With Or Including Means Blocking Axial Rays Patents (Class 362/303)
  • Patent number: 10914444
    Abstract: To increase the light utilization efficiency when selective light irradiation is performed using a liquid crystal element (a liquid crystal device). A lamp unit including: a light source; a reflective polarizing plate disposed at a position where light from the light source is incident; a reflecting mirror configured to reflect a reflected light generated by the reflective polarizing plate and re-enters the reflected light to the reflective polarizing plate; a liquid crystal device disposed on the light emitting surface side of the reflective polarizing plate; a polarizing plate disposed on the light emitting surface side of the liquid crystal device; and a lens disposed on the light emitting surface side of the polarizing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Toko, Yoshifumi Takao, Masafumi Ohno, Yoshihisa Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10730427
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus has a light source unit that can form a light distribution pattern by applying light into a virtual region, and an illuminance controller that can change the illuminance of at least a part of the light distribution pattern. The illuminance controller reduces the illuminance of the light distribution pattern in a region positioned in a first center in the vertical direction and a second center in a lateral direction, depending on a signal transmitted from an oncoming vehicle detector that transmits a signal according to the presence of an oncoming vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Tatara, Toshihiro Okamura, Takeshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 10655819
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a light source unit including one or more light sources and configured to generate light; a reflector configured to reflect at least part of the light generated by the light source unit; and a lens configured to transmit therethrough a first portion of the light that is generated by the light source unit and that is reflected by the reflector to the lens. The reflector includes: a reflective part configured to reflect, to the lens, the first portion of the light generated by the light source unit; and a non-reflective part configured not to reflect, to the lens, the light generated by the light source unit. The reflective part and the non-reflective part of the reflector are configured to selectively reflect the light generated by the light source unit towards the lens to output a light distribution pattern from the vehicle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: ZKW Group GmbH
    Inventors: Taeyoung Na, Sangshin Park
  • Patent number: 10598349
    Abstract: A lighting component including an optical volume and a switchable diffuser disposed at least partially within the optical volume is described. The optical volume includes a light injection region, at least one reflective or transflective outer major surface, and an output major surface. The at least one reflective or transflective outer major surface defines opposing boundaries of the optical volume. The output major surface is adjacent one or more distal edges of the at least one reflective or transflective outer major surface. The switchable diffuser has at least a first state and a second state. The switchable diffuser may have a surface normal that is not parallel to an optical axis of the optical volume. The at least one reflective or transflective outer major surface may have a spatially varying reflective property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 10480744
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle lighting system including a device for projecting a low beam into a projection zone, wherein the projecting device is configured so that the low beam includes a zone of lesser illumination located in the interior of the projection zone. A preferred application is the field of lighting equipment for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Marine Courcier, Vanesa Sanchez, Xavier Morel, Jean-Luc Meyrenaud, Stephan Sommerschuh, Weicheng Luo, Hafid El Idrissi
  • Patent number: 10443814
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a light diffusion portion comprising a same shape and approximately a same two dimensional size as a bottom surface of a light source, a light redirection device coupled to a perimeter of the light diffusion portion, wherein the light redirection device redirects a first portion of light emitted from a light source in a direction opposite a second portion of light emitted from the light source that travels through the light diffusion portion, and at least one mechanical coupling member coupled to the light redirection device, wherein the at least one mechanical coupling member is to connect to a corresponding portion of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Yinan Zhang, Sam Acacia, Chakrakodi Vishnu Shastry
  • Patent number: 9964298
    Abstract: In an example a lamp shield comprises: a front face; a skirt extending from the front face, wherein the skirt comprises a heat spreader; and an extended arm connected to the front face or the skirt. A headlamp assembly can comprise: a reflector and the lamp shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventor: Christopher Terence Lynch
  • Patent number: 9961310
    Abstract: An image projection apparatus that generates an image based on image data and projects the image, includes: an image generation element that uses light emitted from a light source to generate an image; a holding unit that rotatably holds the image generation element; and an illumination optical unit that includes one or more optical systems and a light tunnel that is a tubular member surrounding part of a light path from the light source to the image generation element and reflects the light by an inner surface thereof, and that projects the light passing through the light tunnel toward an entire area of a rotatable range of the image generation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihisa Mikawa, Tetsuya Fujioka, Hideo Kanai, Yasunari Mikutsu, Satoshi Tsuchiya, Jun Mashimo
  • Patent number: 9869444
