Plural Serial Refractors Patents (Class 362/331)
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Publication number: 20080130279Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer includes a plurality of first V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer includes a plurality of second V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface distalmost from the first transparent layer. A direct type backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TUNG-MING HSU, SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Patent number: 7380969Abstract: A planar light source system having an LED (1) serving as a primary light source of substantially point-shaped light source, a light guide (2) having a light incident face on which light emitted from the LED (1) is incident and a light emission face (4) from which light guided through the light guide (2) is emitted, a light deflecting device (3) for controlling the direction of the emission light from the light guide (2), and a reflection sheet (6). LED (1) is disposed at a corner portion of the light guide (2), and many elongated prisms (5) are arranged substantially arcuately in parallel to each other on the light incident surface (14) of the light deflecting device (3) so as to surround LED (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyoshi Yamashita, Yasuko Hayashi, Issei Chiba
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Publication number: 20080123350Abstract: A light guide unit and a backlight unit and display device using the light guide unit are provided. The light guide unit includes a light guide body that is formed of a transparent material and has at least one concave portion with a concavely depressed bottom surface to accommodate a light source. The light guide body includes a first incidence surface forming a top surface of the concave portion, the first incidence surface patterned such that upwardly incident light is refracted at an oblique angle in a lateral direction; a second incidence surface forming a lateral surface of the concave portion, the second incidence surface to which lateral light is incident; a reflection surface disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide body, which extends from the concave portion; and a refraction surface forming a top surface of the light guide body, the refraction surface through which incident light is refracted and transmitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu-min CHOE, Moon-gyu Lee, Jee-hong Min
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Patent number: 7344282Abstract: An optical sheet includes a substrate onto which light is incident, and a convex part protruded from the substrate by a predetermined thickness. A thickness of the convex part increases from an edge to a center thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Miraenanotech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheul Yong Kim, Sang Mook Kim, Jong Wook Huh, Dong Ryoul Kim, Ki Won Jeon, Ju Won Lee, Eun Jung Ham, Myung Su Lee
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Publication number: 20080062704Abstract: A high uniformity diffuser is provided, wherein a light emission surface of the diffuser is added with prismatic lenses, such that a passage of light is changed through refraction or reflection caused when the light of lamps passes through the lens, in order to achieve an effect of scattering the light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Yu-Wei Chang, Jen-Huai Chang, Wen-Feng Cheng
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Patent number: 7338188Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light emitting portion provided on a reference plane to supply light, and an optical portion provided on the output side of the light emitting portion to transmit light from the light emitting portion. In the device, the optical portion is formed so that its refractive index periodically changes in a two-dimensional direction approximately parallel to the reference plane, and the optical portion can be formed separately from the light emitting portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Taisuke Yamauchi
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Publication number: 20080030994Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (23) includes a transparent plate portion 231, a plurality of brightness enhancement structures (232) and a light diffusion layer (233). The transparent plate portion has a light input interface (2311), and a light output surface (2312) opposite to the light input interface. The brightness enhancement structures are formed at the light output surface. The light diffusion layer are formed on the light input interface, which includes a transparent resin matrix material and a plurality of first light diffusion particles and a plurality of second light diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent resin matrix material uniformly. A refractive index of the second light diffusion particles is greater than that of the first light diffusion particles. An exemplary method for manufacturing the optical plate is also provided. The optical plate and an associated backlight module (20) can increase the light energy utilization ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Patent number: 7322733Abstract: A light guide plate having micro-reflectors is to increase luminance of the light guide plate by changing light route. The light guide plate includes an incidence plane, an illuminating plane, and a bottom. Each of the micro-reflectors is disposed at the bottom and intersected with the light guide plate in a direction heading for a recess provided at the bottom of the light guide plate, and comprises a light reflection plane located between the incidence plane and the illuminating plane to define an angle ?. The light reflection plane is an arc quadrilateral or a sector when observed from top of the illuminating plane. The arc quadrilateral has two concentric arc sides parallel with each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Applied Research Laboratories, National Center for High-Performance ComputingInventors: Jee-Gong Chang, Yu-Bin Fang, Chi-Feng Lin
