Shutter Type Patents (Class 362/321)
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Patent number: 6832845Abstract: Disclosed are a contour light projector including an optical bench for mounting optical components, a mounting assembly that includes a dual pivot system for increased versatility in directing a light projector mounted thereon, improved masking devices for the light projector, and lighting system housings for a variety of installations.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Inventors: Thomas E. Kretzschmar, Gilbert Thomas Pistole
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Patent number: 6824290Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazushi Noda, Hiroshi Ito
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Patent number: 6796682Abstract: A stage lighting instrument having a high-intensity light source or lamp coupled with a concave reflector, and a projection optical system having a lens system that includes an aperture stop. The lens system forms a real image of the light source encompassing or near the aperture. A color filter and dimming system may be located within the lens system so that the color filter and dimming elements occupy a volume of space near the aperture stop and within the real image of the light source. By locating the color and dimming apparatus near the aperture stop and within the volume occupied by a real image of the light source, superior color mixing, dimming and integration is achieved using simple, un-patterned filters and a simply-shaped dimmer panel. A color filter and dimming system may alternatively be located as close to the light source as possible so that a real image of the color filter and dimming elements is formed near the aperture stop where the image of the light source is formed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventors: Thomas A. Hough, Richard K. Steele
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Patent number: 6776508Abstract: A landscaping light fixture including a housing containing a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or LED, that produces light when powered, a lens through which light from the passes and a multi-colored wheel, strip or shutter juxtapositioned between the lamp and lens such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter and then through the lens, the wheel, strip or shutter including a translucent material of different segmented color or of a graduated color and being operatively positioned within the housing of the landscaping light fixture to be movable to align the colored segment or graduation of the wheel, strip or shutter into alignment with the lamp such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter prior to shining through the lens assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
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Patent number: 6755555Abstract: An auxiliary illuminating device that has an adjustable color temperature. The color temperature is adjusted by varying the light throughput of independently adjustable color filters.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Daniel M Bloom, Mark J Bianchi, Robert E. Sobol
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Publication number: 20040109319Abstract: An illumination control system comprises a rotation detecting section, an abnormality determination section, and a filter removing section. The rotation detecting section detects the rotational driving of a filter which is located on a path of illumination light emitted from a light source, which irradiates color light rays having different wavelengths to an object, and which is driven by a rotational driver. The abnormality determination section determines whether status of filter rotation is normal or abnormal based on the detected rotation of the filter by the rotation detecting section. The filter removing section removes the filter from the path of the illumination light when the abnormality determination section determines that the status of filter rotation is abnormal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTDInventor: Tomoya Takahashi
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Patent number: 6720566Abstract: A shutter for use with a light source is provided. The shutter includes a first section that has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of a reflector liner. A second section is present and has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of the reflector liner. The second section is removably securable to the first section. The sections cooperate to provide adequate force to the reflector liner to cause the reflector liner to be retained on the inner receiving surfaces between engaging projections on the sections during attachment between the first and second sections. Detachment of the second section from the first section allows for the removal of the reflector liner from the receiving surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Miltec CorporationInventor: Robert Michael Blandford
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Publication number: 20040062049Abstract: A display system comprising a high-intensity discharge lamp system equipped with a stabilizer, a reflector mirror coated with a heat-absorption film, a shutter, and a light-gathering lens; and a pole holding the high-intensity discharge lamp system at a desired height above the road or its vicinity. The display system of the invention enables drivers to easily see and locate the centerline, road shoulder, crosswalk, and traffic signs, even in the midst of rainstorm, dense fog, or blizzard.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Yoshihiko Awa
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Publication number: 20040037081Abstract: A shutter for use with a light source is provided. The shutter includes a first section that has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of a reflector liner. A second section is present and has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of the reflector liner. The second section is removably securable to the first section. The sections cooperate to provide adequate force to the reflector liner to cause the reflector liner to be retained on the inner receiving surfaces between engaging projections on the sections during attachment between the first and second sections. Detachment of the second section from the first section allows for the removal of the reflector liner from the receiving surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: Miltec CorporationInventor: Robert Michael Blandford