    Abstract: A flat lamp structure may include a housing; a module in which at least one LED is disposed on a substrate; a reflector which reflects light emitted from the LED to the outside thereof; an inner lens which is disposed in front of the reflector with a predetermined interval to diffuse light emitted from the LED; and an outer lens which is disposed outside the inner lens and coupled to the housing, wherein the reflector has a first reflector part, a second reflector part, and a third reflector part having different optical properties and the first and second reflector parts have a specular reflection characteristic and the third reflector part has a Lambertian reflection characteristic, and reflects the light in all directions with the uniform brightness regardless of a direction to a diffuser surface to form a light emission surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung Uk Choi
  • Patent number: 9863602
    Abstract: An LED light source device having an LED including an LED element as a light emission source and capable of possessing the same light distribution characteristics and luminance distribution as those of a common bulb having a coiled filament as a light emission source is provided. The LED light source device is also capable of providing the same light distribution pattern when it is used for a lighting fixture that utilizes a bulb as a light source, in place of a bulb. LEDs are disposed with respect to first light reflecting surfaces of paired hyperbolic cylindrical surfaces with a common focal line while LED elements of the LEDs are disposed at or near respective positions on the focal lines of the other hyperbolic cylindrical surfaces corresponding to the paired hyperbolic cylindrical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoru Hiki
  • Patent number: 9441803
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicular headlamp which includes a lamp unit placed in a lamp unit outer case constituted by an outer cover and a lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light emitting diode provided as a light source; a circuit substrate mounted with the light emitting diode and having a connection terminal for supplying power to the light emitting diode; a projection lens configured to project light emitted from the light emitting diode and irradiate the projected light forwardly; and a cover member placed to surround the light emitting diode and include a colored part of which an inner peripheral surface is formed as an incident surface, on which a part of the light emitted from the light emitting diode is incident, and in which a predetermined color other than a yellow color is given to a surface other than the incident surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 9291323
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a 2D image forming device configured to form a brightness image using light emitted from a light source, an optical projection system configured to project the brightness image forward, and a light blocking member disposed on a path of light emitted from the light source through the 2D image forming device and onward toward the optical projection system, and configured to block at least a portion of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yagi, Satoshi Yamamura
  • Patent number: 9261254
    Abstract: An optical device of an automotive vehicle comprises a first luminous source and a light duct designed to conduct light originating from the luminous source in the form of a beam with substantially parallel rays. The light duct comprises a rear face forming at least one reflecting facet designed to return some of the beam substantially along an optical axis (E) of the light duct. It also comprises a front face fashioned as at least one dioptric element associated optically with each reflecting facet and through which the light exits the light duct after return by the associated reflecting facet. Each dioptric element is configured so as to be stigmatic between a point in the substance of the light duct situated in immediate proximity to the center (Oi) of the associated reflecting facet and a point situated at infinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Antoine de Lamberterie, Pierre Albou, Jean-Claude Puente
  • Patent number: 8770800
    Abstract: An optical element that may be replaceably mounted to an LED based illumination device. The optical element includes a hollow shell reflector and a plurality of annular shell elements disposed within the hollow shell reflector at different distances from the input port of the optical element. An annular shell element that is closer to the input port of the optical element has a radius that is less than the radius of an annular shell element farther from the input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Yriberri, Christopher R. Reed, Jim W. Li, Gerard Harbers
  • Patent number: 8764238
    Abstract: LED “Chip-on-Board” (COB) metal core printed circuit board (PCB) technology operates in conjunction with high efficiency compact imaging and non-imaging optics to provide a compact emergency light offering high performance luminance levels (higher brightness) and enhanced life, at low cost. Thermal impedance between the LED junction and the heat sink is significantly reduced for COB technology by placing the LED die directly on a high thermal conductivity material substrate thereby increasing temperature dependant life and thermally dependant output power. Additionally, there is no encapsulant or domed optic over the LED thus making it possible to get a much more compact and efficient substantially Etendue preserving collection optic directly over the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Innovations in Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas John Brukilacchio
  • Patent number: 8757817
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 8646949
    Abstract: An optical emitter enabling conversion of light from a light source. The optical emitter includes a first conic reflector defining an aperture for receiving the light source, a second conic reflector opposite the first conic reflector for collimating light emitted by the light source, and a volumetric light conversion element between at least a portion of the first reflector and at least a portion of the second reflector. The optical emitter can also include a convex mirror adjacent the vertex of the second conic reflector, and an elliptical element adjacent the first conic reflector. The light conversion element can include phosphor dispersed in a resin to convert light from a first wavelength to light of a second, longer, wavelength, wherein converted light is emitted from the light conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: LumenFlow Corp.
