With Actuator Patents (Class 362/324)
  • Patent number: 10955115
    Abstract: A projector of a light beam includes a first optical body movable along a frame for modifying its position with respect to an outlet lens and to a light source. A second optical body includes a first prismatic lens having a first number of twists and turns on at least one relative concave surface for generating a plurality of optical effects acting on the beam. A third optical body includes a second prismatic lens, positioned alongside the first prismatic lens, having a second number of twists and turns for generating a plurality of optical effects, individually or in combination with the first prismatic lens. The second and third optical bodies can rotate between non-operating positions, wherein the respective prismatic lenses are away from the light beam, and operating positions, wherein the respective prismatic lenses are positioned along a lighting trajectory of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: D.T.S. ILLUMINAZIONE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Eliseo Latteo
  • Patent number: 10852623
    Abstract: A camera module includes a housing including a lens module, blades disposed on an object side of the lens module to consecutively form apertures having various sizes, a magnet portion including a driving magnet opposing a driving coil and being moveable rectilinearly, and a rotating plate interlocked with the magnet portion and the blades to convert linear movement of the magnet portion to rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Kyung Kim, Bo Sung Seo, Young Bok Yoon
  • Patent number: 10585276
    Abstract: A wavelength-converting wheel, for converting an excitation beam having an output power greater than or equal to 100 W into a conversion beam, is provided. The wavelength-converting wheel includes a turntable having an annular irradiation portion, an adhesive layer disposed at the annular irradiation portion, a reflective layer disposed on the adhesive layer, and a wavelength-converting layer. The wavelength-converting layer is disposed on the reflective layer and has a light receiving surface configured to be irradiated by the excitation beam. The invention further provides an illumination system including the wavelength-converting wheel, and a projection apparatus including the illumination system. The heat dissipating ability of the wavelength-converting wheel is improved. The material of the wavelength-converting layer is not deteriorated or damaged due to the heat of the excitation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chi-Tang Hsieh, Jo-Han Hsu, Chia-Lun Tsai, Hsin-Yueh Chang
  • Patent number: 9951929
    Abstract: Presented is a design of modular LED lighting fixture whereby the steps of light directing and light redirecting are independent, but cooperative, so to promote a compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA), good thermal properties, and a selectable degree of glare control. A lighting system employing a plurality of said fixtures is highly customizable yet has the potential to be pre-aimed and pre-assembled prior to shipping, which reduces the potential for installation error while preserving the customized nature of the fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Lawrence H. Boxler
  • Patent number: 9631795
    Abstract: Presented is a design of modular LED lighting fixture whereby the steps of light directing and light redirecting are independent, but cooperative, so to promote a compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA), good thermal properties, and a selectable degree of glare control. A lighting system employing a plurality of said fixtures is highly customizable yet has the potential to be pre-aimed and pre-assembled prior to shipping, which reduces the potential for installation error while preserving the customized nature of the fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Lawrence H. Boxler
  • Patent number: 8974087
    Abstract: A luminous device with a semiconductor light source and a light-transmissive converter element including a wavelength-converting phosphor sensitive to the light emitted by the semiconductor light source is disclosed. The semiconductor light source can be at least partly covered by the converter element and the converter element is movable such that the proportion of light which is wavelength-converted by the converter element is adjustable depending on the position of the converter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Martin Moeck, Raimund Oberschmid
  • Patent number: 8911120
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a framing system for shaping a light beam. The framing system comprises a frame support comprising a number of shutter blades surrounding said light beam and a number of actuators adapted to move said shutter blades in and out of said light beam. The shutter blades form a merged pile, where part of a first shutter blade is in placed over a part of a second shutter blade and where another part is placed below a part of a third shutter blade. A first actuator rotates at least one of said shutter blades in relation to a first rotational point and a second actuator moves the first rotational point in relation to said light beam. The present invention relates further to a method of shaping a light beam comprising the steps of rotating a shutter blade around a first rotation point using a first actuator and moving the first rotation point in relation to the light beam using a second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Martin Professional ApS
    Inventors: Carsten Dalsgaard, Morten Grønberg
  • Publication number: 20140362579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical plate for lighting capable of improving the brightness of light emitted from a light source and adjusting a viewing angle to alleviate side glare phenomenon. The present invention also relates to a lighting. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure in which a light-diffusing member and an optical viewing angle adjusting member can independently function; an integrated optical plate for lighting, wherein the thickness of the optical plate for lighting is reduced by the lamination of a light-diffusing member, a transmission layer, and an optical viewing angle adjusting member; a lighting apparatus using thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: MIRAENANOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Woo Noh, Hak-Chung Lee, Joon-Hwan Lee, Su-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8876329
