Refractor Patents (Class 362/308)
  • Patent number: 7222995
    Abstract: A unitary lens and light emitting device combination is provided that produces a highly uniform beam of light, corrected for distortions and gaps in illumination, throughout a full output beam width. The unitary lens incorporates all of the necessary optical surfaces to provide the output beam, including a pattern-correcting spherical refracting surface that smooths intensity variations in the overall illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bijan Bayat, James Newton, Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 7210806
    Abstract: A compact and efficient optical illumination system featuring planar multi-layered LED light source arrays concentrating their polarized or un-polarized output within a limited angular range. The optical system manipulates light emitted by a planar array of electrically-interconnected LED chips positioned within the input apertures of a corresponding array of shaped metallic reflecting bins using at least one of elevated prismatic films, polarization converting films, micro-lens arrays and external hemispherical or ellipsoidal reflecting elements. Practical applications of the LED array illumination systems include compact LCD or DMD video image projectors, as well as general lighting, automotive lighting, and LCD backlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Digital Optics International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Arthur Cox
  • Patent number: 7178922
    Abstract: A lamp has a deformed lamp reflector and a lamp front glass. The deformed lamp reflector is made by deforming an ellipsoid of revolution of a conventional lamp reflector into an aspherical reflection surface rotationally symmetrical with respect to an optical axis. The lamp front glass is obtained by deforming at least one of an incident surface and outgoing surface of a conventional lamp front glass into an aspherical lens surface rotationally symmetrical with respect to the optical axis. A light flux emitted from the center point of an illuminant is reflected by the deformed lamp reflector, and output with a uniform density through all of the outgoing surface of the lamp front lens so that the light flux is condensed at focus point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Sekiguchi, Tomohiro Sasagawa, Yoshiyuki Goto, Kohei Teramoto, Tetsuo Sato
  • Patent number: 7175316
    Abstract: This invention relates to searchlight type light devices including underwater light devices and automobile headlights. A light device in accordance with the present invention provides light beam compression along the optical axis and thus increases considerably the intensity or optical density of the beam. The light device includes a light source, a main concave reflector, and a lens projection system, the main concave reflector and the lens projection system being aligned relative to the optical axis and the light source being located between the reflector and the lens projection system, on the same optical axis. In addition, the main collecting pre-reflector lens is mounted between the light source and the main reflector, the main reflectors concave surface being implemented as a segment of sphere, and the light source being located in the focal point of such main reflector. Said main collecting pre-reflector lens has a focal length exceeding the main reflector's focal length by a factor of 1.25–2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hyperboloid Corporation
    Inventor: Matvey B. Shpizel
  • Patent number: 7172325
    Abstract: A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display includes a plurality of light emitting diode packages arranged in a matrix while being spaced a uniform distance apart from each other. Each light emitting diode package includes one or more light emitting diode chips and is structured such that light generated from the light emitting chips is emitted in the horizontal direction. A reflector consists of a plurality of reflection cells connected to each other in a matrix. Each of the reflection cells of a unit size has each of the light generating packages positioned at the center thereof, and reflects the light, emitted from the light emitting diode at the center thereof in the horizontal direction, in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Suk Kim, Young Sam Park, Hun Joo Hahm, Jung Kyu Park, Young June Jeong
  • Patent number: 7152993
    Abstract: A flashlight configured to durably provide an effective beam of light for extended periods of time. The flashlight features a high-power, directed LED configured to produce a divergent beam of light that is characterized by an optical directivity angle extending from a vertex point. The flashlight includes a lens having a first portion forming a convergent lens, where the LED is located such that its vertex point coincides with the lens' focal point. The convergent lens is sized and positioned such that substantially all of the directed light from the LED passes through the convergent lens portion to emerge in a first beam of parallel light. The LED emits additional light through a tip. A parabolic reflector has the tip at its focal point to reflects the additional light into a second beam of parallel light that is parallel to and surrounding the first beam, thus forming a single and more efficient useful beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Brinkmann Corporation
    Inventors: Ka Ming Chan, Siu Cheong Hon
  • Patent number: 7121693
