Plural Serial Refractors Patents (Class 362/331)
  • Patent number: 6092914
    Abstract: A lighting fixture configured to image a high-intensity beam of light at a distant location with a variable beam spread and a variable image distance. The lighting fixture includes an illuminator mounted on a front projection system. The illuminator includes an elliptical reflector defining two focal points. A lamp is at one of the reflector's focal points, while an aperture of the front projection system is at the reflector's other focal point. The front projection system includes a tubular housing having shutter blades moveably positionable in the aperture to obstruct light passing through the second focal point. A rear lens receives and transmits light emitted by the illuminator, while a front lens is configured to receive light transmitted by the first lens and project it at the distant location. The lenses are contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Electronics Theatre Controls
    Inventors: Gregory F. Esakoff, Fred R. Foster
  • Patent number: 6086212
    Abstract: Provided is a panel light source device through which the light availability is increased. The luminance of light to be outputted by the device in the oblique direction that oversteps the front direction of the device is reduced. The device comprises a light source 2, a reflector 8, a waveguide 3 that receives through its side surfaces the light having been outputted by the light source 2 and reflected by the reflector 8, an output light modulator 6 as provided on the light output surface of the waveguide 3 to modulate the output light from the light output surface of the waveguide 3 toward the front direction of the light output surface, and an input light modulator 9 as provide between the light source 2 and the side surface of the waveguide 3 to modulate the output light from the light source 2 toward the light output surface of the waveguide 3 or toward the back surface of the waveguide 3 opposite to the light output surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Onishi, Katsuya Fujisawa, Rikuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6059436
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a lamp chamber formed by covering the front opening of a lamp body with an outer lens in order to mount a reflector carrying a bulb of a vehicle lamp as a primary vehicle lamp in the lamp chamber, and an extension disposed on the periphery of the opening of the reflector mounted in the lamp chamber. The extension is fixed to the lamp body or the outer lens, and the reflector of a vehicle lamp as an auxiliary vehicle lamp and an inner lens for covering the opening of the reflector therewith are fixed to the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Hashigaya
  • Patent number: 6048071
    Abstract: A front-light, to be used by mounting on the front of a reflection-type LCD, etc., is provided with a light-conducting body having a light-entry surface, through which light enters from a light source, and a light exit surface, through which light is projected toward a liquid crystal cell; the light-entry surface being provided so as to incline with respect to the normal direction of the light exit surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Sawayama
  • Patent number: 6045246
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp including: a lamp chamber accommodating a reflector for forwards reflecting light emitted from a light source, an inner lens and an outer lens disposed at a front opening of the reflector such that the two lenses are, by projection-and-pit lance engagement, secured to an elongating lens-engaging portion formed along the front opening of the reflector, wherein the inner lens and the outer lens are integrally secured to each other by projection-and-pit lance engagement, and either of the two lenses is secured to (an engagement hole) the elongating lens-engaging portion by the projection-and-pit lance engagement. The number of the visible projection-and-pit lance engagement holes provided for the lens engagement portion and of the reflector, respectively, and arranged to secure the lens can be reduced as compared with a conventional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Goto
  • Patent number: 6027222
    Abstract: A back light device for a liquid crystal display is provided, which comprises diffusing prisms formed on the surface of the light guide plate, and the apical angle of the diffusing prism is set in the range of 65-85 degrees for a uniform and brighter illumination using the same light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Oki, Kenichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6027220
    Abstract: The invention is a surface light source device capable of effectively producing polarized illumination light. The output angle of a representative beam C3 representing P-polarized component of output light from an emission surface 5 of the light guide plate 1 is about 75.degree.. Where P-polarization component of representative beam C3 is 100 (reference value), and the S-polarized component is 42.2. Representative beam C3 enters from an air layer AR to a flat surface 24g of a prism sheet 24, and then goes into the inside of prism sheet 24. At this stage the P-polarization component is 89.3 whereas the S-polarization component is 25.5. Beam C3 is incident on a slant surface 24d from its inside at an angle proximating the normal, and propagates into air layer AR between prism sheets 24, 34. Beam C3 impinges on a flat surface 34g of a prism sheet 34 while its corresponding part passes through the inside of prism sheet 34. At this stage its P-polarization component is 83.9 and its S-polarization component is 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yashuhiro Koike
    Inventor: Takayuki Arai
  • Patent number: 6027221
