With Diverse Modifier Patents (Class 362/343)
  • Patent number: 7195376
    Abstract: A lamp is made up a reflector, a base and a cover connected along their circumferences defining an inner cavity enclosing an arc tube coaxially oriented within the cavity and mounted to the base. A shroud surrounds the arc tube and is cemented to the base. An anti-glare cap and a clamping element is arranged between an end region on the side of the cover and the anti-glare cap affixed to the shroud via a clamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Flowil International Lighting (Holding) B.V.
    Inventor: Gunther Van De Poel
  • Patent number: 7182480
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination optical system that enables the direction and mixing of light from light emitting devices. The optical system comprises a plurality of light emitting devices that are spatially arranged in an array, wherein this array comprises one or more sections, such that the light emitting devices in a particular section emit light within a predetermined wavelength range. Through the use of a combination of macroscopic and microscopic optical systems, the illumination created by the array can be manipulated such that a desired illumination distribution is created. The macroscopic optical system provides a means for redirecting the illumination in one or more desired directions, wherein this redirection is provided by a collection of appropriately shaped and positioned reflective optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: TIR Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Kan
  • Patent number: 7178944
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of enhancing illumination by a variety of lamp types through the use of reflective technologies, for example, replacement of expensive high intensity density or mercury vapor lamps with low wattage flourescent tubes having at least one and in some cases, up to three reflective surfaces for focusing otherwise lost light toward a target illumination area. Further, the placement of light sources at the focal point of said reflective surfaces aids in optimizing the amount of light focused in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Randal D. Walton
  • Patent number: 7128445
    Abstract: An ornamental lamp assembly which mounts a diffraction grating in the form of a compact disc about a light socket. The diffraction grating is mounted so as to freely wobble relative to the light socket. A light bulb mounted in the light socket produces light that is reflected by the refraction grating which visually produces a series of different colors that are constantly moving due to the wobbling mounting of the grating on the light socket. The compact disc could include a series of light reflective areas and a series of light transmitting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Avi A. Karkay
  • Patent number: 7066613
    Abstract: A sound and light apparatus including a lamp and a speaker. The sound and light apparatus can be used indoors or outdoors to enhance a landscape plan or an interior design plan. Multiple sound and light apparatuses can be used to further enhance the ambiance of the indoors or outdoors location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Broan-Nutone LLC
    Inventor: Tejaswi Vishwamitra
  • Patent number: 6994454
    Abstract: A vehicular cornering lamp which radiates beams having different light distribution patterns in accordance with different driving conditions such as different driving speed ranges. A bulb shade blocks light from a front filament from reaching a lower reflecting area on a reflecting surface of the reflector of the lamp while allowing light from the front filament to strike only an upper reflecting area, while an upward light blocking shade provided above and adjacent the light source bulb blocks light from the rear filament from reaching the upper reflecting area while allowing light from the rear filament to strike only the lower reflecting area. The active area of the reflecting surface of the reflector can be changed by switching illumination between the front filament and the rear filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kinouchi
  • Patent number: 6974229
    Abstract: A mixing chamber includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least two light emitting diodes are disposed along the first surface. At least a portion of the first surface is reflective, and the second surface includes a reflective region and a plurality of openings formed in the reflective region. In some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface are separated by at least one side surface. Light emitted from the light emitting diodes is reflected off the first surface, reflective region of the second surface, and side surfaces of the mixing chamber until it is emitted from the openings of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Lumileds Lighting U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. West, Yourii Martynov, Huub Konijn, Nicola Pfeffer, Simon J. M. Kuppens
  • Patent number: 6971778
    Abstract: A headlight for vehicles with a projection module is provided, which includes a bowl-shaped reflector, an illumination unit dedicated to the reflector, a lens, and a shutter arranged between the lens and the reflector. The shutter forms a light-dark-border of a light bundle. The lens features a convex front side facing away from the reflector and an optical element mounted to the headlight in the lower middle margin area on the front. The light beams emerging from the optical element are directed to an area above the light-dark-border of the light bundle of the headlight. In vertical second planar sections, to which the optical axis of the projection module extends perpendicularly, the surface of the optical element is concave-shaped, and in vertical planar sections extending parallel to the optical axis, it is convex-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Peitz, Dirk Schwemin