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Patent number: 7312839Abstract: A light guiding plate includes a light incident portion into which light is incident from a light source, a light reflecting pattern to reflect the light provided from the light incident portion, and a light transmitting surface to transmit the light reflected by the light reflecting pattern to a display panel. The light reflecting pattern includes light reflecting sections each of which has a first light reflecting plane that is inclined with respect to the light transmitting surface to face toward the light source, and a second light reflecting plane that is inclined with respect to the light transmitting surface and connected with an edge of the first light reflecting plane so that the light reflection sections each form a prism shape. The light reflecting sections respectively having the second light reflecting planes that are configured to have different areal sizes to control reflectivity of the respective light reflecting sections.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ik-Soo Lee, Jin-Baek Kim
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Patent number: 7312927Abstract: A straw holder for supporting a drinking straw in the mouth of a bottle is presented. The holder includes a straw support portion dimensioned for placement across the mouth of a bottle. The straw support portion includes an aperture designed to receive a straw therethrough and to vertically support the straw with respect to the support portion. The holder further includes a bottle retaining portion that includes at least one turn extending around the retaining portion. The at least one turn includes a first turn having an end attached to the straw support portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventors: Georg Bogner, Herbert Breinich, Bernd Ludewig, Ralf Mayer, Heinrich Noll, Jörg-Erich Sorg
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Patent number: 7303291Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes: a group of light source segments; a group of condenser lenses arrayed as opposed to the group of light source segments, and a group of rectangular lens elements arrayed as opposed to the group of condenser lenses for converging a light ray transmitted through the opposing condenser lens; and an illumination optical system for guiding the rays to an illumination plane. The lens elements have a shape of a rectangle and are arrayed in a rectangular effective area in such a way that a longitudinal axis of each lens elements intersects an axis passing a side of the effective area at 45°.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Kazuhiro Arai
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Patent number: 7303311Abstract: A lens comprising a transparent member having at least two surfaces, and a Fresnel lens surface provided on each of the two surfaces of the transparent member, the transparent member including a generally plate-like shape having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the Fresnel lens surface being provided on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent member.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Shimura
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Patent number: 7300184Abstract: In a planar light guiding device and a display device, plural light guiding rods are arranged in parallel to one another in a housing having an opening portion serving as a light emission face at the upper surface thereof, and a point light source (LED) 2 is disposed so as to oppose to at least one of both the end faces 1a of each light guiding rod through a space, thereby constituting a light source unit. These light source units are arranged in the metal housing to thereby form the planar light guiding device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Ichikawa, Seiji Sakai, Toshiyuki Yoneda
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Patent number: 7290917Abstract: A light guide plate (32) for a backlight module includes a light incident surface (321), a bottom surface (323), and a plurality of light guide elements (320) disposed therein. Each light guide element has a light refractive surface (324) opposite to the light incident surface. An angle between the light refractive surface and the bottom surface is an acute angle. A refractive index of each light guide element is different from that of adjacent light guide elements. The reflectivity index of the light guide element and the angle can be selected and arranged so that most if not all the light beams are emitted from the light output surface. Thereby, the light guide plate is highly efficient in the utilization of light beams.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.Inventors: Hung-Sheng Cho, Chiu-Lien Yang
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Patent number: 7290921Abstract: A light guide plate (300) includes a light incidence surface (310) for receiving light beams, a light-emitting surface (320) for guiding light beams out of the light guide plate, and a bottom surface (330) reflecting and scattering light beams in directions toward the light-emitting surface. The bottom surface includes scattering-dots (341), and a predetermined region of the bottom surface also includes sub-scattering-dots (342). At least one sub-scattering-dot is disposed around each scattering-dot. The sub-scattering-dots are smaller than the scattering-dots. With this micro-configuration, intensities of light beams output from the light guide plate are uniform and bright.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jhy-Chain Lin