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided a light-emitting diode work light, which includes a housing, a light source comprising a light-emitting diode, and a light focusing assembly comprising a lens and a focusing knob. The light focusing assembly is configured to adjust a focal distance of light emitted from the light source. The focusing knob is configured to adjust a distance between the light source and the lens. In accordance with certain embodiments, the light-emitting diode work light includes a plurality of lights sources and a plurality of light focusing assemblies. Each light focusing assembly includes a lens and a focusing knob, and is configured to adjust a focal distance of light emitted from a respective light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Marc Howard Fields, Li Dong Xie
  • Patent number: 8858038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus (1) or assembly therefore comprising: a carriage (25) coupled to a housing (10a, 10b), the carriage (25) adapted to retain a lamp (14) within the housing, the carriage (25) being moveable relative to the housing (10a, 10b) to manipulate the position of the lamp (14) within the housing (10a, 10b), wherein the carriage (25) is moveable along a first axis by way of a force applied along a second axis. This provides a more convenient way of adjusting the peak/flat of the light apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: David Haythornthwaite
  • Patent number: 8860296
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Patent number: 8845136
    Abstract: A strobe reflector that includes a reflective material and a support structure. The support structure may be adjusted or moved into at least two distinct positions to provide two distinct shapes for the reflective material. The first position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a first configuration (such as a half-hemisphere) and a second position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a second configuration (such as a full hemisphere).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr., Steven T. Varieur
  • Patent number: 8827500
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for interrupting a light beam, in particular a laser light beam, with a light beam deflection device (24), wherein the light beam deflection device (24) is arrangeable in the light path of the light beam. An apparatus (10) is characterized in that the light beam deflection device (24) is arranged on a bendable material strip (18), wherein the material strip (18) is held on one side on one end and magnetizable or magnetic sections (20, 22) are arranged on the area facing away from the held end of the material strip (18), preferably on both sides of the material strip (18), wherein a magnet (40, 42) is provided for each section arranged on the material strip (18) and wherein the sections (20, 22) are or can be brought in engagement with the magnetic field of each magnet (40, 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kendrion Kuhnke Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Stegelmann, Torsten Grunwald, Wolfgang Blunck, Manfred Rufer
  • Patent number: 8752985
    Abstract: A gobo support assembly, for a stage lighting fixture, has a disk-shaped gobo; a gobo support having a first seat for housing the gobo; and a gobo carrier wheel rotating about an axis and having a second seat for housing the gobo support; the gobo carrier wheel and the gobo support being connectable in sliding manner in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis, and being locked mutually by a reversible click-on locking mechanism to hold the gobo support in a given position inside the second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
  • Publication number: 20140118991
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion wheel module and an illumination system are provided. The wavelength conversion wheel module includes a wavelength conversion wheel and a first actuator. The wavelength conversion wheel includes a plurality of annular areas. Each of the annular areas includes at least one wavelength conversion area and at least one light passing area. The wavelength conversion area converts an original light beam incident on the wavelength conversion area into a converted light beam. The wavelength of the converted light beam is different from the wavelength of the original light beam. The annular areas are arranged along the radial direction of the wavelength conversion wheel, and different annular areas have different optical parameters. The optical parameters of the annular areas are related to the wavelength conversion area and the light passing area. The first actuator is connected to the wavelength conversion wheel, and drives the wavelength conversion wheel to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Yin-Cheng Lin, Chi-Hsun Wang, Ko-Shun Chen
  • Patent number: 8672525
    Abstract: A projection head lamp assembly for a vehicle may include a bulb irradiating light, a reflector supporting the bulb and reflecting the light irradiated from the bulb to the front, a shield unit including a shield shaft supported by the reflector and a shield integrated on the shield shaft, a drive cam inserted into one end of the shield shaft to be rotated according to a straight movement of a solenoid, and a lens connected to the front of the reflector. The projection head lamp assembly may further include a return spring provided on an outer circumference of the shield shaft, and weights inserted into both ends of the shield shaft for preventing free movement of the shield shaft when the shield shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Bok Kim
  • Patent number: 8657464