  • Patent number: 6953265
    Abstract: A light source device has a light shielding member having an aperture, a light source arranged on one side of the light shielding member, and a converging member arranged relatively with respect to the light source and the light source to thereby converge light emitted from the light source in the aperture or in a vicinity of the aperture. Another type of light source device has a single light source, and a converging member for converging light from the light source to thereby distribute the light to at least two points. Still another type of light source device has a light source, and a reflecting mirror arranged to enclose a side of a light emission direction of the light source, the reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light source in a direction except the light source so that the light is radiated outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Suehiro, Yuji Takahashi, Takemasa Yasukawa, Hideaki Kato, Hideki Omoya, Hideyuki Nakano, Hisao Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6902301
    Abstract: A dynamic light sculpture system and method of use are provided. The system includes an optical element that is coated with an optically active material. The optical element may be arranged by the user/artist proximate a viewing screen. A beam of light is directed obliquely at the optical element to produce both transmitted and reflected secondary beams in a myriad of colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Victor Kieronski
  • Patent number: 6851843
    Abstract: A light assembly for a motor vehicle has a housing having a housing opening covered by a lens. At least one reflector is arranged in the housing, and at least one light guide is arranged in the housing between the at least one reflector and the lens. One or more LEDs as a light source are arranged hidden in the housing such that rays emitted by the LEDs are partially reflected on the at least one reflector toward the light guide. The light guide gives the impression of a fluorescent lamp being mounted in the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Otto Rolf Müller, Stephan Berlitz, Friedbert Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6840633
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a reflector holding a lamp element, or burner. A reflector extension is designed to mate to the reflector. The reflector extension has a first open end toward the reflector. The first open end typically is in contact with the reflector to form a seal around the perimeter preventing glass shards from escaping between the reflector and reflector extension. The second end of the reflector extension also is open to allow the light from the arc to exit the reflector extension. A transparent plate placed across this second open end prevents glass from leaving the reflector extension. The transparent plate typically is glass, and may have an antireflective coating applied to the plate to limit the light reflected by the plate. Ventilation ports in the reflector extension allow cooling airflow into the cavity around the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael T. Davis, Chris A. Triska, John T. McKinley
  • Publication number: 20040264201
    Abstract: A peripheral beam lamp is described for use with automobile lamps. A light source is positioned within a housing, and the inner surface of the housing has a non-reflective surface and a partially reflective section. Light emitted from the light source may either strike the non-reflective surface or the partially reflective section, or may not strike any part of the inner surface of the housing before being emitted from the lamp assembly. Light striking the non-reflective surface is absorbed, and light striking the partially reflective section is partially reflected, depending on the color of the light and the color of the partially reflective section. Light emitted from the lamp assembly without striking the inner surface of the housing forms a main beam, and the light striking the partially reflective section imparts a color to the lens and lamp assembly, rendering a stylized appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Guide Corporation, A Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Jan A. Wisler
  • Patent number: 6834984
    Abstract: A UV curing lamp is provided which includes a curved and reflective surface which may be a cold mirror and may redirect incident UV light toward a band-pass filter. The UV light may be reflected by the curved, reflective surface and transmitted through the band-pass filter whereas the IR and visible light may pass through the curved, reflective surface. The UV, IR, and visible light reflected by shutters and direct UV, IR, and visible light from the lamp are separated by the band-pass filter which transmits the UV light and reflects the IR and visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Captial Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Tausch, Charles Alexander
  • Patent number: 6821000