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Patent number: 6693392Abstract: A multiparameter light is a type of theater light that includes an arc lamp and a shutter in combination with one or more optical components for creating various lighting effects, suitable electrical and mechanical actuating components, and suitable power supplies. The arc lamp power supply has a variable power output for generating flashes from the arc lamp and for maintaining the arc lamp in an operation condition during dark intervals between the flashes. Flashes may be generated in a series to realize a stroboscopic effect or a lightning effect. The shutter may be used collaboratively with the flashing of the arc lamp to optimize flash characteristics and increase effect options beyond those obtainable from flash or shutter individually. The generation of flashes and operation of the shutter are controlled by a control system in the multiparameter light.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 6688755Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs employ visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The lighting system includes handheld laser lighting units or flares particularly useful for search and which have an optic which emits a laser beam for generating a laser line which is uniformly illuminated from end to end. The handheld laser lighting units may have a pistol grip housing or a cylindrical housing, and may feature either a trigger switch, a plunger switch, or a rotary switch. The handheld laser lighting units are battery powered, and include waterproofing seals for protection from the elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: James C. O'Meara
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Publication number: 20040022067Abstract: A vehicle lamp emitting light to a lateral direction can include a simple construction to reduce design limitations, and can achieve desired light distribution characteristics by controlling the direction and intensity of light illuminated in a range covering the front and the side of the vehicle. The vehicle lamp preferably includes: a second reflecting surface for reflecting incident light from a light source to a predetermined direction; a third reflecting surface, arranged forward of the light source and backward of a projection lens and out of a main optical path, for reflecting light from the second reflecting surface toward front; and a fourth reflecting surface, arranged forward of the third reflecting surface and out of the main optical path, for reflecting light from the third reflecting surface to a lateral direction relative at least to a region of light emitted from the projection lens along the main optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
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Patent number: 6687063Abstract: Units for projection of profiled images and for floodlighting suffer from a tradeoff between the quality of the illuminated field and efficiency. The hue, saturation, and intensity must be continuously controllable, and the quality of the illuminated field must be even. According to the invention the optical components have been refined according to a general principle which enables the use of efficient elliptical reflectors without a reduction in quality for both purposes. Each color is controlled by relatively moveable filters having a comblike structure in which the design of the individual teeth compensates for the interaction of the many variables. The intensity is controlled by mechanical dimmers which are designed according to the same principles. This construction will also improve the quality of condenser type projection systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Martin Professional A/SInventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
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Publication number: 20040017685Abstract: A spotlight with perimetrical delimitation of the emitted light beam, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical element that can move axially with respect to the light beam in order to adjust the breadth of the light beam, and a Fresnel lens for diffusing the light beam. Beam adjusting elements are provided for delimiting perimetrically the light beam which are associated with the optical element and can move axially with it.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: COEMAR S.p.A.Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
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Patent number: 6635999Abstract: A multiparameter light typically includes a lamp and shutter in combination with one or more optical components, various electrical and mechanical components for operating the optical components, suitable electronics for controlling the parameters of the multiparameter light, and suitable power supplies for the lamp, motors, and electronics. Typically, the lamp is enclosed by the lamp housing, which also contains the other optical components and many of the electrical and mechanical components which operate them. As the lamp and the various components within the lamp housing generate a great deal of heat and as components within the multiparameter light can overheat as a result of various orientations and light makeup parameters, the temperature of components within the lamp housing is managed by controlling the amount of power furnished to the lamp or the amount of light transmitted through the shutter in accordance with the orientation of the multiparameter light and/or the light makeup parameter in use.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 6623144Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLCInventor: James M. Bornhorst