    Abstract: Methods and systems of emitting different light from a multiple mode light emitting device are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment has a LED portion with a plurality of first LEDs and a plurality of second LEDs arranged in a first ring centered about a central axis, and a rotatable portion with a plurality of light conditioning elements arranged in a second ring centered about the central axis. The plurality of first LEDs emit and the plurality of second LEDs emit different types of light. Each light conditioning element receives and conditions light from one of the plurality of first LEDs when the light conditioning element is in a first position. Each light conditioning element receives and conditions light from one of the plurality of second LEDs when the light conditioning element is in a second position. The light conditioning elements may be reflector cups or may be lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John Lundberg, Bo Stout
  • Publication number: 20140043829
    Abstract: An optical-wavelength converting wheel component comprises a motor (1) and an optical-wavelength converting wheel (2). The optical-wavelength converting wheel (2) comprises an optical-wavelength converting material layer (21) and at least one functional layer adjacent to the optical-wavelength converting material layer (21), particularly the optical-wavelength converting wheel (2) further comprises at least one spacing layer (26), which is a thin gap spaced between the location of the optical-wavelength converting material on the optical wavelength converting material layer (21) and the functional layer, arranged between the optical-wavelength converting material layer (21) and the functional layer. Brightening can be realized in low cost by means of adopting a light source comprising the optical-wavelength converting wheel component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: APPOTRONICS (CHINA) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiliang Wu, Yi Li, Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 8641230
    Abstract: Zoom lens systems for LED-based spotlights include a base lens and a disk lens. The base lens can be a TIR lens with convex microlenses on a front surface. The disk lens can be generally planar. A rear surface of the disk lens can have concave microlenses complementary to the microlenses on the front surface of the base lens. A front surface of the disk lens can have convex microlenses with a different geometry from the microlenses on the front surface of the base lens. The disk lens can be movable relative to the base lens from a narrow-angle position in which a rear surface of the disk lens is in contact with a front surface of the base lens to a wide-angle position in which the rear surface of the disk lens is separated from the front surface of the base lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ledengin, Inc.
    Inventor: Wu Jiang
  • Patent number: 8562150
    Abstract: A projection type display apparatus in which an inclination and a positional deviation of optical axes among a plurality of light sources can be easily corrected to obtain a high quality projection image. Green, blue and red laser beams emitted from light sources are converted into collimated beams by condenser lenses, and the positions and angles of the optical axes of the beams of the three colors are evaluated by position detection imaging device and angle detection imaging device, respectively. The positions and angles of the light sources are adjusted by respective actuators so that the positions and angles of the optical axes match each other. Consequently, the laser beams emitted from the light sources can be combined with high accuracy to thereby realize a high definition projection type display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8562183
    Abstract: An actuating assembly for beam processing members of a stage light fitting for generating a light beam has a frame; at least a first and second beam processing member; a motor with a shaft; and transmission means for transmitting motion to the first and second beam processing member, and which connect the shaft of the motor to the first and second beam processing member to selectively move the first and second beam processing member successively between a first position of non-interference with the beam, and a second position of interference with the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clay Paky S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Quadri
  • Publication number: 20130208479
    Abstract: The present invention relates light forming means for modifying a light beam. The light forming means comprises a number of annular gobo segments arranged partially around the center of the light forming means and each of the annular gobo segments has an angular extent allowing the light beam to be enclosed by the annular gobo segment. The light forming means comprises also an annular animation segment forming an annular segment of the light forming means, wherein the angular extent of the animation segment is at least twice as big as the annular extent of at least one of the annular gobo segments. The present invention relates also to a light effect system and illumination device comprising such light forming means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Martin Professional A/S
    Inventor: Simon Allan
  • Publication number: 20130201409
    Abstract: A light-adjusting unit includes: a pair of light-shielding plates arranged about an illuminating optical axis of an incoming light flux and configured to block the light flux in response to the amount of rotation; a pair of rotation transmitting gears configured to hold and rotate the pair of light-shielding plates respectively; a pair of supporting shafts configured to rotatably support the pair of rotation transmitting gears respectively; a supporting substrate on which the pair of supporting shafts are provided; and a pair of urging members configured to press and urge the pair of rotation transmitting gears respectively against the supporting substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Patent number: 8454182
