With Complex Surface Patents (Class 362/309)
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Patent number: 7410279Abstract: A vehicle lamp has a light source and a lens that is arranged on a front side of the light source. The lens deflects and irradiates light from the light source toward a front side of the vehicle lamp. A front side surface of the lens includes a first freely formed curve surface, and an irradiation angle, with respect to the optical axis, of the light to be irradiated from the front side surface is set as a target irradiation angle at each point of the front side surface. A rear side surface of the lens includes a second freely formed curve surface formed by continuous surface elements, each having an inclination angle that realizes a light irradiation by the target irradiation angle set at respective points of the front side surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kawashima, Hidetada Tanaka
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Patent number: 7403691Abstract: A light guide plate (10) includes a pair of opposite incidence surfaces (101, 103), an emission surface (108) and a bottom surface (109) opposite to the emission surface. A plurality of dots (11) is distributed on the bottom surface, and each dot is shaped as a rectangle or a square with two cutouts formed at two opposite sides thereof respectively. Thus, a clearance between adjacent dots is relatively small. That is, a distribution of the dots is relatively compact, and this ensures that the light guide plate can provide emission of light beams with good uniformity. Furthermore, adjacent rows of dots are offset, and this can avoid bright lines. Thus, the light guide plate can provide improved display quality. Therefore, the light guide plate can be advantageously applied in back light systems of liquid crystal display devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Yi Liao
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Publication number: 20080165539Abstract: This application relates to a light-emitting device comprising a light channel having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an inner surface intersecting with each of the upper and lower surface by different angles, and an escape surface; and a light-emitting element having a bottom surface substantially parallel to the inner surface and emitting light traveling inside the light channel toward the escape surface. In an embodiment, the escape surface of the light-emitting device is an inclined plane with lens array thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: EPISTAR CORPORATIONInventors: Chia-Liang Hsu, Shu-Ting Hsu
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Patent number: 7390109Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) component includes a circuit board, an LED chip installed on the circuit board for emitting light, and a light direction-changing unit. The LED chip is composed of a plurality of light-emitting points. The unit has a covering surface covering the LED chip, and a reflecting surface having a plurality of reflecting points. A smallest included angle of a plurality of included angles between a normal line of at least one of the reflecting points and a plurality of connection lines passing through the reflecting point and the light-emitting points is larger than sin?1(1/n), where n is the reflection index of the light direction-changing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Zhi-Feng Li, Yung-Fu Wu, Po-Hsien Lee
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Publication number: 20080137004Abstract: A parallel groove of a light guide place for accommodating a light source has, in a perpendicular cross section, a shape composed of a pair of contour lines that approach each other toward a light emitting plane, cross at a peak, and has a part where an inclination angle to a line vertical to the light emitting plane changes, and the inclination angle at a base end side far from the peak is sharper than that at a tip end side close to the peak. Thus, uniform and high brightness light can be emitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Osamu Iwasaki, Motohiko Matsushita, Takamitsu Okumura, Toshiaki Endo
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Publication number: 20080137346Abstract: An optical sheet and a display device including the optical sheet are disclosed. The optical sheet includes a first lens sheet having a plurality of first three-dimensional structures arrayed to extend to one surface thereof, and a reflective polarizer sheet for transmitting either one of p-polarization component and s-polarization component of incident light and reflecting the other of p-polarization component and s-polarization component of the incident light. Head portions of the first three-dimensional structures are bonded to the reflective polarizer sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji Ohta, Shigehiro Yamakita, Makoto Aoki, Toru Abiko
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Publication number: 20080106904Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a base plate and a reflecting film. The base plate has an upper surface on which a plurality of protrusions is formed, a curved bottom surface opposite to the upper surface, and a housing defined therein. The light source is accommodated in the housing. The reflecting film is plated on the curved bottom surface, for reflecting the light beams reaching the curved bottom surface to emit from the upper surface. The plurality of protrusions diffuses light beams.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: CHANG-CHUN LIU, XIAO-LIN GAN, YU-KUANG HO