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a lens plate covering the opening and spaced from the lamp. The lens plate is provided with a multiplicity of microlenses such that the lens plate and lamp assembly generates a well defined light cone with a sharp demarcation between the dark region outside the light cone and the illuminated region within the light cone and the illumination within the light cone is homogeneous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Erco Leuchten GmbH
    Inventor: Leonard Klose
  • Patent number: 7114832
    Abstract: An LED or incandescent light source is positioned in a reflector arranged to reflect light from the LED or incandescent light source which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector. A lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the LED or incandescent light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens. The apparatus comprised of the combination projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Garrison Holder, Greg Rhoads
  • Patent number: 7111964
    Abstract: An LED package has a light emitting element, a first optical section that is disposed around the light emitting element, and a second optical section that is disposed around the first optical while being separated from the first optical section. A gap is formed between the first and second optical sections. The gap allows part of light emitted from the light emitting element to be radiated from the first optical section as nearly parallel light converged in the direction perpendicular to the center axis of the light emitting element. The second optical section includes a reflection surface to reflect the nearly parallel light in the direction parallel to the center axis of the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Hideaki Kato, Mitsuhiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 7104672
    Abstract: A light source arrangement for substantially enhaning the lighting intensity of the light beams emitted from the light source therefore includes a lens body and an illumination unit. The lens body has an illumination portion defining a light projecting surface and at least a diffraction portion defining a light diffraction surface inclinedly extended at a diffraction angle, wherein a diffraction density of the illumination portion is different from that of the diffraction portion. The illumination unit is covered by the lens body for radially generating light towards the illumination portion. When the light reaches the light diffraction surface of a diffraction portion at an angle larger than the diffraction angle, the light is substantially reflected at the light diffraction surface back towards the light projecting surface, such that the light from the illumination unit is converged to project at the light projecting surface of the lens body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: A.L. Lightech, Inc.
    Inventor: Long Bao Zhang
  • Patent number: 7083299
    Abstract: A flashlight has a lens or lenses moveable relative to one or more LED or other light source. The beam of light provided by the LED can be focused and provides a uniform light pattern across the range of focus. The lenses are supported on a front housing section and the LED is supported on a back housing section threaded onto the front housing section. Twisting the front housing section closes a switch providing power to the LED, to turn the flashlight on. One or more circuit modules within the flashlight provides various operating modes including an automatic shut-off timer, to preserve battery life, a dimmer controlled by turning an end cap, a blinking function, and/or a current control function to provide maximum brightness regardless of battery condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7048416
    Abstract: A lighting system and device for providing indirect light using free-cavity, double-diffusing configurations are disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, a lighting fixture comprises a cover structure with a diffusion layer and a reflective plate that form the free-cavity. The free-cavity is preferably configured to provide an output of light from a light source positioned within the free-cavity with an efficiency rating of 70% or more and provide better than an 8:1 ceiling lighting contrast between the rows of fixtures with rows on 16 feet spacing. Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device is configured to couple to a ceiling structure and provide the indirect lighting from a fluorescent light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Finelite, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Blue Clark, David Daoud Aziz
  • Patent number: 7048398
    Abstract: A low profile light panel illuminated by a multiple point light sources arranged around its edges, which may be either light emitting diodes connected to an electrical power source or lenses connected by optical fibers to a central light source to provide backlighting. The point light sources are mounted in mirrored edging strips and angled slightly downwards towards a reflective backing sheet, and a diffuser sheet is placed in opposition to the backing sheet to diffuse the reflected light. The diffuser sheet may be covered by a further sheet with cut out numerals and/or letters acting as a mask, for example to display a house number or other alpha-numerical message. Alternatively, the light panel may be employed as a picture frame to provide backlighting to a picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Bahram Bahramian
  • Patent number: 7040786
    Abstract: The anticollision light for aircraft, particularly airplanes, is provided with a holding body (12) with an outer side and several LEDs (16) arranged at the outer side of the holding body (12) the light-radiating directions of which point away from the holding body (12). Further, the anticollision light is provided with a drive unit (18) for the pulse-like drive of at least some of the LEDs (16) and a refractive optical element (26) for generating a desired spatial distribution of the light of the LEDs (16), the refractive optical element (26) surrounding the holding body at least in the region of the LEDs (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Goodrich Hella Aerospace Lighting Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Ganzer, Rico Schulz