    Abstract: A moving head light for stage lighting includes a light sources group having a plurality of light sources, a reflector group slantwise arranged at a circumference of the light sources group; and an angle-adjusting device for adjusting the relative angles between the reflectors and the light sources. Each reflector corresponds to each light source one by one, and the reflector group includes a plurality of reflectors. The moving head light for stage lighting uses the angle-adjusting device to adjust the relative angles between the reflectors and the light sources so that lights sent out from the light sources generate a special effect of scaling in a space after being reflected by the reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: IAG Group Limited
    Inventor: Jung Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8408746
    Abstract: An artificial candle has a flexible glowing canopy that can flutter like a candle flame, and the canopy may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the canopy to glow. Such a diaphanous canopy can be actuated by a solenoid, piezoelectric actuator or other mechanism, which can be provided adjacent to the canopy. Light can emanate from at least one light emitting diode (LED), and the canopy can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the LED(s). The wick and the canopy can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace an incandescent light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Lauer
  • Patent number: 8398271
    Abstract: A LED lamp with adjustable beam direction includes a housing, a lamp base attached to one end of the housing for insertion into a lamp socket, a heatsink shaft mounted within the housing, a LED attached to one end of the heatsink shaft, a parabolic or elliptical or multi-facet reflector having a light output front opening and an asymmetric elliptical shaped rear opening, a first actuator for rotating the reflector about the LED, and a second actuator for tilting the reflector about the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Pak Ming Daniel Chan
  • Publication number: 20120262926
    Abstract: A mirror module includes a mirror. The module includes a mirror housing. The module includes a mounting box that fits into the housing. The module includes a motorized element disposed in the mounting box. The motorized element having a mirror mounting plate which holds the mirror, and a base plate which is attached to the mounting box through an axis screw at a central axis of the module about which the motorized element rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 8284263
    Abstract: An optical unit and image pickup apparatus capable of performing “auto focus function” and “image shake correction function” and characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs is provided. The optical unit and image pickup apparatus are provided with a polymer actuator to move an optical device, whereby performing auto focus function and image shake correction function can be performed. The polymer actuator is provided with electric wirings for image pickup device, thereby reducing the number of circuit board used for electric wiring of the image pickup device, with the result that an optical unit and image pickup apparatus characterized by easy assembling, compact configuration, high performance and reduced costs are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Masamichi Oohara, Yoshihiro Tanaka, Shigeru Wada, Yoshihiro Hara
  • Patent number: 8262262
    Abstract: Gobo wheel assembly has multiple gobo devices on a rotatable wheel. A central sun gear can rotate all the gobos. The gobos can be inserted and released from the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 8226265
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lighting device that includes an array of LEDs arranged on a circuit board with a reflector that rotates relative to the LEDs to reflect the light in various directions. The reflector according to the present disclosure includes a compact construction that allows for effective light reflection. A related lighting system and method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Czajkowski, Myron F. Pavlacka, Jecek J. Jozwik, Charles P. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8157398
    Abstract: A projector including a light source unit, a display device and a projector control means, wherein the light source unit includes a fluorescent plate 130 including fluorescent material layers 131 disposed adjacent for emitting light in predetermined wavelength ranges by absorbing light, a diffusion plate 140 including a diffusion layer 141 disposed adjacent to the fluorescent material layers 131 for emitting light in a diffusing fashion, a light source for shining light on the layers 131, 141, a driving device for rotating the plates 130, 140, and a light cut-off plate 160 having a light cut-off portion 161, the light cut-off plate 160 capable of rotating together with the plates 130, 140 and movable so that the light cut-off portion 161 covers an area on the diffusion plate 140 where light is to be shone by the locked state being released when the diffusion plate 140 comes off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8113691
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system for an optical light modulation system employing multiple light modulation element pairs. The each pair is driven by a single motor which drives one axis around which one element of the first pair rotates while the other element of the first pair free floats and rotates about a second axis. While the second axis drives the rotation of the first element of the second pair and the first axis provides a rotation pivot for the second element of the second pair. Thus the two pairs share the two axises providing a more compact drive system that can be used more flexibly in an optical train of an automated multiparameter lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ROBE Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventor: Pavel Jurik
  • Patent number: 8100561