    Inventors: Harold W. Brunt, Jr., Paul L. Bourget
  • Patent number: 8534888
    Abstract: An optical unit includes: a heat sink that radiates heat from a light source; and a base portion including a reflector mounting section, a lens mounting section and a connecting section connecting the reflector mounting section and the lens mounting section. The base portion is configured such that the light from the light source is reflected by a reflector mounted onto the reflector mounting section and is incident onto a projection lens mounted onto the lens mounting section. The heat sink is exposed to a space surrounded by the lens mounting section, the connecting section and the reflector mounting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yasuda, Tatsuhiko Yamamichi, Shigeyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8523413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function, which emits at least visible light of one color from at least one region of a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Josef Andreas Schug
  • Patent number: 8500299
    Abstract: A narrow angle LED illuminated spotlight in which the light-emitting output of an LED light source is coupled with an optic element, in the form of a focusing reflector or focusing lens, and a masking element is interposed between the light source and the optic element to partially mask off the output area of the light source and significantly reduce the area of the emitted light reaching the optic element. This enables the light passed by the masking element to be concentrated into a, narrow beam (i.e., 18° or less) using an optic element of much smaller size than otherwise, thus making the use of an LED light source module a practical source of light for narrow beam spotlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Lighting Services Inc.
    Inventors: John Speidel, Vincent Gennarelli, Frank Reidmiller, Peter Eagleton, Jose Cadena, Scott Wisniewski, Andrew P. Arena
  • Patent number: 8475008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting unit (1) having a concave reflector (2) with an axis of symmetry (3) and a light emission window 21) bounded by a circumferential edge (20) transverse to the axis, an elongate light source (30) extending substantially along the axis of symmetry (3), which light source (30) is accommodated in a holder (4) opposite the light emission window (21), and an axially positioned cap (5), which cap partly surrounds the light source (30) and forms an optical screening means to intercept unreflected light rays. According to the invention, the cap (5) forms part of a sleeve (60) surrounding the light source (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ralph Hubert Peters
  • Patent number: 8408752
    Abstract: In a surface lighting unit comprising a footprint portion, a sidewall portion, and an optical reflector with an opening spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the footprint portion. The opening substantially satisfies a relation A=bx2+c, assuming A is the open area ratio, i.e. the ratio of the opening area in a preset predetermined region to the area of the preset predetermined region, b and c are constants, and x is the distance from the center of the optical reflector. The opening has a circular non-through hole concentric to the center of the optical reflector, a concentric arcuate hole on the outside thereof, and a plurality of round holes farther on the outside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Opto Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiichi Sato, Kenji Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8147099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for receiving light from one or more light sources, each of which comprises a substantially point-like light source. The received light is them emitted over an extended surface area including a first surface of an optical controller arranged to refract light received from at least one light source, a second surface of the optical controller arranged to reflect the light received from the first surface of the optical controller, the first surface and the second surface being arranged with respect to each other to enable total internal reflection of the light reflected from the at least one light surface, and a plurality of reflection elements located within the optical controller arranged to alter the path of the light traversing the optical controller so as to direct light out of the optical controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dialight Lumidrives Limited
    Inventor: Shane Thornton
  • Patent number: 7985007
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 7828459
    Abstract: To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated with an external structure, such as a reflector. A disclosed exemplary system, for illumination applications, utilizes one or more semiconductor devices for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. A reflector outside the package of the LED or other semiconductor device has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors associated with an external light processing element, for example, located along the surface of the reflector, to emit light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In the examples, at least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventor: Jack C. Rains
  • Patent number: 7815353
    Abstract: A headlight device that has a visual appearance of having a lamp body using a plurality of light sources, while only a single light source is used. A shielding wall shields light radiated from a headlight bulb, or light reflected by a reflector portion. The shielding wall is arranged between a front lens and the reflector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7748881
