Enclosure Type Patents (Class 362/329)
  • Patent number: 5582480
    Abstract: A light assembly for a motor vehicle has a housing and a transparent plate closing off the housing. At least one light-emitting device is positioned in the housing for illuminating the transparent plate. At least one main reflector is positioned in the housing for reflecting light emitted by the light-emitting device to the transparent plate. A prism is positioned in the housing so as to be placed at least partially in the path of the light emitted by the light-emitting device, whereby the prism reflects the light impinging thereon to the main reflector so as to be reflected onto the transparent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Zwick, Gernot M. Bracht
  • Patent number: 5548498
    Abstract: A lamp for vehicles including a lamp body having a front opening, a reflector disposed at an inner-rear surface of the lamp body, a light source mounted at the central part of the lamp body for emitting a light beam, and an outer lens covering the front opening of the lamp body. The outer lens includes fisheye steps and cylindrical steps, and the fisheye steps and the cylindrical steps are alternatingly arrayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 5490049
    Abstract: A signalling light for a motor vehicle having a plurality of individual light-emitting diodes co-operating with optical arrangements, a common inner plate, a common outer plate, and closure cover situated outside the outer plate. The signalling light further having a plurality of elongate printed circuits on which the respective light-emitting diodes are mounted and wherein the inner plate has means for mounting the printed circuits parallel to one another to provide for a block of signalling lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Dominique Montalan, Dominique Durand, Stephane Vin, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 5481445
    Abstract: A transflection reflector includes a body for simultaneously reflecting and transmitting light rays. The body is formed by a plurality of layers of a polymeric reflective material and has reflected rays at each interface between adjacent ones of the multiple layers. The body is both selectively configured and positioned relative to a light source for a predetermined distribution of reflected and transmitted rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignees: Lexalite International Corp., Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Dale A. Troppman, Gregg A. Motter
  • Patent number: 5467259
    Abstract: A low voltage reflector lamp comprises a bowl-shaped reflector symmetrically disposed about an optical axis, and a low voltage light source permanently located within the reflector at a predetermined position. A transparent or translucent decorative appendage is located at the outer edge of the annular rim of the reflector, said appendage also having a rim at an annular edge of complementary size to that of said first annular rim. Annular fixing means serve to press said rims together to secure said decorative appendage rigidly to said reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: GE Lighting Limited
    Inventors: Roger A. Hume, Richard A. Felstead
  • Patent number: 5444606
    Abstract: A combination of a prismatic reflector and a prismatic lens is provided for use with lighting fixtures. A reflector body has a substantially parabolic contour defining an interior cavity. The reflector body includes a plurality of prisms for receiving, transmitting and reflecting light. A lens body has a first mating surface engaging the reflector body, an opposed inverted conical surface, and a sloping sidewall extending between the mating surface and the opposed inverted conical surface. The mating surface of the lens body has a larger diameter than the opposed inverted conical surface. The opposed inverted conical surface includes a plurality of prisms for receiving and for redirecting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Lexalite International Corporation
    Inventors: Josh T. Barnes, Paul C. Belding
  • Patent number: 5440456
    Abstract: A headlight for a vehicle has a light source, a reflector reflecting light emitted by the light source as a light bundle converging at least in horizontal longitudinal planes, the reflector having a front edge facing in a light outlet direction, and a dispersing lens arranged in the region of the front edge of the reflector so that the light bundle reflected by the reflector passes through the dispersing lens, the reflector and the dispersing lens having shapes which are such and so determined relative to one another that the light emitted by the light source after reflection on the reflector and passage through the dispersing lens forms a light intensity distribution sufficient for requirements corresponding to regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Bertling, Heike Eichler, Henning Hogrefe
  • Patent number: 5434754
    Abstract: A manifold for use on a vehicle utilizing light from a remote light source. The manifold includes bi-focal parabolic reflector which collects and collimates light from the remote light source which is transmitted to the bi-focal parabolic reflector through a light guide, such as a fiber optic light pipe. Light from the reflector is reflected outward through a plurality of reflective facets to form a light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: John X. Li, Jeffrey A. Erion
  • Patent number: 5434765
