With Actuator Patents (Class 362/324)
  • Publication number: 20030016524
    Abstract: A modular rotatable warning light incorporates a standardized shaft, rotatable sub-assembly, motor and worm gear to form the mechanical core of the assembly. The rotatable sub-assembly includes a rotatable reflector mount supported by two axially spaced bearings for rotation around a hub. The axially spaced bearings significantly improve the function and service life of the rotatable warning light. The standardized parts are combined with a selected base plate, lamp holder, lamp and reflector to produce a modular rotatable warning light having a specified overall configuration. The efficiency of production and maintenance of various rotatable warning light configurations is improved by reducing engineering, production, maintenance and inventory costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6508575
    Abstract: A light source valve 2 is disposed on a non-effective reflecting surface 13 of a reflector 1, and a movable shade 3 is disposed around the light source valve 2 such that the movable shade 3 can rotate between a first position and a second position. The non-effective reflecting surface 13 of the reflector 1 is provided with a first reflecting surface 11 for forming a low bend beam light distribution pattern LBP and a second reflecting surface for forming a high bend beam light distribution pattern HBP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okubo, Shouichi Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6502969
    Abstract: A light arrangement for a vehicle which includes a light housing from which light from a light source emerges through a first outlet opening. At least a second light outlet is also provided on the light housing. Moreover, at least one screen section is movably disposed, in the light housing which either covers or releases the path of rays of the light between light source and second outlet opening. A bulb can thus either meet an interior or reading light function which saves components, cost and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Sidler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Valère Logel, Samuel Lozano, Bernd Merz
  • Publication number: 20020191411
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp structure for engagement between a plunger of a solenoid and a shade leg of a movable shade, wherein the solenoid moves the movable shade to vary the light distribution of a lamp fixture. A movable shade 22 is pivoted between two positions by a solenoid 34 having a longitudinally extending plunger 36. The plunger 36 has a notch (U-shaped recess) 36a formed in its peripheral surface at a position near the tip thereof. A shade leg 22B of the movable shade 22 has an engaging portion 22Ba for engaging with the notch 36a. Since the engaging portion 22Ba abuts on a front end face 36a1 and a rear end face 36a2 of the notch 36a, reciprocating movement of the plunger 36 is converted into pivoting movement of the movable shade 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Katsumi Nakada, Shoichiro Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6488396
    Abstract: A movable shade 22 capable of shading part of light incident on a reflector 20 from a discharge bulb 18 is pivoted longitudinally by a shade driving unit 24 to switch beams. A shade body portion 22A surrounding the discharge bulb 18 is colored blue. Thus, the blue color of the shade body portion 22A appears to be reflected on the reflector 20 when a lamp is viewed from the front while the movable shade 22 stays in a low-beam position. When a reflective area C reflecting the blue color varies in shape and size as the movable shade 22 moves to a high-beam position, beam switching can be visually confirmed easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiko Hayakawa, Mitsuyuki Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6464376
    Abstract: Beam steering apparatus comprising an apparatus body and means in the body for generating a beam. First and second rotatable reflectors are provided for deflecting the beam in different directions, the beam being deflectable by the first reflector onto the second reflector so as to deflect the beam substantially in any direction. The apparatus is further provided with a first motor for rotating one of the reflectors and for driving a first input to a gearbox. A second motor is provided for driving a second input to the gearbox, the gearbox having an output for rotating the other reflector. The first and second motors are housed in the body. The gearbox output rotates the second reflector via a drive belt. The rotation of the first reflector induces rotation of the second reflector. The gearbox inputs and output are arranged to compensate for the induced rotation such that rotation of the second reflector by the second motor is unaffected by any rotation of the first reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Wynne Willson Gottelier Limited
    Inventor: Peter D. Wynne Willson
  • Patent number: 6461021
    Abstract: A reflector-positioning apparatus, and an associated method, for a lighting assembly. Rotational forces are generated and applied to rotatable ring members. Rotation of the ring members is transduced to tilt and pan movements, as desired, of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Wybron, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Warnecke
  • Patent number: 6450674
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Elco Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Publication number: 20020126472
