Light Modifier Patents (Class 362/317)
  • Publication number: 20090185154
    Abstract: An optical unit comprises a first optical path in which a spatial light modulator with a plurality of optical elements arranged two-dimensionally and controlled individually can be arranged; a second optical path including a mechanism for insertion of an angle distribution providing element including a predetermined fixed pattern on a surface thereof; and a third optical path being an optical path of light having traveled through both of the first optical path and the second optical path. When the angle distribution providing element is inserted in the second optical path, an angle distribution is provided to light exited based on light incident to the angle distribution providing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: OSAMU TANITSU
  • Patent number: 7540632
    Abstract: A lighting assembly topology that utilizes spectrum controlling materials to render the illumination compatible with night vision imaging systems. The lighting assembly can be used as either a general illumination source or can be used as a backlight for a transmissive display such as a liquid crystal display. The lighting assembly makes use of spectral filtering which is both transmissive and absorptive for specific spectral regions. The exit port of the lighting assembly is completely filtered with a red and near infrared reflective filter. The absorption of the near infrared spectrum to which NVIS are sensitive is reflected by the typical near infrared reflective filter covering the exit port and absorbed within the material lining the housing of the lighting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Randy M. Maner, Michael R. Praiswater
  • Publication number: 20090122225
    Abstract: A light concentrating sheet for a liquid crystal display module includes a first base film having flat inner and outer surfaces; a first light concentrating film on the first base film and having a first thermal expansion coefficient; a second light concentrating film on the first light concentrating film and having a second thermal expansion coefficient; and a second base film on the second light concentrating film and having flat inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Jae-Hyun Park
  • Publication number: 20090116246
    Abstract: The back light unit disclosed includes an optical film with at least one side, two breaches formed on the least one side with different heights respectively, a frame with a fillister for containing the optical film, and two blocks disposed in the fillister. The blocks are disposed corresponding to the breaches respectively. The blocks are located in the breaches when the optical film is fixed in the fillister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: AU OPTRONICS (XIAMEN) CORP., AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ren-Sheng Lu, Wei Ren
  • Publication number: 20090109703
    Abstract: A light guide plate and a side-emitting backlight module having the same are disclosed. The light guide plate includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of prisms and a plurality of condensing lenses. The prisms are arranged side by side on one surface of the transparent substrate. The condensing lenses are disposed between two adjacent prisms, and distributed from sparsely to densely along a direction of a crest line of each of the prisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Nano Precision Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Hsiang Chen, Ming-Dah Liu
  • Publication number: 20090103009
    Abstract: A large liquid crystal display (100) comprises a light guide plate (3) arranged on the back side of a liquid crystal panel (1). The front surface of the light guide plate (3) is flat, while the back surface thereof is concave. The upper and lower end faces of the light guide plate (3) respectively facing hot cathode fluorescent lamps (2a, 2b) have a convex shape projecting toward the respective lamps. White light from the fluorescent lamps is incident on the upper and lower end faces of the light guide plate directly or by being reflected by reflectors (4a, 4b), and propagates within the light guide plate while being reflected by the front and back surfaces of the light guide plate. At the front surface of the light guide plate, a part of the white light is directed toward the back side of the liquid crystal panel (1) by a light guide portion (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Yasuyuki Shirai, Kiwamu Takehisa, Mitsuo Matsumoto, Tokuo Ikari, Toshiaki Sato, Ikuo Onishi, Etsuo Nakazato, Yuichiro Yamada, Tokihiko Shinomiya, Takashi Ishizumi, Yuhsaku Ajichi
  • Publication number: 20090097260
    Abstract: An optical device, or gobo, for use in a projector in accordance with the present application includes at least one surface that is has a layer of substantially non-reflective, heat resistant material formed on at least one surface thereof to prevent pattern distortion. The material preferably has a higher heat resistance than paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Ivo Dielen
  • Publication number: 20090077874
    Abstract: Light distributing members (1) are inserted into corresponding multiple openings (7) in ladder tapes (2, 3) and are loosely fitted there. When one ladder tape (2) is pulled upwardly and the other ladder tape (3) is pulled downwardly, respective weft yarns (6) of the ladder tape (2) come into contact with lower surfaces of the corresponding light distributing members (1) to apply an upward lifting force Fl to the light distributing members (1) and respective weft yarns (6) of the other ladder tape (3) come into contact with upper surfaces of the corresponding light distributing members (1) to apply an downward pushing force F2 to the light distributing members (1). Accordingly, each of the light distributing member (1) is held between the weft yarn (6) positioned at a lower end of the each opening (7) of one ladder tape (2) and the weft yarn (6) positioned at an upper end of the each opening (7) of the other ladder tape (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Nobuo Oyama, Sumie Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090034233