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Patent number: 6600270Abstract: A multiparameter light is a type of theater light that includes an arc lamp and a shutter in combination with one or more optical components for creating various lighting effects, suitable electrical and mechanical actuating components, and suitable power supplies. The arc lamp power supply has a variable power output for generating flashes from the arc lamp and for maintaining the arc lamp in an operation condition during dark intervals between the flashes. Flashes may be generated in a series to realize a stroboscopic effect or a lightning effect. The shutter may be used collaboratively with the flashing of the arc lamp to optimize flash characteristics and increase effect options beyond those obtainable from flash or shutter individually. The generation of flashes and operation of the shutter are controlled by a control system in the multiparameter light.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Publication number: 20030137844Abstract: A landscaping light fixture including a housing containing a lamp such as an incandescent lamp or LED, that produces light when powered, a lens through which light from the lamp passes and a multi-colored wheel, strip or shutter juxtapositioned between the lamp and lens such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter and then through the lens, the wheel, strip or shutter including a translucent material of different segmented colors or of a graduated color and being operatively positioned within the housing of the landscaping light fixture to be movable to align the colored segment or graduation of the wheel, strip or shutter into alignment with the lamp such that the light emitted from the lamp shines through the color wheel, strip or shutter prior to shining through the lens assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
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Patent number: 6578987Abstract: A stage lighting instrument having a high-intensity light source or lamp coupled with a concave reflector, and a projection optical system having a lens system that includes a well-defined aperture stop. The lens system forms a real image of the light source near the aperture stop. A color filter and dimming system may be located within the lens system so that the color filter and dimming elements occupy a volume of space near the aperture stop and within the real image of the light source. By locating the color and dimming apparatus near the aperture stop and within the volume occupied by a real image of the light source, superior color mixing, dimming and integration is achieved using simple, unpatterned filters and a simply-shaped dimmer panel. A color filter and dimming system may alternatively be located as close to the light source as possible so that a real image of the color filter and dimming elements is formed near the aperture stop where the image of the light source is formed.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Hough, Richard K. Steele
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Publication number: 20030086267Abstract: An operating theater lamp has at least one lamp body with a discharge lamp, which illuminates a site of an operation via optical means. The illuminance of the operating theater lamp can be changed in the region of the site of the operation by special means.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Berchtold Holding GmbHInventor: Manfred Scholz
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Publication number: 20030081411Abstract: An illumination device is composed by arranging a shutter member on a light emitting side of an LED light source, capable of changing a condition of light illuminating the outside when a position or the shutter member is changed by slide or rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazushi Noda, Hiroshi Ito
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Publication number: 20030076681Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes an effect wheel which is mounted on a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is mounted on a mechanism which moves the effect wheel from a position outside of the light path to a position in which the effect wheel intersects the light path to provide a continuous wheel effect. The translation mechanism can move the effect wheel between positions in which the effect wheel crosses the light path in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction, respectively. The apparatus allows a continuous wheel effect to be added to a multi-purpose luminaire and also allows the direction of travel of the continuous wheel effect across the illuminated field to be continuously varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Niels Jorgen Rasmussen, Mads Glavind
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Patent number: 6550939Abstract: A light beam shutter apparatus for a lighting instrument includes several individual shutter mechanisms arranged radially around the axis of a light beam. Each shutter mechanism includes a generally circular shutter blade having a circumference, but with a cut-out or void area such that a portion of the circumference is eliminated. The shutter blade preferably includes at least one straight edge at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, which straight edge passes through the center around which the shutter blade rotates, and is used for intercepting at least a portion of a light beam passing through the light beam shutter apparatus. The shutter blade may alternatively include other edge shapes at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, as desired. Driven surfaces, such as gear teeth or the like, are formed in opposed portions of the remaining circumference.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.Inventor: Travis J. Reinert
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Patent number: 6540380Abstract: An illumination system for a projector having a color management system (CMS). The illumination system comprises a light source, a light-converging system for converging light beams coming from the light source, a P-S converter and a gobo. The P-S converter is used for receiving and polarizing the light beams and then transmitting the light beams into the CMS. The gobo is formed with a plurality of apertures and is provided between the light converging system and the P-S converter.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Chih-Yung Wang
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Patent number: 6536922Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