    Abstract: A modular rotatable warning light incorporates a standardized shaft, rotatable sub-assembly, motor and worm gear to form the mechanical core of the assembly. The rotatable sub-assembly includes a rotatable reflector mount supported by two axially spaced bearings for rotation around a hub. The axially spaced bearings significantly improve the function and service life of the rotatable warning light. The standardized parts are combined with a selected base plate, lamp holder, lamp and reflector to produce a modular rotatable warning light having a specified overall configuration. The efficiency of production and maintenance of various rotatable warning light configurations is improved by reducing engineering, production, maintenance and inventory costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6447153
    Abstract: A reflector is for reflecting light rays from the light source bulb to set up a brightness intensity distribution pattern. The reflector is separated in a movable reflector part and a fixed reflector part. The movable reflector part has a first separated edge. The fixed part has a second separated edge in opposition to the first separated edge. A driving means is for moving the movable reflector part relative to the fixed reflector part to change a brightness intensity distribution pattern of light rays from the light source bulb. The shading flange is for shading an air gap between the first separated edge and the second separated edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20020105808
    Abstract: An illuminated revolving lamp device having a rotating translucent member surrounding a source of light and bearing colored patterns thereon, and a second translucent member formed with grating portions of various transmissiveness, the second translucent member adjacent first translucent member such that when the display device is viewed from a fixed location, a changing display of colors and shapes is observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Lau Ting Yup
  • Patent number: 6428195
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is equipped with a shade driving unit 24 for moving a movable shade 22, which is capable of shading part of light incident on a reflector 20 from the discharge light emitting portion 18a of a discharge bulb 18, between at least two positions where the incident light is shed in different degrees. The discharge bulb 18 is fixedly supported by the reflector 30 via a bulb supporting base 26 and the movable shade 22 and the shade driving unit 24 are fitted to the bulb supporting base 26. Thus, the light source bulb 18, the movable shade 22 and the shade driving unit 24 together with the bulb supporting base 26 can be operated integrally as a unit. The unit is prefabricated before being fitted to the reflector 20 to facilitate the assembling of the lamp. Moreover, the precision of placement of the movable shade 22 with respect to the discharge light emitting portion 18a can also be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohiko Ohshio, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6425683
    Abstract: A shade for screening part of reflected light from a light source is rotated between a low beam and a high beam positions providing a different amount of screened light. The beam switching device comprises a tension coil spring for elastically biasing the shade toward the low beam position and a solenoid constructed to press against the shade against the elastic biasing force of the tension coil spring so that the shade rotates to reach the high beam position. The solenoid is constructed to simply press against the shade. The beam switching device can be assembled to a reflector unit only by disposing the solenoid and the tension coil spring at predetermined positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kusagaya, Kaoru Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20020085387
    Abstract: A vehicle light can include a light source, a major reflecting surface, a projection lens, and a shutter. A first reflecting surface of an ellipse group reflecting surface preferably has a first focus on the light source and a second focus, capable of being inserted in or removed from an optical path from the light source to a second fixed reflecting surface. A first fixed reflecting surface of a parabolic group reflecting surface can include a focus on the second focus of the first reflecting surface, and at least two second reflecting surface elements. The second fixed reflecting surface can include a first focus on the light source and at least two third reflecting surface elements for reflecting light rays that have traveled an optical path from the light source thereto without being reflected by the first reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hitoshi Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 6402344
    Abstract: A linear effects device for independently and simultaneously rotating two effects discs within a single axis for use in a conventional illumination system. The rotation of the second effects disc modifies the continuous image generated by the rotation of the first effect disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Palazzo
  • Patent number: 6364516
    Abstract: An automated electrophoretic system is disclosed. The system employs a capillary cartridge having a plurality of capillary tubes. The cartridge has a first array of capillary ends projecting from one side of a plate. The first array of capillary ends are spaced apart in substantially the same manner as the wells of a microtitre tray of standard size. This allows one to simultaneously perform capillary electrophoresis on samples present in each of the wells of the tray. The system includes a stacked, dual carrousel arrangement to eliminate cross-contamination resulting from reuse of the same buffer tray on consecutive executions from electrophoresis. The system also has a gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Spectrumedix Corporation