    Abstract: In a surface light source device of side light type applied to a liquid crystal display or the like, a light control member is prevented from clinging to a light guide plate. The light guide plate is formed by means of injection molding with molds 16A and 16B. The molds 16A and 16B have an additional cavity 13 in a portion corresponding to a position close to an incidence surface of the light guide plate 11, with a gate G being arranged in the cavity. In the mold 16B, its inside surface corresponding to an emitting surface 12 is roughened. According to gradient in roughness, the emitting surface of a light guide plate to be manufactured is roughened so as to have uniform or graded roughness. On a center line C--C, the inside surface is much roughened in a portion distant from the cavity 13. Further, on a crossing line D--D, the inside surface is roughened so as to reduce the roughness according to distance from the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Hiroshi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6019493
    Abstract: A high efficiency light which includes a conical lamp shade having a light reflecting inside wall, a circuit board mounted on inside the lamp shade and holding a set of LEDs, a hemispherical inner lens covered on the circuit board over the LEDs inside the lamp shade, the hemispherical inner lens having a center convex lens portion and a plurality of annular convex lens portions around the center convex lens portion, a flat intermediate lens covered on the front open side of the lamp shade, the flat intermediate lens having a center convex lens portion and a plurality of annular biconvex lens portions around the center convex lens portion, and a hollow rounded outer lens mounted on the front open side of the lamp shade over the flat intermediate lens and sealed by a packing ring, the hollow rounded outer lens having a center convex lens portion, a plurality of annular convex lens portions around the center convex lens portion, and a plurality of beehive-like convex lens portions around the annular convex lens
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kuo, Kwo-Sou Huang, Chan-Chuan Tai
  • Patent number: 6014489
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming hollow tubular light-distributing tubes for area illumination along the length of the tubes from a beam of light introduced into one end. Within the tube is a geometrically complex, 3-dimensional light redirecting structure traversing the light beam along the full length of the tube to redirect the light beam proportionately along the length of tube through a window formed therein. Both the tube and the light-redirecting structure can be formed as an integrated flat, substantially void-free structure for shipping and then converted in situ to the operative, 3 dimensional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Walter A. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6007210
    Abstract: In a discharge lamp device, the electric power supplied to a discharge lamp is controlled in order of first to fourth control regions from the start of lighting of the discharge lamp. In the first control region, the lamp current is held constant until the lamp voltage reaches a first voltage value. In the second control region, the lamp current is reduced so as to have a correlation with a first time constant curve for a constant time after the lamp voltage reaches the first voltage value. In the third control region, the lamp current is reduced so as to have a correlation with a second time constant curve after a lapse of the constant time. The second time constant curve differs from the first time constant curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Yamamoto, Kenji Yoneima, Masamichi Ishikawa, Hiroaki Okuchi, Hiromi Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 5992066
    Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating medical diagnostic imaging film comprises a light source for projecting light toward the imaging film, and a plurality of light diffusion film layers positioned in close adjacent relationship with one another, between the imaging film and the light source. Each of the diffusion film layers has a specified index of refraction, and the diffusion layers collectively act to scatter the projected light. An optical adhesive having an index of refraction which is substantially equal to the diffusion film index of refraction is positioned between respective adjacent surfaces thereof to substantially eliminate air-filled spaces therebetween, and to bond the film diffusion layers together into a unitary light diffusion structure. A plurality of layers of microprism film are positioned between the light diffusion film and the imaging film for redirecting at least a portion of the scattered light into a beam of collimated light directed to illuminate the imaging film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5980067
    Abstract: An indicator light for a motor vehicle includes a lamp, a reflector, a cover lens, and a screen placed between the lamp and the cover lens so as to mask the lamp. The reflector has a set of deflecting panels or facets, adjacent to each other and arranged to generate a plurality of secondary light sources visible within a given field of observation.Each deflecting panel comprises a central zone having a contour, projected orthogonally on the optical axis, which is generally rectangular with horizontal and vertical sides and adapted to cover the whole field of illumination, together with at least one pair of peripheral zones with oblique sides, smoothly extending the central zone on two opposed sides of the central zone. The peripheral zones together also cover the whole field of illumination. Each deflecting panel reveals at least two virtual light sources within a given field of observation, when viewed from any angle within that field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Pierre Albou, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 5964525
    Abstract: An indicating light or side lamp display for a motor vehicle comprises a substantially point light source, a flux recuperator such as a mirror, for reflecting the light from the source towards the outside in the form of an essentially parallel beam, and, interposed in the path of the beam, an intermediate screen and a cover lens. The intermediate screen has a set of optical cells, each of which includes on an internal face a substantially spherical surface for spreading the light, and, on an outer face of the screen, a set of at least two flat facets which are oblique with respect to the plane of the intermediate screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Pierre Albou
