Adjustable Or Positionable Patents (Class 362/319)
  • Patent number: 5934787
    Abstract: A picture illuminating device for mounting on the wall above the picture, or on the back of the picture frame. The device utilizes a fluorescent light tube to produce uniform lighting and is powered by conventional or rechargeable batteries which eliminates the requirement of electrical outlets and the spectacle of exposed electrical cords extending down the wall. The device is composed of a stem and a shade. The shade houses the fluorescent light tube, batteries and the electronic circuit that converts the direct current from the batteries to the alternating current required to power the fluorescent light tube. The shade includes a reflector which is configured to mount the fluorescent light tube and batteries so that the shade covers the fluorescent light tube adequately to prevent any glare from the front while presenting the look of a conventional, corded picture lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Murari Sharma
  • Patent number: 5921670
    Abstract: A lighting system for passenger cabins, particularly aircraft passenger cabins, is equipped with at least one central light source cooperating with hollow light guides for distributing light in the passenger cabin. The light sources may be positioned in fixed locations within the aircraft or in fixed locations in the ceiling or in mobile locations within the hollow light guides. Light extractors are positioned where needed. The light guides are hollow preferably tubular light guides which may cooperate with optical light conductor fibers, and with lenses and mirrors where needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schumacher, Andrew Muin, Michael Lau
  • Patent number: 5921656
    Abstract: A hand-held water activated strobe light which may be used in rescue or emergency operations in peacetime or in a combat zone. The light includes a watertight housing with a high intensity bulb which flashes white light. Interchangeable blue and infrared filters attached to a flash guard body can be used with the bulb for filtering various wave lengths of light spectrum in combat situations and for both 360 degree or line-of-sight transmission. The strobe light is water activated and includes a sensor that deactivates the light during daylight hours. A memory latch circuit maintains activation of the light once the water activated switch comes in contact with water. A power saving circuit permits the use of alkaline batteries in place of mercury batteries, which also provides for environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: John F. Flood, Mark S. Clark
  • Patent number: 5825548
    Abstract: A color filter plate includes a continuously-variable dichroic filter coating constituting a variable band-pass or variable band-reject filter having a spatially-modulated variable-density pattern formed in the coating, and provides continuously-variable hue and saturation characteristics along separate gradient axes. A color filter assembly includes a variable band-pass and a variable band-reject filter mounted in a co-planar arrangement, providing a continuous range of color filtration for spectral and non-spectral colors. A color filter mechanism includes a color filter assembly having either a rectangular arrangement or a circular arrangement of co-planar, continuously-variable band-pass and band-reject filters mounted in a motorized carriage. One mechanism provides two-axis translation of the rectangular color filter assembly while another mechanism provides translation and rotation of the circular color filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bornhorst, Richard W. Hutton
  • Patent number: 5816690
    Abstract: A compact and efficient theatrical light that includes four mirrors, a gobo apparatus a colorchanger/dowser/diffusion system, and a lens system. The light beam is reflected four times, each time by 90 degrees. The second reflection is perpendicular to the plane formed by the initial path of the beam and the path after the first reflection. The gobo, the lens system and the colorchanger/dowser/diffusion system are located between the second and the third mirrors. This achieves a very compact, but fully capable light which may be attached to and protected by a truss system when in use and when in transport.Also discussed is a simple color changer/dowser/diffusion system with color glass panels mounted to tracks and moveable into and out of the optical path by cables connected to each panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Obie Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Romano, Robert A. Fry
  • Patent number: 5791768
    Abstract: A dual reflector lighting system having an adjusting assembly for independently adjusting an inner reflector and an outer reflector relative to a gaseous discharge lamp. The lighting system includes a housing having a ballast assembly mounted therein. An elongated tubular adjusting member has one end thereof connected to the bottom of the housing. A lamp socket for receiving a gaseous discharge lamp is mounted to the other end of the adjusting member. The lamp socket is electrically connected to the ballast assembly. The system includes both an outer reflector and an inner reflector mounted coaxially about the gaseous discharge lamp. The outer reflector is mounted to the tubular adjusting member for movement relative thereto to adjust the outer reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp. The inner reflector is connected to the adjusting member for adjusting the inner reflector relative to the gaseous discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Stingray Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Robson L. Splane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5785416