    Abstract: An optical unit includes a base, a light-condensing member disposed on the base to condense a first portion of light that is incident onto the base and protrusion members disposed on a surface of the light-condensing member to scatter a second portion of the light that is incident onto the base. A backlight assembly includes light sources, an optical unit receiving light from the light sources to condense and scatter the light, and may also include an optical member disposed over the optical unit to enhance the front luminance of the light. A display device includes light sources, an optical module and a display panel. Thus, display quality of the display device may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Seong-Yong Hwang, In-Sun Hwang, Joong-Hyun Kim, Hye-Eun Park, Sang-Yu Lee
  • Publication number: 20090034268
    Abstract: The present application describes light management assemblies comprising a light transmissive plate, optical film, and a cover film which covers at least one major surface of the light transmissive plate. Optical film(s) may be adjacent or attached to the outside of the cover film or contained within the cover film between the light transmissive plate and the cover film. The present application also describes a method of making a liquid crystal display device using the light management assemblies described in this application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: James P. DiZio, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ryan T. Fabick, Mark D. Gehisen, Kenneth J. Hanley, Maureen C. Nelson, Masaki Yamamuro
  • Publication number: 20080205068
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end, one of the first end and the second end having a threaded connection, a glass lens and a collar assembly connected to said lens, the collar assembly threadably connected to the housing. A luminaire lens mounting assembly, further may include a first lens connected to a housing, a belt connected to the housing, at least one arm extending from the belt, and, a second lens surrounding at least one of the housing and the first lens, the at least one arm extending through the second lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: GENLYTE THOMAS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: James N. Neeld, Paul J. Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20080205067
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end, one of the first end and the second end having a threaded connection, a glass lens and a collar assembly connected to said lens, the collar assembly threadably connected to the housing. A luminaire lens mounting assembly, further may include a first lens connected to a housing, a belt connected to the housing, at least one arm extending from the belt, and, a second lens surrounding at least one of the housing and the first lens, the at least one arm extending through the second lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: James N. Neeld, Paul J. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7403691
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yi Liao
  • Publication number: 20080170416
    Abstract: A backlight module is provided. The backlight module includes a frame, a fixed structure and at least one optical film. The fixed structure includes a fixed part and a connected part connects to the surface and the fixed part. The width of the fixed part is substantially greater than the width of the connected part. The at least one optical film includes an accommodated part comprising a first portion and a second portion adjoins to the first portion. The width of the first portion is substantially greater than or substantially equal to the fixed part, and the width of the second portion is substantially greater than or substantially equal to the width of the connected part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shih-Wu Yuan, Chih-Liang Pan, I-Jan Wang
  • Publication number: 20080144324
    Abstract: A light guiding plate is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin and has a first main surface, a second main surface opposed to said first main surface, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall opposed to said first side wall and a fourth side wall opposed to said second side wall, the surface portion of the first main surface is provided with convex portions and/or concave portions, the light guiding plate has a longitudinal-direction length, which is a length from the first side wall to the third side wall, of 40 mm or more but 130 mm or less, at least 80% region of the light guiding plate has a thickness of 0.1 mm or more but 0.55 mm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Hisashi Tahara, Haruhiko Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20080084694
    Abstract: An optical element comprises a radiation exit face for a light-emitting diode, said optical element being suitable for producing a radiation characteristic that breaks rotational symmetry, and a light-emitting diode comprising such an optical element, and an LED arrangement comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged on a carrier, wherein each of the light-emitting diodes is associated with its own optical element, which is arranged and configured such that a radiation characteristic of the respective light-emitting diode is formed with broken rotational symmetry, and wherein the optical elements are similarly implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Monika Rose, Sven Weber-Rabsilber, Alexander Wilm
  • Patent number: 7325952