    Abstract: A light integrator comprising: an elongated cylindrical light integrating cavity having a longitudinal cylindrical chamber wall with a diffusely reflecting interior surface, said chamber wall having a longitudinally extending output slit for emitting light from the cavity; an elongated glass rod extending into the cavity, said glass rod having an input port at one end thereof for introducing the beam of light and a treatment along its length for emitting light entering its port into the cavity; and an end wall including a supporting feature for supporting an end of the elongated glass rod opposite its input port so that the glass rod extends along a length of the integrating cavity in relation to the chamber wall thereof to direct light emitted therefrom toward the diffusely reflecting interior surface, whereby the supporting feature comprises a bore that is recessed into the end wall with a linear dimension leaving an enclosed open space between the end of the glass rod and the end wall of the cavity for dif
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Meiers, William H. Russel
  • Patent number: 6793378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved do-it-yourself lamp structure, comprising of a socket disposed on the bottom of an inner side of a through hole on a wire connection box and a lamp rod with its front end passing through the through hole and being plugged into the socket; wherein the top end of the lamp rod being externally connected to a fixed base, and the front edge of the bottom of the fixed base having an inserting section corresponsive to its insertion into the socket, and a curved groove is disposed at a side of the fixed base, and an embedding bracket with a shape corresponsive to the shape of the curved groove is disposed on the curved groove. The embedding bracket inclines towards its top from both ends, and a blocking member is disposed at the inclined end of the top such that the embedding bracket has a blocking member at its top and both ends of the embedding bracket are attached onto the curved groove with a structure being slightly protruded from the middle section of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6773141
    Abstract: A reflector lamp has a generally parabolic shaped housing (12) with an interior surface coated with a layer (14) of silver having a protective layer (16) of a stable protective oxide, such as silica, disposed thereon. An intermediate layer (18), such as a layer of elemental silicon, protects the silver layer during deposition of the silica layer and is completely or substantially consumed during formation of the silica layer. The lamp includes a light source (48) having a longitudinal axis (x) disposed on the parabolic reflector axis and preferably disposed outward of the parabolic focus (F). During lamp fabrication, the protective coating is preferably annealed to improve reflectance. The preferred lamp will have a lumens per watt greater than 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tianji Zhao, Rajasingh Schwartz Israel, Frederick Walter Dynys, Thomas Gene Parham
  • Patent number: 6752517
    Abstract: A lighting system suitable for chromatherapy includes a plurality of light fixtures mounted through walls of a tub basin to project different color light into the water in the tub. The light fixtures are operated by a central control unit and each includes a housing having a concave internal surface. An array of light emitting diodes that project different color light is mounted under a cap covering one end of the housing. A lens is threaded onto the opposite end of the housing from within the tub basin to secure the light fixture to the tub. The concave surface has the different color light projected on it, and reflects light out the light fixture in mixed fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hildebrand, Carter J. Thomas, Anton J. Kolar
  • Patent number: 6736533
    Abstract: A projector-type vehicular headlamp including a shade partially blocking light reflected by a reflector and a visor-like shield plate attached on the back of the shade. The shade has an opening near the upper edge so as to allow a light distribution pattern to be formed for overhead sign illumination by the light radiated forward through the opening. The visor-like shield plate extends obliquely downward from between the upper edge of the shade and the opening, thus allowing only the reflected light from the lower reflecting area of the reflecting surface to be directed to reach the opening of the shade, and preventing light flux of an overhead sign illuminating light from becoming excessively bright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Matsumoto, Naoki Uchida, Satoshi Yamamura
  • Patent number: 6726346
    Abstract: A headlight reduced in size and ensuring sufficiently high efficiency is provided. The headlight includes a light source, a cylindrical condenser lens surrounding the light source from its periphery to transmit light incident from the light source, and a reflector surrounding the light source and the cylindrical condenser lens from their backsides to reflect the light transmitted through the cylindrical condenser lens frontward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Shoji
  • Publication number: 20040057245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight device comprising in particular a light source, a mirror (80) exhibiting a reflecting surface and a transparent optical deflection element positioned in front of the mirror (80), the mirror (80) being capable of interacting with the light source in order to generate a beam bounded by a line of interruption, and the deflection element being capable of providing a horizontal displacement of the light without modifying the vertical distribution of the latter, the said headlight device being characterised in that it comprises and at least one detachment element (81) arranged on at least one of the surfaces of the mirror (80) or of the optical deflection element reached by the light to obtain a line of interruption (71;72) of the light beam that is not flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Pierre Albou, Stephanie Figuiere
  • Publication number: 20040052079