    Abstract: A vehicle bulb shield with material differences in configuration, thickness, strength, grade or surface coating in the leg and shield sections, manufactured from a tailor welded steel strip of different materials to obtain desired corresponding combinations of features in each component from each material. A progressive forming process is used to accommodate the different metal combinations within the tailor welded steel strip (e.g. material type and/or thickness), and thereby allow new material property configurations in the bulb shield components. A material property configured bulb shield design enables consideration of formability of material in different component sections, the rigidity of material in different component sections, and cost of different materials, in a single component design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Isatec of Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Strazzanti, Zi Qiang Sheng
  • Patent number: 7722234
    Abstract: A light shielding member shields a part of a light radiated from a light source and passes a remaining part of the light. A reflection surface reflects the light that passes through the light shielding member forward of a vehicle as a light distribution pattern including a cutoff line on a driving lane side and a cutoff line on an oncoming lane side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7690818
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens through which an optical axis passes. The optical axis extends in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector which reflects a direct light from the light source toward a front direction so as to become close to the optical axis; a shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and having an edge portion positioned near the rear focal point of the projection lens; and an auxiliary reflector disposed between the projection lens and a shade. The auxiliary reflector reflects a part of the light reflected by the reflector toward the projection lens such that an upward irradiation light is irradiated from the projection lens. The shade shields a part of the light reflected by the reflector and a part of the direct light emitted from the light source and forms a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takada, Yusuke Nakada, Masashi Tatsukawa
  • Patent number: 7683772
    Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7648261
    Abstract: An adjustable utility light having a body section, two independently movable hooks, a pivoting lamp section having fluorescent tubes and/or light emitting diodes, a component retention tray, at least one keyhole mounting slot, and a movable reflector, wherein the pivoting lamp section and the movable reflector pivot about the same pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Peter Ko, Jon Eric Gibson
  • Patent number: 7628519
    Abstract: A light system is disposed to be located on top of guide poles on either side of a trailer. The light system is in-line with the guide pole and may almost appear to be a part of the poles. The elevated light system allows for the brake lights to be more easily seen by following drivers and it normally keeps the brake lights from being immersed in water when the trailer is used in loading or unloading a boat or other marine craft. Additionally, in comparison with lights attached to the side of a guide pole, the in-line nature of the light system makes it less likely that the light will be knocked off or damaged when backing a trailer into a tight garage opening. Furthermore, a tell-tale lens is located opposite the primary lens and it allows the driver to be able to verify that the lights are working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Purdy
  • Patent number: 7625109
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with: a projector lens; a light source; a reflector with a focal point near the light source having a reflecting surface from which the light emitted from the light source is reflected toward the projector lens; and a shade with an end in the vicinity of a rear focal point of the projector lens, for shielding a part of the reflected light. A rear end face of the projector lens inclines from an optical axis so that the lower end of the projector lens protrudes more forward than the upper end of the projector lens. The reflector has a correcting step for correcting a distributed light pattern projected forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7578607
    Abstract: A planar light source device has a primary light source (1), a light guide (3) having a light incident surface (31) on which light emitted from the primary light source (1) is incident and a light emitting surface (33) for emitting light guided in the light guide, and a light deflector (4) opposed to the light emitting surface of the light guide. The light deflector (4) has a light input surface (41) to which light is inputted and a light output surface (42) which is disposed on the opposite side of the light input surface and outputs the inputted light. Elongated prisms each having two prism faces are arranged in parallel to each other on the light input surface (41). At least one of the two prism faces is a non-single planar surface. The vertex split angle ? of one of the prism faces is 2 to 25 degrees, and the vertex split angle ? of the other prism face is 33 to 40 degrees. The difference (|???|) between the vertex split angle ? and the vertex split angle ? is 8 to 35 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Masae Ono
  • Patent number: 7568818
    Abstract: A luminaire for mounting on a vertical surface is provided, the luminaire including a housing having an aperture, a lamp disposed within the aperture and configured to emit light through the aperture to the vertical surface and to an associated worksurface, and a lamp distribution modifier disposed within the aperture proximate to the lamp, where the lamp distribution modifier is configured to intercept light rays emitted by the lamp in a direction toward an upper portion of the vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: David Pfund