  • Patent number: 7021796
    Abstract: A light engine includes a light source disposed at a focus of four ellipsoidal reflectors, where the reflectors are arranged at 90 degrees relative to one another. A condensing lens is used with each reflector to focus forwardly directed, low angle light rays onto a target plane. Each reflector serves to reflect only the accurate, nigh angle light rays towards the target plane. Each reflector and its associated condenser produce a light beam having a reduced diameter (i.e., spot size) while also increasing the amount of optical energy directed at its respective target plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Kevan Guy
  • Patent number: 7004610
    Abstract: The index of refraction of a light guide (6) for transmitting light outputted from a primary light source (1) is ng, and the light guide (6) has a light input end face (9), a light output surface from which the transmitted light is outputted, and a back surface opposed to the light output surface. A leaky ray modulator (8) is provided to at least either the light output surface or the back surface. The leaky ray modulator (8) has a composite layer (50) provided on the light output surface or the back surface and composed of first refractive index regions (3) having a refractive index n1 (ng>n1) and second refractive index regions (4) having a refractive index n2 (n2>n1) and a third refractive index layer (5) provided on the composite layer (50) and having a refractive index n3 (n3>n1). A reflecting plate (7) is provided adjacent to the back surface of the light guide (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Yasuko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6997571
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lighting apparatus including a light source, an optical member that is placed in front of the light source and provided with a reflecting surface for reflecting light from the light source or prism sections each made up of a refracting surface which receives the light incident from the light source and a reflecting surface for reflecting the light incident from this refracting surface. Here, in the optical member, there is a plurality of pairs of the reflecting surfaces or prism sections arranged in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis within a plane including the radial direction of the light source centered on the optical axis. The present invention can provide a low-profile lighting apparatus using light from the light source with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
  • Patent number: 6986594
    Abstract: A lighting device for motor vehicles comprises a light source and an end cover having at least a first section and a second section. The lighting device further comprises a first reflector, which directs light emitted by the light source on to the end cover. A first optically active element is arranged in the ray path between the light source and the first reflector and deflects the light rays emitted by the light source, so that the deflected rays strike the first reflector at an angle of incidence, the associated angle of reflection of which causes the rays from the first reflector to be directed at least substantially on to the second section of the end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Wischersystem GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Joachim Wirth, Matthias Purz, Katrin Burgemeister
  • Patent number: 6986592
    Abstract: A light collection apparatus comprising a light source, a collection reflector that reflects the emission of the light source, and a compensation element that collimates light reflected by the reflector into a beam of small diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen C. Arnold
  • Patent number: 6986593
    Abstract: An LED or incandescent light source is positioned in a reflector arranged to reflect light from the LED or incandescent light source which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a peripheral forward solid angle as defined by the reflector. A lens is disposed longitudinally forward of the LED or incandescent light source for focusing light into a predetermined pattern which is radiated from the LED or incandescent light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by the lens. The apparatus comprised of the combination projects a beam of light comprised of the light radiated in the central forward solid angle and peripheral forward solid angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Rhoads, Ronald Garrison Holder
  • Patent number: 6981775
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus is disclosed, whose aperture portion can be made smaller while achieving miniaturization of the apparatus and higher condensing efficiency. The illumination apparatus comprising a light source, and a condensing unit that condenses light emitted from the light source toward the optical axis, wherein the condensing unit includes a negative lens portion that is arranged on a front side of the apparatus and has negative refractive power, a positive lens portion that is arranged near the optical axis and has positive refractive power, and a reflection portion that reflects emitted light that is not directed to the positive lens portion toward the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
  • Patent number: 6971772