  • Patent number: 5951138
    Abstract: A surface light source device of side light type is provided to achieve achieves both avoidance of pattern see-through and retainment of brightness around the front direction. Light of a lamp 1 surrounded by a reflector 6 is introduced into a wedge-shaped light guide plate 2 via an incidence surface 21. In the process that the light is guided toward a terminal surface 24 while being repeatedly reflected at an emission surface 22, back surface 23 or reflector 4 of the light guide plate 2, illumination light is gradually taken out of the emission surface 22. A light diffusion sheet 35 having weak light diffuseability and a prism sheet 30 are disposed outside emission surface 22. The light subject to weak light diffusion action through the weak light diffusion sheet 35 is incident from an incident surface 301 to the prism sheet 30 without loosing directivity, exiting from a bright surface 302 consisting of a number of prism arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5947587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a signal lamp comprising a box-shaped housing having an open end, a number of LEDs being provided in the housing and the open end of the housing being closed by means of a spreading window. The invention is characterized in that the LEDs are clustered around the central axis of the housing and in that the lamp comprises a positive lens (preferably a fresnel lens). The signal lamp in accordance with the invention provides an optimum, homogeneous brightness distribution on the surface of the spreading window. Preferably, the lens has a focal distance f, the LEDs are arranged at a distance v from the lens, and 0.55<v/f<0.975. This measure contributes to the intended optimum homogeneous brightness distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Matthijs H. Keuper, Antonius J. M. Van Hees
  • Patent number: 5918968
    Abstract: An illuminating device for a projector, includes: a lamp for emitting light; a parabolic mirror for converting the light emitted from the lamp into parallel light rays by reflecting the light emitted from the lamp; a convex lens for refracting the parallel light rays which have been reflected by the parabolic mirror, and also converting directly input light from the lamp which is not reflected by the parabolic mirror into parallel light rays; and a combination lens composed of a first lens and a second lens. The first lens is for focusing the light refracted by the convex lens at a predetermined focal point and the second lens is for focusing the parallel light rays converted by the convex lens at the focal point. An image lens is also provided for converting the light focused at the focal point into a parallel beam of light rays. Therefore, the efficiency of the use of light of a projector can be improved by adopting such an illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon-cheol Choi
  • Patent number: 5914760
    Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light source, a light guide plate for guiding light from the light source to one surface, and a light-condensing member for outputting exit light from the light guide plate in a predetermined direction. The one surface of the light guide plate is a stepped surface whose thickness decreases step by step at a predetermined pitch from one end, at which the light source is arranged, to the other. The light-condensing member is located to face the light guide plate and includes a plurality of prisms for refracting exit light from the light guide plate toward the direction of a normal to the light guide plate, and a plurality of lenses for condensing and outputting light in a direction within a predetermined range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Daiku
  • Patent number: 5899552
    Abstract: A light incident into a wedge type light scattering conducting element from a light incident surface of the light scattering conducting element is converted into a light flux having a directionality and is output from a light output surface. The output light is input to a wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element arranged with a positional relationship complementary to the light scattering conducting element. A prism shaped irregularity for adjusting a propagating directionality of the light in longitudinal/transverse directions is formed on a light input surface/light output surface of the wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element. The wedge type emitting direction characteristic adjusting element has a weakened scattering power depending on requirements, thereby a degree of directionality sharpness of the light emitted from a surface light source device is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventors: Kazuaki Yokoyama, Takayuki Arai, Yasuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 5897201
    Abstract: From a quasi point source, light distribution means produce a selected one or ones of broadly distributed ambient light, non-shadowing task illumination, multibeam display lighting, projective lineal lighting and projective surface washing illumination lineally or radially distributed. Collimation optics shape light from a quasi point source into a disc of selected axial thickness. Containment optics contain divergence of and direct light from the collimation optics to distribution optics. The distribution optics modulates and redirects the radiant energy into a shape or shapes useful in illuminating architectural space. The distribution optics may reflect or refract light to direct and shape it for a particular architectural illumination requirement. The efficient combination of the optics provides for a system of minimized thickness, permitting maximum flexibility in integration with or within shelves, soffits and other structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