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a reflection sheet which can improve reflection property and concealing property, and a backlight unit capable of attempting the improvement of brightness and the prevention of lack in uniformity of the brightness through decreasing loss of rays of light using said reflection sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Shoji Nakano
  • Patent number: 6705746
    Abstract: A controlled-luminance lighting device comprising a fluorescent light source of a linear type (5), which extends longitudinally between a reflector (1) that is formed by an elongated body having a curved surface, and a set of transverse fins (3), which are set at a distance apart from one another and which define a grill for directional control of the light emitted by the light source (5). The reflector (1) defines, together with the transverse fins (3), a plurality of elements (2) set alongside one another of a generally parabolic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Denis Bollea, Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto
  • Patent number: 6698908
    Abstract: An improved optical assembly includes a reflector/refractor device and a reflector collar provided for enhanced directional illumination control. The reflector/refractor has a predefined shape and has a plurality of reflector/refractor prisms on an exterior body surface for reflecting and refracting light. A light source is disposed within the reflector/refractor substantially along a central vertical axis of the reflector/refractor. The reflector collar supports the reflector/refractor and attaches the reflector/refractor to a luminaire ballast. The reflector collar has a predetermined contour and a plurality of reflector impressions formed into the predetermined contour. The predetermined contour and the plurality of reflector impressions provide directional illumination control for the optical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Lexalite International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Jr., Gwen Barber
  • Publication number: 20040032728
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed that provides for the installation of an inverted reflector cup over the optical dome of a light emitting diode (LED) package wherein the reflector has a single controlled output opening through which the output of the LED is focused. The reflector assembly is designed to completely cover the light output end of the LED package in order to capture all of the light being emitted from the LED chip. The interior surface of the reflector is curved to redirect as much of the emitted light toward the front of the optical package as possible. The present invention is particularly suited for use a variety of lighting devices including but not limited to flashlights, specialty architectural grade lighting fixtures and vehicle lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Galli
  • Publication number: 20030189840
    Abstract: A projector-type vehicular headlamp including a shade partially blocking light reflected by a reflector and a visor-like shield plate attached on the back of the shade. The shade has an opening near the upper edge so as to allow a light distribution pattern to be formed for overhead sign illumination by the light radiated forward through the opening. The visor-like shield plate extends obliquely downward from between the upper edge of the shade and the opening, thus allowing only the reflected light from the lower reflecting area of the reflecting surface to be directed to reach the opening of the shade, and preventing light flux of an overhead sign illuminating light from becoming excessively bright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Matsumoto, Naoki Uchida, Satoshi Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20030185012
    Abstract: An improved optical assembly includes a reflector/refractor device and a reflector collar provided for enhanced directional illumination control. The reflector/refractor has a predefined shape and has a plurality of reflector/refractor prisms on an exterior body surface for reflecting and refracting light. A light source is disposed within the reflector/refractor substantially along a central vertical axis of the reflector/refractor. The reflector collar supports the reflector/refractor and attaches the reflector/refractor to a luminaire ballast. The reflector collar has a predetermined contour and a plurality of reflector impressions formed into the predetermined contour. The predetermined contour and the plurality of reflector impressions provide directional illumination control for the optical assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: LEXALITE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sitzema, Gwen Barber
  • Patent number: 6575602
    Abstract: The luminaire has a molded reflector body (1) comprising a reflective coating (3) with light reflective particles (10) and a binder (11) and having a substrate side (12) and an outer surface (13). The coating (3) has a smooth optical waveguiding surface due to the absence of particles (10) at its outer surface (13) and to the light-transmission properties of the binder (11). Owing to these properties, the coating (3) has a high degree of specular reflection, thereby both increasing the lumen output ratio and improving the light directional properties of the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Guillaume Peter Sools, Jean Paul Entrop
  • Patent number: 6575600