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Publication number: 20070223232Abstract: An optical sheet includes a base film and a light-concentrating member. The light-concentrating member includes light-concentrating protrusions and is disposed on the base film. Each of the light-concentrating protrusions includes first to fourth surfaces. The first and second surfaces are extended from the upper surface along an exterior surface of a first and second cylinder in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, respectively. The first and second cylinders have first and second axes that are substantially parallel to each other. The third and fourth surfaces are extended from the upper surface along an exterior surface of a third cylinder in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively. The third axis is substantially perpendicular to the first central axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.,Inventors: Seong-Yong HWANG, In-Sun HWANG, Sung-Kyu SHIM
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Publication number: 20070189033Abstract: A light guide plate has a light emitting surface and a prism surface opposite to the light emitting surface. The prism surface includes a plurality of grooves extending parallel to each. The grooves have a constant depth, and widths of the grooves are varied, thereby adjusting the apex angles of the grooves. The depth of the grooves can be set to be not more than 20 microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: Kiyokazu Watanabe, Junji Miyashita
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Patent number: 7255458Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the diffusion of illumination from discrete light sources such that the illumination is blended and directed in one or more desired directions. The illumination system comprises a substrate having a plurality of light-emitting elements thereon which are arranged in an array, wherein these light-emitting elements produce illumination at one or more wavelengths. Proximate to the light-emitting elements is a diffuser, which collects the illumination produced by the discrete light-emitting elements and redirects this illumination in one or more predetermined directions, thereby blending together the one or more wavelengths of illumination and concentrating the illumination in the predetermined directions. The illumination system further comprises a power system, which provides energy to the light-emitting elements thereby resulting in their activation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Tir Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Ian Ashdown
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Patent number: 7252405Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat sink that serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. The lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 7241027Abstract: An illumination system includes a light source, first and second cylindrical lens arrays, and a relay lens. The first cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which divide light emitted from the light source into a plurality of beams. The second cylindrical lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical lens cells which combine the beams divided by the cylindrical lens cells in an identical direction. The relay lens relays beams passed through the second cylindrical lens array so that most of the beams are concentrated on an incident light axis to have a Gaussian distribution. Accordingly, light passed through slits for controlling the divergence angle of incident light or the etendue of an optical system has a Gaussian distribution in a color separation direction or a color scrolling direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-ho Cho, Dae-sik Kim, Sung-ha Kim, Hee-joong Lee
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Patent number: 7237924Abstract: An LED signal using a novel optical element to control the light distribution of a small LED light source. Light emitted by the LEDs illuminates the optical element. The optical element has a plurality of clusters, shaped along the x-, y- and z-axis to control the light. After the light is distributed, it encounters a second optical surface of the optical element, typically a fresnel surface. The light is controlled by the optical element. Optionally, a lens can be placed over each LED to control the light pattern of the LED. The lens has an entry face to direct the light to a total internal reflection surface on the side, which redirects the light to the exit face. The resulting signal is a uniform, efficient signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Lumination LLCInventors: Patrick Martineau, Eden Dubuc
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Patent number: 7234837Abstract: A light emitting device, which includes at least one light emitting element, has a light emission portion which emits diffused light, at least one optical element upon which a concave portion is formed in which the diffused light which has been emitted from the light emitting element is incident, and which converts the diffused light into approximately parallel light and emits the approximately parallel light thereof to the exterior, and a holder portion which has one side surface, another side surface, and at least one through hole which extends between the one and the other side surfaces, and which holds the light emitting element and the optical element, in which the optical element is inserted into the through hole from a side of the one side surface of the holder portion, and is fixed therein, and the light emitting element is inserted into the through hole to which the optical element is fixed from a side of the other side surface of the holder portion, and is fixed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Kazunari Hanano