  • Patent number: 7534019
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elliptical optical module intended for a motor vehicle. The elliptical optical module comprises a reflector intended to receive a light source. The elliptical optical module also comprises a shield comprising at least one support flap and an optically active flap. The optically active flap obstructs at least part of the light rays emitted by the light source. The elliptical optical module also comprises a convex lens intended to receive at least part of the light rays. The elliptical optical module comprises elastic fixing means for holding the shield on a support piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-François Delourme, Nicolas Simmet
  • Patent number: 7484865
    Abstract: A light guiding apparatus for a computer bezel includes a panel (14), a guiding member (30), and a shielding member (50). The panel has a light-pervious member (144). The guiding member is attached to the panel for guiding light therein. The guiding member has a light-reflecting cavity with a mouth (37) coupled to the light-pervious member. The shielding member is situated between the panel and the light-pervious member. The shielding member includes a shielding board (56) for covering the mouth, and an axle (54) traverses the shielding board. The shielding member is pivotable with respect to the guiding member between a closed position where the shielding member is horizontal to cover the mouth and an open position where the shielding member is vertical to reveal the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Yu-Ming Xiao, Xian-Huang Gao, Jian Hu
  • Patent number: 7461954
    Abstract: The invention provides an illumination system that can include a first reflecting mirror arranged on a rear side of a light-emitting portion of the illumination system including an arc tube, and a second reflecting mirror arranged on the front side of the light-emitting portion of an optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7458702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting unit having a concave reflector with an axis of symmetry and a light emission window bounded by a circumferential edge transverse to the axis, an elongate light source extending substantially along the axis of symmetry, which light source is accommodated in a holder opposite the light emission window, and an axially positioned cap, which cap partly surrounds the light source and forms an optical means to intercept unreflected light rays. According to the invention, the light source is surrounded by a sleeve with an end at the side of the light emission window, over which end the cap is positioned by way of a fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Koninlijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Versluijs, Mark Josephus Lucien Maria Van Dommelen, Gert Jansen
  • Patent number: 7347595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of lighting a road with a vehicle headlight, in which the projected light is modulated in response to the presence of any persons on the road. The method comprises the following operations: detecting in the road scene at least one person, pinpointing the location of the person in the road scene, creating on an imager a mask having dimensions and position corresponding to the person, and lighting the road through the imager, to create a projected shadow around the person. The invention also provides a headlight for performing this method and having a first light source towards the imager, and an electronic system for generating light-occulting masks on the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Norbert Brun, Pierre Albou, Antoine De Lamberterie, Joël Leleve
  • Patent number: 7293902
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with: a projection lens; a light source; a reflector for reflecting light, which has been directly emitted by the light source, to a front side along an optical axis; and a shade arranged between the projection lens and the reflector, for shading a part of light reflected by the reflector 24. A bright and dark boundary forming portion capable of forming a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern is formed at an upper edge portion of the shade. In a neighborhood of the bright and dark boundary forming portion on a front face of the shade, a low reflecting region is provided. A reflectance of the low reflecting region is lower than a reflectance of a high reflecting region. A reflectance of the high reflecting region is higher than a reflectance of a rear face of the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohiro Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7284888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light device projecting a light beam along a principal lighting axis, by means of at least one light source, the light device also comprising at least one reflector, a frame and a shield. The shield is able to move in rotation about an axis of rotation and has an “active” edge composed of a set of distinct portions, at least part of one of the portions of the said portions taking part in the production of at least two different cutoffs of the light beam emitted by the said light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Etienne Pauty, Benoit Reiss, Boris Weigand
  • Patent number: 7275840