    Abstract: A tail light (lamp) for a motorcycle with improved visibility and outward appearance includes a bulb, a reflector that reflects light from the bulb in a predetermined direction, and a lens that transmits the reflected light. Flux density is varied about a set point, which is distant from the bulb, according to a distance from the set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumitsu Wakamatsu, Kazuo Nakamura, Toshiaki Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20080025042
    Abstract: A dual prism sheet includes a base film, upper prisms formed on an upper surface of the base film and lower prisms formed on a lower surface of the base film. A cross-section of the upper and lower prisms is formed as an isosceles triangular shape having a base and a vertex angle, and a phase of the upper prisms is delayed between about 0 and about 0.5 times of a prism pitch with respect to a phase of the lower prisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Joo KIM, In-Sun HWANG, Heu-Gon KIM, Sung-Kyu SHIM, Taek-Sun SHIN
  • Patent number: 7270447
    Abstract: A lens for an LED having a lens body providing total internal reflection of light emitted by the LED from a first emission point disposed proximate a first junction of the lens body and centerplane. The lens includes an arcuate light-diffusing edge for diffusing light emitted by the LED and reflected by the angular base and sidewall assembly, the light being diffused by the lens at substantially uniform luminance across a sector of at least 150 degrees centered and measured about the first junction. The light diffused by the lens provides for substantially uniform mixing of at least two different colors of light emitted by a multi-color LED apparatus disposed at the first emission point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: GE Security
    Inventors: René Goulet, Guy Drouin, Martin Beaumont
  • Patent number: 7246923
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Arlie R. Conner
  • Patent number: 7226195
    Abstract: A compact and cost-efficient lamp assembly includes cold-cathode fluorescent lamps in a variety of edge-lit display sign applications specifically, in edge-lit emergency lighting signs. The lamp assembly includes in one self-contained module a lower housing unit and an upper housing unit shaped to cover the lower housing unit. The lower housing unit is divided into a lower frame and an upper frame disposed on top of the lower frame. The upper frame has at least two inverters disposed within. The lower frame is a parabolic shape reflector frame supporting at least two cathode lamps in line with the two inverters, each of which is connected to each lamp for providing high voltage to power up the lamps. Additionally, an edge-lit panel having a front and back side is disclosed in the present invention. The backside includes a semi-transparent frosted surface with a white opaque lamination glued on the frosted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Radu C. Rapeanu, Viorel Mirica, Zhigang Xing, David Blier
  • Patent number: 7148470
    Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Rains, Jr., Don F. May, David P. Ramer
  • Patent number: 7145125
    Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination) uses an integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the integrating cavity. In the examples, the points of entry of the energy into the cavity typically are located so that they are not directly visible through the aperture. The cavity effectively integrates the energy of different wavelengths, so that the combined radiant energy emitted through the aperture includes the radiant energy of the various wavelengths. The apparatus also includes a control circuit coupled to the sources for establishing output intensity of radiant energy of each of the sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald F. May, Jack C. Rains, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7142769
    Abstract: An illumination package is disclosed in the invention. The illumination package includes an optical element, package base, and a light emitter. The optical element is designed to redirect a majority of light emitted from the light emitter to a direction approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the optical element. In one embodiment, the optical element includes an flared portion and a base portion. The flared portion is constructed by an upper surface forming a recess, a side surface adjacent to the upper surface and curved, and a lower surface connecting to the base portion. In another embodiment, a concave lens is formed on the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Epistar Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Hsun Hsieh, Chou-Chih Yin
  • Patent number: 7093955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light comprising a light source or connection means for a light source, and a transparent panel which extends crosswise to a direction of light emission. An object of the invention is to improve the light in terms of glare suppression. To this end, the transparent panel is provided with a microstructure and light homogenization means are provided. The latter ensure that the brightness of the light entering the panel is approximately equal in all parts of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Sejkora, Markus Bohle
  • Patent number: 7066626
    Abstract: An LED lamp including a circuit substrate (22) on which an electrode pattern is formed, a reflecting frame (31) including a tapered concave portion (32) having an inner peripheral surface broadening toward an upper end of the reflecting frame, a light emitting unit (27) disposed on a central portion of the concave portion (32), an air layer (40) disposed above the light emitting unit (27), and a lens body (44) provided through the air layer above the reflecting frame (31), the reflecting frame being provided with an air hole (45) for communicating the air layer with an outside area of the LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuki Omata
  • Patent number: 6995830