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Publication number: 20080074886Abstract: An exemplary optical lens (300) includes a top surface (301), a base portion (304) opposite to the top surface, and a peripheral side surface defining a first refractive portion (302). The top surface is a generally funnel-shaped top surface. The first refractive portion is corrugated with a plurality of protruding ridge structures, and each of the ridge structures includes a refractive surface (3021). An exemplary light emitting device incorporating the optical lens is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Patent number: 7339200Abstract: A light-emitting diode including a curved surface portion 14aA formed in the front face of a sealing member 14 with the cross-sectional shape of the curved surface portion being in the shape of an undulating curve that has a concave curve C1 near the optical axis and convex curves C2 on both sides of concave curve C1, thus allowing the light emitted from a light-emitting chip 12 at a small divergence angle centered on the optical axis Ax to reach the concave curve C1 and to be directed forward as diffused light deflected from the optical axis and further allowing the light emitted at a large divergence angle centered on the optical axis Ax to reach the convex curves C2 and to be directed forward as light deflected toward line L positioned at the divergence angle ?.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuyuki Amano, Tsutomu Machida, Hiroya Koizumi
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Patent number: 7334920Abstract: A backlight module (20) includes a plurality of light sources (24) and an optical sheet (21). The optical sheet includes a light incident surface (211), a light emitting surface (212), and a plurality of inverted rectangular pyramid depressions (213). The light sources are positioned adjacent to the light incident surface. The light incident surface and the light emitting surface are at opposite sides of the optical sheet. The inverted rectangular pyramid depressions are defined on the light emitting surface and aligned regularly in a matrix manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
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Patent number: 7322720Abstract: A luminaire adapted to being mounted at the top of a post having a design reducing maintenance costs. The luminaire has a capital with a globe mounted thereon forming an optical chamber, the capital has a front access area with a front access door hingedly attached thereto and optionally has a tool-less latch capable of holding the front access door over the front access area. The capital has an opening in a top portion thereof into the optical chamber, optionally, a relamping module extends from the inside of the capital, through the opening and up into a central portion of the optical chamber and has a lamp socket thereon. The relamping module may be removed without manipulation of the globe or globe roof. The luminaire may also have electrical gear within the capital attached to a tray wherein the tray is removably attached to an internal portion of the capital. The globe and globe roof may remain stationary during typical maintenance processes such as relamping or maintenance of electrical gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLCInventor: Eric Haddad
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Publication number: 20080019136Abstract: The invention relates to a light unit with a light-emitting diode comprising at least one non-glowing light source and with a light distribution body optically downstream to the light-emitting chip source, whereby the frontal area of the light distribution body facing away from the non-glowing light source has a hollow and whereby each periphery of the hollow comprises a total reflection surface for the light emitted from the non-glowing light source. For this purpose, the light distribution body is part of the light-emitting diode. The section of the light distribution body adjacent to the non-glowing light source has an elliptical section as an envelope curve in at least one cutting plane, which encompasses the optic axis. A compact light unit with a high degree of optical efficiency is developed with this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Jens Mertens, Gunther Holzmacher, Jochen Kunze
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Patent number: 7316498Abstract: There is provided an optical substrate. The optical substrate includes at least one prism structure. Each of the at least one prism structures has a first surface characterized by a first surface structure function modulated by a second surface structure function, the first surface structure function having characteristics to provide that each of the at least one prism structures has a cross section with at least one curved side to provide defocusing diffusion to light incident on the substrate. The second surface structure function has characteristics to provide additional diffusion to the light incident on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Eugene George Olczak
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Publication number: 20070291492Abstract: A luminaire adapted to being mounted at the top of a post having a design reducing maintenance costs. The luminaire has a capital with a globe mounted thereon forming an optical chamber, the capital has a front access area with a front access door hingedly attached thereto and optionally has a tool-less latch capable of holding the front access door over the front access area. The capital has an opening in a top portion thereof into the optical chamber, optionally, a relamping module extends from the inside of the capital, through the opening and up into a central portion of the optical chamber and has a lamp socket thereon. The relamping module may be removed without manipulation of the globe or globe roof. The luminaire may also have electrical gear within the capital attached to a tray wherein the tray is removably attached to an internal portion of the capital. The globe and globe roof may remain stationary during typical maintenance processes such as relamping or maintenance of electrical gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Eric Haddad
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Patent number: 7282748Abstract: A light-emitting module having a light-emitting efficiency. The light-emitting module that emits light includes a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits light; and a light transmission member that is provided to cover the semiconductor light-emitting element with materials for transmitting the light emitted from the semiconductor light-emitting element and forms a sub-wavelength grating for reducing reflection of the light on its outgoing face for sending the light incident from an interface facing said semiconductor light-emitting element to its outside in grid periods shorter than a wavelength of the light transmitted by the light transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Takeda, Hisayoshi Daichou, Tsukasa Tokida, Hiroyuki Ishida