  • Patent number: 5893635
    Abstract: A headlamp module for providing a uniform field of illumination at a predetermined distance includes a headlamp housing having a first end and a second end. A light source such as a terminated fiber optic cable is disposed within the first end of the housing. A condenser system is disposed within said headlamp housing in optical communication with a light source which is positioned close to the condenser. The condenser system, which comprises a pair of planar convex lenses oriented with the convex sides facing each other, is in optical communication with a reflecting element such as a planar mirror or a reflecting prism. The light reflected by the reflecting element is directed to an exit lens, such as a projection lens or an objective. The light exiting the exit lens provides the uniform field of illumination despite the presence of a real image of the light source termination at a distance close to the exit lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Luxtec Corporation
    Inventor: Ram Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 5863113
    Abstract: A plane light source unit which may be advantageously used as a backlighting means for a liquid crystal display device, and which includes a transparent light guide having a side end surface as a light incident surface, a surface perpendicular to the light incident surface as a light emitting surface, and a light reflecting layer provided on an opposite surface to the light emitting surface; and a second element having a large number of prism units formed on the light emitting surface of the transparent light guide which receives the light emitted from the transparent light guide and emits the light in a predetermined direction; wherein at least one of the light emitting surface and the opposite surface of said transparent light guide has a directional light emitting function which emits the incident light from the light incident surface of the transparent light guide in an oblique direction to the incident light and has a regulation function which makes the luminance of the light through the light emitting s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Oe, Issei Chiba
  • Patent number: 5863114
    Abstract: A light emissive panel unit includes a light source for emitting light, a prism plate into which the light emitted by the light source means incident, a part of the light being reflectable and another part of the light passing through the prism plate, and an adjusting element for partially adjusting an amount of light emitted from a surface of the prism plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinpei Nagatani, Fumiaki Yamada, Masaki Miyahara, Motohiko Fukuhara, Katsunori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5844720
    Abstract: A prism sheet having a plurality of substantially triangular prism-shaped lens units with their longitudinal axes almost parallel to each other arranged on one side and having the other side roughened, and with a characteristic value of 100 when said roughned side is smooth, the characterstic values are not less than 50 in glossiness, not more than 70 in internal reflective ability, and not more than 70 in friction coefficient when the plane including the prism peaks is rubbed by the roughened surface. The prism sheet of the present invention is therefrom free from interference fringes, substantially safe from scratching and uniform and high in brightness, being thus useful for liquid crystal devices etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Goyo Paper Working Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuzo Ohara, Takumi Kosugi, Osamu Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Taen, Kenji Kawashima, Yu Tsuyama
  • Patent number: 5839823
    Abstract: The light output of a back-coupled illumination system is improved by recycling reflected and misdirected light rays. A reflector at the light source and an array of microprisms having reflective elements therebetween efficiently redirect errant light rays to increase the total available light output and improve efficiency. Both specular and diffuse reflective materials may be used in combination to enhance light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Janpu Hou, Waltraud Rosalie Unger, Jerry Wayne Kuper
  • Patent number: 5833344
    Abstract: A method of generating a dual light flux, and a surface light source device for use in a display with a dual preferential viewing direction. Light of a fluorescent lamp is introduced from a light incidence surface to inside of a wedge shape light scattering guide with exiting directivity. While this light is led toward an end surface, it is emitted from a light outgoing surface as an illuminating light flux with exiting directivity to reach a prism sheet as a primary light flux. V-shape grooves giving a prism vertical angle of 90.degree. are formed to face inward and perpendicular to the lamp on the inner surface of the prism sheet, while V-shape grooves giving a prism vertical angle 64.degree. are formed parallel to the lamp on the outer surface of the prism sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Arai, Hiromi Sasako
  • Patent number: 5810464
    Abstract: A surface light source device of side light type controls the intensity of light rays emitted therefrom. The surface light source device of side light type comprises a light scattering guide 20 having a light incidence surface 22, a light emission surface 23 and an inclined surface 25. The device further includes a primary light source L arranged around one side of the light incidence surface 22, a silver foil R surrounding the primary light source L, a prism sheet 4 arranged along the light emission surface 23, and a silver foil S arranged along the inclined surface 25. The inclined surface 25 of the light scattering guide 20 composed of three sections I, II and III. The section I is a convex cylindrical surface section having a radius of curvature of 330 mm. The tangential direction at the end of the guide on the side of the light incidence surface 22 is parallel to the light emission surface 23. The tangential direction at the boundary between the sections I and II is inclined at an angle 4.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignees: Enplas Corporation, Yasuhiro Koike