    Abstract: An Optic Reflection device, for application as Reflectors in the Light Track of optic installations, more specifically, as Reflector for single or multiple reflections in the scanner, apparatus of optics industry. Designed trapezoidal as opposed to rectangular or otherwise configuration pursuant to prior arts. In a preferred embodiment, the application is in the form of a reflector of single reflection to incident light beam; in another preferred embodiment, the application is in the form of reflector permissive of multiple reflections. Design pursuant to the trapezoidal optic reflector pertaining to the invention can substantially reduce space required of Light Track in an optic system, and therefore commensurably volume and weight claimed in the entire optic system, which facilitates compact design of the products and installation of other devices or utilities in the space so saved in the entire optic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Umax Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Chih-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 6575603
    Abstract: A reflector for projection systems and spot (image projecting) luminaires is molded in separate sections and then assembled into a unitary reflector. Forming the reflector in separate sections reduces the amount of surface contact between the reflector and the mold die which in turn substantially reduces the risk of damage or breakage of the reflector section. Each reflector section includes alignment features to assure correct alignment of the sections upon assembly. The reflector sections are formed with edges that mate with edges of an adjacent reflector section along seams to prevent light from showing through the seams. The mating edges preferably include light-blocking features formed by a geometric shape along the seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Stahl, Lawrence J. Gianola
  • Patent number: 6575610
    Abstract: A vehicle indicator lamp having a transparent cover that performs horizontal light radiation at a wide angle in which a reflecting surface of a reflector is formed so as to diffusion-reflect the light from a filament of the light source into a forward direction. Horizontal deflection lens portions are formed on the center area of the transparent plain cover and near the lamp's optical axis so as to horizontally deflection-permeate the direct light from the filament in a direction away from the lamp's optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Natsume
  • Patent number: 6554456
    Abstract: An efficient system for directing light comprises a light source and a generally tubular, hollow coupling device. The coupling device has an interior light-reflective surface for receiving light from the source at an inlet and transmitting it as a generally diverging light beam through an outlet. The device is shaped in accordance with non-imaging optics and increases in cross sectional area from inlet to outlet so as to reduce the angle of light reflected from the surface as it passes through the device. The foregoing system provides a discharge-based directional light source that can be of the size of a directional halogen source (e.g., an MR16 or MR 11 lamp) while substantially preserving the discharge efficiency, light-output capacity and lifetime of discharge-based sources. This results from the coupling device that provides light with good spatial uniformity in light intensity and color. Embodiments of the invention can simply split the light to multiple (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger F. Buelow, II, John M. Davenport, Juris Sulcs
  • Patent number: 6543919
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight comprises a light source co-operating with a mirror and a glass, the mirror having a back and at least one side cheek exposed to radiation from the source. According to the invention, at least one of the cheeks is suitable in at least one zone for reflecting light so as to extend laterally and with continuity the beam generated by the back of the mirror, substantially without reinforcing said beam on the road axis; the glass is smooth or deflects to a very small extent only. Application to homogeneous light beams of great width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Benoit Reiss
  • Publication number: 20030063465
    Abstract: A method for constructing an illuminating and reflecting apparatus is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a layered metal substrate with an aluminum layer between a first and a second layer of copper and removing a defined area of one of the layers of copper to form a reflective portion. A localized light source is positioned to allow light to reflect off of the reflective portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Richard K. McMillan, Cindy M. Rutyna, Walter K. Stepanenko, Lawrence L. Kneisel
  • Patent number: 6536922
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Publication number: 20030053314
    Abstract: An arena light reflecting assembly includes an asymmetric parabolic shaped reflector having an exit aperture. The reflector surrounds a horizontally extending high intensity light source and has a focal axis that lies along an axis of an arc tube of the light source so that the reflector acts as a collimator redirecting light from the light source into essentially parallel rays from the exit aperture. A pan circumscribes the exit aperture and a louver assembly is disposed within the exit aperture behind a front surface of the pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Summerford, Randall P. Bergin
  • Patent number: 6530678