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Publication number: 20030048640Abstract: A light beam shutter apparatus for a lighting instrument includes several individual shutter mechanisms arranged radially around the axis of a light beam. Each shutter mechanism includes a generally circular shutter blade having a circumference, but with a cut-out or void area such that a portion of the circumference is eliminated. The shutter blade preferably includes at least one straight edge at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, which straight edge passes through the center around which the shutter blade rotates, and is used for intercepting at least a portion of a light beam passing through the light beam shutter apparatus. The shutter blade may alternatively include other edge shapes at the boundary of the cut-out or void area, as desired. Driven surfaces, such as gear teeth or the like, are formed in opposed portions of the remaining circumference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Travis J. Reinert
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Publication number: 20030035290Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: James M. Bornhorst
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Patent number: 6520662Abstract: A projector particularly for projecting light in infinite colors, comprising a pair of light sources arranged side by side and inserted in a single luminaire, a single dimmer element, a single color changer and a single diffuser element being arranged after the lamps, in order to obtain in output a light beam determined by the sum of the light beams emitted by the light sources arranged side by side.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.Inventor: Bruno Dedoro
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Publication number: 20030026100Abstract: A cold light emitting decoration includes a front plate made of a pliable plastic material and having a recess formed at a rear side thereof for accommodating a cold light emitting sheet and a driving circuit board therein, and a shutter sealing the cold light emitting sheet and the circuit board in the recess of the front plate. The front plate is provided with a specific design, of which some areas are cut away or kept transparent, so that cold light emitted from the cold light emitting sheet passes through the design via the cutaway or transparent areas to create a colorful and luminescent appearance for the decoration. The cold light emitting decoration provides some extent of flexibility and is therefore suitable for attaching to or sewing in differently shaped articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Chun-Hsien Wang
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Patent number: 6457846Abstract: A lamp assembly for use in the printing and coating industries has an elongate source of radiation and a reflector with an elongate reflective surface partly surrounding the source for reflecting radiation from the source down onto a substrate for curing a coating thereon. A shutter system is provided for shuttering the source to prevent radiation from reaching the substrate. The condition of the lamp assembly is monitored by shuttering the source and measuring the level of reflected radiation exiting through an aperture in the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Mike Cook, Patrick Gerard Keogh
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Publication number: 20020126501Abstract: A hand-held surgical light assembly is provided with a light source, and a handpiece which is adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a user. The handpiece has a light guide with a proximal end optically connected to the light source, and a distal end which projects outwardly from said handpiece so as to direct light guided thereby onto a field of view determined by manipulation of the handpiece by the user. The handpiece includes a switch assembly which is operatively coupled to the light source to allow user selection between at least two different light intensities (e.g., essentially on/off) discharged by said light guide onto the field of view. In preferred forms, the switch assembly includes an electrically conductive inner core and an electrically conductive outer tubular elastomeric member concentrically positioned in surrounding, but spaced relationship, with the inner base.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: Duke UniversityInventors: Cynthia A. Toth, Ronald F. Overaker, Brian C. Dodge
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Publication number: 20020060911Abstract: A lighting fixture projects a light beam for spot lighting in theater stages, cinema and television studios and the like. The fixture includes a light source at one end of a housing having a light beam exit aperture at the opposite end thereof, the light source and aperture being arranged generally concentric with a longitudinal or optical axis of the lighting fixture. One or more beam-shaping blades, and preferably also other light beam influencing elements, such as one or more lenses, an iris, and/or a pattern or gobo, are arranged along the path of the light beam along the longitudinal axis through the housing from the light source to the aperture. The position of the beam-shaping blade or blades, and preferably of all the light beam influencing elements, is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis. The fixture produces a well-defined light beam or light cone with a geometry, angle of conicity and focal point that may be altered manually or by remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Thomas Brockmann, Peter I. W. Plesner, Christian Poulsen
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Patent number: 6302565Abstract: A protective arrangement for a source of electromagnetic energy, such as an output light, is provided with a light port for issuing the output light and a displaceable shutter having a first position that overlies the light port and thereby limits access to the output light. In a second position, the displaceable shutter permits ready access to the light port. The displaceable shutter is arranged to default to the first position, whereby protection of personnel from the output light is effected. This can be achieved by configuring the displaceable shutter to be affected by gravity, or in environments where the equipment is portable or its orientation in use can be varied, by a resilient biasing element, such as a spring. An indicator arrangement is provided to provide indication that light is being emitted from the light port.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.Inventor: Donald B. Nuzzio