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Patent number: 7255461Abstract: A lamp comprising a light source (18) and a reflector (26), wherein the reflector is of non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lamp and comprises several panels (20). Each panel has an undulating surface (22) that diffuses the light and so provides a relatively uniform level of illumination. The reflector panels may be concave and preferably form a hexagonal or square section reflector that is closed by a transparent cover (24). The lamp is provided for use as a recessed ceiling light and is secured by a circlip (44) and a sprung bracket mount (30). Also disclosed is a lamp with a non-circular section reflector formed from concave reflector panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Aurora LimitedInventor: An Xue Yang
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Patent number: 7252412Abstract: The luminaire has a reflector (10) having a light emission window (15), near to first opposed edges (16) of which respective sets of strips (25) are present to create a cut-off angle ?. The reflector (10) is closed by a hood (30) which, along first walls (31) thereof close to the first edges (16), have refracting elements (35) to cause the luminaire to emit light at small angles to the light emission window (15), within the cut-off angle ?. The luminaire is suitable to be used for under canopy lighting of a petrol station and to signal to the distance that the station is open, without dazzling oncoming drivers. The method involves the use of the luminaire mounted to the ceiling of the canopy.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Wijbenga, Jean Paul Entrop
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Patent number: 7246923Abstract: Light source modules are disclosed, which include an emitter having a light-emitting surface and a pyramid collector mounted onto the emitter over the emitting surface. Also disclosed are illumination systems, including a plurality of light source modules, each light source module comprising an emitter having a light-emitting surface and a pyramid collector mounted onto the emitter over the emitting surface. The illumination systems further include an illumination target and a system of optical elements disposed between the at least one light source module and the illumination target.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Arlie R. Conner
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Patent number: 7213945Abstract: A light emitting diode unit comprises a light emitting element D1, a base 1 having a heat dissipating member 12 that dissipates heat generated by the light emitting element D1, and a first lens 2 comprising a reflecting element 214 that reflects light R2 traveling outside of a predetermined angle among the emitted light R emitted by the light emitting element D1 and a refracting element F that refracts light R1 traveling inside of the predetermined angle among the emitted light R, each of which is formed integrally, with the first lens 2 mounted integrally on the base 1, and the emitted light R emitted from the light emitting element D1 is made to travel generally toward the same direction by the reflecting element 214 and the refracting element F.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: CCS, Inc.Inventors: Kenji Yoneda, Takahiro Amano, Yasuhiko Inagaki
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Patent number: 7178949Abstract: The lighting device comprises a light source and an associated hollow reflector of transparent material having an internal surface and an external surface which are close to and far away from the source respectively. The inner surface of the reflector has in cross section at least one transverse plane passing through the source a discontinuous profile forming a plurality of adjacent steps each of which has a first face through which rays originating from the source can pass and a second face essentially parallel to the rays originating from the source. The outer surface of the reflector has a profile comprising one or more arcs of curves.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Stefano Bernard, Piermario Repetto, Pietro Perlo, Davide Capello, Denis Bollea
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Patent number: 7153015Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Innovations In Optics, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Brukilacchio
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Patent number: 7125144Abstract: An illumination device includes plural lamps, a prism, a first lens array, and a second lens array, wherein the first lens array is formed such that images of the lamps are formed a predetermined space apart from each other on a lens, which corresponds to a predetermined lens among plural lenses of a second lens array, by light from the lamps having passed the predetermined lens of the first lens array. All or a part of plural images formed by a lens separate from the predetermined lens of the first lens array are practically arranged among the formed images of the lamps. And the second lens array is formed such that the images formed on the second lens array are irradiated on a light-receiving surface in a predetermined relation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusaku Shimaoka, Takamasa Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7125160Abstract: Apparatus for collecting light from an LED and transmitting it in a near-uniform column incudes a conical reflector having a roughed up inner surface about the base of the LED for collecting light emitted to the sides of the LED, and a lens specially designed to focus the collected light into a near-collimated beam. The lens has opposite, substantially elliptical surfaces to collect and collimate the rapidly diverging light from the LED and the reflector, and each lens surface includes a flat spot to prevent shadows from forming, thereby producing a more uniform beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Applied Innovative Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Man Sheung Wong, Steve Yauhong Yim, Steven Robert Vetorino, Russell E. Sibell