    Abstract: A system and method is used to pattern a substrate. A projection beam received from a radiation system is patterned using an array of individually controllable elements. A portion of the projection beam is directed directly onto one of the individually controllable elements and collecting radiation reflected therefrom using each one of a first array of focusing elements. An image of the first array of focusing elements is projected onto a second array of focusing elements using a projection system, such that radiation reflected from one of the individually controllable elements is projected via one of the focusing elements in the first array of focusing elements and the projection system to one of the focusing elements in the second array which focuses the radiation onto a spot on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Willem Herman de Jager
  • Patent number: 6995355
    Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Optical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack C. Rains, Jr., Don F. May, David P. Ramer
  • Patent number: 6991348
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Paraflex Lighting Nordex
    Inventor: Brian V. Titmarsh
  • Patent number: 6953268
    Abstract: A light modulating device comprising a plurality of light modulating elements modulating the light that is incident thereto and emitting the light, wherein each of the light modulating elements is formed from a micro electronic machinery which is two-dimensionally arranged, and the transmittance can be controlled so as to vary for each of the light modulating elements. The light modulating device further comprises a lens array on a light-incident side of the light modulating elements, and the lens array condenses the incident light, which impinges on each of the light modulating elements, into a region whose area is smaller than an area occupied by each of the light modulating elements at a light-incident side thereof. Consequently, the light modulating device, in which usability of the light is improved and resolution is increased in the projection exposure, and the exposure apparatus using the same can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kimura, Hiroshi Sunagawa
  • Publication number: 20040212999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Brian V. Titmarsh
  • Publication number: 20040165389
    Abstract: A modified structure of a projector comprises a projector body, a first activating device, a camera lens set and a remote control host machine. The first activating device is installed on the projector body. The camera lens set is installed on the first activating device, and can move thereon to increase or decrease the magnification ratio of image. The camera lens set has a second activating device, which is used to adjust the position of a camera lens for fine tuning of focus. The remote control host machine can be maneuvered for automatic adjustment and setting of the projector. Because the first activating device can move the camera lens set upwards or downwards to automatically zoom an image, and the second activating device can automatically focus the camera lens, the trouble of manual operation of the user can be saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jih-Ching Chang, Teng-Chou Yang
  • Publication number: 20040160777
    Abstract: An illumination device according to the present invention comprises a light source (1), an optical fiber bundle (4), a coupling-in optical system (3) before and a coupling-out optical system (5) after the fiber bundle (4), and an illuminating optical system (17; 20). A homogenizing optical system (6) between the coupling-out optical system (5) and illuminating optical system (17; 20) brings about a homogenization of the intensity distribution in the image field. The homogenizing optical system (6) advantageously comprises a micro-honeycomb condenser (7) and a lens member (8) which superimpose the exit opening of the fiber bundle (4) in an intermediate image plane (10) to form a homogeneous intermediate image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Leica-Microsystems Wetzlar GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Cemic, Lambert Danner, Gerhard Hoppen
  • Patent number: 6771870
    Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: eele Laboratories
    Inventors: Karlheinz Strobl, Paul Gasteiger
  • Patent number: 6739738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for redistributing light to shift the apparent position of light generation and provide a more uniform area of light emission from a light assembly incorporating a plurality of spaced-apart light sources. Divergent light from each light source is collimated into a beam. Portions of each beam are diverted from the direction of the beam, transmitted laterally and redirected to emerge from the light assembly radially spaced from the position of the light source producing the beam. An internal reflecting lens member molded from optical plastic is disclosed as one apparatus for carrying out the method. The disclosed method and apparatus are particularly applicable to light assemblies incorporating an array of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040062044
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises a small-plane light source having diffusion radiation characteristics, a columnar light leading member, having an incident end surface, an outgoing radiation end surface and a reflection surface, configured to reflect on the reflection surface at least a part of a light ray from the small-plane light source collected from the incident end surface, thereby leading the light to the outgoing radiation end surface, and an angle position converting member configured to convert an outgoing light angle intensity of the outgoing light from the outgoing radiation end surface of the columnar light leading member into a position intensity in a predetermined irradiation area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kazunari Hanano
  • Publication number: 20040042213