    Abstract: A lamp with an adjustable shade for regulating the dispersion of a light beam, wherein there is mounted on to a wall fitting (1) a tube (2), the front edge of which forms a connecting piece (3) with a second tube (4), on to the free end of which is mounted a light source holder (5) and a light reflector (6), wherein the lamp has a shade (7, 10) and wherein the shade (7, 10) is movable in relation to the second tube (4), the light source holder (5) and the light reflector (6). The external shade part (7) is provided along one section with a longitudinal slot (8) where the shade (7, 10) can be moved along the length of the slot (8) in slidable engagement with the second tube (4). The shade (7, 10) consists of an external shade part (7) and an internal shade part (10), where the external shade part (7) has longer axial extension than the internal shade part (10), and where a slide block (13) constitutes a part and extension of an end wall (11) on the internal shade part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Ivar Hansen
  • Patent number: 5752767
    Abstract: A diffuse illuminator device is disclosed for providing uniform illumination onto a target. A generally tubular outer baffle, which has a proximal and an open distal end, defines an optic axis. A generally tubular inner baffle which is open at its proximal and distal ends is coaxially disposed within the outer baffle. An annular illuminator, positioned at the proximal end of the outer and inner baffles, directs a ring of illumination into an annular light tunnel which is defined by the space between the inner and outer baffles. This arrangement allows viewing of the target through the inner baffle. The inner baffle may also be adjusted along the optic axis in order to vary the illumination structure of the light on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Illumination Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mark Muehlemann
  • Patent number: 5718505
    Abstract: A headlight for vehicles has a light source, a reflector having at least two different reflector regions including a first reflector region which reflects a light emitted by the light source as a converging light beam to form low beam and a second reflector region formed so that light emitted by the light source and reflected by the second reflector region together with the light emitted by the light source and reflected by the first reflector region form high beam, a lens arranged after the reflector in a light outlet direction so that at least the light which forms low beam passes through the lens, and a screening device arranged between the reflector and the lens, the screening device having a stationary screening part and a movable screening part, the movable screening part being movable between a position for low beam in which light forming low beam can pass along the movable screening part and a position for high beam in which additionally the light reflected by the second reflector region can pass alon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Daumueller, Karl-Otto Dobler, Rainer Neumann, Frieder Liedtke, Johannes Bertling, Henning Hogrefe, Gerd Bahnmueller, Martin Lampen
  • Patent number: 5615943
    Abstract: Pairs of laterally adjustable planar brackets supporting fluorescent lamp terminal posts are provided with individual lamp reflectors extending between and secured to opposing pairs of cooperating brackets for retrofitting existing fluorescent lamp fixtures with improved fluorescent lamps and reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: C. Michael Coldren
  • Patent number: 5584568
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus has a lighting filament (3), a first lens (1) disposed at a fixed distance from the filament (3), divergent light from the filament falling directly on the first lens (1) which reduces but does not eliminate the divergence of the light in all directions about the optical axis upon passage of light through the first lens, and a sleeve (12) carrying a second lens (2) mounted for sliding movement relative to the box. The second lens (2) receives divergent light directly from the first lens (1) and reduces the divergence of the light upon passage of the light through the second lens, the focal length of the second lens being greater than 1 1/2 times the focal length of the first lens and the distance between the lenses being less than 1 1/2 times the focal length of the first lens. The illumination pattern is high-intensity but does not have a sharp contour so that it may be used in a surgical operating room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Etablissements Pierre Angenieux
    Inventors: G erard Corbasson, Jacques Debize
  • Patent number: 5582479
    Abstract: A dual reflector lighting system having a housing, a ballast and a lamp socket connected to receive a gaseous discharge or high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. An outer reflector is mounted to the housing to reflect a portion of light from the lamp. An inner or auxiliary reflector is mounted coaxially with the lamp to reflect a substantial amount of light from the lamp downwardly. The auxiliary reflector is preferably adjustable relative to the lamp. The invention also covers a dual reflector assembly, including an outer reflector and an inner reflector, adjustable relative to each other which is adapted to be mounted to a HID fixture. The invention also covers an auxiliary reflector having a predetermined size and shape adapted to fit within an outer reflector of a HID fixture and preferably includes facilities for adjusting the auxiliary reflector relative to the outer reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: EPPI Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Thomas, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 5508892