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Patent number: 7118253Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a quasi-point lamp, a ring lens at least partially surrounding the source to provide a radial beam of light shaped in the form of a disk of sectionally diverging light, and at least one refracting ring to redirect and/or change the beam divergence, and/or at least one reflecting ring to redirect or change the divergence of the beam. A baffle system may be used in conjunction with or in substitution for the refractor or reflector rings to eliminate glare and stray light from the lens or redirect and/or change divergence of the lens. The ring lens surrounding the quasi-point source may be used to divide the illuminating light into radial beams diverging from each other, in which case each radial beam has its own refraction, reflection or baffle assembly. Each radial beam and its attending refraction, reflection and/or baffle assembly is used for specific lighting functions, such as down lighting, ambient lighting, spot or flood lighting and indirect lighting.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
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Patent number: 7111969Abstract: An automotive tail light. An LED emits its light laterally. A reflection part surrounding the LED picks up the light and reflects it towards the light dish. A low height light is thus provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbHInventors: Rainer Bottesch, Otto Rolf Müller
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Headlight employing a combined mirror and deflection element with a non-flat light beam cut-off line
Patent number: 7101062Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight device comprising in particular a light source, a mirror exhibiting a reflecting surface and a transparent optical deflection element positioned in front of the mirror, the mirror being capable of interacting with the light source in order to generate a beam bounded by a line of interruption, and the deflection element being capable of providing a horizontal displacement of the light without modifying the vertical distribution of the latter, and at least one detachment element arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the mirror or of the optical deflection element reached by the light to obtain a line of interruption of the light beam that is not flat.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Pierre Albou, Stephanie Figuiere -
Patent number: 7077542Abstract: Disclosed are a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display device using the same. A ratio of a pitch, which is an interval between the lamps for supplying light to an LCD panel, to a gap, which is a distance between the center of the lamps and an optical plate, is adjusted to thereby minimize the bright line that badly influences the image display quality, so as to display a high quality image.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keun-Woo Lee, Jong-Dae Park, Chang-Young Bang, Tae-Jin Lee, Jae-Sang Lee, Jeong-Hwan Lee, Jae-Ho Jung, Yong-Seok Choi
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Patent number: 7040761Abstract: Conventionally, concentrated illumination of a central portion of an image (about 40-60% of the whole image) in which information such as letters and a picture tends to concentrate (centrally concentrated illumination) and uniform illumination of the whole image (uniform illumination) can be carried out by using two separate apparatuses, but no single conventional image display apparatus can carry out both of the two types of illumination. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus which can carry out centrally concentrated illumination, uniform illumination, and various other illumination states (illumination distributions). According to the present invention, an image display apparatus (such as a liquid crystal projector) is structured such that a fly-eye lens or a part thereof in an illumination optical system for illuminating an image forming element is moved to vary the illumination distribution on the image forming element.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Okuyama, Hiroyuki Kodama
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Patent number: 7025476Abstract: A substantially bell-shaped light fixture component for use with a lighting fixture, the light fixture component having upper and lower openings and curved or undulating segments on the light fixture component body that diffuse light from the light source used in connection with the light fixture component. The outer surface of the light fixture component body also has a plurality of curvilinear prisms for reflecting light by internal prismatic reflection. The inner and outer surfaces of the light fixture component create an even distribution of light that emanates from the light fixture component in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventor: Kevin F. Leadford
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Patent number: 7021797Abstract: An optical device is for spatially displacing the output of a light-emitting diode (LED) and coupling the output to a predominantly spherical emission pattern produced at a useftul height above the LED. The device is made of a transparent dielectric material, such as an injection-molded plastic. It comprises a lower transfer section that receives the LED's light from below and an upper ejector section that receives the transferred light and spreads it spherically. One or more LEDs. are optically coupled to the bottom of the transfer section, which operates by total internal reflection upon their entire hemispherical emission. One embodiment operates as a flashlight-bulb substitute with the ejector section radiating onto a parabolic reflector, which forms the beam. Thus hemisphencally emitting LEDs can be used in parabolic-mirror flashlights wherein these LEDs by themselves may be unsuitable for that role.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLCInventors: Juan C. Mi{overscore (n)}ano, Pablo Benitez, William A. Parkyn, Jr., Waqidi Falicoff