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Kayoko Watai, Kazuaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5779337
    Abstract: A plane light source unit includes a tubular light source, and a light guide. The light guide has a light emitting surface and a reflecting surface in addition to a light incident face placed near the tubular light source to receive light emitted from the tubular light source. The light guide has a plurality of projections or grooves arrayed on the light emitting surface to extend parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction of the tubular light source so as to cause the light incident from the light incident face to emerge from the light emitting surface. The height or depth of each of the projections or grooves increases from the central portion to the two end portions in the longitudinal direction of the tubular light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Konica Corporation, Toshiba Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Saito, Norio Nakamura, Yasuo Shono, Yoshinori Higuchi, Atsunori Ohyama
  • Patent number: 5775799
    Abstract: A zoomable beamspreader is disclosed having two lenses arranged in closely spaced, confronting relationship, with each lens incorporating an array of alternating positive and negative lens segments. One of the two lenses is controllably movable relative to the other, in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis, between a non-spread position, in which the positive and negative lens segments of one lens are aligned with the respective negative and positive lens segments of the other lens, and a spread position, in which the positive and negative lens segments of one lens are aligned with the respective positive and negative lens segments of the other lens. The two lenses can take any of several alternative forms, including a one-dimensional array of cylindrical lens segments, for providing a zoomable beamspread along just one dimension, and a two-dimensional array of spheric or aspheric lens segments, for providing a zoomable beamspread along both dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: David W. Cunningham
    Inventor: John F. Forkner
  • Patent number: 5769522
    Abstract: A surface light source device comprising at least one light source, a transparent panel, a diffusing panel and a reflecting surface. This surface light source device is configured so that brightness is enhanced in a direction perpendicular to the diffusing panel by disposing, on the side of a front surface of the transparent panel, a transparent sheet which has protrusions having a saw-tooth-like sectional shape formed on one surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Isamu Kaneko, Hideaki Katoh, Kazuaki Yokoyama, Tsuyoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5743633
    Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating bar codes are described. A bar code illuminator includes a first light source and a first light transformer optically connected to the first light source; the first light transformer including a first light shaping diffuser and a first lens optically connected to the light shaping diffuser. The systems and methods are advantageous in that a bar code illuminator is provided with a wide angle capability that may be compact and inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Physical Optics Corporation
    Inventors: Chiu W. Chau, Jeremy M. Lerner
  • Patent number: 5719704
    Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus including an irradiation optical system including a light source and irradiating a mask with irradiation light beams, a projection optical system for projecting an image of a pattern of the mask on a substrate, a plurality of first fly-eye type optical integrators each having an emission side focal plane disposed on a Fourier transformed surface with respect to the pattern of the mask in the irradiation optical system or on a plane adjacent to the same and having a center located at a plurality of positions which are eccentric from the optical axis of the irradiation optical system, a plurality of second fly-eye type optical integrators each having an emission side focal plane disposed on a Fourier transformed plane with respect to the incidental end of each of a plurality of the first fly-eye type optical integrators or on a plane adjacent to the same and being disposed to correspond to a plurality of the first fly-eye type optical integrators, and a light divider for dividing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Naomasa Shiraishi, Yuji Kudo, Saburo Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5713660
    Abstract: An illumination optical apparatus according to the present invention comprises a light source, a collector mirror having an ellipsoidal surface of revolution for reflecting and collecting light from the light source, a collimator lens for converting the light collected by the collector mirror into nearly parallel beams, an optical integrator for producing a plurality of light source images from the beams outgoing from the collimator lens, and a condenser lens for condensing light from the plurality of light source images to illuminate a body to be illuminated in a superimposed manner. Wherein the collimator lens is arranged to satisfy the following condition, R.sub.max <f.sub.col .multidot.sin u.sub.max ; where f.sub.col is a focal length of the condenser lens, u.sub.max a maximum angle of incidence of the light incident into the collimator lens, and R.sub.max a maximum beam radius of the nearly parallel beams collimated by the collimator lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Mori, Hideki Komatsuda, Noriaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5695274