    Abstract: Light processing apparatus creates visual effects with light from a light source. An input bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides receives light from the light source. A reconfiguration plate reconfigures the output ends of the light guides into a plurality of separated input zones of selected shape. A filter having colored areas shaped to correlate with the input zones filters the light. An output bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides distributes the light transmitted through the filter. A configuring plate configures the input ends of the output bundle of light guides into output zones which correlate with the input zones. The filter may be a rotatable color wheel or a computer-controlled liquid crystal display. When the filter is activated, the colored areas change colors, thereby creating various visual effects, such as painting with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: H Space Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Laczynski, James S. Angus
  • Patent number: 5499168
    Abstract: A device for regulating a light width of headlights of motor vehicles comprises an adjusting device associated with one of the headlights, a transmitter which emits electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a region of a roadway located in front of the motor vehicle, an opto-electronic sensor which determines radiation emitted by the transmitter and reflected by the roadway and in dependence on the detected radiation produces signals, an evaluating device which processes the produced signals and controls the adjusting device for maintaining constant a light width of a beam emitted by the headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Cochard, Frieder Heizmann
  • Patent number: 5446637
    Abstract: An improved lighting fixture is disclosed for imaging a high-intensity beam of light at a distant location. A specially-faceted near-elliptical reflector cooperates with a gate aperture and a single aspheric lens to produce a beam that incorporates a very high proportion of emitted visible light, while the reflector has a dichroic coating that reflects only a low proportion of infrared light. The projected beam thereby has a relatively low energy density, such that the front portion of the fixture can be reduced substantially in size and weight. The gate is selectively rotatable relative to the fixture's rear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventors: David W. Cunningham, Gregory F. Esakoff
  • Patent number: 5438486
    Abstract: Variably shaped lenses that adjust the shape of the light beam of vehicle headlights. The shape of the lenses is changed by the transfer of a liquid between the lens assembly and an external cylinder. Baffles are used in the refracting portion of the lens to prevent shifting of the liquid and distortion of the lens when the vehicle accelerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Edward P. McNair
  • Patent number: 5430630
    Abstract: For recessed lighting fixtures, particularly those mounted in ceilings, the present invention provides an easily attached removable accessory device for deflecting a portion of the light path in a selected direction that differs from the original direction, e.g. deflecting downwardly directed light to a substantially horizontal direction. A mirror assembly, typically having two round flat reflecting surfaces, one on each side, is supported by a wire hanger element via an axle portion passing diametrically through the mirror; the hanger element has a pair of hooks at the upper ends of two side wires that engage the recessed light fixture at any desired orientation around the axis of the fixture. The mirror can be tilted to any angle, and is retained at the selected tilt angle by friction of the wire axle being clamped between of a pair of resilient pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Engineered Lighting Products
    Inventors: Ralph W. Swarens, Anatoly Kudishevich
  • Patent number: 5430620
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact surgical headlamp capable of dynamic adjustment of the resulting field of illumination, comprising at least a single core fiber optic delivery light guide, an adjustable light projection system, and a mounting mechanism for movably supporting the headlamp proximate to the surgeon's eyes. A receiving block is also provided for supporting the structure of the projection system and for coupling the delivery fiber thereto. The projection system comprises a cylindrical housing mount adapted with a centrally disposed cylindrical cavity for receiving the ferruled, output end of the delivery fiber and for allowing the light output therefrom to initially diverge within the cavity of the housing mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Cogent Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Li, Steven Murray, Zafirios Gourgouliatos, Douglas M. Brenner
  • Patent number: 5410462
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp fixture embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame module, a ballast module, a socket housing module and a reflector module that all interconnect via a standardized connection system. The ballast module is attached to a ballast plate and snaps onto a junction box wrapper that has a junction box baseplate. The frame module snaps onto the junction box wrapper together with the socket housing module. The reflector module also attaches directly to the frame module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: USI Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Denis G. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 5402328
    Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable lamp assembly especially suitable for use as a table or desk lamp. The lamp assembly has a substantially spherical or conical base member having an adjustable center of gravity which allows it to be moved and retained in a variety of inclined and tilted positions. Also disclosed is a lamp assembly having a concave shade member having a peripheral rim and a central opening adapted to rest upon and be supported freely on the curved outer surface of a lamp bulb globe whereby the peripheral rim of the shade member will remain in a horizontal plane as the lamp assembly is tilted relative to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Pablo E. Pardo
  • Patent number: 5373429
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminator, especially a runway approach flashlight, for forming a directable, generally rectangular light beam, comprising a light source, such as a xenon lamp, an illuminator body (1), and a reflector supported to it and comprising a generally cup-like rear reflector (2) fitted behind the light source, and means for directing the light beam. To achieve a light beam of a desired shape and to enable it to be directed, the reflector further comprises an ellipsoidal counter reflector (3) fitted in front of the light source, the main axis of the counter reflector being substantially parallel to the shorter side of the light beam, and the reflector (2, 3) is supported to the illuminator body by means of joints (11), so that the reflector can be tilted with respect to the illuminator body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Idman Oy
    Inventor: Esko Kasurinen
  • Patent number: 5373424
    Abstract: An automotive-type projection headlamp having a substantially elliptical reflector, a light source (bulb) located at the first focal point of the reflector, a projection lens disposed in front of the reflector, and a shade located at a position near the second focal point of the reflector for partially intercepting light passing from the reflector toward the projection lens. The shade is rotatable about a horizontal support shaft, and has a circumferential surface spirally shaped as seen in a longitudinal sectional view, so that the distance from the center of rotation of the shade to a point on the circumference thereof gradually varies. The vertex of the shade is vertically varied by turning the shade about the horizontal support shaft, thereby controlling the distribution of the output light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5357407
    Abstract: A light attenuator sleeve which removably attaches to a high/low beam halogen vehicle headlight bulb. The sleeve is designed to fit onto the high/low beam bulb assembly so that light emitted by the bulb passes through the sleeve and the intensity of the light is attenuated. The sleeve is attached to the high/low beam bulb assembly after the low beam filament is expired and has an appropriate degree of opaqueness to attenuate light emitted by the high beam filament to a low beam intensity after passing through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Michael E. Woods
  • Patent number: 5339226
    Abstract: A projection head lamp for vehicles comprises a substantially elliptical reflector 14, a light source located at the first focal point of the reflector 14, a projection lens 16 disposed in front of the reflector 14, and a shade 20 located at a position near to the second focal point and the focal point of the projection lens 16, the shade 20 intercepting light beams going from the reflector 14 toward the projection lens 16. The shade 20 may be turned about the horizontal shaft. To adjust the beam distribution pattern, the shade 20 is turned. The shade 20 consists of left and right shades 21 and 22, which are separated and horizontally extended when seen from the point right under the optical axis. The shades 21 and 22 have pairs of shade plates 212 and 213, and 222 and 223, of which the extended parts extending along the horizontal shaft overlap with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5337221
    Abstract: A highly controllable way to light target areas includes a primary reflector which generates a defined primary beam in association with a light source. The primary beam, or at least a portion of the primary beam, is directed onto a secondary reflector which generates a secondary beam to the target space. The secondary reflector can be configured in any number of contours, shapes, specularities, or other characteristics to alter and control the characteristics of the secondary beam.Various options, alternatives, and features are possible with the invention. For example, a plurality of light sources and primary reflectors can be used with one secondary reflector. The surface of the secondary reflector can be corrugated to have alternating segments to direct light in different directions. A combination of light source, primary reflector, and secondary reflector can also be positioned on a moveable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Joe P. Crookham
  • Patent number: 5188452
    Abstract: Light assembly for providing a focused image of varying color hue and saturation intensity which includes means for providing a point light source, a filter set in which the filters are complementary colors, and a light mixing channel to pass additively mixed light rays to an objective lens system which produces the focused image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Altman Stage Lighting Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Ryan
  • Patent number: 5178452
    Abstract: An operating theatre lamp with a main reflector (13) which illuminates the area of the operation (11) with a convergent main light beam (12) and an auxiliary reflector (15) can be arranged inside the main reflector to deflect a part of the used light beam (16) at a steeper angle to the site of the operation (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Delma elektro-und medizinische Geraetebau Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Manfred Scholz
  • Patent number: 5158352