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly which is adapted for easy cleanability. The luminaire assembly includes a housing portion having a substantially smooth outer surface and which is further adapted to receive and enclose a ballast assembly. An optical assembly is further adapted to be affixed to the housing portion in a substantially sealed, water-tight relationship to define an internal chamber to receive and enclose a lamp. The optical assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface contiguous with the housing portion outer surface and has an opening defined therein. A removable door has an inner surface and an outer surface adapted to be affixed in a sealed relationship with the optical assembly opening when in a closed position. The door is further provided with a breathing aperture of a predetermined lateral dimension for permitting ambient air to enter and leave the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Holophane Corporation
    Inventors: Rick M. Kelly, Herbert A. Fouke
  • Patent number: 5416684
    Abstract: A luminaire capable of directing a high percentage of light source output in a downward direction includes a housing base, a light source mounted and electrically coupled to the housing base and a dome-shaped lens member made of light transmissive material disposed in surrounding relation to the light source. The lens member has a first region formed adjacent the housing base on which is disposed a first plurality of prismatic surfaces which both reflect and refract light in the downward direction. A second region is formed on the lens member adjacent the first region and includes a second plurality of prismatic surfaces which refract light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: J. Bradley Pearce
  • Patent number: 5349509
    Abstract: An indicator element comprising a light permeable cap (6) having a light source (26, 50) at least partially disposed therein, and a protective sleeve (32) with connecting conductors (54, 55) for the light source (26, 50) disposed in the interior thereof, the cap (6) and the protective sleeve (32) being at least partially surrounded by and fastened in a sleeve (2) in such a way that with a compact construction, a reliably operating signal of sufficient brightness is assured and the safety requirements for direct connection to line voltage are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: EBT Licht-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Klug
  • Patent number: 5301092
    Abstract: A display case having lenses mounted in the case that distribute or direct light emitted by fluorescent tubes located near the ends of display shelves toward the shelves in order to provide a more uniform light distribution along the length of the shelves. The lenses facilitate the illumination of items placed on the shelves near the front and middle of the shelves. Light-directing portions of the lenses distribute or direct light emitted from the fluorescent tubes located inside the lenses toward the display case shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Santosuosso, Richard J. Richardson, Wal M. Liu, Dusan Pope, Artak Ter-Oganesian, Andrew Y. A. Chao
  • Patent number: 5245515
    Abstract: The headlight has a light ray guiding disk which is domed towards the source of light. This light ray guiding disk is structured as integral formed article and includes at its central zone, which has the smallest distance from the source of light, a collective lens structure. By means of this a substantial portion of the light rays emitted from the source of light into a spatial angle in front of the source can be focussed in the direction of the axis of the headlight. The light ray guiding disk can be manufactured as simple formed article. A transparent ring in a signal color is foreseen outside the light ray guiding disk. By means of this disk the stray light is utilized for a lateral marking when the headlight is used e.g. in a bicycle lighting arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Vereinigte Drahtwerke A.G.
    Inventors: Edwin Schwaller, Walter Zurcher, Diego Bally
  • Patent number: 5224770
    Abstract: The light box is provided with a case having arranged therein a reflector directed to the front wall to be illuminated from the rear. The reflector surf ace has a concave curvature. An elongated light source is arranged in the center of the case. The reflector, in the central area thereof, is covered by an optical film having a structured surface directed to the light source. This structure consists of immediately adjacent V-shaped grooves, being parallel to each other and running transverse to the extension of the light source. By total reflection on the structured surface of the transparent optical film as well as by reflection on the reflector surface of the reflector, the light of the light source incident on the reflector is reflected in the direction of the back-lit front side of the light box. This arrangement provides for improved and more-uniform light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Adrian Simmons, Alberto de la Cruz Garcia, Roberto Casalone
  • Patent number: 5195818
    Abstract: The lamp has a case with a light exit opening. A reflector is arranged on the rear wall of the case facing the light exit opening, in front of which an elongated light source is arranged. Between the light source and the light exit opening there is a flexible optical film, stable in shape, with a smooth surface and a structured surface. The smooth surface faces the light exit opening, while the structured surface is directed toward the light source. The structure consists of a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending in parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal extension of the light source, the grooves lying immediately side by side. The optical film extends only in that area in which the light source emits light directly toward the light exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Adrian Simmons, Alberto de la Cruz Garcia
  • Patent number: 5188453
    Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or face of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and reclamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Holophane Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Subisak, Douglas S. Hammond
  • Patent number: 5174648