    Abstract: A light source unit includes a light source element; an optical-waveguide-formed element in which an optical waveguide is formed; a prism for turning back a light flux emitted from the light source and guiding the light flux toward an incident end of the optical waveguide; and a coupling optical system formed on the prism or provided as a separated body from the prism, for coupling the light flux emitted from the light source onto the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuichi Atarashi, Fumio Nagai
  • Publication number: 20110273893
    Abstract: A mirror module includes a mirror. The module includes a mirror housing. The module includes a mounting box that fits into the housing. The module includes a motorized element disposed in the mounting box. The motorized element having a mirror mounting plate which holds the mirror, and a base plate which is attached to the mounting box through an axis screw at a central axis of the module about which the motorized element rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 8052309
    Abstract: The present invention concerns lighting systems and particularly active lighting systems which are capable of providing automated changing lighting effects. The lighting system comprises a light source (50), a deflector (10) positioned within the path of light emitted by the light source, and a reflector (20) wherein at least one of the reflector and defector is moveable relative to the other of the reflector and the defector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jacob Dyson
  • Patent number: 7988339
    Abstract: An illumination system includes at least one illumination module and a mechanism. The illumination module includes a light source generating a light beam, a first reflector, in which the light source is positioned, including a first reflective surface to reflect the light beam to form a first beam, and a second reflector including a second reflective surface reflecting the light beam and the first beam to form a second beam and a third beam, wherein the second and third beams combine to generate a projection pattern. The mechanism adjusts the position of the second reflector relative to the light source to change the projection pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ya-Hui Chiang, Cheng-Da Shaw, Hung-Lieh Hu, Kuan-Chieh Tu
  • Patent number: 7960876
    Abstract: A magnet rotor includes a drive arm with a rotary shaft, and an anisotropic permanent magnet having an axis of magnetization. The drive arm is composed of a light transmitting resin. The magnet has a cylindrical shape with a hollow center portion through which the rotary shaft is disposed. The drive arm and the permanent magnet are bonded together by a light curable resin adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Keijirou Amino, Akira Hakozaki, Katsura Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7832907
    Abstract: A variety of lighting apparatuses are described that utilize reflection as a basis for lighting a desired area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Irwin Kotovsky, Serge Cornelissen, Robert Cornelissen
  • Publication number: 20100195336
    Abstract: An actuator system for a lighting system includes a shape memory alloy coupled to a component of the lighting system to control an actuation of the component and thereby produce a plurality of light patterns and an electrical control circuit in electrical communication with the shape memory alloy to selectively provide an electrical current to the shape memory alloy for controlling a physical property of the shape memory alloy and thereby the motion of the component of the lighting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Masoud Hashemi, Dylan Schickel
  • Patent number: 7753549
    Abstract: A weapon mountable aiming system has a multi-laser assembly having a first visible laser pointer assembly, a second infrared laser pointer assembly, and an infrared laser illuminator assembly whose generated light beams extend outwardly through an opening in an actuator used to adjust the divergence of the infrared laser illuminator assembly. The multi-laser assembly being steerable by a set of adjusters in the weapon mountable aiming system to allow alignment of the generated light beams with a point of impact of a bullet with a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: L-3 Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Solinsky, Scott D. Moody, Andrew Russell
  • Patent number: 7736037
    Abstract: A projector assembly having a light source and a reflector body positioned proximately to the light source for reflecting light forward along an axis of the projector assembly. Mounted to the reflector body is a lens. The lens is in front of and at a distance from the light source to focus the light into a beam pattern. An actuator is mounted to the reflector body and includes a pair of rotatable shafts extending from opposing ends along an axis that is perpendicular to and below the axis of the projector assembly. A light shield is mounted onto the rotatable shafts of the actuator and is rotatable between a first position, wherein substantially all of the light below the axis of the projector assembly is blocked, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the light below the axis of the projector assembly is allowed to project forward through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Libor Losak, Vladimir Dobrus, Jiri Kopenec
  • Patent number: 7712920
    Abstract: A light color adjustment structure for illuminated keyboards to resolve the shortcomings of conventional illuminated keyboards that generate mono light and unalterable includes a light source module located in an illuminated keyboard and a brightness control module located in the illuminated keyboard and electrically connected to the light source module. The light source module has at least a first light source and a second light source of different light colors that are mixed to generate a light color for the illuminated keyboard. The brightness control module generates a brightness control signal sent to the light source module to control the brightness of the light source module. Thus through brightness alterations and mixing of the first and second light sources varying light colors can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chun Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7663733