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Publication number: 20070139932Abstract: The present invention relates to a light source package structure, which comprises: an accommodating space for accommodating a light source, a first refraction surface, and at least a second refraction surface. The first refraction surface receives light discharging from the light source while refracting the same to form a first refracting light, the upper part of the first refraction surface further comprising a refracting structure for refracting the light emitted from the light source. The second refraction surface receives and refracts the first refracting light to form a discharging light being emitted out of the light source package structure. Wherein, an included angle is formed between the normal vector of a portion of the second refraction surface and the central axis of the light source package structure. It is noted that the aforesaid package structure can be used in various packaging for improving refraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Yi-Ting Sun, Po-Hung Yao, Heng-Chun Huang, Hsiu-Chen Hsu
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Patent number: 7226197Abstract: A light guide which guides light emitted from an LED includes a light incident end surface for receiving light, a light outputting surface for outputting a guided light, and a lens forming surface that has a plurality of elongated lenses arranged in parallel to each other and formed along the directivity of light incident from the LED, such that a plurality of micro regions are defined over the plurality of elongated lens. In the vicinity of the LED, a distribution of micro regions having an inclination angle between 20° and 50° is at least 10% over all micro regions. A light deflection element disposed adjacent to the light guide light outputting surface includes a light entrance surface having a plurality of lenses formed thereon that are parallel to each other and extend in a direction parallel to the light guide light incident end surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuko Hayashi, Tomoyoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 7216999Abstract: A chemiluminescent lighting device having a flexible casing surrounding the source of light. A separate transparent, translucent or opaque sleeve is placed about the casing to improve the gripping and the aesthetic feel of the device while passing the light. The sleeve may be in the form of a spiral or net exposing portions of the casing. The sleeve may include colored polymers to produce multi-colored effects. The sleeve may also include fluorescers to retain intensity and/or change colors. The lighting device enhances the visual appeal of novelty items such as necklaces and bracelets, and provides a tactile grip when used as a hand-held illumination device.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Fred Kaplan, Earl Cranor
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Patent number: 7217006Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser and a power supply that provides independent power to individual sets of the LEDs. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 7210840Abstract: A rod-shaped light transmission body that has a plurality of prisms and converts light incident from a light source to linear light through the prisms to output the linear light, the prisms including a first prism having a function of totally reflecting the incident light to output the light from the rod-shaped light transmission body, and second and third prisms that are positioned on both sides of the first prism, each of the second and the third prisms having a function of transmitting and deflecting the incident light.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satoshi Maeda, Hirokazu Aritake
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Patent number: 7210806Abstract: A compact and efficient optical illumination system featuring planar multi-layered LED light source arrays concentrating their polarized or un-polarized output within a limited angular range. The optical system manipulates light emitted by a planar array of electrically-interconnected LED chips positioned within the input apertures of a corresponding array of shaped metallic reflecting bins using at least one of elevated prismatic films, polarization converting films, micro-lens arrays and external hemispherical or ellipsoidal reflecting elements. Practical applications of the LED array illumination systems include compact LCD or DMD video image projectors, as well as general lighting, automotive lighting, and LCD backlighting.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Digital Optics International CorporationInventors: Robert L. Holman, Arthur Cox
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Patent number: 7204616Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes at least one light source, a light conductive plate having the at least one light source disposed toward one end surface thereof, and at least one light controlling means disposed between the at least one light source and the light conductive plate. The at least one light controlling means is formed such that a plurality of transparent rectangular solids are stacked one over another vertically and horizontally, and that the transparent rectangular solids are put together by means of adhesive which can transmit light emitted from the at least one light source. The at least one light controlling means has a refractive index profile formed in both directions parallel to and vertical to the light exit surface of the light conductive plate thereby controlling light with respect to the both directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Kitamura