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Publication number: 20010021017Abstract: A lamp assembly for use in the printing and coating industries has an elongate source of radiation and a reflector with an elongate reflective surface partly surrounding the source for reflecting radiation from the source down onto a substrate for curing a coating thereon. A shutter system is provided for shuttering the source to prevent radiation from reaching the substrate. The condition of the lamp assembly is monitored by shuttering the source and measuring the level of reflected radiation exiting through an aperture in the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Applicant: Nordson CorporationInventors: Mike Cook, Patrick Gerard Keogh
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Patent number: 6280057Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs employ visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The laser lighting system may be a laser lighting post or a laser lighting unit for providing radiation along a surface that includes at least one laser for producing a beam of coherent visible or reflective radiation, and a glass plano-convex cylindrical lens which has an aspherical convex cylindrical surface for generating a laser line which is uniformally illuminated from end to end. The laser lighting post includes a mounting column which has an access door for providing access to a tilt switch assembly and an AC/DC power adapter unit. The mounting column is attached to a base plate by a frangible coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: James C. O'Meara
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Patent number: 6241366Abstract: A diffusing dimmer includes an arm formed of non-transparent material and having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a mounting attachment. An extension portion of light diffusing material is connected to the second end and extends outwardly from the second end to a terminal edge formed in the light diffusing material. A pair of diffusing dimmer arms may be mounted in a light fixture movable toward each other in overlapping relationship to gradually diffuse and eventually block a light beam which projects lighting effects from the fixture. Also, rapid movement of the arms provides a strobing effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian P. Roman, Mikhail A. Dubinovskiy
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Patent number: 6102554Abstract: Apparatus for modifying a beam of light, comprising at least one set of blades moveable across the beam, wherein each set of blades is arranged into a first subset of blades and a second subset of blades, and wherein the respective subsets of blades are axially spaced from each other. The apparatus is particularly suitable in apparatus comprising a light source and means for directing and/or focusing the light, and may be embodied (a) in a color changer for changing the color of light in a light beam, (b) in a diaphragm for varying the aperture, and (c) in dimmer apparatus for dimming light beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Wynne Willson Gottelier LimitedInventors: Peter David Wynne Willson, David Morrell
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Patent number: 6079861Abstract: A system for supplying optical power uses an optical switch or shutter at the handpiece. The optical switch is positioned between an open light-transmitting position and a closed light-reflecting position. A detector at the base of the system can be used to detect the position of the optical shutter in some situations. This can be used to control the operation of a high-intensity light source. In this manner, the system can be controlled at the handpiece without using electrical power at the handpiece.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Lares ResearchInventors: Benjamin Woodward, Steve Mortensen, Satish Herekar, Joseph Shaffer
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Patent number: 5904417Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a discharge arc lamp illumination source, an elliptical reflector completely surrounding the illumination source for collecting and projecting light from the illumination source, a shutter for dimming the amount of light generated by the illumination source and emanating from the lighting apparatus. The shutter is mechanically operable to defined an optical passageway therethrough of variable cross sectional area. The shutter includes a plurality of shutter blades mounted in a movable relationship relative to each other in response to user input. The shutter blades is movable to define the optical passageway of variable cross sectional area to dim the amount of light from the illumination source passing therethrough over the range of from about 0 to 100%.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Buhl Electric, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Hewett
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Patent number: 5887970Abstract: Disclosed is a shutter system for selectively blocking the path of light of a high intensity discharge lamp. The shutter system comprises a high intensity discharge lamp, a high intensity discharge light housing into which the lamp is secured and a shutter and light absorption system secured to the light housing comprising a light absorbing shutter screen, a screen moving system for moving the screen in front of the lamp to block selectively the path of light and for withdrawing the screen from the path of light and a support system for the screen moving system, wherein said screen when retracted will not significantly interfere with the path of light of the system and when fully extended will substantially block the path of light of the high intensity discharge lamp.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Payne-Sparkman Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Stephen C. Payne
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Patent number: 5829870Abstract: A headlamp system for an automotive vehicle is provided having a light source generating light, a reflector, a generally transparent light shield, an electrostatic shutter and a lens. The light shield has a surface and laterally displaced edges. The reflector has a predetermined relationship with the light shield and the light source and directs a portion of light from the light source to the surface of the light shield. The electrostatic shutter means is adjacent the surface of the light shield to selectively blocking a portion of the light from the light source. A lens between the light shield and the image surface directs light passing the light shield.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Remillard, Mahendra S. Dassanayake, Marie T. Malecki