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a primary lamp and a secondary lamp is disclosed. The apparatus comprises primary and secondary brackets, and primary and secondary sockets. The primary socket is affixed to the primary bracket, and receives the primary lamp, preferably a high intensity discharge lamp. The secondary bracket has a first end affixed to the primary bracket and a second end. The secondary socket is affixed to the secondary bracket, and receives the secondary lamp, preferably an incandescent lamp. The primary bracket defines a projected perimeter. The second end of the secondary bracket is normally biased to an operating position where the secondary lamp extends outside the projected perimeter of the primary bracket, but can be moved to a maintenance position where the secondary lamp is within the projected perimeter of the primary bracket. In operation, the secondary lamp is thus spaced apart from the primary lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Holophane Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur V. Clary, Bonnie J. Brohard, Darl E. Billingsley
  • Patent number: 5140220
    Abstract: An improved light emitting diode housing member comprises a transparent housing that can extend over the light emitting surface of the LED and can position a plurality of granular optical particles, such as calcium fluoride, over the source of light to provide a diffusion of the emitted light, thereby increasing its viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignees: Yumi Sakai, Masakatsu Uchiyama
    Inventor: Yasuo Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5095415
    Abstract: A light fixture has a housing having an axis and a light source for detecting light into the housing along the housing axis. A first section of the housing occupies a first portion of the housing's perimeter and includes a light guide material. A second section of the housing occupies a second portion of the housing's perimeter and includes light extraction structures and a Fresnel lens for beam shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Harry B. Anderson, David L. Wortman, Sanford Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5089944
    Abstract: A box-type planar light-source device has incorporated therein a linear light source and is provided with a reflecting surface and a multi-prism sheet. The reflecting surface has such function that a major portion of a light reflected by the reflecting surface is obliquely incident upon the multi-prism sheet. The multi-prism sheet has its inner surface formed with a group of prisms so arranged as to extend in parallel relation to the light source and having such function that the light incident directly or obliquely in reflection outgoes in concentration toward a predetermined direction. Accordingly, so as to eliminate portion by the fact that the light outgoing at an angle separated from the normal direction converges at the dark portion. A dark-portion removing sheet for eliminating a dark portion at a location immediately above the light source is arranged on the side of the front face of the multi-prism sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Oe, Issei Chiba
  • Patent number: 5081569
    Abstract: A luminaire has an accent light which is colored by a translucent filter. The luminaire includes a light source, a reflector having a first opening and a second opening holdidng the translucent filter, and a housing. The reflector encloses the light source, and a portion of the light passes through the translucent filter in the reflector. The housing generally encloses the reflector and has at least one opening in the intended shape of the accent light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Spaulding Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Honesto D. Quiogue, Thomas E. Kuhlmann
  • Patent number: 5034864
    Abstract: A box-type planar light-source device has incorporated therein a linear light source and is provided with a reflecting surface and a multi-prism sheet. The reflecting surface has such function that a major portion of a light reflected by the reflecting surface is obliquely incident upon the multi-prism sheet. The multi-prism sheet has its inner surface formed with a group of prisms so arranged as to extend in parallel relation to the light source and having such function that the light incident directly or obliquely in reflection outgoes in concentration toward a predetermined direction. Accordingly, so as to eliminate portion by the fact that the light outgoing at an angle separated from the normal direction converges at the dark portion. A dark-portion removing sheet for eliminating a dark portion at a location immediately above the light source is arranged on the side of the front face of the multi-prism sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Oe
  • Patent number: 5029060
    Abstract: The present invention is a light fixture having a reflector 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Aho, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4991070
    Abstract: A protective, reflective, light diffusing sleeve is adapted to mount on a light element to protect the element and intercept light emitted therefrom. The sleeve comprises a tube adapted to telescopically receive the element and a reflecting member carried by the tube for reflecting light emitted from the element. The tube is adapted to mount on the element for free rotation relative thereto to move the reflecting member about the element to control the direction of reflective light. The sleeve further comprises an element carried by the tube opposite the reflecting member for diffusing light reflected therefrom. The diffusing element comprises a field of prisms formed on and extending along a longitudinally extending portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Stob
  • Patent number: 4984144