    Abstract: A headlamp provided with correcting means for correcting a light distribution characteristic which is caused by an inclination of a vehicle body with respect to a road surface. An outer lens section fixed to the vehicle body is provided forwardly of a lamp body section of the projector type which is pivoted around an optical axis so as to maintain the light distribution characteristic horizontal in response to the inclination of the vehicle body, and the outer lens section has a lens cut formed thereon for diffusing a variation component of passing light to a turning direction when the car body is inclined for turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Ikegami, Kaoru Hatanaka, Tsuneo Sekiguchi, Hideyuki Tanabe, Satoru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5148356
    Abstract: A crib light is provided having front and rear housing portions which cooperate to clamp the light to a horizontal rail of a crib. The rear housing portion may be removed to permit the front housing portion to be mounted flush to a vertical wall surface. In addition, a lens cover is provided adjacent to a light emitting aperture of the front housing portion for controlling the brightness of light emitted and a control circuit is further provided for automatically shutting the light off after a predetermined interval of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products Company
    Inventors: T. Brent Freese, Joseph E. Janicke
  • Patent number: 5138540
    Abstract: A variable light distribution type headlamp which provides an optimum irradiated beam pattern under all driving conditions. The headlamp includes a projector lamp, a fixed lens, and a movable lens disposed on the optical axis of said projector lamp forward of said projector lamp. The movable lens is a condensing lens, and the fixed lens being a cylindrical concave lens. The focal length and a range of movement of the movable lens are such that front focal points of the movable and fixed lenses coincide when both lenses are close to each other. A lens drive mechanism controls the position of the movable lens in both X and Y directions so as to respectively control the amount of beam diffusion and beam direction in accordance with the vehicle speed and steering direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Syoji Kobayashi, Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 5128838
    Abstract: A universal, filter holding apparatus provides an adjustable filter assembly which can hold different size filters. The versatile filter assembly is also constructed and arranged to facilitate tilting, pivoting, and rotation of the filter in different directions and can be guided upon a boom towards or away from a light source, as desired by the photographer. In the preferred form, the filter assembly has symmetrical L-shaped slide members which slide towards or away from each other along the rails of a track to expand or contract the size and span of the filter assembly. The filter assembly can also have a rotatable bracket which can be secured to and rotate the filter. The filter can have an aperture and grommet to facilitate its attachment to the bracket via a fastener. The filter assembly can further be equipped with an articulated tiltable unit which can slide upon and be rotated about the boom to further adjust the position of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Visual Pursuits, Inc.
    Inventor: Muriel H. Brandess
  • Patent number: 5115384
    Abstract: A soft light having a housing with a front opening and a hinged upper portion, a light source arranged in a lower frontal position in the housing, an internal reflector for direction light from the light source toward a rear portion of the housing opposite the front opening, and a rear reflector removably mounted in the housing so as to reflect the light from the light source and the internal reflector out of the front opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Arriflex Corporation
    Inventors: Stanislaw Loth, Volker W. Bahnemann
  • Patent number: 5079683
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing spectrally different light distributions which have the same irradiance is disclosed. This apparatus contains a light source and an adjustable, opto-mechanical filter means. The filter means contains an adjustment means for simultaneously varying the spectral distribution of light passing through the filter while maintaining the flux of the light at a substantially constant irradiance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Tailored Lighting Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5068768
    Abstract: A variable light distribution type automobile lamp capable of varying the range of diffusion of a flux of light by changing the position of one of two cylindrical lenses. Flat areas are formed at the centers of both lenses to produce a spot beam at the center of the ouput light flux. The lenses are aligned with one another using this spot beam. The invention also provides a device for varying the distance between the lenses in the direction of the optical axis without rotating the lenses relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Syoji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5045983
    Abstract: A lighting system is described having an electronic means for controlling the color, color temperature, magnification and focus in response to predetermined signals from a computerized system. A wide spectrum light beam having a wavelength of from 380 nm to 700 nm is passed through a heat absorbing condenser to control the predetermined color temperature thereof and said portion of the beam is separated into a first color beam having a wavelength of from 445 nm to 450 nm, a second color beam having a wavelength of from 555 nm to 570 nm and a third color beam having a wavelength of from 525 nm to 535 nm. The separated color beams are maintained at substantially equal focal length an the intensity of the respective color beams varied in response to an electronic signal. The color beams are then combined to form a composite beam of predetermined color. The colour and intensity of the resulting beam is thereby more accurately predetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Gary A. Shields