    Abstract: Luminaire optical assemblies intended for pole-mounted and similar applications and capable of effective I.E.S. cutoff performance while exhibiting desirable light distributions even with vertically oriented lamping, the invention contemplates in primary embodiments light-transmissive reflector/refractor combinations typically formed of glass, acrylics and the like, uplight shielding and reflector assemblies of a variety of configurations being disposed within the reflector/refractor combinations to produce desired cutoff characteristics while preserving daytime appearance during nocturnal operation. In certain embodiments of the invention, uplight is controlled by the several variations of the uplight shielding and reflector assemblies to cause light-transmissive portions of the reflector/refractor combinations to subtly glow and thus produce a desired appearance while also producing cutoff characteristics necessary to reduce urban sky glow and glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Yaser S. Abdelsamed, Michael Packer
  • Patent number: 6955449
    Abstract: A LED symbol signal with LEDs arrayed to correspond to a desired symbol. A mask defines the desired symbol. A diffusion surface on the cover diffuses the display aspect, obscuring the individual LEDs. The mask is spaced a distance from the diffusing surface. The more aggressive the diffusion pattern the closer the mask is spaced to the diffusion pattern. Preferably, the ratio of the pitch of the optical elements to the width of the symbol at the diffusion surface is less than 1:2, preferably less than 1:4, more preferably less than 1:6 and most preferably approximately 1:10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: GELcore LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau
  • Patent number: 6932490
    Abstract: A flashlight configured to durably provide an effective beam of light for extended periods of time. The flashlight features a high-power, directed LED configured to produce a divergent beam of light that is characterized by an optical directivity angle extending from a vertex point. The flashlight includes a lens having a first portion forming a convergent lens, where the LED is located such that its vertex point coincides with the lens' focal point. The convergent lens is sized and positioned such that substantially all of the directed light from the LED passes through the convergent lens portion to emerge in a first beam of parallel light. The LED emits additional light through a tip. A parabolic reflector has the tip at its focal point to reflects the additional light into a second beam of parallel light that is parallel to and surrounding the first beam, thus forming a single and more efficient useful beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: The Brinkmann Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Ka Ming Emil, Hon Siu Cheong Ellis
  • Patent number: 6910785
    Abstract: An industrial luminaire with a prismatic refractor including an interior surface formed as an open-ended surface of revolution of a plane curve about a rotational axis, the plane curve having a plurality of segments corresponding to segments on a reference curve which, for each segment of the reference curve, the corresponding segment on the plane curve has been incrementally rotated with respect to a reference point on a reference axis for the reference curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Kenneth Sales
  • Patent number: 6908218
    Abstract: A light source unit is provided which includes a lamp and a reflector for reflecting rays of light emitted by a light emitting element of the lamp and for focusing the reflected rays of light. In order to focus on a predetermined focal point the rays of light emitted by the light emitting element of the lamp and refracted by a cross-sectional shape of the lamp, the reflector has a concave reflective shape formed so as to satisfy a predetermined calculation expression. Alternatively, a reflective surface shape of the reflector may be obtained by shifting portions of an ellipse and rotating a curve of the shifted portions around the optical axis of the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Hideki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6899451
    Abstract: The optical system for the Fresnel lens light has an ellipsoidal reflector (1), a light source (2) and a Fresnel lens (3). The distance (a) between the Fresnel lens (3) and the reflector (1) is changeable but is related to the changeable distance (b) between the light source (2) and the reflector (1) so that the aperture angle of the propagated light beam is variable but illumination intensity of the propagated light is maintained uniform. Surfaces of the at least one Fresnel lens and/or the reflector can be structured to provide more uniform illumination of a given area. The optical system is useful for lights for film, stage, studio and photography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Ruediger Kittelmann, Harry Wagener
  • Patent number: 6886967
    Abstract: A luminaire comprising a housing with an opening on one side. A lamp and reflector are contained in the housing. The luminaire includes an arrangement to distribute radiated heat in front of the lamp away from an area of the center line of radiation towards areas located laterally with respect to the center line of radiation of the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: WE-EF Lighting USA, LLC
    Inventor: Nguyen Van Quang
  • Patent number: 6877882
    Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating an object includes a light source and a lens array system. The light source includes an illumination element emitting light rays and surrounded by a parabolic reflector. The lens array system includes a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate. The first lens array plate includes a matrix of lenslets where, in one embodiment, each lenslet has a shape matching the aspect ratio of the object to be illuminated. The second lens array plate includes a radial pattern of wedge shaped lenslets each corresponding to a lenslet in the first lens array plate. Each wedge shaped lenslet in the second lens array plate has dimensions that are selected to provide a radial and theta collection angles matching the maximum divergence angle of the light source and the maximum divergence angles of the corresponding lenslet in the first lens array plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Haven, Rolf S. Vatne
  • Patent number: 6848810
    Abstract: A light source for a flat panel display or a luminare includes a tubular enclosure having a linear slit in which is positioned a lens structure which may be a cylindrical rod lens or a plurality of ball lenses. The lens, whether a rod or ball structure, has an opaque white reflective strip or coating facing inward of the tubular enclosure, thereby defining two narrow slit openings through which the light can be projected into the lens structure and into an associated waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan B. Steiner, Robert J. Saccomanno
  • Publication number: 20040264201
    Abstract: A peripheral beam lamp is described for use with automobile lamps. A light source is positioned within a housing, and the inner surface of the housing has a non-reflective surface and a partially reflective section. Light emitted from the light source may either strike the non-reflective surface or the partially reflective section, or may not strike any part of the inner surface of the housing before being emitted from the lamp assembly. Light striking the non-reflective surface is absorbed, and light striking the partially reflective section is partially reflected, depending on the color of the light and the color of the partially reflective section. Light emitted from the lamp assembly without striking the inner surface of the housing forms a main beam, and the light striking the partially reflective section imparts a color to the lens and lamp assembly, rendering a stylized appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Guide Corporation, A Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Jan A. Wisler
  • Publication number: 20040252479
    Abstract: A back light module is provided. The back light module comprises a light-guiding plate, a side light source and a bottom light source. The side light source is positioned on one side facing a side surface of the light-guiding plate. The bottom light source is positioned on a bottom surface of the light-guiding plate. Light from the side light source and the bottom light source both emerge from a top surface of the light-guiding plate. The side light source and the bottom light source together provide a bright surface light source that illuminates a liquid crystal display to produce a better display effect. In addition, this invention also provides e liquid crystal display comprising a transmissive or transflective liquid crystal display panel and the aforementioned back light module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: CHE-KUEI MAI
  • Publication number: 20040240210
    Abstract: An optical projection system irradiating a projection light on a work. This optical projection system includes a reflector provided with a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface which reflect the projection light and change a traveling direction of the projection light, an entrance lens which guides the projection light to the first reflection surface, a reflective optics which reflects the projection light reflected by the first reflection surface and guides the projection light to the second reflection surface, an exit lens which guides the projection light reflected by the second reflection to the work, and a position adjustor which supports coaxially the entrance lens and the exit lens so that the entrance lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the exit lens, and the reflector is positioned therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: ORC MANUFACTURING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Duk Lee
  • Patent number: 6821008
    Abstract: A conventional projector headlamp has low efficiency because an amount of light is shaded almost half by a shutter for a low-beam light distribution. In addition, only a projection lens is seen in the installed condition, inviting old-fashioned designs disadvantageously. In a projector headlamp (1) of the invention, a vertical section passing through the center of a projection lens (5) includes a convex front surface and a flat rear surface (5a). A line connecting the upper end to the lower end on the rear surface (5a) is tilted to the vertical. Thus, the projection lens (5) has a prismatic action for directing the entire light downward. This is effective to reduce an amount of light to be shaded by a shutter (4) and provide improved brightness and novel designed appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Tokoro, Hitoshi Taniuchi, Takashi Akutagawa
  • Patent number: 6821001
    Abstract: A shape of a vertical cross section and a shape of a horizontal cross section in a lens are formed in a recess shape. Accordingly, even when a prism is not formed, a light transmitting through the lens is largely refracted and an interior section is hard to be visible. As a result, it is not necessary to finish a surface of a reflection surface of a reflector so as to have an optical performance equal to or more than an optical performance required for reflection with taking an appearance into consideration, and a working operation can be easily executed in comparison with the conventional one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nakata