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Patent number: 7198390Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a reflector made of heat-resistant glass. It is another object of the present invention to provide a projective display which uses the reflector. A projector device having: a light source emitting white light; a reflector reflecting a light emitted from the light source; a light valve modulating illumination beam of light; and a projective lens projecting image light from the light valve, wherein the reflector is made of a glass containing SiO2 as a major ingredient and at least one rare-earth element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, and the glass has a thermal expansion coefficient lower than 40×10?7/° C. and a transition temperature higher than 500° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Motoyuki Miyata, Masahiko Yatsu, Hiroyuki Akata, Masaharu Deguchi, Katsuyuki Watanabe, Takashi Naitou, Koji Hirata
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Patent number: 7192166Abstract: A lens comprising a transparent member having at least two surfaces, and a Fresnel lens surface provided on each of the two surfaces of the transparent member, the transparent member including a generally plate-like shape having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the Fresnel lens surface being provided on each of the first and second surfaces of the transparent member.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Shimura
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Patent number: 7188984Abstract: An LED headlamp array having discrete LED light source modules, where each light source module has an LED light source, optics dedicated to each LED light source, and a faceted reflector.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edwin Mitchell Sayers, Jeffrey Erion, Rainer Neumann, Jeyachandrabose Chinniah, Leonard Livschitz, Scott West
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Patent number: 7186004Abstract: An optical sheet that accepts light transmitted at or within a specific entrance cone angle that then redirects and transmits the light within an exit cone that is substantially normal to the sheet's plane. The intensity of the light within the exit cone is substantially uniform for any light source entering the sheet within the sheet's acceptance angle. The optical sheet is made of transparent material with microlens arrays formed on its opposite front and back surfaces. The thickness of the optical sheet is sufficient so that the microlens on the opposite surfaces are separated a distance equal to the microlens focal length, with each microlens on the front and back surfaces having substantially similar size and shape, with centers transversely aligned. When used with one or more light sources located on one surface, the transmitted light through the optical sheet is uniform in intensity across a second surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventors: Karlton David Powell, Mircea Michael Bayer
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Patent number: 7175299Abstract: An efficient system and method for zooming the light from a flashlight is disclosed. Multiple refractive lenses are translated in unison to allow zooming of the light while reducing the size and weight of the required lenses. In another aspect, a meniscus lens is used to reduce the amount of light lost from a light-emitting diode (LED). One method includes providing a light source in a housing and translating a lens arrangement substantially along a light path of a light beam generated by the light source. The lens arrangement includes at least two refractive lenses separated by a gap, a size of the gap being maintained during translation of the lens arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: Alan Uke, Steven Wright
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Patent number: 7175316Abstract: This invention relates to searchlight type light devices including underwater light devices and automobile headlights. A light device in accordance with the present invention provides light beam compression along the optical axis and thus increases considerably the intensity or optical density of the beam. The light device includes a light source, a main concave reflector, and a lens projection system, the main concave reflector and the lens projection system being aligned relative to the optical axis and the light source being located between the reflector and the lens projection system, on the same optical axis. In addition, the main collecting pre-reflector lens is mounted between the light source and the main reflector, the main reflectors concave surface being implemented as a segment of sphere, and the light source being located in the focal point of such main reflector. Said main collecting pre-reflector lens has a focal length exceeding the main reflector's focal length by a factor of 1.25–2.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Hyperboloid CorporationInventor: Matvey B. Shpizel
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Patent number: 7159997Abstract: The present invention provides for a linear lighting apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, a primary optical assembly, and a secondary optical assembly. The light emitting diodes produce light towards the primary optical assembly. The primary optical assembly refracts this light towards the secondary optical assembly. The secondary optical assembly receives this light and refracts the light again so that the light emanates from the linear lighting apparatus. The present invention also provides a method for improving lighting efficiency from a linear lighting apparatus. The method includes emitting light from a plurality of light emitting diodes, refracting the light in a primary optical assembly, receiving this light refracted by the primary optical assembly, and refracting this light in a secondary optical assembly so as to direct the light from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: lo LightingInventors: Ann Reo, Graeme Watt