  • Patent number: 5014171
    Abstract: A flashlight is provided that can be switched between a white light mode wherein it produces white light and a color mode wherein it produces primarily light of a particular color such as red, which can be easily operated with the same hand that holds the flashlight. A hood (34 of FIG. 2) of material that passes only red light is mounted on the lens (40) of the flashlight, and the periphery of the lens is mounted on a select member (46) that can be moved forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the rest of the flashlight. When the select member is moved to its rearward position, the hood intercepts substantially all of the light passing between a lamp (32) and the reflector (36) of the flashlight, so that primarily red light is produced by the flashlight. When the select member is moved to a forward position (46A), the hood lies forward of most of the light rays passing between the lamp and the reflector, so the flashlight produces primarily white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: George T. Price, III
  • Patent number: 5006965
    Abstract: A dimmer for adjustably attenuating light to a fiber optic bundle. An opaque vane has a movement axis with a band on each side. One band has a substantially opaque portion which blocks about 50% of the light of a spot directed against the vane, and an opaque portion for passing about 50%. The other band has transmission slots interspaced between opaque bars, proportioned and arranged to pass varying amounts of light, all as a function of the position of the vane. The light passed by the bands is additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Jones
  • Patent number: 4985816
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle headlamp which comprises an ellipsoidal light reflector having first and second focuses; a light source positioned at the first focus, so that light rays produced by the light source are reflected forward by the light reflector and converged at the second focus; a converging lens positioned in front of the second focus; a shading device positioned near the second focus for partially shading the light rays which have been reflected by the light reflector; and control means for controlling the shading characteristic of the shading device in accordance with an operation mode of the vehicle, wherein said shading device comprises a liquid crystal matrix which has a plurality of small light transmitting elements independently and electrically controlled by said control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Seko, Tomoko Saito
  • Patent number: 4951178
    Abstract: A headlight for a motor vehicle which can selectively be used as an ordinary headlight or a fog light. A yellow cover is slidably mounted slidable along the axial direction of the bulb of the headlight so that it can be moved between a position where is surrounds the bulb, in which light emitted by the bulb must pass through the cover before reaching the reflector, and a position where the light from the bulb can proceed directly to the reflector without passing through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Koito Manfacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutada Shirai, Yasushi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 4947302
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving the performance of variable parameter lighting systems. Such systems that employ relatively modest speed serial communications between the controller and the fixtures or devices, yet which must accommodate the relatively large amount of desired adjustment data that must be transmitted over the data link for each lighting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 4943901
    Abstract: This luminaire comprises a generally dome-shaped main reflector having a bottom opening and a top opening and a lamp within the main reflector defining a light source located between the top and bottom openings. This main reflector, when mounted in a location above a warehouse aisle, is adapted to illuminate stacked material along both edges of the aisle with light passing through the bottom opening. Positioned above the top opening are auxiliary reflectors for receiving light from the source passing through the top opening and for reflecting such light to the edges of the aisle onto regions of the stacked material that are poorly illuminated by light passing through the bottom opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samuel L. Baldwin, Mitchell M. Osteen
  • Patent number: 4916579
    Abstract: A gradient index zoom illuminator which may be used for visible or infrared illumination comprises a housing which has a light exit opening in it. A point or collimated light source is mounted in the housing. A gradient index lens, having a central axis, also is mounted in the housing between the light source and the light exit opening in the housing; and the light source is located on the axis of the lens. Focusing of the light exiting from the light exit opening of the housing is accomplished by changing the relative distance between the light source and the gradient index lens to vary the beam of emitted light from a maximum divergence to to a narrow collimated beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Murasa International
    Inventor: Robert A. Simms
  • Patent number: 4894760