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Patent number: 6991348Abstract: A light cover, such as a prismatic lens, includes a generally planar rectangular floor with curved walls rising from a periphery of the floor. The curved walls terminate in outwardly turned flanged-type lips create an upper periphery or opening of the lamp cover. A pair of parallel or spaced apart rails extend around the upper periphery. An interstice is formed between the pair of rails. When the outwardly turned flange-type lips are urged against a sealing or washer-type material, the sealing or washer-type material is urged into the interstice thereby forming an improved watertight seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Paraflex Lighting NordexInventor: Brian V. Titmarsh
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Patent number: 6986593Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Illumination Management Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Greg Rhoads, Ronald Garrison Holder
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Patent number: 6971778Abstract: A headlight for vehicles with a projection module is provided, which includes a bowl-shaped reflector, an illumination unit dedicated to the reflector, a lens, and a shutter arranged between the lens and the reflector. The shutter forms a light-dark-border of a light bundle. The lens features a convex front side facing away from the reflector and an optical element mounted to the headlight in the lower middle margin area on the front. The light beams emerging from the optical element are directed to an area above the light-dark-border of the light bundle of the headlight. In vertical second planar sections, to which the optical axis of the projection module extends perpendicularly, the surface of the optical element is concave-shaped, and in vertical planar sections extending parallel to the optical axis, it is convex-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.Inventors: Wolfgang Peitz, Dirk Schwemin
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Patent number: 6971772Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventors: Yaser S. Abdelsamed, Michael Packer
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Patent number: 6945675Abstract: A fascia wash luminaire has a housing, a lamp socket and a refractor lens. The lamp socket mounts within the housing and is designed to hold a lamp in place within the housing. The refractor lens is trough shaped and is also held by the housing positioned under the light generation region for focusing the light from the light generation region to the fascia more broadly beneath the luminaire and more narrowly to the sides of the luminaire. The lens is shaped such that the distance between the lens and light generation region is smaller directly under the light generation region than it is on either side of the light generation region. The luminaire may also have a reflector for boosting the light directed downward and diagonal to the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventors: Mark Paul Jongewaard, Donald M. Perreira
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Patent number: 6902310Abstract: A compact illumination system using a light source such as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs) having a long life span, and a projection display device employing the illumination system are provided. The illumination system includes a light source; a collimating lens array for making light emitted form the light source be parallel; an optical path conversion unit for reflecting the light incident in parallel from the collimating lens array back toward the light source to initially converge the light; and a secondary focusing lens disposed at a side where the light source is positioned, for converging the light, that has been reflected and converged through the optical path conversion unit, on a predetermined position. The illumination system reflected the light emitted from the light source back toward the light source through the optical path conversion unit so that the volumes of the illumination system can be greatly reduced to be compact.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-seok Im
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Patent number: 6899451Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Schott GlasInventors: Ruediger Kittelmann, Harry Wagener
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Patent number: 6877882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Haven, Rolf S. Vatne
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Patent number: 6851842Abstract: A vehicular lamp including a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a transparent outer lens covering the front opening of the lamp body, a light source installed in the lamp chamber, a reflecting surface formed in the lamp chamber and reflects light from the light source to radiate light in the forward direction of the lamp body, and an inner lens disposed between the light source and the outer lens, the inner having a refracting step, and the refracting step having a refracting surface that refracts light, which is from the front of the lamp body and is directly incident to the inner lens, in a direction away from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
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Patent number: 6846099Abstract: A position light (200) for use on an aircraft. The aircraft position light uses light sources (302) installed into an alignment fixture (304) which optionally carries away heat generated by the light sources. Light emitted by the light sources is directed into a first prism (308), which distributes and directs the light. A second prism (324) is used to further shape the pattern of the light. A lens (206) is installed over the position light (200) to protect it from the elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Matthew B. Dubin, Brent D. Larson, Scott R. Mangum
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Patent number: 6837588Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus having a light conductive plate made of a light transmissible material and a bar-like lamp disposed along and close to an end face of the light conductive plate. The spread illuminating apparatus also having a light reflection pattern having a stair-like configuration from a cross-sectional perspective. The light reflection pattern is formed on a major face of the light conductive plate. The spread illuminating apparatus also has a light dispersive-reflection pattern which has, for example, a plurality of convex surfaces which are formed on a major face of the light conductive plate opposite to the major face of the light conductive plate, which is provided with the light reflection pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Kunimochi, Shingo Suzuki, Motoji Egawa, Takahiro Shimura, Shigeyuki Oishi