    Abstract: An illuminating optical system for use in a projection exposure device with high utilization efficiency of the light from the light source and capable of easily realizing with simple construction is disclosed. The system comprises a light source, a light flux separating optical system for separating a light flux from the light source, a condenser optical system for leading the light flux separated by the light flux separating optical system on a reticle, and a diffraction optical unit included in the light flux separating optical system and having a linear grating pattern for separating the light flux from the light source into four.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamihara, Hitoshi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 5674001
    Abstract: An asymmetrical lamp has a main lens (2), a reflector (3) and at least one light source arranged between the reflector (3) and the main lens (2). In order to achieve a uniform illumination of all areas of an object, even when the lamp is not positioned on an axis extending 90.degree. to the object, the light source (1) and the reflector (3) are offset from an optical axis (6) of the main lens (2). The main axes (4, 5) of the light source (1) and the reflector (3) are, further, inclined to the optical axis (6) of the main lens (2). Preferably, the offset of the light source (1) and the reflector (3) relative to the optical axis (6) of the main lens (2), and the inclination of the main axes (4, 5) of the light source (1) and the reflector (3) to the optical axis (6) of the main lens (2), is adjustable so that the lamp can be optimally adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Dedo Weigert Film GmbH
    Inventor: Dedo Weigert
  • Patent number: 5665305
    Abstract: Overlapping lenses for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first beam shape having a first cross-sectional geometry. A first lens device is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected beam shape from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry. The first lens device includes at least one lenticular lens element having lenticules oriented in a first direction. A second lens device, separate from the first device, is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the second projected beam shape from the second cross-sectional geometry to a third cross-sectional geometry different from the first and second geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, John W. Lane, II
  • Patent number: 5662410
    Abstract: A light exposure and illuminating device in which an outgoing light of an exposure light source is supplied to a light exposure section for illuminating an object to be exposed to light. A moving scattering medium scatters a laser beam outgoing from a laser light source. A light condenser lens condenses the laser beam scattered by the moving scattering medium to a laser beam of a suitable diameter. A plurality of prisms condense the laser light condensed by the light condenser lens as a rectangle of a suitable size on an incident surface of a fly-eye lens. The fly-eye lens uniforms the intensity distribution of the laser beam in cooperation with a folding lens. Another condenser lens radiates the laser beam uniformed in intensity distribution by the fly-eye lens and the firstly-stated condenser lens as a exposure illuminating light on a mask for light exposure on which a light exposure pattern is pre-formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Suganuma
  • Patent number: 5662401
    Abstract: An illumination system and method for illuminating an output patch includes a first array for receiving light, and which includes first lenslets. A second array, which includes second lenslets, receives the light from the first array and outputs the light to the illumination patch. The first lenslets have a uniform shape and the second lenslets have a non-uniform shape thereby reducing optical extent and maximizing system lighting efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Shimizu, Peter Johannes Michiel Janssen
  • Patent number: 5658072
    Abstract: The front opening of a lamp body with a bulb disposed therein is covered with a lens. The lens is segmented into a plural number of segmental areas. A first fisheye step group composed of convex fisheye steps and a second fisheye step groups composed of concave fisheye steps are alternatingly formed in the segmental areas. In the first fisheye step group, real images of the light source are formed on the front side of the lens by the convex fisheye steps. In the second fisheye step groups, virtual images are formed on the rear side of the lens by the concave fisheye steps. The distance between the real and virtual images of the light source creates an appearance of depth for the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Natsume, Hitoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5621487
    Abstract: A picture display apparatus is provided with a display device having pixels disposed in a mosaic pattern. A plurality of optical filter surfaces are respectively placed between the display device and a viewer so that the both surfaces can be overlapped with each other. Each pixel in the display device is diffracted or refracted by both surfaces to become a plurality of pixels. For each optical filter surface, an element for diffusion such as a diffraction grating and an element for refraction such as a prism can be utilized for the diffraction and refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiki Shirochi
  • Patent number: 5603561
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp 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 linearly extending steps such as concave or convex cylindrical lens and retroreflection steps. The linearly extending steps and the retroreflection steps are alternatingly arrayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutami Ohishi
  • Patent number: 5600455
    Abstract: A transparent member having a multiplicity of prism-like convex portions which are aligned in parallel to each other and formed on at least one of surfaces of the member; the member is used to be disposed between a light emitting surface side of a surface light source device and a liquid crystal display device; and by using the member, it is possible to illuminate the liquid crystal display device in a bright and uniform manner and to prevent that any stripe pattern is appeared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Kayoko Watai, Kazuaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5584570