    Abstract: The invention describes a lighting unit having a light source and having a wavelength-dependent filter device with a selectively transmissive filter and/or a selectively reflective mirror reflector in order, for the purpose of emphasizing the body color of an object to be illuminated, to filter out color components of the light coming from the lamp whose color locus on the chromaticity diagram is located opposite the color locus of the body color that is to be emphasized on a connecting line passing through the achromatic point (complementary color), which is characterized in that the filter device additionally filters out a portion of the color component of the same body color that is to be emphasized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Kirsten
  • Publication number: 20020196632
    Abstract: A fitter for a lighting fixture is provided that is made primarily from glass, plastic, or a similar material. The novel fitter design is affixed to the lighting fixture near a socket, and is used to hold in place a removable shade. The shade may rest in the novel fitter, or may be removably attached to it using mechanical attachment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Arch. Riccardo Luchi
  • Publication number: 20020191397
    Abstract: A luminaire having a lamp (1) and at least one concavely curved reflector arranged, seen in the radiation direction, behind or to the side behind the lamp (1). To the side of the lamp (1) color filters (5) are so arranged that only the light radiated by the lamp (1) to the side against the at least one concave reflector (3) is altered in its color composition by means of the color filters (5). The light radiated in the radiation direction intended for the illumination is not altered in color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: ZUMTOBEL STAFF GMBH
    Inventors: Simona Loga, Georg Kempter
  • Publication number: 20020172044
    Abstract: A controlled-luminance lighting device comprising a fluorescent light source of a linear type (5), which extends longitudinally between a reflector (1) that is formed by an elongated body having a curved surface, and a set of transverse fins (3), which are set at a distance apart from one another and which define a grill for directional control of the light emitted by the light source (5). The reflector (1) defines, together with the transverse fins (3), a plurality of elements (2) set alongside one another of a generally parabolic shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: C.R.F. SOCIETA CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Denis Bollea, Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto
  • Publication number: 20020141193
    Abstract: A light reflector (10) comprises a plastics reflector bowl (11) having an inner surface (21), an outer surface (23), a narrow aperture (14) and a wide lower diffuser lens (24). Mounting means (12) is provided at the narrow aperture for mounting the reflector on to a housing for control gear of a light source. The narrow aperture is adapted to house the light source. The reflector bowl (11) and mounting means (12) are formed as a single reflector unit by plastics moulding with at least one of the inner or outer surfaces being surface-metalized to a reflective finish. There is also provided an open version of the light reflector and a method of forming a light reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Kwan Yew Chong
  • Patent number: 6450658
    Abstract: A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a downrod (11), a motor (12), a radial array of fan blades (13) coupled to blade irons (14) mounted to the motor (12), a bowl shaped lower housing (17) positioned above the blade irons (14), a bowl shaped upper housing (18) positioned concentrically within the lower housing (17), and an upper light assembly (21) positioned within the upper housing (18). The lower housing (17) has a peripheral side wall (23) having a reflective interior surface (24). The upper housing (18) has an annular array of openings (26) in which are mounted translucent windows (27). The opening (26) and corresponding window (27) are mounted generally between the upper light assembly (21) and the peripheral side wall (23) of the lower housing (17), so that light radiating from the upper light assembly passes through the window (27) and is reflected off the interior surface (24) of the lower housing (17) back onto the exterior surface of the upper housing (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Masao Tsuji, Glennbruce S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6439748
    Abstract: An overhead lamp includes a base, a support post assembly, a bowl-shaped lamp shade, and a lamp unit. The support post assembly has an upper end, and a lower end that is fixed on the base. The bowl-shaped lamp shade includes an annular opaque peripheral shade member that is attached to the upper end of the support post assembly and that has an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and a light-permeable central shade member. The central shade member has an outer periphery that is attached to the inner periphery of the peripheral shade member. The outer periphery of the peripheral shade member defines an upper end opening of the lamp shade. The lamp unit is disposed within the lamp shade, and can illuminate surroundings of the overhead lamp via the upper end opening and the central shade member of the shade upon activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Habitek Corporation
    Inventor: Duan-Cheng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6425680
    Abstract: A unitary reflector trim to shield a viewer's line of sight past a lamp into a lighting fixture, eliminating the material and assembly expense of additional components. Included in the reflector trim are a cylindrical socket cup receiving neck which transitions into a waist section having a smaller diameter than the neck. A reflector section transitions from the waist section. A trim ring extends from the base of the reflector section to cover the edges of a ceiling opening. All of the elements are integral with each other, forming a single piece reflector trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Graham M. Rippel, Mark O. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020080614