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Patent number: 5803571Abstract: The I-snoot includes a circular casing having side walls extending forwardly from the front wall. A hand grip is adjustably secured to a flat plate iris diaphragm inside the casing allowing a full range of light to pass through the light control blade diaphragm. The I-snoot assembly has a second casing located on the opposite end of the circular casing, having side walls extending forwardly from the back wall. The back wall casing has a metal lip that protrudes outwardly from the assembly which allows attachment to standard lighting units. A transition zone interconnecting the light control blades is located inside each outer casing. The assembly also contains a lighting accessory adaptor on the front wall casing to use various photographic accessories, such as barn doors, gels, and various screens to control lighting intensities and variations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventors: Rick McEntyre, Jerry R. London
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Patent number: 5791756Abstract: A distributed lighting system has a light source and a set of optical conduits. Input ends of the set of optical conduits may be placed in close proximity to the light source to increase the efficiency with which light is transmitted from the light source to the optical conduits. The efficiency also may be increased by placing a light collector between the light source and the input ends of the optical conduits.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: George Robert Hulse, Ronald Owen Woodward
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Patent number: 5712698Abstract: New types of apertures to vary the size and shape of the aperture area without the need to change the whole aperture plate in off axis lithography. The off axis illumination apertures allow the size and shape of apertures to be changed without having to change the aperture plates for each step in the lithographic process. The aperture plate is fitted with simple shutter mechanisms that allow the ready adjustment of the aperture openings.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Bernhard Poschenrieder, Takashi Sato, Tsukasa Azuma
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Patent number: 5658070Abstract: A fiberoptic illumination system having an attenuator with a "multiple wedge" aperture that more uniformly attenuates the light beam striking the fiberoptic without changing the color temperature of the light beam or affecting the exit divergence angle of the light beam. The system includes an optical housing design having orthogonal lights paths that allows two fiberoptics to be illuminated from the same bulb, two bulbs located in primary and back-up positions, respectively, mounted on a rotating carousel and a retinal protection filter that filters out wavelengths of light harmful to the retina.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: T. Scott Rowe, Eric Marason, David Wilkinson
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Patent number: 5590954Abstract: A nonplanar mechanical dimmer for use in a variable parameter luminaire includes claws, a mounting region and a convex beam blocking region which does not reflect energy back onto a light source during dimming.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Hanson, Timothy D. Stacy
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Patent number: 5510969Abstract: A luminaire assembly has a housing including a number of circumferential slots in which the handles of shutter blades are arranged to be slidable. The edges of adjacent slots are radially overlapped around the circumference of the luminaire housing so that each handle may be manipulated over an angular range approaching or exceeding 360/n, where n is the number of slots and/or shutter blades.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Inventors: Christopher E. Rodger, Douglas P. Hunter
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Patent number: 5446637Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Inventors: David W. Cunningham, Gregory F. Esakoff
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Patent number: 5383101Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating radiation, which device comprises an electrically operated radiation source (1), a cap-like reflector means (9), which reflector means (9) is positioned around the radiation source (1). The reflector means (9) comprises an opening (13) for directing radiation out of the reflector means (9) towards a collecting optics (12) positioned in the vicinity of the opening (13). The device comprises a rotatable modulator means (15) including interrupting means (16 and 17) for modulating the radiation coming from the radiation source (1). The modulator means (15) is cup-like, comprising a bottom portion (18a), at which the modulator means (15) can be rotated, and a substantially circular wall portion (18b), which wall portion (18b) comprises the interrupting means (16 and 17).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Assignee: Rautaruukki OyInventor: Heimo Keranen
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Patent number: 5355198Abstract: An exposure device for use in a copier having a magnification mode, includes a light source having a uniform non-shaded light distribution characteristic when a predetermined magnification ratio is selected; a lens moving mechanism for focusing an image on a photoreceptor so that a magnification of an image can be changed by movement of a lens while a light shading member is being rotated; a rotatable light shading member which is rotatable about a shaft; and a light shading member rotation mechanism for correcting a light distribution of an image light on a photoreceptor surface relative to a variable magnification ratio of the lens while the light shading member is being rotated. The light shading member includes two thin light-shading plates which have a cross section along the optical path that is unequally varied at adjoining portions thereof when the light shading member is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Taku Saito