    Abstract: A method of illuminating at least two illumination points by means of at least one spatial light modulator, said at least one spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of light modulators, whereby a predefined amount of energy transmitted to said points is at least partly controlled by varying the number of said light modulators illuminating said point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sign-Tronic AG
    Inventors: Henrik Glent-Madsen, Søren Christoph Meyer
  • Patent number: 7638953
    Abstract: A method of applying realtime effects to at least one lighting channel (15) for a lighting fixture or luminaire (11) is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a common control means interface (12) which controls the different realtime effects (13/14) to be applied to the one or more lighting channels. The realtime effects include those selected from amongst the following effects: Intensity, Position, Color, Gobo (Pattern) Beam or other controllable attribute of an automated lighting fixture. The method of applying realtime effects making up the combined effect under realtime control is such that each included effects feature of all fixtures is coordinated by a corresponding effects master controller (13/145) for that effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Jands Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Nicholas Mathew Denville
  • Patent number: 7547114
    Abstract: A multicolor illumination device using an excitation light source and a multi-segmented moving plate with wavelength conversion materials (e.g. phosphors) is disclosed. The exciting light source is a light emitting diode or a laser diode emitting in the UV and/or blue region. The wavelength conversion materials absorb the excitation light and emit longer wavelength light. Each segment of the moving plate contains a different wavelength conversion material or no wavelength conversion material. The plate is supported to move so that different segments are exposed to the excitation light at different times. The plate may be a wheel or rectangular in shape and rotates or oscillates linearly. When the plate moves, light of different colors is generated sequentially in time by the different wavelength conversion materials in different segments of the plate. The multicolor illumination device may be used in a projector system having a microdisplay imager for image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: YLX Corp.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Li Xu
  • Patent number: 7537360
    Abstract: A color changer, particularly for spotlights, comprising at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to be arranged in front of a light source, a motor for moving the at least one dichroic filter which is adapted to place the dichroic filter at least partially in front of the light source, the color changer further comprising an actuator which is adapted to tilt the dichroic filter with respect to the axis of emission of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Coemar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Allegri
  • Patent number: 7503677
    Abstract: A headlight control apparatus and method controls an irradiation direction of a headlight. This apparatus uses a navigation-based swivel angle calculated based upon the shape of a road in a navigation-based control period, and a steering-based swivel angle calculated based upon a steering angle in a steering-based control period. When the control period changes from the navigation-based control period to the steering-based control period, this apparatus uses a value between the navigation-based swivel angle and the steering-based swivel angle as a present control swivel angle for controlling the irradiation direction of the headlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Morishita
  • Patent number: 7497595
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a color-changing mechanism, such as a color wheel, for cycling through a plurality of colors, such as by rotating, at a first speed and a second speed. The second speed is faster than the first speed. A position pulse device, such as a position sensor, generates a reference position pulse when the color-changing mechanism is at a predetermined color or position. A circuit periodically generates a master pulse. A control device causes the color-changing mechanism to cycle through the colors at the second speed when the reference position pulse is generated after the master pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Mateescu, Kevin Potucek, Robert Bachman
  • Patent number: 7453070
    Abstract: A beam density measurement system includes a shield, a beam sensor, and an actuator. The beam sensor is positioned downstream from the shield in a direction of travel of a beam. The beam sensor is configured to sense an intensity of the beam, and the beam sensor has a long dimension and a short dimension. The actuator translates the shield relative to the beam sensor, wherein the shield blocks at least a portion of the beam from the beam sensor as the shield is translated relative to the beam sensor, and wherein measured values of the intensity associated with changes in a position of the shield relative to the beam sensor are representative of a beam density distribution of the beam in a first direction defined by the long dimension of the beam sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Atul Gupta, Joseph C. Olson, Gregg A. Norris
  • Patent number: 7429918
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system for illuminating ahead of a vehicle is provided with a plurality of light sources each adapted to illuminate a different illumination area to thereby form a predetermined light distribution pattern as a whole and a control unit for determining a traffic scene in which the vehicle is running and independently changing at least either an orientations or the light quantities of the plurality of light sources so as to form a target light distribution pattern which has been set in advance for the traffic scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Watanabe