    Abstract: A light modulating device comprising a plurality of light modulating elements modulating the light that is incident thereto and emitting the light, wherein each of the light modulating elements is formed from a micro electronic machinery which is two-dimensionally arranged, and the transmittance can be controlled so as to vary for each of the light modulating elements. The light modulating device further comprises a lens array on a light-incident side of the light modulating elements, and the lens array condenses the incident light, which impinges on each of the light modulating elements, into a region whose area is smaller than an area occupied by each of the light modulating elements at a light-incident side thereof. Consequently, the light modulating device, in which usability of the light is improved and resolution is increased in the projection exposure, and the exposure apparatus using the same can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Kimura, Hiroshi Sunagawa
  • Patent number: 6687025
    Abstract: A digitizer having an illuminator with a mask configured to rotate about a central axis for reducing flare from the illuminator when digitizing a data medium having a width less than an associated length of the illuminator. A page width guide of the digitizer may be operatively coupled to the mask so that movement of the page width guide automatically rotates the mask a predetermined amount. A rare gas, external electrode, cold cathode fluorescent lamp may also be utilized as an illuminator in the digitizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Howtek Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lehman, Lee Batchelder
  • Patent number: 6682662
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp cover which comprises a transparent resin containing a fluorescent brightening agent so as to cut off 90% or more of the rays of 410 nm or less, wherein the fluorescent brightening agent is represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxyl group; R2 and R3 each represents an alkyl group; and [A] represents a substituted aryl or substituted ethenyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Usami, Teruo Nagano, Tadahisa Sato, Katsuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20030193807
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a light source, a light transformer, a hemispherical optical window, a circuit and a base. The light transformer includes a truncated hollow conical reflector, a curved reflective surface, and an optical element. The conical reflector has a truncated end facing the light source and a cone base opposite the truncated end. The conical reflector axis is coincident with a light source axis, and light passes through an opening on the truncated end. The curved reflective surface is between the truncated end and the cone base. The surface reflects light from the light source in a limited angle omnidirectional pattern with precalculated intensity distribution. The optical element is adjacent the cone base in a plane perpendicular to the conical reflector axis, and disperses the light passing through the truncated hollow cone reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Rizkin, Robert H. Tudhope
  • Patent number: 6629768
    Abstract: A lamp with an unpolished surface is herein described. The lamp comprises a closed body which comprises a source of light adapted to be connected to a source of power, contacts to connect said source of light to a source of power, and a cover. The cover is configured and disposed to permit light to exit the lamp when connected to a source of power. The cover comprises an inner surface facing the interior of the lamp and an outer surface facing away from the lamp. At least the outer surface facing away from the lamp comprises unpolished glass configured to provide the unpolished surface. The unpolished glass of the outer surface comprises a surface having a roughness which is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Sabine Melson, Peter Nass
  • Publication number: 20030173492
    Abstract: The invention permits a boundary between a grained surface and a smooth surface to be seen clearly in a resin molded product, and facilitates manufacture and grinding of a mold for molding a resin. In an implementation, a resin molded product has a smooth surface adjacent to a grained surface on which microscopic asperities are formed. A step surface protruding toward the grained surface is formed on a boundary between the grained surface and the smooth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Shigeru Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 6607291
    Abstract: Described is a filter device for reducing the light output of a flash tube, while leaving the light output of a modeling light tube unaffected, in a dual lamp photo strobe unit. The filter device is comprised of a body that is sized to fit over a flash tube in a dual light, photo strobe unit. Critically, the body fits over the flash tube only, thereby leaving the modeling light unobstructed. It its preferred embodiment, the filter device has axial symmetry. It a most preferred embodiment, the filter device has a circularly shaped base, a tubular sidewall that extends from the base to an enclosing top section. The top section critically includes an aperture through which the modeling light will project, when the filter device is placed upon a photo strobe unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Christmas Light Company Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Tarabula
  • Publication number: 20030112628
    Abstract: Described is a filter device for reducing the light output of a flash tube, while leaving the light output of a modeling light tube unaffected, in a dual lamp photo strobe unit. The filter device is comprised of a body that is sized to fit over a flash tube in a dual light, photo strobe unit. Critically, the body fits over the flash tube only, thereby leaving the modeling light unobstructed. It its preferred embodiment, the filter device has axial symmetry. It a most preferred embodiment, the filter device has a circularly shaped base, a tubular sidewall that extends from the base to an enclosing top section. The top section critically includes an aperture through which the modeling light will project, when the filter device is placed upon a photo strobe unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Tarabula