  • Patent number: 6815645
    Abstract: A heating apparatus 20 comprises a container 2 having a work housing space 1 formed therein, and a heat source 3 for heating a work W in the work housing space 1. The apparatus further comprises a heat ray reflecting member 10 having a heat reflecting surface 10a thereof composed of a heat ray reflecting material, so as to allow the heat ray generated in the work housing space 1 to reflect on the heat reflecting surface 10a to thereby change the direction thereof towards the works W. The heat reflecting material is provided for reflecting heat ray in a specific wavelength band, comprises a stack of a plurality of element reflecting layers comprising materials having transparent properties to the heat ray, in which in the element reflecting layers, two adjacent layers are composed of a combination of materials differed from each other in refractive indices to the heat ray, while keeping difference between the refractive indices of 1.1 or larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Abe
  • Patent number: 6805476
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp radiating light emitted by LED light sources through indirect illumination and having uniform brightness. Light from LED light sources is directed upward into parallel beams by Fresnel lenses. The parallel beams are reflected in a frontward direction. A reflector is divided into sub reflectors that differ in height and angle of forward inclination The distance between each LED light source and a corresponding Fresnel lens increases in proportion to a decrease in height of a corresponding sub reflectors, and the intensity of the luminous flux impinging on each Fresnel lens decreases in proportion to a decrease in height of a corresponding sub reflectors. The intensity of luminous flux impinging on each sub reflectors decreases in proportion to a decrease in projected area in a forward direction of the lamp. The sub reflectors have uniform luminance and the entire reflecting surface appears uniform in brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Amano
  • Patent number: 6796687
    Abstract: A bandless seam between reflector and refractor sections of a luminaire globe formed of light-transmissive material and configured to improve optical performance as well as facilitate effective mounting of the reflector and refractor sections together, the invention finds particular utility with suspended luminaires ordinarily requiring a metal band or the like to join said sections into a luminaire globe. Opposing peripheral edge surfaces of the reflector and refractor sections are shaped according to the invention not only to cause even flow of adhesive between said surfaces to adhere said sections to each other but also to reduce brightness at the resulting seam between the sections, thereby improving luminaire appearance and reducing seam brightness and optical glint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hudak, Fred C. Schlichter, Scott L. Posey, Gregory J. Subisak
  • Patent number: 6786619
    Abstract: A luminaire globe member formed of light transmissive material and having a reflector section and a refractor section, light from a light source such as a high intensity discharge lamp initially impinging on at least major portions of the reflector section being reflected back into the interior of the globe member by prisms preferably disposed on exterior surfaces of said reflector section, refractive prisms preferably disposed on interior surfaces of the reflector section redirecting said reflected light through a focal point or loci of points directly above the light source, the light thus redirected from the reflector section being incident on surfaces of the refractor section at angles similar to angles of incidence of light rays directly emanating from the light source and directly incident on said refractor section surfaces, thereby to increase light efficiency by virtue of improved light control within the globe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Subisak, Herbert A. Fouke
  • Patent number: 6773135
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures for illuminating vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of primary reflector structures capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said fixtures either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the fixtures for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. The primary reflector structures of the invention are curvilinear in conformation and extend from above a light source to a location between the source and the vertical surface, the reflector structures being smoothly contoured or formed into a plurality of reflective segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Packer
  • Patent number: 6767112
    Abstract: One or more LED panel is used as a light source of a light projector. The LEDs are mounted on a panel and arranged as a matrix array. The light emitted from the LEDs are reflected by a reflecting cup. The LEDs are connected to two separate metal parts each connected the two electrodes of the LEDs. The spaces between the LEDs are utilized for light passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jiahn-Chang Wu
  • Publication number: 20040141323