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Patent number: 6827467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
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Patent number: 6827475Abstract: Apparatus for collecting light from an LED and transmitting it in a near-uniform column incudes a conical reflector about the base of the LED for collecting light emitted to the sides of the LED, and a lens specially designed to focus the collected light into a near-collimated beam. The lens has opposite, substantially elliptical surfaces to collect and collimate the rapidly diverging light from the LED and the reflector, and each lens surface includes a flat spot to prevent shadows from forming, thereby producing a more uniform beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventors: Steven Robert Vetorino, Russell E. Sibell
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Patent number: 6817726Abstract: A lighting system is provided to transmit light from a light source through a prism. The prism includes a light receiving edge surface, a curved edge surface and a light exiting edge surface. The light source is positioned to transmit a beam of light through the light receiving edge surface of the prism. The prism is configured such that the beam of light travels through the prism to strike the curved edge surface. The beam of light is then reflected off of the curved edge surface such that the beam of light changes direction and continues to travel through the prism until such time as it passes through the light exiting edge surface. The lighting system is adapted to provide a substantially uniform light distribution from the light exiting edge surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: David R. Nowak
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Patent number: 6814475Abstract: A vehicular lamp that radiates light by indirect illumination and employing a plurality of LED light sources, wherein the entire reflective surface of the reflector has a substantially uniform brightness and the degree of freedom of designing the outer shape of the lamp is increased. First and second LED light source groups are formed by arranging a plurality of LED light sources back-to-back in a row. First and second lens groups are formed by arranging a plurality of Fresnel lenses for forming light from each of the LED light sources into parallel light fluxes with the directions of the parallel light fluxes of each LED light source group being aligned. First and second reflectors are provided for reflecting the parallel light fluxes from each of the lens groups forward of the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuyuki Amano
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Publication number: 20040218392Abstract: A substantially bell-shaped light fixture component for use with a lighting fixture, the light fixture component having upper and lower openings and curved or undulating segments on the light fixture component body that diffuse light from the light source used in connection with the light fixture component. The outer surface of the light fixture component body also has a plurality of curvilinear prisms for reflecting light by internal prismatic reflection. The inner and outer surfaces of the light fixture component create an even distribution of light that emanates from the light fixture component in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Kevin F. Leadford
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Patent number: 6808281Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate having opposite ends. The light guide plate has a light emitting surface and an opposite back surface connected to each other by the ends. The back surface has a concave contour whereby thickness of the light guide plate is gradually reduced from each end toward a center of the light guide plate. A light source includes a reflector mounted to each end of the light guide plate and a plurality of light tubes fixed inside the reflector and between the reflector and the end of the light guide plate. The light tubes are lined up in a direction inclined with respect to a normal direction of the light emitting surface. The reflector includes curved portions corresponding to the light tubes for reflecting light from the light tubes toward the end of the light guide plate. A reflective layer is formed on the back surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Quanta Display IncorporationInventor: Yi-Chun Ho
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Patent number: 6807369Abstract: An illumination device includes a flash discharge tube, an optical prism having a total-reflection surface for totally reflecting at least a part of incident light, light emitted from the flash discharge tube being made incident on the optical prism, and an optical panel, light having exited from the optical prism being made incident on the optical panel, wherein the illumination device varies a state of illumination light by varying a positional relationship between the optical prism and the optical panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiharu Tenmyo
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Patent number: 6793376Abstract: A lighting device includes a light-condensing device having annular portions of a substantially semi-circular section, formed on a periphery of a convex lens, in which the light-condensing device is disposed in a state that a light-incoming plane of the convex lens and first inner wall surfaces of the annular portions are made to face a light source (lamp). And, lights from the light source falling on the light-condensing device are set to efficiently travel from the light-outgoing plane of the convex lens and second inner wall surfaces of the annular portions toward a small specific area such as a light-incoming end surface of a light-guiding device. Thereby, the lights from the light source can effectively be used for lighting.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ayumu Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6786619Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Subisak, Herbert A. Fouke