical path of a reflected light from a reflector to avoid the design structure is provided on the reflector. Therefore, the design structure can be positively provided in the effective luminous region of the lamp device, without affecting the light distribution, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing of the lamp device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Koshiro, Katsuhiko Inoue