    Abstract: A high aspect ratio light fixture has an optical window with a light extraction film therein. The light extraction film has a plurality of linear prisms facing the interior of the light fixture. In one embodiment of the invention the prisms are triangular in shape while in another they are four sided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sanford Cobb, Jr., John F. Dreyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930055
    Abstract: A marker lamp having a transparent cylindrical tube in which are mounted a plurality of incandescent filament-type bulbs spaced along the longitudinal axis of the tube. Either the outer or inner surface of the tube has straight striations or grooves extending longitudinally of the tube. When the bulbs are illuminated, there is formed in the tube a light halo centered on each bulb and lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Geisha Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Swadell
  • Patent number: 4856103
    Abstract: A luminaire for use in parking garages having a vertical reference axis, a horizontal driving lane axis, and a horizontal parking stall axis. The resulting asymmetry is such that there is a substantially greater throw of light along the parking stall axis than along the driving lane axis, with improved lighting for parking purposes, and glare free lighting for the driving lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Kidde Consumer Durables Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne W. Compton
  • Patent number: 4796171
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Lindae, Richard Loewe, Peter Perthus
  • Patent number: 4727458
    Abstract: The invention refers to a motor vehicle projection headlight, where the projection lens is in part covered by a light transmitting plate. The light transmitting plate has edge regions which are of a wider diameter than the lens. An annular light impermeable cover, which surrounds the lens immediately and at a small distance, is disposed at a distance to the edge region of the light permeable plate. The surface of the cover toward the light transmitting plate is of high reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Westfalische Metall Industrie KG, Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Droste, Wolfgang Peitz, Heinrich Schafer
  • Patent number: 4674017
    Abstract: An improved plastic reflector member for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp is disclosed and, in particular, the use of said improved plastic reflector member for an all plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp which uses said improved reflector member. Said improved plastic reflector member utilizes a variable thickness wall member to form the parabolic shaped cavity wherein the wall thickness of its planar walls is sufficiently greater in the rim sealing region than in the adjoining wall region of said parabolic cavity to avoid mechanical and heat distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Irving Bradley, James M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4674012
    Abstract: A device for fixing and adjusting an optical block (1) on a motor vehicle, said optical block being of the type including a plurality of peripheral positioning tabs (4a, 4b, 4c), said device comprising a one-piece support (6) suitably shaped to co-operate with the peripheral edge of said optical block, said support being provided firstly with a plurality of mounting members (15, 16, 17) enabling said support to be adjustably fixed to a vehicle, and secondly with a plurality of clamping members (7, 8, 9) suitable for co-operating with said positioning tabs (4a, 4b, 4c) on said optical block in order to position said support and to hold said support relative to said optical block, the relative positions of said mounting members and said clamping members ensuring that said optical block is correctly positioned on said vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Cibie Projecteurs
    Inventor: Jose M. Ordonez Olmos
  • Patent number: 4654761
    Abstract: A periscopic lens in a lamp assembly in which parallel light rays are twice reflected and pass through optical surfaces which control the light distribution pattern beyond the lamp assembly. The light rays enter the lens and emerge only from alternate lens facet surfaces, with the surfaces or facets alternating therebetween being so arranged as to present the same color as that of adjoining vehicle body panels to visually merge the lamp assembly with the coloration of the body panels and present a continuous appearance while the lamp assembly is not energized. At the same time it permits the lamp assembly to be seen as needed when it is energized. Optical surfaces are provided which establish a desired light distribution pattern which may be other than diffusion beyond a light ray focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip D. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4559589
    Abstract: Lighting fixture including an enclosure, means disposed in the enclosure for supplying a central source of light therein, a concave, generally parabolic reflector for directing a main beam of light out of the enclosure from the source generally along a given optical axis, the central source of light being located at the focal region of the concave reflector, the concave reflector having a light penetrable region thereof disposed at least at one side of the optical axis in a horizontal plane in common with the central light source, the light-penetrable region forming an escape window out of the enclosure for part of the light from the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventor: Knut O. Sassmannshausen
  • Patent number: 4545007