    Abstract: A prism unit has transmitting/totally-reflecting surfaces, which cross each other, formed using at least one prism. Light emanating from a light source falls on the prism unit. The light is transmitted or totally reflected from the transmitting/totally-reflecting surfaces according to an angle of incidence at which the light falls on the prism unit. Consequently, transmitted light is radiated forwards, while totally-reflected light is directed laterally. A reflecting member is located laterally in order to cover the prism unit, whereby light totally reflected laterally by the prism unit is reflected forwards. Since the prism unit is integrated with the reflecting member, light emanating from the light source can be efficiently converged on a narrow forward effective area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Terada
  • Patent number: 6406171
    Abstract: A vehicle indicator lamp includes a reflector having a diffusing and reflecting function that increases the lamp fixture efficiency by eliminating the loss of reflected light. The structure includes a reflector 14 having a reflective surface 14a which diffuses and reflects light forward from a light-source bulb 12 arranged in a lamp fixture reference axis Ax, and a transparent lens 16 in front of the reflector 14. The reflective surface 14a is formed such that the inner peripheral edge region 14a1 thereof radiates reflected light in a direction substantially parallel to the lamp fixture reference axis Ax, while the outer peripheral edge region 14a2 thereof radiates reflected light in a direction near the light fixture reference axis Ax. Consequently, the diffused and reflected light from the reflected surface 14a is not blocked by either the light-source bulb 12 or the standing wall 14c of the reflective surface outer peripheral edge, thereby substantially eliminating the loss of reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Satsukawa, Hiroshi Kawashima, Yasuyuki Amano
  • Publication number: 20020054488
    Abstract: A surface light source device and display utilize a light guide plate provided with micro-reflectors arranged in an orientation suitable for a plurality of input portions having point-like light emitters, respectively. A light guide plate 15 has a back face divided into areas ARA to ARC to each of which each input portion having each of LEDs 14A to 14C is shared. Micro-reflectors 19 in each of areas ARA to ARC are orientated as to be directed to each of LEDs 14A to 14C correspondingly, effecting an effective direction conversion. Emitted light is incident to a liquid crystal display panel generally at a right angle via a light diffusion sheet. Some micro-reflectors 19 in each of areas ARA to ARC may be arranged as to be directed to an adjacent input portion. Micro-reflectors may be shaped like quadrangle pyramid projections, cylindrical dents or V-shaped dents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 6382816
    Abstract: A reflector lamp has a generally parabolic shaped housing (12) with an interior surface coated with a layer (14) of silver having a protective layer (16) of a stable protective oxide, such as silica, disposed thereon. An intermediate layer (18), such as a layer of elemental silicon, protects the silver layer during deposition of the silica layer and is completely or substantially consumed during formation of the silica layer. The lamp includes a light source (48) having a longitudinal axis (x) disposed on the parabolic reflector axis and preferably disposed outward of the parabolic focus (F). During lamp fabrication, the protective coating is preferably annealed to improve reflectance. The preferred lamp will have a lumens per watt greater than 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: General Eectric Company
    Inventors: Tianji Zhao, Rajasingh Schwartz Israel, Frederick Walter Dynys, Thomas Gene Parham
  • Publication number: 20020030996
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface-emitting backlight is provided with the steps of forming a lead frame and resin-made molded case by insert molding, attaching light sources, which are red, blue and green LED dies, to contacts of the lead frame provided in a hollow space of the molded case, forming a light guide section by filling the hollow space with a transparent or semitransparent resin, and thereafter attaching a reflector sheet, and lens sheets (or diffuser sheets) in accordance with the applications of the backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: RYODEN TRADING COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Yasufumi Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 6354718
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp utilizing a light source bulb of the H4 type and which provides a low-beam light distribution pattern which makes it easy for the driver to drive and reduces the possibility of oncoming drivers being dazzled by glare. A light source bulb is securely supported by a reflector so that left and right upper edges of a shade are located at substantially the same height and an axis of a filament is upwardly offset from an optical axis of the reflector at a predetermined angle. A reflecting surface of the reflector is provided with a downward deflective reflection zone which downwardly deflects and reflects the light that has traveled from the filament past the right upper edge of the shade and impinged on a traveling-lane-side reflection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Iwaki, Kenichi Takada