    Abstract: In a signal lamp, in particular, for automotive vehicles, comprising a casing, a light source arranged in the casing, a reflector, a closure plate and an optical plate provided between the light source and the closure plate and comprising convex areas at the side thereof facing the light source and concave areas on the side thereof facing away from the light source between which are provided light-impermeable areas on the surface, a homogeneous light distribution is obtained in that the side of the closure plate facing the light source comprises concave recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Binder, Rolf Feger, Peter Grynaeus, Gunther Holzmacher
  • Patent number: 5580165
    Abstract: An outer lens includes transparent segmental areas and first fisheye step groups, and an inner lens also includes transparent segmental areas and second fisheye step groups. The first and second fisheye step groups are shifted in the depth direction of the lamp so as to slightly overlap when viewed from the front side of the identification lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Natsume, Nobuhiro Taki
  • Patent number: 5567034
    Abstract: In the case of a motor vehicle headlamp comprising a light source, a reflector, a projecting lens, a diffusing lens and a cover plate, it is provided that the diffusing lens has a central opening which is at least partially penetrated by the projecting lens. In certain preferred embodiments, the light source reflector and projecting lens are carried by a movable and adjustable frame, and the diffusing lens and cover plate are fixed in position at a vehicle headlamp mounting recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Horst Dietewich, Joachim Ripperger, Tassilo Stempfl, Albert Grober
  • Patent number: 5556189
    Abstract: An omni-directional taxiway light uses an axially symmetric conjugate lens pair to distribute lamp light, particularly substantially parallel to the taxiway surface, while protruding minimally above the surface. An associated fixture contains a housing holding the optical elements in fixed relative positions and a weather-proof seal arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Hughey & Phillips
    Inventor: David E. Wallis
  • Patent number: 5532908
    Abstract: A lighting device for a zigzag-operated shift lever, wherein an indicator plate is light-transmissible, the indicator plate has a two-layer structure having an upper member, in which the upper surface other than the area of a position indicator is shaded and the position indicator is illuminated by lighting means, and a lower member, in which the light from the lighting means is transmitted to the peripheral portion of a operation groove at the indicator plate so that the peripheral portion of the operation groove is illuminated. A portion of the light from the lighting means passes through the upper member so that the position indicator is illuminated. Because nothing shades the upper surface of the lower member, the remaining portion of the light is repeatedly reflected by the border between the upper and lower members and by the lower surface of the lower member. The light is transmitted to the peripheral portion of the operation groove within the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Yokoyama, Kenji Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Seki, Shoichi Harada, Etsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5513083
    Abstract: A rotary device of a projector includes a plate and a board engaged by extending a shaft of a motor engaged to a side of the board through a center of the board and the plate respectively, the board having an opening defined therein and the plate having a plurality of holes defined therein, the opening and each one of the holes coinciding with each other respectively when the plate is rotated about the shaft, the plate having a main gear fixedly engaged to the shaft and four ring elements extending transversely from the plate, each ring element having an inner periphery defining the corresponding hole and having a toothed portion defined in an outer portion thereof engaged to the main gear, a first one-way stop engaged to the plate, when a torque transmitted from the motor is less than the resistant force between the first one-way stop and the plate, each of the ring elements rotates while the plate is static, otherwise, the plate is rotated about the shaft while each of the ring elements is rotated therewith
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ming C. Chang
  • Patent number: 5471348
    Abstract: An optical device having a transparent body and including two prism surfaces formed thereon. The composite structure exhibits two axis stability in that the angular relationship between the input beam and the output beam remains fixed for slight movement of the device about two orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Miller, Kenneth A. Aho, John F. Dreyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5453918
    Abstract: Apparatus for color illumination of stages, dance floors, skating rinks and the like. Prismatic plates made of a material transparent to light each have parallel triangular prisms. The prisms have an apex of 60 degrees and light sources emitting different primary color light incident on the opposite sides of the individual prisms result in combined beams of primary colors to be emitted by the individual prisms having a width corresponding to a width of a corresponding prism emitting the combined beam. The prismatic plates can be arranged so that the combined beams of the prisms of one prismatic plate are incident on a second prismatic plate having an independent light source mitting a third primary color incident thereon so that each combined beam emitted by the second prismatic plate prisms has three primary colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Fernando P. C. Hernandex