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Patent number: 7156547Abstract: A light diffusive sheet of the present invention comprises a transparent polymer sheet provided with a light diffusion layer 3 on one side and an uneven surface 4a having arithmetical mean deviation of 0.5 ?m or less and mean spacing of 80 ?m or narrower on the opposite side. Such an uneven surface can be made by forming a backcoat layer 4 including a mixture of particles having particular mean diameters in a particular proportion to a binder resin on the transparent polymer sheet. An area light source element 7 of the present invention is produced by laminating a prism sheet 6 on a light guide plate 5 so that the prism surface 61 of the prism sheet 6 is opposed to the light-emitting surface 51 of the light guide plate 5 and laminating the light diffusive sheet on the prism sheet 6 so that the uneven surface (backcoat layer) of the light diffusive sheet is opposed to the surface opposite of the prism surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Kimoto Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasumaro Toshima, Masashi Takai, Hideharu Nagami
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Patent number: 7153000Abstract: A multi-lens LED has multiple lenses and an intermediate layer interposed between the multiple lenses in order to radiate light emitted from an LED chip in a desired direction and/or at a desired beam angle. The first lens is centered behind the LED chip when seen in the propagation direction of light. The second lens has a concave structure and surrounds the first lens. The intermediate layer is interposed between the first and second lenses, so that light emitted from the LED chip can be radiated at a wide beam angle. When provided in the form of a hemisphere, the multi-lens LED can be attached, e.g., to a wall or a ceiling for interior lighting. On the other hand, when provided in the form of a semicylinder, the multi-lens LEDs can be arranged in arrays to be used, e.g., as a light source of an LCD backlight apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Kyu Park, Young Sam Park, Hun Joo Hahm, Young June Jeong, Hyung Suk Kim
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Patent number: 7154085Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a region of interest are presented. Incident radiation is transmitted towards the region of interest with a certain transmitting angle and with a predetermined angular intensity distribution of the incident radiation. The transmitting angle defines a plane of propagation of the incident radiation, the region of interest being located within this plane. Reflections of the incident radiation are collected with a solid angle of collection intersecting with said plane. A region of intersection presents a detecting window of a predetermined geometry containing at least a portion of the region of interest. The collected radiation coming from within the detecting window is detected, and output signals indicative thereof are generated.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Rafael Armament Development Authority, Ltd.Inventors: Evgeny Frumker, Eliezer Rosenblum, Ezra Shamay
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Patent number: 7134769Abstract: The invention relates to a lantern, preferably for use aboard ships, in particular leisure vessels, which has a housing, at least one illuminant and a light-permeable cover. According to the invention, at least one LED is provided as the illuminant and is associated with a beam baffler.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Aqua Signal AktiengesellshaftInventors: Ralph Rohlfing, Wolfgang Serfass
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Patent number: 7134768Abstract: Light emitted from a plurality of LED light sources can be introduced into a light guide and inwardly reflected (totally reflected) at a first reflective surface formed on the light guide to form a substantially collimated light. The substantially collimated light can then be inwardly reflected (totally reflected) at a second reflective surface and a third reflective surface. The light can then be led out of the light guide and emitted in a direction of illumination of the lamp. An increased amount of light provides a bright lamp. An arrangement of LEDs emitting different colored lights enables the different colored lights to be emitted at the same time or with time delays.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7123419Abstract: A lens for substantially collimating light in one axis and spreading light in an axis substantially perpendicular to the collimation axis including a lens an entry face which is positive and cylindrical, having a cross-section which includes the positive cylindrical curvature and having tapered sides substantially parallel to the refracted rays produced by the cylinders curvature and a circular convex or a spheric exit face perpendicular to the cylindrical curvature.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
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Patent number: 7121683Abstract: A direct backlight module for an LCD panel includes a base, a supporter plate and a plurality of films. The base further has a plurality of lamps parallel arranged thereinside. The supporter plate is mounted over the base and further has a frame and a plurality of wires. The frame is a square structure having a central opening, and each of the wires is constructed at the frame by crossing the central opening. The films are mounted layer by layer over the supporter plate and born by both the frame and the wires. The module can engage with an LCD at a side exposing the film and, under such an engagement, lights of the lamps can pass through the central opening of the supporter plate, penetrate the films, and finally reach the LCD.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Yu-Yuan Teng, Hsin-Wu Lin