    Abstract: A luminaire for indirect lighting has a main reflector, a counter-reflector with a light emission window in a plane T. The counter-reflector and reflector are oppositely arranged. The main reflector has a reflecting surface built up from a plurality of facets n having a curvature in cross-section. The curvature of each respective facet n is such that light coming from a light emission window and hitting a given facet n is reflected through an angle of reflection ?n<=?n??, in which, ? is a smallest angle of reflection with the plane T at which glare is just counteracted, and ?n is a greatest angle of reflection with the plane T at which reflected light just clears the counter-reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Josephus Holten
  • Patent number: 7232241
    Abstract: The invention provides an illumination system that can include a first reflecting mirror arranged on a rear side of a light-emitting portion of the illumination system including an arc tube, and a second reflecting mirror arranged on the front side of the light-emitting portion of an optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7158019
    Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp according to aspects of the present invention has a base configured to directly replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes a first radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing the vehicle warning and/or illumination formerly produced by the vehicle lamp and a second radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing an emergency warning light signal. The second radial array may be electrically connected to an axial LED. The LEDs are supported by a lamp support at a location near the focus of the reflector shell. An interface electrical circuit modifies the electrical energy formerly fed to the vehicle lamp to a form appropriate for the LEDs in the first array. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the second array of LEDs to produce the emergency warning light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7153015
    Abstract: The invention provides an LED lighting device and method that produces high intensity, spatially uniform, white light in the near and far fields in a reduced package size that does not significantly heat the surrounding environment, wherein the white light is produced by using a phosphor layer in conjunction with a single LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Innovations In Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brukilacchio
  • Patent number: 7131749
    Abstract: A reflector lamp or illumination system comprising a concave reflector having a parabolic or ellipsoidal front section and a spherical rear section with it's focal point just ahead of the focal point of the front section, and a finite light source located at the focal point of the front section. The reflector sections are dimensioned so that light rays from the finite light source which are reflected by the spherical rear section become re-reflected by the front section and distributed more evenly in said projected beam pattern with the energy rays filling back in from the edge to the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Randal Lee Wimberly
  • Patent number: 7059746
    Abstract: An illumination device including a light-emitting tube having a light-emitting member in which light emission is carried out between a pair of electrodes and sealing members located on both sides of the light-emitting member, a first reflecting mirror to hold the light-emitting tube, reflect the light emitted from the light-emitting tube, and direct the light forward, and a transparent plate disposed in a distal end portion of the first reflecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror that encloses a front portion of the light-emitting member and reflects the light from the light-emitting member toward the first reflecting mirror being fixed to at least one of the sealing member and the transparent plate, the transparent plate and the second reflecting mirror are brought into contact or fixedly attached to each other, and at least one of the transparent plate and the second reflecting mirror is brought into contact or fixedly attached to the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Takezawa
  • Patent number: 7055991
    Abstract: A low-power high-intensity lighting apparatus includes a lamp base, a lamp housing, and a lamp unit. The lamp base includes a parabolic reflector. The lamp housing is mounted on the lamp base, and includes a surrounding wall and an optical condenser. The surrounding wall has a first open end, and a second open end opposite to the first open end. The optical condenser is mounted on the lamp housing at the second open end. The lamp unit is mounted on the lamp base, extends into the lamp housing through the first open end of the surrounding wall, and generates light that propagates toward the parabolic reflector and that is reflected by the parabolic reflector toward the optical condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Chao-Tang Lin
  • Patent number: 7033046
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source that illuminates an object of illumination, a reflecting member provided opposite the light source so as to direct a first part of illuminating light emitted therefrom to the object of illumination, and a light-blocking member provided between the light source and the object of illumination and between the reflecting member and the object of illumination. The light-blocking member blocks the first directed part of the illuminating light and a second part of the illuminating light directly illuminating the object of illumination with a certain ratio of a light-blocking rate for the first directed part of the illuminating light to a light-blocking rate for the second directly illuminating part of the illuminating light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ando, Yoshikazu Inoue, Motoya Sano, Hiroshi Fukano, Wataru Nara, Akira Ota