    Inventors: Qingbo Li, Changsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 6343869
    Abstract: A light unit 1 for a vehicle has a driving-environment detecting device 2 for detecting information (the shape of the road, the position of the vehicle, whether or not oncoming and preceding vehicle exist, the traffic volume density and ambient luminous intensity) indicating a driving environment provided by a path through which a vehicle is driven. A mode determining device 3 determines a driving mode which is included in driving modes classified in accordance with combinations of information detected by the driving-environment detecting device 2 and which is dynamically changed when the driving environment is changed during driving of the vehicle. In accordance with an instruction signal supplied from the mode determining device 3 to an illumination control device 4 and corresponding to the driving mode, illumination which is performed by the light unit 5 is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6341884
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a light source mounted in a reflector and a glass. The reflector is mounted to pivot about a generally vertical axis, and displacement means are provided to vary the angular position of the reflector. According to the invention, the reflector is capable of occupying at least one first angular position in which the beam emitted thereby passes through a first glass to generate a first type of beam, and a second angular position which is fixed and different form the first angular position(s), and in which the beam passes through a second glass; the headlight also has optical means for generating through said second glass a fixed beam which has photometric characteristics different from those of the beam passing through the first glass. Application in particular to two-function headlights for providing both a cornering light beam and a fog light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Joël Leleve, André Prevost, Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Publication number: 20010043474
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp has a unit pivot control mechanism for laterally moving the luminous intensity distribution of a lamp unit by laterally pivoting the lamp unit according to the travel conditions of the vehicle, and a luminous intensity variable control mechanism for varying the luminous intensity distribution by moving a shade of the lamp unit according to the travel conditions of the vehicle. Beam emission can be carried out at emission angles with the luminous intensity distribution conforming to the travel conditions of the vehicle by properly combining beam emission control performed by the unit pivot control mechanism and the luminous intensity variable control mechanism. The result is improved visibility of a road surface ahead of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Publication number: 20010040810
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp has a unit inclination control mechanism for vertically tilting the lamp unit according to the travel conditions of a vehicle, and a luminous intensity variable control mechanism for varying the luminous intensity distribution by moving a component element of the lamp unit according to the travel conditions of the vehicle. Beam emission can be carried out at emission angles with the luminous intensity distribution conforming to the travel conditions of the vehicle by properly combining beam emission control performed by the unit inclination control mechanism and the luminous intensity variable control mechanism. The result is improved visibility of a road surface ahead of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Masahiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 6315427
    Abstract: A device for lighting arrangements for a ceiling, includes means providing a light beam above a ceiling, reflector means for intercepting and reflecting light beams and located above the ceiling, means for mounting the reflector means for movement around two orthogonal axes and located above the ceiling, and remote movement means located above the ceiling for moving the reflector means selectively about the two orthogonal axes from a remote location to reflect the light beam to a location below the ceiling. The remote movement means has a control handle located below the ceiling. An arrangement can be provided so that there are a plurality of reflector means aligned to receive the light beam, and all but the last reflector means is a beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
  • Patent number: 6313960
    Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: LJL Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marquiss, Calvin D. Wong, Glenn R. Edwards, Michael T. Taylor, Philip A. Granieri, Jr., Douglas N. Modlin, Amer El-Hage
  • Publication number: 20010033491
    Abstract: A device for checking the evaluation circuit for automatic switching operations of the illumination devices in vehicles. A sensor device contains a global sensor for detecting the light conditions in the environment of the vehicle and a directional sensor for the directed detection of the light conditions in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle. The signals of the sensor device are supplied to the evaluation circuit, to determine whether a change in the switching state of the illumination devices is necessary. In order to check the evaluation circuit which is designed using analog technology, in the operating state, the voltage supply to the sensor unit is briefly interrupted at predetermined intervals, as a result of which the condition “night” is simulated. When the evaluation circuit is functioning correctly, this is detected by it as such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick Schmitt, Norbert Hog, Bruno Hodapp, Rainer Pientka, Hans Meier, Henry Blitzke, Manfred Burkart
  • Publication number: 20010030875
    Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes an adjuster output shaft which is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly. The adjuster output shaft extends from a housing, and the headlamp adjuster is configured such that in an overload condition, the adjuster output shaft is prevented from translating substantially axially, thereby reducing the risk of damage resulting from over-travel of the adjustor output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald S. Denley
  • Patent number: 6302565
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Nuzzio
  • Patent number: 6299339
    Abstract: A light generating base includes a motor having a motor shaft with upper and lower portions that project upwardly and downwardly from a motor body. The lower portion of the motor shaft is secured to a stand such that the motor body is rotatable relative to the stand about a vertical axis. A lamp unit is mounted on the upper portion of the motor shaft, and is operable so as to radiate light upwardly. An upright filter supporting member has a lower portion that is secured to the motor body, and an upper portion that projects upwardly beyond the lamp unit. A color filter disk is mounted on the upper portion of the filter supporting member so as to be co-rotatable therewith, and is disposed above the lamp unit and transverse to a light radiating direction of the lamp unit. The color filter disk is formed with a plurality of differently colored angularly displaced light filtering regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Chu
  • Patent number: 6286985
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp comprising a light source bulb, a reflector, a shade, a beam switching device, and a displacement regulating member. The reflector includes a reflective surface for emitting a predetermined beam forward by reflecting light from said light source bulb. The shade is for shading part of light incident on the reflective surface from said light source bulb. The beam switching device selectively switches beams between low and high beams by moving said shade between two positions where the amount of shielding said shade relative to light incident on said reflective surface has different values. The displacement regulating member regulating the displacement of said shade from one of low- and high-beam forming positions by making contact with said shade while said shade is located in the one of the low- and high-beam forming positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohiko Ohshio, Michio Tsukamoto, Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 6280070
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight capable of switching beams between low and high beams by vertically tilting a reflector by a predetermined angle so that upward forward visibility ahead of a vehicle can be secured during high-beam traveling by using a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line as a low-beam light distribution pattern. An upward deflection prism, projecting substantially perpendicularly downward from an upper side of a reflector up to a vicinity of a height position of an upper end edge of the reflective surface of the reflector, is provided in the vicinity of the front of the front end opening of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Hirohiko Ohshio, Shoji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6280059
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a discharge lamp (2) for emitting light; a cold mirror (4), having an opening portion, for reflecting the light emitted from the discharge lamp; a reflecting mirror (10), located on the opening portion side of the cold mirror, for reflecting the light reflected by the cold mirror; a light-shielding drum (6) having a light emission port (8) for emitting the light reflected by the reflecting mirror; a stepping motor 14 for driving the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum to rotate about an optical axis of the discharge lamp; rotational angle detecting means (18, 20) for detecting a rotational angle of the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum; and control means (40, 46) for controlling, according to the rotational angle detected by the rotational angle detecting means, the rotational driving of the reflecting mirror and the light-shielding drum (6) caused by the stepping motor 14; wherein any of a plurality of irradiation ports is selectively irradiated through
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Moriyuki Ito, Kazuhito Kawai
  • Publication number: 20010012205
    Abstract: A reflector holder is designed to retain a reflector that has a hole in one of its ends. The holder includes a base with a quick-connect connector extending from the base. In one version, the quick-connect connector includes a semi-arcuate flange member that extends from the base. The member has a pair of edges extending between the base and the outward end of the flange member and a mid-portion between the edges. The member also has a concave side and a convex side. A connection post extends from the mid-portion of the concave side of the end of the member away from the base, and terminates in an outward end. A pair of lock ears extend from the outward end of the connection post, with one ear extending toward each of the edges of the flange member. Each lock ear terminates in a locking end that is spaced from one of the edges so as to define a gap between the locking end and edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Leon Lassovsky
  • Publication number: 20010010634
    Abstract: A bulb supporting base fixed to a reflector of a vehicle headlamp is provided with a deviation-preventing member having first and second upper and lower resilient strips. The strips resiliently abut against a projection formed on a leg of a movable shade that shades light from the bulb when the movable shade is at either a low beam position or a high beam position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Shoichiro Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6244729
    Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising at least one elongated fluorescent tube and an elongated reflector of trough-like shape having a longitudinal center plane coincident with the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent tube. The shape of the reflector (10) is variable. Adjusting devices (34, 36) at least at one end of the reflector (10) changes the position of the free longitudinal edges (32) of the reflector (10), which forces the shape of the reflector (10) to change also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6227690
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight designed in such a manner that a tilting member is tiltably supported through an irradiation angle adjusting mechanism by a supporting member is described. A supporting shaft is provided on the upper part or lower part of the tilting member in such a manner that the supporting shaft protrudes horizontally and in a direction perpendicular to an irradiation axis. Bearing members are secured to the supporting member, and stationary fulcrum sections of the irradiation angle adjusting mechanism are formed by rotatably holding the supporting shaft on the bearing members. By operating a distance adjusting member arranged in a movable fulcrum section of the irradiation angle adjusting mechanism, the tilting member may be tilted with the supporting shaft as a tilting fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Matsubara, Hiroshi Shida
  • Patent number: 6220727
    Abstract: A reflective mechanism is provided for a stage lamp providing an incident light. The reflective mechanism includes a first motor having a first output shaft rotating about a first axis and a second motor having a second output shaft rotating about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. A support is drivable by the first output shaft to rotate about the first axis. A barrel includes a reflective mirror device mounted therearound for reflecting the incident light from the stage lamp. The barrel is mounted to the support and rotatable about a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. An endless toothed belt and gears are provided for transmitting power from the second output shaft to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 6210023
    Abstract: A stage lighting device has a light source for emitting light and a light modifying element for modifying such light. The light modifying element is coupled to a driven element which is rotationally coupled to a structural member so as to be rotatable about a first axis. The device has a noise-producing motor assembly with an output shaft. A driving element is coupled to the output shaft to be rotationally driven by the output shaft about a second axis. The driving element is coupled to the driven element by an endless loop element so as to rotationally drive the driven element about the first axis. A vibration-isolating mounting structure couples a motor assembly to the structural member and includes surfaces which vibrationally isolate the motor assembly from the structural member to attenuate vibration transferred from the motor assembly to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 6161945
    Abstract: A light beam projector device having a light source and a reflector arranged to direct the light originating from the light source in such a manner as to form a light beam, said reflector having a curved concave reflecting surface with a geometrical focus where the light source is positioned, at least a first tubular wall made of a material able to filter color from the light and arranged when set in an active position to laterally embrace the light source so as to be traversed by the light before it reaches the reflector, the tubular wall being arranged with its axis substantially coinciding with the axis of the reflector, actuator means for axially moving the tubular wall into an active position or to an inactive position below the reflector where it does not interfere with the radiation emitted by the light source and directed towards the reflector, and to intermediate positions in which only a part of the tubular wall is traversed by the light, and a second tubular wall or tubular wall segment positioned
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Space Cannon VH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno Baiardi
  • Patent number: 6161950
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp is provided with a leveling unit and a mechanical drive type beam switching device having one actuator mechanism. A low beam is switched to a high beam by driving the actuator of the leveling unit so as to tilt a reflector upward by an angle greater than a maximum upwardly-tilted angle at the time of leveling adjustment in order that the actuator may be set for common use. Moreover, a bulb holder is vertically tiltably supported by the reflector and tilted together with the reflector up to the aforementioned maximum upwardly-tilted angle on one hand, and the bulb holder is fixed to the maximum upwardly-tilted angle separately from the reflector by a stopper pin while the reflector may coincide with a high-beam upwardly tilting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Hirohiko Ohshio
  • Patent number: 6113252
    Abstract: Architectural luminaries utilize a common optical engine having a lamp coupled to an ellipsoidal reflector, a field stop aperture, and image-projecting lenses A color wheel, gobo wheel, and mechanical dimmer may also be included. A microlens element converts a spotlight optical engine into a wash light optical system. A multiple lens array provides variable diffusion. The optical engine is combined with an X-Y scanning mirror beam direction system in a substantially recessed housing for mounting in the ceiling of a building. The optical engine is combined with a pan-and-tilt yoke for greater range of coverage with an exposed luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Arlitt, William J. Luetkemeyer, Matthew B. Johnson, Bryan S. McNatt, Mark Richards, Richard K. Steele
  • Patent number: 6082871
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ceiling light composed of a base, a cover, a shade seat, a shade cover, a shade, an adjusting seat and other elements. The base is circle shape and has a recessed section defined therein which holds the shade seat therein. An elongated arcuate hole is defined in the shade with an upper washer and a lower washer. A spring is secured between the lower washer and the recessed section, and the upper washer, shade seat, the lower washer, the spring and the base are held together by a rivet. After the shade cover has been directly fastened on the upper end of the shade, the illumination direction can be changed by pushing the shade cover. Thereby, not only can the illumination direction of the light be easily adjusted to any direction, but also the wires can not be tangled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Neng-Chen Yeh
  • Patent number: 6079853
    Abstract: A light altering device includes a housing and at least one moveable element coupled to the housing with each of the moveable elements having a light modifying device capable of changing some aspect of a beam of light. A moving control element moves the moveable element(s) relative to the housing between a first stowed position where the light modifying device of the moveable element does not interfere with the beam of light, and a second active position where the light modifying device does interfere with the beam of light. The housing of the light altering device can rotate a lighting effect produced by the moveable element in the second active position. Methods of modifying light with the device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 6076943
    Abstract: A reflector assembly for reflecting light from a bulb in a luminaire is designed to be mounted within the body of the luminaire between the bulb and the top of the luminaire. The reflector assembly includes a reflector support unit which is configured for mounting within the luminaire body such that it can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly within the luminaire body. The reflector assembly also includes at least one reflector mounted to the support unit. The reflector may be removably and pivotably mounted and may be adjusted to reflect light in a desired manner. The reflector assembly may also include an adjustment mechanism which allows the coordinated adjustment of several reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Leon A. Lassovsky
  • Patent number: 6050712
    Abstract: Each horizontal adjuster mechanism used in connection with low beam headlamps must be either non-readjustable after the initial adjustment or equipped with a non-recalibratable vehicle headlamp aiming device (VHAD) which is set to zero when the vehicle leaves the factory. Vehicle manufacturers must either aim the lamps and provide a non-recalibratable VHAD which is properly zeroed or aim the lamps and provide a mechanism to prevent future readjustment. A headlamp adjuster may be rendered non-readjustable after the headlamp has been aimed by snapping down a snap-socket, placing a covering cap over the drive shaft, closing a one-way lid on a drive shaft cover, or by otherwise preventing rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6042254
    Abstract: Each horizontal ad juster mechanism used in connection with low beam headlamps must be either non-readjustable after the initial adjustment or equipped with a non-recalibratable vehicle headlamp aiming device (VHAD) which is zeroed when the vehicle leaves the factory. Vehicle manufacturers must either aim the lamps and provide a non-recalibratable VHAD which is properly zeroed or aim the lamps and provide a mechanism to prevent future readjustment. A headlamp adjuster is provided with a non-recalibratable VHAD dial which zeroed after the lamp has been properly aimed and which indicates any subsequent adjustments to the aim of the headlamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: John E. Burton
  • Patent number: 6030100
    Abstract: A control apparatus capable of resetting a shielding wheel of a stepwise light projecting device to a predetermined starting position includes a photosensor, a slotted wheel and a control circuit unit. The device includes a stepping motor, an output shaft which extends outwardly from front and rear lateral walls of the motor, and the shielding wheel fixed to a front end of the shaft. The photosensor includes a phototransmitter and a photoreceiver spaced from the phototransmitter to define a channel therebetween. The slotted wheel is mounted on a rear end of the shaft, and has a circumferential portion that extends into the channel and that is formed with a radial slot to permit transmission of radiant energy from the phototransmitter to the protoreceiver only when the shielding wheel is in the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: J.A.L. Taiwan Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Yu
  • Patent number: 6024475
    Abstract: A lighting conduit system for collecting sunlight and distributing it inside a building structure to provide natural lighting to the inside of the building structure. The lighting conduit system includes a plurality of interconnected elongate tubular conduits adapted for mounting inside a building structure. Each of the conduits has a lumen in communication with the lumens of the other conduits to permit passage of light between the lumens of the conduits. The conduits include a plurality of fixture conduits each comprising spaced apart and generally concentric inner and outer sleeves each having upper and lower portions. The lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves each comprise a translucent material to permit passage of light in the lumen of the respective conduit through the lower portions of the inner and outer sleeves. The conduits also include a terminal conduit with an outer end adapted for extending outside of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Robert K. Kufrovich, Michelle K. Kufrovich
  • Patent number: 6022118
    Abstract: An improved lighting device generally comprises a bottom housing that has a truncate shape. The top surface of the bottom housing is connected with a supporting bracket that has mounted with a covering lid thereof. The bottom surface of the supporting bracket is provided with a mounting barrel that is connected with a motor supporting bracket. The output shaft of the driving motor is meshed with a pinion by means of a driving block. The pinion is firstly passed through the side hole of the supporting bracket, then it can be meshed with a gear of a positioning post that is disposed within a middle hole of the supporting bracket. The gear is rotationally attached to the positioning post by means of a bearing. The top end of the positioning post is projected over the central hole of the covering lid and is connected with the connector of the bulb socket. Consequently, the top surface of the gear is also projected over the central hole of the covering lid and connected further with the connecting socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond Wu
  • Patent number: 6007221
    Abstract: A head lamp for a vehicle wherein an actuator is made to be able to be moved to a leveling actuation range corresponding to output from a vehicle body sensor and to a beam change position B out of a leveling actuation range when a beam changing switch is set to a drive beam position, and if the actuator is moved to the beam change position B at least a part covering a lower half of a discharge lamp of the hood is moved back to switch it from a passing beam state to a drive beam state. The actuator for leveling actuation indispensable to be provided for the head lamp for a vehicle having the discharge lamp as a light source, makes it possible also to switch between the passing beam state and drive beam state, thereby dissolving problems of large size and high cost of the head lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Taniuchi, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Tsutomu Yamamoto, Toshiaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 5993033
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling a vehicle lamp such that an opening of the pivot receiving body is formed in a non-circular shape; the cross sectional shape of the pivot body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pivot body is formed so that the pivot body can be inserted into the opening of the pivot receiving body in at least one direction; and the cross sectional shape of the pivot body cannot be inserted into the opening of the pivot receiving body in at least the other direction; and the pivot body is prevented from slipping off the pivot receiving body by turning the pivot body by a predetermined angle around the axis of the pivot body after the pivot body is inserted into the pivot receiving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sugimoto, Masaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5993284
    Abstract: A toy and reciprocating lamp holder arrangement includes a toy body holding a power drive, and a lamp holder unit coupled to the power drive, the lamp holder unit including a shell, two eccentric wheels revolvably mounted inside the shell, a shaft coupled between the eccentric wheels, a gear transmission mechanism driven by the power drive to turn the eccentric wheel and the shaft, and a plurality of cylindrical lamp holders arranged around the shaft between the eccentric shells coupled to respective annular tracks on the eccentric wheels, the cylindrical lamp holders being reciprocated along radial guide grooves on the shell when the power drive is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Jin-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 5988835
    Abstract: The invention modifies light illuminating from a video/film production light system of the type that includes a lamp and fixturing to form a light beam about a substantially fixed direction relative to the fixturing. A mounting frame attaches to the fixturing in a substantially rigid manner, and a rod connects to the frame. A disc having a plurality of light modifying sections is constructed and arranged to rotate about the rod and within the beam such that the beam passes through any one of the sections selectively. Each section has an optical element that modifies the beam and, thereby, the light. The invention also provides a production light, including a lamp for projecting light onto a background scene, a reflector for collecting and directing the light toward the scene, light fixturing for housing the lamp and reflector, a dial for housing a plurality of sections, each section having a light modifying element, and an axle mounted with the fixturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: John C. Allen