    Abstract: The invention proposes an indicator lamp (10), comprising an optical axis (A-A) oriented from the rear to the front, on which there is a light source (14) which is provided for emitting a light flux towards the front, and of the type comprising an optical device for recovering and distributing the rays of light emitted by the source, with a view to providing an indicating function that meets the regulations, characterized in that the optical device comprises a coaxial annular reflector and, in front of the light source (14), a central optical part known as the light engine (22) which is provided for distributing the rays of light emitted by the source (14) in directions that are generally transverse about the optical axis (A-A), towards the coaxial annular reflector that is provided for distributing the rays of light axially towards the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Aynie, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Publication number: 20040136201
    Abstract: The invention provides a signaling device for a motor vehicle, the signaling device being constituted by a skin of translucent material presenting an outside face to be seen from outside the vehicle when said device is mounted on the vehicle, and an inside face opposite the outside face. Projecting from its inside face, translucent skin has at least one rib made integrally with the skin and out of the same translucent material as the skin. The thickness of the rib is greater than the thickness of the translucent skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventors: Maelig Pommeret, Fabien Delwal
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6752522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component for a motor-vehicle lighting or indicator device. According to the invention, it consists of a transparent material within which light-diffusion foci consisting of local discontinuities are situated only at predetermined locations in order to diffuse the light emitted by a light source associated with the lighting or indicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Ghislaine Pinson, Régis Duplessy
  • Patent number: 6752519
    Abstract: A lighting device for installation in a substantially plane surface, comprising at least one lamp device that emits light essentially in a light direction which forms an angle with an exit face of a light refracting means in the lamp device. The lamp device comprises a light source that emits light towards an incident face of the light refracting means, where the light refracting means has a longitudinal direction coincident with the light direction, and where the exit face is approximately parallel to the substantially plane surface. The exit face is set a slight angle of inclination relative to the substantially plane surface, the angle and the angle of inclination in combination causing light from the light source to be brought to an emergent angle above the face that satisfies pre-set requirements for light intensity close to the surface. A prism is also described wherein at least the edge formed between the exit face of the prism and a side face which forms an acute angle with the exit face is rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Light AS
    Inventors: Henrik Seland, Eldar Hagen
  • Publication number: 20040109314
    Abstract: A backlight module. The module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting plate and multiple lamps, wherein the light guide plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite each other. The light guide plate has a plurality of grooves on the second surface, each of which is arranged corresponding to one of the lamps. Light is emitted by the lamps, reflected by the reflecting plate, reaches the light guide plate through the second surface, and exits from the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Pang-Lun Yang
  • Patent number: 6746130
    Abstract: A light control sheet suitable for direction-controlling an angularly extending oblique input light, surface light source device and LCD using the light control sheet. A light control sheet is disposed along an emission face of a light guide plate direction-controls main and subsidiary light fluxes to cause them to be emitted toward a desired direction. Main beam S1 emitted from the emission face transmits (with a small refraction) through a first face, being inner-reflected (total reflection) by a first slope region and then outputted from a light output face (SS1). First subsidiary beam T1 transmits (with a small refraction) through the first face, being inner-reflected (total reflection) by a second slope region and then outputted from the light output face (TT1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6729741
    Abstract: A light fitting (10) for receiving a lighting device (12) located within a main body (11). The main body (11) includes a substantially reflective surface (13a) to direct light (17) from the lighting device (10) onto an area to be lighted. The main body (11) also includes a light directing element (18) to direct light (19) from the main body (11) across a ceiling (C) that, in use, is adjacent the light fitting (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Trevor James Murray
  • Publication number: 20040080946
    Abstract: A bandless seam between reflector and refractor sections of a luminaire globe formed of light-transmissive material and configured to improve optical performance as well as facilitate effective mounting of the reflector and refractor sections together, the invention finds particular utility with suspended luminaires ordinarily requiring a metal band or the like to join said sections into a luminaire globe. Opposing peripheral edge surfaces of the reflector and refractor sections are shaped according to the invention not only to cause even flow of adhesive between said surfaces to adhere said sections to each other but also to reduce brightness at the resulting seam between the sections, thereby improving luminaire appearance and reducing seam brightness and optical glint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hudak, Fred C. Schlichter, Scott L. Posey, Gregory J. Subisak