    Abstract: An improved color-mixing light fixture that produces a beam suitable for entertainment lighting and varies the apparent color of the beam produced by additively mixing varying proportions of light having two or more different spectral energy distributions is disclosed. The disclosed fixture employs a single light source and a single light beam that provides at least one plane at which light energy passing through any given point is evenly distributed across the beam where it reaches the subject, and disposes a filter array having at least three filter segments each having a different bandpass characteristic spaced around an effective center in that plane. Rotation of the filter array about its effective center adjusts the relative proportion of the colors produced by the filter segments and displacement of it in that plane relative to the beam adjusts the relative proportions of filtered and unfiltered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 4875141
    Abstract: A headlight for use in a vehicle and comprising a lamp body a reflective mirror mounted in the lamp body and having a front opening, a bulb mounted in the reflective mirror and acting as the light source of the headlight, a douser plate mounted on the lamp body at the location between the front opening of the mirror and the bulb and intercepting a part of the light emitted from the bulb. The douser plate is supported on the lamp body such that the douser plate can incline transversely with respect to the lamp body, and driving device is provided on the lamp body for transversely inclining the douser plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizuya Miyauchi, Kiyoshi Wada
  • Patent number: 4843528
    Abstract: An illumination lamp including a frame formed of plastics material support boards (10-12) mounted in parallel relation perpendicular to the main axis of the lamp and spacers (14, 16) spacing said support boards from one another. Mounted on the frame is an illumination source (24), projecting a beam of light therefrom along the main axis of the lamp. A gobo disk (44) rotatable about an axis parallel to the main axis and includes a plurality of shaped apertures (52-57) distributed circumferentially of the gobo disk and selectively positionable in the beam; an iris (40) is mounted forwardly of gobo disk and a lens assembly (36) is mounted forwardly of the iris. The lens assembly (36) is moved so that its focal point is either accurately in the plane of gobo disk (44) or in the plane of the iris (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Tasco Limited
    Inventors: Peter R. Pearce-Harvey, Ernest V. Thomlinson, Raymond French
  • Patent number: 4823245
    Abstract: Apparatus for adding color to electric lights of the type having a bulb mounted in a hollow member, the hollow member having an open end. A frame is mounted over the open end. A translucent color sheet is removably mounted in the frame. A first clear sheet is mounted on one side of the color sheet, whereby the color may be changed by changing the color sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: The Douglas Leigh Organization
    Inventor: Robert Leverte
  • Patent number: 4814961
    Abstract: A light fixture (10) including a bulb/lens assembly (12), a hollow post (14) and a ground stake (16). An assembly ring (18) having inner and outer "fingers" (104 and 106, respectively) securely connects the bulb/lens assembly (12) to the post (14). Bulb/lens assembly (12) includes a lens (28) which carries a plurality of louvers (40, 42 and 44). Some of the louvers include legs (46, 50) and slots (60, 62) so that the distance between the louvers can be adjusted to vary the appearance of light fixture (10) and the amount of light produced thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Steven T. O'Brien, Jay J. Kakuk, Robert W. Beachy
  • Patent number: 4814958
    Abstract: The fluorescent lamp device has reflecting plates, its body is made by direct extrusion, and it can be cut into any desired length to match with straight-type fluorescent tubes of any length specification, and tube holders, one each at each end of the body of the device; by means of the attachment of light reflecting plates and glare-proof plates one can increase the intensity of downward straight light by 1.7 times and substantially preclude damage caused by glare of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Chen-Huang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 4811175
    Abstract: An illuminated switch, suitable for incorporation in a membrane keyboard or other microtravel switch array, is provided. By providing the switch with a translucent cover, on which symbols may be printed, and with a resilient metal spring conductor having a mesh area, light may pass through the operating mechanism of the switch. Thus, light from a source placed at the interior of the switch will pass through the switch and illuminate an area that is pressed to operate the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Inventor: Gregory L. DeSmet
  • Patent number: 4800474
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a source for producing a beam of light and pair of color wheels. Each of the color wheels has a plurality of dichoric filters mounted on the periphery of the wheel with the filters positioned contiguous to each other. The light beam is directed to a focal point. Each of the color wheels can be rotated to place the peripheral dichroic filters in position to intercept the beam. One of the color wheels is equipped with long wave pass dichroic filters while the other color wheel is equipped with short wave pass dichroic filters. By aligning various combinations of these filters, a large number of different colors with different saturations can be produced. The cutoff wavelengths for the dichoric filters are selected to be different at the long and short wavelengths of the filter set, such that there is produced a perceived uniform graduation of colors across the spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Bornhorst