    Abstract: A luminaire includes a lenticular lens. Each lentical comprises a convex lens having a highly polished aspheric curved surface. The aspheric surface is divided into a plurality of coaxial zones, each designed to accept a specific quantity of parallel light flux from a parabolic reflector positioned within the luminaire and then refract that quantity of flux into a specific solid angle of the projected beam. The convergence of light rays by each lens element produces a real image of the light source in front of the lenticular lens. Each lentical produces a separate image and all images were substantially identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Devine Lighting
    Inventor: Robert Nagel
  • Patent number: 4538216
    Abstract: An lighting apparatus including a housing having an opening, a light source received in the housing and a light transmitting-cover fixed at the opening of the housing and through which light rays are projected from the light source. The light transmitting-cover includes a plate made of light transmitting-material and having a first surface and a second surface. Segment lens elements of the same size are arranged on the first and second surface of the plate and formed integrally with the plate. The segment lens elements on the first surface are positioned in face-to-face relation with the segment lens elements arranged on the second surface, thus forming a segment lens. The segment lens elements have a common optical axis and convex surfaces, respectively. The focal lengths defined by these convex surfaces are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Leo Mori, Mamoru Tominaga, Takashi Aoba
  • Patent number: 4525772
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly has a light source, a light transmitting member, baffle elements of light absorbing material extending perpendicular to the surface of the light transmitting member towards the light source and lens means located between the baffle elements and the light source so as to concentrate light from the light source between adjacent baffle elements. The ends of the baffle elements abutting the light transmitting member are of a color chosen in accordance with the required appearance of the lamp assembly when the light source is not illuminated and the rest of the baffle elements are black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Britax Vega Limited
    Inventor: Anthony F. Peck
  • Patent number: 4517630
    Abstract: The optic axis of a vehicle headlight comprises a reflector, an incandescent helix and a convergent lens. The reflection surface of the reflector is parabolic in the horizontal midplane section and is elliptical in vertical median section. A narrow band of light spreading out laterally is thus produced without supplementary optical components, particularly the diffusion disk or dispersion lens. A sharp light-to-dark boundary is obtained by a diaphragm having an effective straight edge 18 located below the outer ellipse focus, which is coincident with that one of the principal foci of the converging lens which is the nearer to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rudiger Dieffenbach, Werner Grunwald, Peter Perthus, Friedrich Prinzhausen
  • Patent number: 4510555
    Abstract: An ornamental lighting device includes a plurality of optical fibers to which condensed light from a light source is distributed through a fiber optic cable. The optical fibers are arranged parallel to each other and held between a pair of light transmitting panels, which are rigidly mounted on a pedestal. Light propagating through the optical fibers is radiated through the light transmitting panels to the ambience. A plurality of such lighting devices may be arranged side by side and supplied by a common light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4506316
    Abstract: A spot lamp having a lens in the form of a curved member having an inner surface with a series of radially disposed flutes formed therein defining a fluted portion which surrounds a centrally disposed stippled portion. The flutes each extend linearly from a position adjacent the stippled portion outwardly to a position adjacent the outer edge of the curved member. The surfaces of the flutes are also stippled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: William Thiry, Arnold E. Westlund, Jr., Clarence D. Puckett
  • Patent number: 4504889
    Abstract: Although small enough to fit in a purse, this flashlight operates on six volts using a full-size flashlight bulb and casts a bright and quite-uniform beam of light, primarily for brief uses at relatively short range.The uniformity of the beam is obtained by a novel optical system, that includes an unsilvered, preferably generally parabolic reflector and a beam-narrowing lens. The combination of compactness and brightness is obtained by novel arrangement of the bulb and four penlight cells within the battery case, enhanced by the geometry of the reflector and lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Adolph E. Goldfarb
  • Patent number: 4493013
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a dish-shaped chassis which houses lighting elements including tube sockets, transformers, and ancillary electrical components. The chassis is sleeved within a protective, unitary, shatter-proof plastic closure shell having opaque, marginally disposed panel sections and an opaque circumscribing wall assembly integrally formed with and substending a light-transmitting diffuser lens bounded by a transversely extending, integrally-formed light-transmitting frame. The opaque panel sections shield the chassis-housed tube sockets and transformers from view exteriorly of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 4484254
    Abstract: A flood lamp having a lens with a series of concentrically disposed fluted rings on the internal lens surface in combination with an outer concentric ring adjacent to and wider than any one of the fluted rings and containing a plurality of semi-spherical protrusions disposed in an established pattern (e.g., circular or hexagonal). The flood lamp reflector has multiple reflective surfaces including a front section that is parabolic shape having a principle focal point, a spherical section having its center of radius coincident with the principle focal point of the parabolic front section, and a spherical rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Clarence D. Puckett, Arnold E. Westlund, Jr., William G. Thiry