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Patent number: 7121693Abstract: A lamp assembly having a lens plate covering the opening and spaced from the lamp. The lens plate is provided with a multiplicity of microlenses such that the lens plate and lamp assembly generates a well defined light cone with a sharp demarcation between the dark region outside the light cone and the illuminated region within the light cone and the illumination within the light cone is homogeneous.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Erco Leuchten GmbHInventor: Leonard Klose
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Patent number: 7111961Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
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Patent number: 7104665Abstract: An illuminating device comprises a transparent substrate, an area light emitting device and at least one contact terminal for supplying electric power to the area light emitting device. The area light emitting device comprises a first electrode, a thin film layer having an emission layer and a second electrode formed over the transparent substrate, for emitting light that is transmitted through the transparent substrate. Further, a plurality of light scattering members are provided with the transparent substrate, in a manner such that the density of the scattering members increases commensurate with the distance from said contact terminal.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventor: Yoshifumi Kato
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Patent number: 7097341Abstract: A light guide plate (32) used in a surface light source (30) for a liquid crystal display includes a light incidence surface (321) for receiving light beams, an emission surface (325) perpendicular to the light incidence surface for emitting the light, a bottom surface (323) opposite to the emission surface, and a plurality of grooves (327) and light reflection dots (329) formed on the bottom surface. The grooves are formed in a continuous band adjacent to the light incidence surface and extend perpendicular to the light incidence surface for scattering the light beams. The light guide plate provides highly uniform illumination for a liquid crystal display panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kun-Jung Tsai
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Patent number: 7072096Abstract: A compact and efficient optical illumination system featuring planar multi-layered LED light source arrays concentrating their polarized or un-polarized output within a limited angular range. The optical system manipulates light emitted by a planar light emitters such as electrically-interconnected LED chips. Each light emitting region in the array is surrounded by reflecting sidewalls whose output is processed by elevated prismatic films, polarization converting films, or both. The optical interaction between light emitters, reflecting sidewalls, and the elevated prismatic films create overlapping virtual images between emitting regions that contribute to the greater optical uniformity. Practical illumination applications of such uniform light source arrays include compact LCD or DMD video image projectors, as well as general lighting, automotive lighting, and LCD backlighting.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Digital Optics International, CorporationInventors: Robert L. Holman, Arthur Cox
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Patent number: 7052140Abstract: The illumination device in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is an illumination device including a light-emitting tube, an elliptical reflector, a parallelizing lens, a first lens array, a second lens array, and a polarized light conversion element. The polarized light conversion element includes a first polarized light separation unit having a single polarized light separation surface to conduct polarized light separation with respect to partial luminous fluxes of two rows, the first row and second row, of the second lens array and a single reflecting surface a second polarized light separation unit having a single polarized light separation surface to conduct polarized light separation with respect to partial luminous fluxes of two rows, the third row and fourth row, of the second lens array and a single reflecting surface, and a phase difference plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Koichi Akiyama
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Patent number: 7014343Abstract: A light guide plate (10) includes a transparent plate (20), and a plurality of diffusing protrusions (30). The transparent plate includes an emitting surface (21), and a bottom surface (23) opposite to the emitting surface. The diffusing protrusions are distributed evenly on the emitting surface of the transparent plate, and are integrated with the transparent plate. The diffusing protrusions are hemispherical or sub-hemispherical, and a diameter of each diffusing protrusion is in the range from 10 ?m˜50 ?m. The light guide plate provides high emitting brightness and uniformity. The diffusing protrusions can diffuse light beams emitting from the emitting surface of the transparent plate, in order to achieve a plane light source having even brightness. The present Invention also discloses a method for fabricating the light guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., LTDInventors: Charles Leu, Mi-Chien Chen, Tai-Cheng Yu, Ga-Lane Chen, Ming-Hsuan Liu