  • Patent number: 6578990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire (1) comprising a reflector body (9) having a reflecting part (2) provided with a light reflective coating (5), and comprising contact means (6) for electrically connecting a light source. The coating (5) comprises at least two, light reflective particle groups, the groups exhibiting a mutually different color because of an interference layer (12a-d) provided on the particles (10a-d) which is different for the respective groups. A white color impression of the coating (5) is obtainable when the groups are jointly used in relative proportions in the coating (5). The coating (5) does not suffer from intrinsic absorption, or from color shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volker Dirk Hildenbrand, Claudia Mutter, Wanda Susanne Kruijt
  • Publication number: 20030103354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp including a hollow body, in particular a glass cylinder, which accommodates a light source. The object of the present invention is to devise a lamp using simple means which is usable both for light sources with open flame and for electrically operated light sources, which is manufacturable in one piece, and whose emitted color and decoration can be changed in a quick and simple manner. The inner hollow body is surrounded by an outer hollow body, and both hollow bodies are interconnected at their top ends. The inner hollow body is shorter than the outer hollow body and carries an inwardly directed rim. The two hollow bodies may be composed of transparent glass which is smooth on the inside and on the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Ivo Niermann
  • Patent number: 6554454
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an improved filter or illumination device. In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device is provided having multiple optical color filters wherein a first time period, required for at least one of the multiple optical color filters to pass across a light path, is different from a second time period, required for each of the other optical color filters to pass across the light path. According to another aspect of this invention, an illumination device has multiple optical color filters and an optical member wherein a boundary, which extends in a direction, is provided between one of the multiple optical color filters and another one of the multiple optical color filters, and the optical member includes an inlet for receiving light from the optical color filters, wherein the inlet extends in a first direction corresponding to the direction of the boundary when the boundary crosses the light path, for a greater distance than the inlet extends in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Kitano
  • Patent number: 6550936
    Abstract: Prism Lantern with a pair of concentric glass cylinders, the first the cylinder being approximately three and one half inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the second the cylinder being approximately three and three eighths inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the cylinders fastened at their bottom surfaces to a base plate so that there is a concentric air space between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, a sheet of plastic material having a plurality of molded in prisms is placed in between the outer wall of said first cylinder and the inner wall of said second cylinder, and a closure ring enclosing the top of said concentric cylinders. Said plastic prism material creates a unique multi colored star burst pattern when viewed by an onlooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Foley
  • Publication number: 20030067774
    Abstract: In one aspect, an illumination device for illuminating a desired portion of a target object includes a light source and one or more diffractive, holographic optical elements disposed in an optical path between said light source and the target for forming a discrete illumination field on the target. In a further aspect, a method for illuminating a desired portion of a target object to be illuminated includes providing a source of light and arranging a diffractive, holographic and diffractive optical element in an optical path between said source of light and said target. The optical element is configured to deliver a selected pattern of light to an illumination field at a selected working distance away from the combined holographic and diffractive optical element. A target object to be illuminated is positioned in the optical axis at a distance approximately equal to said working distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: NANOVIA, L.P.
    Inventor: Todd E. Lizotte
  • Patent number: 6540382
    Abstract: A lighting assembly which includes light source means and collimating means for substantially collimating the light from the source. There are transmission means for transmitting the substantially collimated light to a point remote from the collimating means, and, in one arrangement, having an upper section which allows transmission of light therethrough and a lower section which reflects light. Light direction modifying means such as a lens or a reflector is located in the transmission means and remote from the collimating means for receiving light from the collimating means and modifying the direction of the light to pass outside of the transmission means through the light-transmitting section. The light direction modifying means includes a large plurality of prisms on the outer surface thereof. The prisms may be arranged so that the radii of several adjacent ones substantially meet at a point, thereby to form a “wave” lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon