Abstract: A flat panel display lighting system is disclosed wherein a thin, flat light guide has two spaced major surfaces with light introduced into one edge of the guide. Light is extracted from the light guide by the facets in a plurality of parallel microgrooves disposed to intersect the light introduced into the light guide. A liquid crystal display is placed adjacent to the light guide to be backlit or frontlit.

Abstract: Reflective material is closely provided to cover the surfaces of a diffusing-reflection arrangements that are defined by a dot pattern on a transparent substrate, thereby fabricating an edge light panel. The diffusing-reflecting arrangements are in microspheric configurations, so that they can act as a condenser lenses, thereby achieving a much higher luminance in combination with the location of the reflective material.

Abstract: A surface illuminator provided with a light guide plate having circular end faces which surround light sources, the light guide plate being long in a direction in which the light sources are high in luminance and having a back which is inclined so as to be smaller in plate thickness gradually as the distance from the light sources becomes longer, and also provided with a reflection frame, the reflection frame having end-face reflective portions which cover the portions of the light guide plate near the light sources and also having inclined reflective portions which are contiguous to the end-face reflective portions and which are inclined approximately 45.degree. in longitudinal and thickness directions of the light guide plate at positions spaced apart from the light sources. By this construction, the intensity of radiation light is rendered uniform throughout the whole radiation surface.

Abstract: An optical display device such as an emblem mounted on an automotive vehicle is disclosed which is simple in structure and displays a display pattern in a silver metallic color by daylight. The interior of the device is kept invisible in the daytime, whereas the pattern is displayed in any desired color in a uniform manner in the nighttime.

Abstract: A device for projecting a rainbow-like spectral display including a housing provided with a projecting arrangement for projecting the rainbow-like spectral display onto a viewable surface. The projecting arrangement includes segments, each segment including a light emitting source for producing light rays, and a diffraction member such as a prism for effecting a spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same to produce the rainbow-like spectral display. Preferably, each segment also includes a convergent or convex lens disposed between the light emitting source and the diffraction member, and a reflector covering a rear portion of each light emitting source. The housing could be portable, battery operated, and in the form of a casing provided with a hinged cover.

Abstract: A device for providing large area uniform illumination of display panels comprises a light transmitting member including a light receiver for receiving light from a light source and reflecting that light within the light transmitting member in at least a first direction parallel to a first axis and parallel to the plane of the light transmitting member. A plurality of first reflectors reflect a first portion of the light from the first direction to an exit direction orthogonal to the plane of the light transmitting member and reflect a second portion of the light from the first direction to a second direction parallel to the plane of the light transmitting member and parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. A plurality of second light reflectors reflect the light from the second direction to the exit direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a light fixture having a catadioptric lens designed to discard preselected amounts of light from a light source. The percentage of the light discarded will vary over the surface of the reflector in order to provide a predetermined output intensity distribution.

Abstract: A self-illuminated reflector useful as a nighttime warning marker has a retroreflective surface for redirecting external light back to its source, and includes miniature low power lamps which sufficiently illuminate the retroreflective surface to provide a highly visible warning marker in the absence of any external light directed at the surface. The self-illuminated reflector is comprised of a light source embedded within the optical material of a retroreflector which is directly coupled to a lens to provide a contiguous optical path between the retroreflector and the lens. In one embodiment, four light-emitting diodes are embedded in a three-inch diameter retroreflector which is covered by a clear, transparent lens to provide a lightweight, inexpensive warning marker.

Abstract: A lamp unit having an elliptic reflector, a light source positioned at a first focus point of the elliptic reflector, a bracket fixed to a front end of the reflector, a projection lens mounted on a front end of the bracket and a holder member for holding the projection lens onto the bracket. The holder member is a plate like member provided along the circumference of the bracket. One end of the holder member is bent inward to form a bent portion which supports a rear end of the projection lens, while the other end of which is partially press-fitted in a plurality of holes formed on a side surface of the bracket.

Abstract: A lensed reflector system for a luminaire produces a specular beam of reflected light to provide a degree of directivity to an otherwise non-directive reflector surface. The lensed reflector system is formed by a prismatic lens material, such as a Fresnel lens, overlaying a reflector substrate having, in one aspect of the invention, a diffuse reflecting surface. The combination of the diffuse reflector and prismatic lens, together with the positioning of the reflector system in relation to the luminaire's light source, provides a reflector system which uniquely exhibits both diffuse and specular reflection characteristics depending on the angle at which the reflector system is viewed. The lensed reflector system of the invention can suitably be used in indirect lighting systems employing compact fluorescent lamps for increasing the spread of light from the fixture onto adjacent wall surfaces.

Abstract: A light beam generator provides a thin ray or plane of light of high intensity with a non-laser light source. Light emanating from a light source such as a quartz-halogen bulb is applied to a convex reflector or negative lens to demagnify the image of the light producing element. The demagnified image is passed through a refracting means such as convex lens to form a thin ray or plane of light. The reflective or refractive elements can be spherical or cylindrical depending on whether a dot or line of light is desired.

Abstract: An illuminated license plate frame is provided with lights arranged in a cavity formed between first and second frame members. The first frame member is light transmitting and the second, outwardly facing frame member is opaque, so that the emitted light is indirectly transmitted through the light transmitting frame member to produce a soft glow illumination effect.

Abstract: A light reflection sheet is provided incorporating a transparent polyester resin film having an aluminum coating or film disposed on one side and over which a transparent polyester resin film is applied. The side of the first mentioned resin film remote from the aluminum coating is exposed and provided with minute, uneven random reflection permeable faces to reduce dazzling and temporal eyesight problems resulting from direct reflection.

Abstract: A low beam headlamp for motor vehicles includes an objective made of pressed glass whose one side is formed as aspheric partial surfaces of identical or different aspherity. The partial surfaces are staggered in the direction parallel to the optical axis of the objective and the resulting step has rounded edges. The aspheric partial surfaces adjust light distribution to achieve a desired quality of the light-dark boundary zone projected on the driveway, and provide corrected color fringes of the passing light beam.

Abstract: A reflector has a plurality of Fresnel-type structures, wherein at least some of said Fresnel-type structures have a plurality of active faces, for reflecting light in a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp having inner and outer lenses and a reflector mirror surface. The inner lens is a Fresnel lens for converting light beams from a light source into parallel light beams, and the outer lens is an ordinary lens for obtaining a desired divergence property of the lamp. The reflector mirror may be a plane mirror, a mirror of a truncated cone shape, or a mirror of a parabolic cylinder shape. The Fresnel lens has as its focal point the virtual image of the light source as obtained by the reflector mirror, thus realizing a compact and small depth housing of the lamp while effectively using the light beams.

Abstract: A tier light comprising a lamp, a substantially clear lamp housing having an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of baffles on the housing and spaced apart along the housing to prevent generally horizontal emissions of light through the housing, and a reflector system. The reflector system comprises refracting means on the housing lower end for refracting light passing through the housing generally dominantly.

Abstract: An illuminating device with a light source having a longitudinally specular light reflector; and, a light escapement part having a substantially non light absorptive cover. The light transmissivity of the cover an any point on the cover varies as a function of the position of that point, such that the luminance of light escaping through the cover at that point has a selected luminous exitance as a function of the position of that point.

Abstract: An illumination system for a display device includes a plurality of lenslets which provide partially collimated light with respect to at least one axis of the display. A light box provides uncollimated light to the lenslets. The light box includes a reflector having apertures which transmit light from the light box to the lenslets. The internal surfaces of the light box and the reflector are highly and diffusely reflective and a high percentage of the light reaches the lenslets.

Abstract: A narrow spot reflector lamp having a halogen lamp light source. The reflector surface and lens are both stippled and the halogen lamp is shielded so that all of the transmitted light undergoes two diffusions to achieve the desired beam spread.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airfield light, principally for marking aircraft parking lots, routes for ground staff, etc. It should be readily visible from all sides and from any angle, even in the poorest environmental conditions and from a relatively long distance. It consists of a light source which is arranged in a housing and radiates light in a hemisphere through at least one lens installed in the housing, the light beam (1) in the zenith of the hemisphere having a luminous intensity which is at least 20 percent higher than in the region (13) between 10 and 30 degrees above the lowermost radiant edge (2).

Abstract: A back-lit display utilizes a light transmissive film having a smooth surface and a structured surface. The structured surface has a series of triangular prisms running parallel or concentric to one another. A reflector is placed adjacent to the smooth surface so that light entering the film at an angle that is close to parallel to the smooth surface will emerge from the film at a predetermined angle with respect to the incoming beam. A display, that could be a liquid crystal display, is positioned so that light reflected by the film passes through it.

Abstract: A compact, wide angle light comprising a concave reflector, lens and light emitter. The lens is provided with a pluraltity of light spreaders while the reflector is comprised of a linear section, with side walls interconnected by a parabolic section, disposed between dish end sections.

Abstract: A surface illuminating apparatus in which a plurality of transparent plates of different spot patterns formed of a large number of fine spots painted or printed at one side are layered in the relation that spotted surfaces having the painted or printed spots are not opposite to each other, thereby forming a surface illuminating body, a reflecting plate is brought into close contact with the spotted surface of the rearmost transparent plate, in turn, the rear surface of the body, a light diffusion plate in close contact with a non-spotted surface of the foremost transparent plate, in turn, the surface of the body, and light sources for irradiating light on the body are disposed at both lateral end sides of the body.

Abstract: A projector type headlight is disclosed, which comprises a concave reflector having first and second focuses on an optical axis thereof; a light source located on or at least near the first focus of the concave reflector; a shade plate positioned in front of the concave reflector, the shade plate having an upper edge located in the vicinity of the second focus of the concave reflector; and a converging lens located in front of the shade plate in such a manner that a focus of the lens is positioned on the upper edge of the shade plate, wherein the optical axis of the concave reflector is inclined with respect to an optical axis of the converging lens.

Abstract: A rainbow creating device comprises optical conductors through which light rays consisting of visible light ray components are transmitted. A lens is placed opposite the respective light-emitting ends of the optical conductors for converting the light rays emitted from them to parallel light rays. Prisms are placed for receiving the parallel light rays from the lens and for effecting the spectroscopic separation of the parallel light rays.

Abstract: A reflector/refractor device is provided for use with a variety of lighting fixtures and light sources. The reflector/refractor device includes a body having a predetermined profile and defining a cavity with the body having an inside surface and an outside surface. An illuminating source for emitting light is disposed within the cavity substantially along a central vertical axis of the body. The body includes a series of sectional zones for reflecting and refracting light. The exterior surface of the device includes a plurality of substantially vertical prisms consisting of reflective elements, refractive elements and elements that may be either reflective or refractive depending on light center location. These reflective or refractive elements act in combination to selectively vary light distribution characteristics of vertical and lateral angles, and intensities, by vertical displacement of the illuminating lamp source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brightness equalizing light filter system which can be utilized as the bottom panel or as one of a set of bottom panels in an indirect fluorescent light fixture to evenly illuminate the fixture to approximately the same degree of brightness as the surrounding area which it lights. The brightness equalizing light filter system comprises a translucent diffuser panel with an opaque, electrically-connected pattern of thin metal film deposited thereon, wherein the density of the opaque pattern for each point on the panel is proportional to (or the linear function of) the intensity of light impinging on that point from the light source. The metal film serves both as the required electrical ground to act as a starting aid for the lamps and as a reflecting surface to increase the photometric efficiency of the fixture.

Abstract: A high efficiency luminaire possessing high angle brightness control. Transverse high angle brightness control is provided by a substantially parabolically shaped reflector and longitudinal high angle brightness control is provided by a trough like lens assembly including a plurality of trough shaped lenses and screening means adjoining one another.

Abstract: A light transmissive film having a smooth surface and a structured surface. The structured surface has a series of triangular prisms running parallel or concentric to one another. A reflector is placed adjacent to the smooth surface so that light entering the film at an angle which is close to parallel to the smooth surface will emerge from the film at a predetermined angle with respect to the incoming beam. A light fixture utilizing the film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a passenger compartment (22) having a driver's position. A rear window (18) is located at the rear of the passenger compartment and (22) defines a rear view line of vision from behind the driver's position. A light projecting assembly (34) is mounted adjacent the rear window (18) in a position offset from the rear view line of vision from the driver's position for projecting a brake light indicating beam (36) upon actuation by a brake light actuator mechanism. A semi-transparent beam splitting mirror (38) is disposed adjacent the rear window (18) and in the rear view line of vision from the driver's position for reflecting the brake light indicating beam (36) through the rear window (18) while presenting a substantially transparent window to the rear view line for vision from the driver's position.

Abstract: A panoramic light emitter of an omnidirectional horizontal light beam with very sharp cut-off in the vertical plane is disclosed. The sharp cut-off prevents interference near airports. High average powers are attainable because the light source can be distributed rather than be a point source. The omnidirectional-in-the-horizontal-plane light emitter with a high degree of vertical beam control is achieved by combining a generally cylindrical refractor with an internally emitting open-ended generally conical light source. The internal emitting surface of the conical light source is in the focal plane of the cylindrical refractor. The refractor sharply images the source with its edges, and that image is projected panoramically as the light beam having sharp cut-off at the edges of the image. The external surface of the conical light source does not emit, thus preventing undesired angles of light from passing out through the refractor.

Abstract: To lighten an open-space interior, use is made, as a light source, of a catadioptric reflective surface onto which one or more light beams are suitably directed to impinge.

Abstract: A combination vehicle lamp device for motor vehicles, including a single housing having an outer lens. The housing is divided into plural chambers for effecting plural light indications. A central chamber located at the central portion of the housing is divided into small chambers by a wall having a Y-shaped section and a red-color lens, plural lamps being disposed in the small chambers respectively. Inclined lenses are provided for reflecting or refracting the light emitted from one of the plural lamps in the small chambers of the central chamber in the forward direction at both side chambers adjacent to the central chamber respectively, each of the inclined lenses being disposed in a slanted-relation to the optical axis in each of the side chambers.

Abstract: A headlamp lens having at least one of its aiming pads provided with an aim cap and a method for bonding the aim cap to the aiming pad.

Abstract: A viewing angle color sensitive lighting accessory comprising a sheet member capable of transmitting light, emitting from a visible light source, forwardly towards an area from which light is to be perceived, at least one optical interference multilayer coating on the sheet member and a reflector secured to the sheet member and extending around the light source. The coating has a transmittance which is a function of wavelength and angle of incidence, and in most instances, of state of polarization of the visible light thereto so that the light perceived from the light source has a particular coloration and, if desired, polarization at a particular viewing angle to the coating. The light source may be, for example, an incandescent light source or a light guide, or any other luminaire. The means securing the sheet member to the reflector preferably removably secures the sheet member thereto.

Abstract: An electronic light emitter comprising an electric-discharge tube having a transparent tube, a cathode, an anode, a trigger electrode, and a reflector for forwardly reflecting light emitted from the discharge tube. A reflecting portion is formed on the transparent tube to reflect light impinging thereupon toward the reflector, thereby limiting the direction in which the light emitted from the discharge tube passes outwardly from the transparent tube. The reflecting portion is formed of conductive material and is used as the trigger electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a luminaire fixture having a generally cup shaped upper housing casting. A bowl shaped reflector is mounted thereto. The lower rim of the upper housing includes a flange extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The upper surface of the reflector includes a plurality of vent openings near its upper edge. The reflector is fitted to the lower edge of the housing such that the upper housing flange covers the vent openings in the reflector to prohibit rain and snow from entering the reflector. Further, the upper housing includes a rim extension contacting the upper surface of the reflector to seal the upper housing ballast compartment for safety requirements.

Abstract: In the disclosed three-dimensional image display apparatus, a projecting system projects images having parallax information onto a screen. The screen is composed of a plurality of corner reflectors each composed of three intersecting reflecting surfaces, two of which are flat and intersect at right angles to each other in a line perpendicular to a parallax direction of said images and the other one of which is cylindrical with respect to said parallax direction and at right angles to said two surfaces to be placed in optically identical angular relation to said two surfaces. A mask shields the area around the projecting system so that only light reflected transverse to the parallax can be viewed.

Abstract: A combination interior illumination and reading light assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a lamp housing 1, a lamp 5 disposed within the housing, a reflector 3associated with the lamp 5 and a diffuser lens screen 7 for providing diffuse illumination to the vehicle interior. A movable lens element 10 is associated with the reflector 3 and has a focusing lens 9 which serves to provide a directed reading light beam. The lens element 10 also transmits light through its sidewalls to illuminate the diffuser lens screen 7. The lens element 10 is received in a ball-type socket defined by a circular aperture in the diffuser screen 7 and is rotatable relative to the screen 7 in the manner of a captive ball to enable the direction of the reading light beam to be varied at will.

Abstract: An electronic light emitter comprising an electric-discharge tube having a transparent tube, a cathode, an anode, a trigger electrode, and a reflector for forwardly reflecting light emitted from the discharge tube. A reflecting portion is formed on the transparent tube to reflect light impinging thereupon toward the reflector, thereby limiting the direction in which the light emitted from the discharge tube passes outwardly from the transparent tube. The reflecting portion is formed of conductive material and is used as the trigger electrode.

Abstract: An improved optical system for the light point on an illuminated signal or display device having one or more light points. The system comprises one or more light deflectors optically coupled with the light source of the light point and focussing the light passing through the effective aperture of the deflectors towards a focal point or line, respectively, and one or more light shields arranged in the light path and provided with an aperture in the focal point or line whereas a plurality of the deflectors with the corresponding light shields may be arranged in the rows and columns of a display board. The mantle of the light shield frames a hollow in a manner that its mouth is facing the light deflectors and the mantle is under a bevel narrowing towards the aperture of the light shield and the mantle is arranged parallel to and encircling rays departing from the periphery of the effective aperture of the light deflectors and converging into the focal point or line.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for containing a plurality of light emitting lamps associated with distinct light emitting areas on a lens element and associated reflectors to direct the light towards the lens element. The light reflector element is formed of an electrically conducting sheet material subdivided into a plurality of electrically isolated areas for each defined light emitting area wherein each subdivision provides separate electrical connection between an externally supplied voltage source and its associated lamp.

Abstract: A light source is disposed within a light reflector formed to direct a light beam through an open end of the reflector and light controlling means for projecting a modified light beam from the same reflector.

Abstract: In the disclosed three-dimensional image display apparatus, a projecting system projects images having parallax information onto a screen. The screen is composed of a plurality of corner reflectors each composed of three intersecting reflecting surfaces, two of which are flat and intersect at right angles to each other in a line perpendicular to a parallax direction of said images and the other one of which is cylindrical with respect to said parallax direction and at right angles to said two surfaces to be placed in optically identical angular relation to said two surfaces. A mask shields the area around the projecting system so that only light reflected transverse to the parallax can be viewed.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp has a reflector provided with a reflective area lying on a surface defined by rotating an ellipse about an axis which passes through the inner focus of the ellipse and which is inclined an acute angle (1.degree.-2.degree.) to the focal axis of the ellipse. A shielded filament for producing an inclined cut-off line to the beam is used and is orientated in the opposite sense to that in which it is orientated in a conventional headlamp for producing an inclined cut-off. To produce a Z-beam pattern, lensing at the front of the reflector splits the area of the basic beam pattern immediately below a horizontal portion of the cut-off line into parts which define upper and lower, mutually laterally displaced horizontal cut-off portions in the required Z-beam pattern.

Abstract: An auxiliary automotive headlight intended to secure the visual range in fog, rain, and snow. The filament of the lamp bulb is placed horizontally at the focus of a reflector in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution. At the front of the reflector there is provided a diffuser lens to diffuse the light in the horizontal direction. The diffuser lens has refracting parts which are thicker upwardly so that the light is diffused partially in the vertical direction as well as in the horizontal direction. These refracting parts are arranged according to the light distribution pattern or reflection at the upper part, lower part, diagonally left lower part, and diagonally right lower part around the filament. The refracting part formed according to the lower light distribution pattern has a higher refractive index in the vertical direction than the other parts and a lower refractive index in the horizontal direction than the others.

Abstract: The reflector has a transparent body in the form of a paraboloid with a light source located within the reflector along the axis of symmetry. The inner surface of the reflector has a plurality of circular ridges of generally triangular cross-section, each ridge being defined by a cylindrical surface portion the axis of which is coincident with the axis of symmetry and by a frusto-conical surface portion adjacent to said cylindrical portion which lies on a cone having its axis coincident with said axis of symmetry with each of the cones having a common apex located approximately at the center of said light source.

Abstract: The invention is in concern of an arrangement for producing artificial rainbows, particularly for use in planetaria, in which a bundle of light emitted from a light source and directed through an aperture upon a prism is dispersed by the latter and reflected at a cylindrical reflector. Due to the reflection at the cylindrical reflector the projected light bundle is of a rainbow shape, the radius thereof depends on the position of the cylindrical reflector relative to the prism.

Abstract: Indoor lighting fixture providing semi-indirect symmetrical light distribution. The fixture, which is adapted to be positioned adjacent the ceiling of the room comprises a high intensity gaseous discharge lamp mounted at its base on the ceiling and extending downwardly into a box-shaped reflector open at its top with reflective sides and a diffuser panel at its bottom. Positioned in the reflector and surrounding the lower portion of the lamp is a dish-shaped semi-transparent reflector which reflects a portion of the incident light toward the ceiling and transmits a portion of the light to the area below the fixture. The arrangement is such that direct and indirect light is distributed by the fixture while shielding the light source from direct view of the room occupants to avoid glare.