  • Patent number: 4473872
    Abstract: A spot lamp having a lens with a series of concentrically disposed fluted rings on the internal lens surface in combination with an outer concentric ring adjacent to and wider than any one of the fluted rings and having a stippled surface. The spot lamp reflector has multiple reflective surfaces including a front section that is parabolic shape having a principle focal point, a spherical section having its center of radius coincident with the principle focal point of the parabolic front section, and a spherical rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Clarence D. Puckett, Arnold E. Westlund, Jr., William G. Thiry
  • Patent number: 4471412
    Abstract: An illumination element having a transparent flexible tube and a fine flexible light conducting member accommodated in the tube. The light conducting member is provided with a number of light outlet sections at spaced locations along its length. Light is incident on at least one end of the light conducting member and caused to break through the light outlet sections while propagating through the light conducting member. The light is available for ornamental lighting or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4463410
    Abstract: A lighting device operable with solar beams propagating through and emitting from the optical wave guides. A pair of spaced concave and convex reflecting members are provided to effectively diffuse the solar beams issuing from the exit end of the optical wave guides. One of the reflecting members may be constituted by a mirrored electric bulb in order to ensure the lighting device to operate also by electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4462068
    Abstract: A new and improved luminaire combination is disclosed having a novel lens structure formed with a generally horizontal first lens surface and a generally vertical second lens surface with a generally horizontal flange formed on the second lens surface. The first lens surface is designed to refract a beam of light downwardly and outwardly in a predetermined pattern to form a beam having a cross section approximating the predetermined pattern at a predetermined distance below the lens. The second lens surface is designed to diffuse a beam of light outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the second lens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Manville Service Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Shadwick
  • Patent number: 4451875
    Abstract: A single lighting fixture for mounting in front of a large billboard having a horizontal length approximately two times as long as its vertical length is disclosed. The lighting fixture comprises a lamp housing having a lamp positioned therein with the lamp being approximately horizontally positioned in the housing. A new and novel reflector is positioned on one side of the lamp is designed to reflect the light radiating from the lamp in such a manner that the bottom surface of the reflector is utilized to light up the approximate central portion of the billboard while the sides of the reflector are used to light triangular shaped side corners of the billboard. A refractor is positioned on the lamp housing to totally enclose the lamp with the refractor comprising in part three phase light control prism elements for stray light control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Manville Service Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Green, Jan Shadwick
  • Patent number: 4432045
    Abstract: A transparent shallow gently bulging substantially spherical segmental shield formed of polycarbonate resin protects a planar lens mounted in an aperture in a door of a conventional low profile streetlight. The shield shell is generally of the shape of a convex spherical segment with an altitude between one-eighth and one-fourth of the length of its base chord and has an external marginal flange. The curvature of the shell may be sharper adjacent to its margin than at its center. The shell may include a vent aperture to drain condensate liquid from the interior of the streetlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Inventor: William H. Merritt
  • Patent number: 4425604
    Abstract: An illuminating device for a display unit in which the display panel can be illuminated uniformly under a relatively constant luminous intensity. The illuminating device according to the present invention comprises a display panel, at least one light source and a reflector the inner surface of which is defined by at least two elliptical surfaces. One of two foci of each of the elliptical surfaces is located at the center of the light source and the other of two foci thereof is located on the inner surface of said display panel in order to focus rays of light reflected by the reflector on an area on the display panel away from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Fukashi Sugasawa
  • Patent number: 4408266
    Abstract: This invention relates to a threshold and approach semi-flush light of the type which utilizes a high intensity lamp surrounded by a reflector which concentrates the light emitting from the lamp on a mirror located above the lamp. The mirror reflects the light through a prism in a predetermined pattern. The reflector comprises a pair of ellipsoidal surfaces of differing eccentricities joined together to form a composite reflector, such that the ellipsoidal section nearest the lamp filament has an eccentricity greater than the second ellipsoidal section spaced a greater distance away from the lamp filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: Ermes Sclippa